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One Penn GSE

Degree Requirements

    Updated January 2025

    Click the above anchor links to navigate to each degree and its subsequent requirements. Below each degree section, more anchor links jump to sections specific to each degree.

    I. Degree Requirements: Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)

    a. Course Requirements 

    Master of Science in Education degree programs require between 10-12 course units (CUs), except for the School and Mental Health Counseling program which requires 20 CUs. Your academic advisor will assist in planning an appropriate program of study to meet degree requirements.  All students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.

    To earn an M.S.Ed. degree, a student must complete the appropriate number of courses units required for their program and pass a master’s comprehensive examination, thesis, or portfolio.

    All courses completed for this degree must be at the 5000 level or above in any discipline across the University.  Courses must be completed for a letter grade unless noted otherwise in the graduate catalog. 

    Students must all maintain satisfactory progress for each term and graduate with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

    b. Advisor

    Each student will be assigned an academic advisor upon enrollment. The advisor will help plan the student’s program of study, assist in selecting courses, provide academic advising, and monitor academic progress. Students are not required to consult the advisor to register for classes, therefore, it is solely the student’s responsibility to ensure that all degree requirements are completed. Students should contact and meet with their advisor in the first semester of the first year before the drop/request period has concluded. The graduate catalog outlines the requirements for completing the degree.  A student will work with their advisor in the first semester of the first year of study to plan their curriculum. After the initial meeting, students and advisors should stay in regular contact, preferably at least twice a year, but always at the start of the academic year to review progress and consider alterations to a student’s program of study. While the advisor will know much about GSE policies, rules do change. Students should always consult the online Penn GSE Student Handbook for the most current academic policies, procedures, and deadlines for completing academic requirements. To request a change in advisor, the student should see the program staff for the process or the Director of Academic Affairs for assistance.

    c. Distribution Requirement for programs

    Candidates for the M.S.Ed. degree must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond their chosen area of specialization. This requirement is met by satisfying a distribution requirement. To meet the distribution requirement, students must complete one approved graduate level (5000 and above) GSE course outside the student’s area of specialization, earning a grade of B or better. Students should check with their program staff for a list of courses approved to fulfill the distribution requirement. Further requirements regarding these courses may be specified by each program.

    Note: For programs with a set curriculum, such as Executive format programs, the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program and the Urban Teaching Residency Program, the distribution requirement has been incorporated into the series of courses required for the program.  

    d. Culminating Experience: Comprehensive Exam, Capstone Project, or Portfolio 

    Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a culminating experience in their area of study. These culminating experiences may take the form of a capstone project, an exam, a portfolio, or other. It serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and program-specific fieldwork. All culminating experiences are administered in accordance with the rules outlined in the Code of Academic Integrity. The faculty in each specialization determines the appropriate examination or capstone format and is responsible for communicating the guidelines, expectations, rationale, and evaluation criteria to students. Students may be asked to do one or more of the following: take a timed, written examination administered at GSE, complete a take-home examination, complete a capstone project, submit a portfolio, or undertake a field project. 

    If a sit-down examination is given, it must be at least three hours in duration. Students are permitted two opportunities to pass the comprehensive examination. Students who are unsuccessful after two tries will be withdrawn from the degree program.

    To qualify for a culminating experience, students must first fulfill the following requirements:

    • Be registered for the term in which they apply to take the exam. If coursework has been completed, and no additional courses are needed, the student must be registered for Master’s/Doctoral Degree Completion (EDUC 9900) during the term in which the examination is taken. Enrollment in EDUC 9900 is considered full-time status and may affect the student’s financial aid eligibility, international student status, and enrollment in University-mandatory health insurance.

    • Exam cannot be taken or capstone cannot be completed until all grades of Incomplete have been rendered final grades or the student has written documentation that they will be taking a permanent incomplete in the course.

    • Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better at the time of the culminating experience.

    • Demonstrate that there is no outstanding tuition owed for terms before taking the exam.

    There may be additional criteria from the program required to take the comprehensive exams. Check with the program staff or faculty advisor.  Students should check with their program staff or advisor regarding the timing of when they should undertake their culminating experience.  

    e. Transfer of Credit

    GSE does not allow the transfer of credit toward a 10-course unit master’s degree programs. 

