If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Application Requirements & Deadlines by Program
It’s never too early to begin preparing your application.
Please note:
- Requirements vary by graduate program, so select your program of interest below for specific details.
- Admission to Penn GSE academic degree programs requires satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university or its equivalent prior to your matriculation into any program.
- All application materials become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Be sure to keep copies for your records.
- Penn GSE strongly prefers that letters of recommendation be submitted online, directly from the recommender’s email address. All letters will be verified to ensure proper submission protocol is followed.
Entry Term: Summer
Application Deadline: February 1. The application for Fall 2026 will be available on September 1, 2025.
Only complete applications with all required materials received by the deadline posted are guaranteed to be reviewed for admission and scholarship consideration. The Mid-Career Doctoral Program will release their decisions 4-6 weeks after the posted deadline.
Prerequisites: Master's degree required, at least 3 years of leadership experience recommended.
Statement of Purpose: Please address the following questions in your statement of purpose.
Part I: Identify a critical incident in your leadership experiences, an incident occurring at least a year ago but no more than 5 years ago. Describe the incident, the critical issues it presented and how you acted. Reflect on lessons you’ve learned from that incident, and describe any ways in which you might analyze or act differently now if a similar incident presented itself. (750-1000 words)
Part II: How do you see this program furthering your aspirations? (250-500 words)
Résumé: A current résumé/CV is required.
Letters of Recommendation Required: 3
Transcripts: Transcript(s) from prior undergraduate and graduate institution(s) are required.
GRE: The GRE is not required and will not be considered in the review process.
English Language Exam: Required
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Application FeeA $75 application fee is automatically waived for applications submitted between September 1 and March 1. Applications submitted outside this period may require a fee. Applicants affiliated with specific programs may also be eligible for a fee waiver. |
Our Application Review Process
We take a thorough, holistic approach to reviewing applications. Each application is considered in its entirety. In selecting an incoming class of scholars and practitioners, we seek individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to education and the capacity to thrive both academically and personally.
Deferral Requests
The Office of Admissions and Financial Aid does not award deferrals to our incoming students* except in cases where there are truly extenuating circumstances. If you believe your situation is exceptional and warrants consideration, you are welcome to apply for a deferral at the appropriate time. Please note that the deferral application for the 2025 admissions cycle will open on May 1, 2025 and close on June 30, 2025.
*Deferrals are not considered or awarded to Executive Ed.D. students in any circumstances. Students are required to reapply for a future term. Application materials are kept on file.
Admissions Policy for Former Students
Former students who wish to resume their studies should contact the Director of Academic Affairs to discuss their particular circumstances. The Director of Academic Affairs will then advise students on the appropriate next steps for reapplication. If the former student desires to have previous coursework count toward the desired degree program, the student needs to state those wishes in their application and the program will make a recommendation upon admission decision. If the program recommends that the student should be able to count previous coursework, a petition needs to be submitted to the Committee on Degrees.
Contact Us
Do you have questions about your application or financial aid? We are here to help.
Office of Admissions & Financial Aid
University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education