“I went to Penn GSE because I wanted to understand the education research that drove policy changes, and I wanted to make that research applicable to teachers.”
Wendy Castillo, Ph.D., GR'18
Producing the next generation of education policy scholars with deep content knowledge, disciplinary grounding, and cutting-edge research methods.
With a proven track record, the Education Policy, Ph.D. prepares students for diverse research careers, including professorships at top-tier universities and roles as policy researchers at leading research firms, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Our research spans early childhood education, K–12, and beyond, both in the United States and globally.
Program Details
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Fall Entry Term
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Full-Time Enrollment Format
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4 Years Fully Funded Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship
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On Campus Modality
Overview
The Education Policy, Ph.D. program equips graduates with the knowledge and methodological tools to use, understand, and conduct research on the pressing educational issues of the day. Our doctoral students pursue an individualized program of study tailored to their specific interests in education policy at local, state, national, and international levels. At the heart of the Ph.D. program is the research apprenticeship, where students collaborate on research projects with faculty members. Education Policy doctoral students are matched with Education Policy faculty members whose research interests align with their own.
Students are required to write a significant qualifying paper and complete a dissertation on an issue in education.
Take the Next Step
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Ph.D. Funding
Hear From Our Alumni
Hear From Our Alumni
Wendy Castillo, Ph.D., GR'18
Admissions Events
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Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT | Location: Online
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Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT | Location: Online
Curriculum
The Education Policy Ph.D. program offers an individualized course of study tailored to each student's research interests in education policy at the local, state, national, or international level. Working closely with faculty advisors, students build a rigorous academic foundation through advanced coursework in education policy, research methods, and related disciplines.
One of the program's distinguishing strengths is its interdisciplinary approach. Students have the opportunity to take courses across the University of Pennsylvania, including nationally ranked programs at the Wharton School, the School of Social Policy & Practice, and the School of Arts & Sciences, enabling them to develop expertise aligned with their scholarly goals.
Following coursework, students complete a preliminary examination in education policy before advancing to doctoral candidacy. Candidates then work with a dissertation committee to develop, conduct, and defend original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of education policy.
For information on courses and requirements, visit the Education Policy Ph.D. program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the coursework or research?
We're here to help! Contact Nakia Gard, Division Manager, at edpolicy@gse.upenn.edu.
Outcomes
Graduates go on to research careers as professors at top-tier universities and policy researchers at premier research firms, nonprofit research organizations, and government agencies. Some alumni have also gone on to lead schools, districts, and other organizations.
Alumni Careers
- Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Assistant Professor, St. Louis University
- Assistant Professor, University of Maryland, College Park
- Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Pennsylvania
- Postdoctoral Scholar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lecturer, Princeton University
- Senior Analyst, Abt Associates
- Research Associate, MDRC
- Analyst, Congressional Research Office
Apply Now
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
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