    The only exception to this is when students have completed an EDUC (or other GSE subject code) course as a Penn GSE General Admission student before matriculation into a GSE master’s degree.  No more than 2 course units taken under GSE General Admission status can count towards a GSE degree. GSE courses towards an earned degree at another Penn school prior to entering GSE will not count towards a GSE master’s degree.  

    Some master’s degree programs that require 11 or more CUs may allow 1-2 courses to transfer into the degree program under the following conditions:

    • If the desired course is to be taken after matriculation in a degree program at GSE, the course must be approved by the program and the student’s advisor.

    • Courses taken at other Penn schools before matriculating at Penn GSE cannot be counted

    • Students must matriculate at least one semester before submitting the transfer of credit form.

    • Transfer credit will only be granted if the grade received is a “B” or higher.

    • Non-letter grades are not transferrable.

    • Fill out and submit the Request for Approval of Transfer of Credit form.  You will be required to submit a syllabus from the transfer course.

    • EDUC subject code courses taken under “Penn General Admission” status do not need to be transferred. They can count towards the degree if the program sends approval to SRO prior to the graduation audit.

    In accordance with licensing requirements, the School and Mental Health Counseling, M.S.Ed. does not allow for any courses to be transferred into the degree program. 

    f. Time Limitation

    A maximum of six consecutive years from the date of matriculation in a master’s degree program will be allowed for completion of the work for the master’s degree, including satisfactory completion of all examinations required. Official leaves of absence will not change this time limit, except under certain conditions. Leaves of absence that stop the time limitation clock are only approved by the Office of Student Success and will be documented in writing when the leave is granted.  After the six-year mark, students will be withdrawn from the program.  Any requests to extend beyond the time limit is considered an exception to policy and thus a petition must be submitted to the Committee on Degrees (COD).

    g. Graduation Requirements 

    The GSE Academic Calendar lists the deadlines for completing degree requirements in order to graduate in any academic term. All degree candidates must apply to graduate to guarantee that their names appear in the commencement program and to ensure they receive the next steps related to alumni status (e.g., setting up an alumni email account, completing an alumni survey, etc.)

    All required coursework, including exam/thesis/portfolio, must be complete.  All courses must be at or above the 5000 level.

    • Students must be registered in the term in which they intend to graduate

    • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

    GSE holds one commencement ceremony each year in May for students who will be receiving their degrees in that academic year’s fall, spring, or summer term (e.g. For Academic Year 2024-2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates are eligible to walk in the May 2025 GSE commencement ceremony).  Students will not receive a diploma at the ceremony.  The diploma is mailed after the confirmation of degree completion by the University Registrar. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee a degree; only completion of all degree requirements will result in confirmation of degree completion.

    The University requires that students who have completed all their degree requirements be conferred their degree. 

    II. Master of Philosophy in Education (M.Phil.Ed.): Quantitative Methods

    a. Background and Requirements

    The Master of Philosophy in Education (M.Phil.Ed.), with a specialization in Quantitative Methods (QM), is designed for professionals who have already earned a relevant conventional master's degree, and who wish to advance their mastery of scale development and validation, research design and controlled field trials, multivariate statistical analyses, and the production of high-quality evidence for decision-making in public and organizational policy. Emphasis is placed on mentored research. This program requires 16 CUs and a comprehensive examination.  However, students who have completed Penn GSE’s M.S.Ed. degree in Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology (SMART) will be able to apply the coursework completed for the SMART degree toward the M.Phil.Ed. degree, thereby needing to complete only an additional 6 CUs to earn the M.Phil.Ed degree.  Students who have earned relevant master’s degrees at other institutions will be allowed to transfer up to 4 applicable courses toward the minimum of 16 courses required for the M.Phil.Ed degree. 

    The M.Phil.Ed. degree curriculum prepares graduates for mid-level research and evaluation positions in education, other professional fields, and the social sciences. Although it also prepares students to pursue further graduate study at the Ph.D. level, students who matriculate for the M.Phil.Ed. degree ordinarily will be most interested in earning the M.Phil.Ed. degree to enhance their career prospects at this level and will not be inclined to seek more advanced study at the doctoral level.

    Graduates are prepared to design, apply and interpret measures of attitude, behavior, and other social science, education and related phenomena; to validate, scale and equate such measures; to plan and conduct controlled field experiments; to apply and interpret advanced univariate and multivariate statistics; to evaluate programs and policies through quantitative studies; and to disseminate and interpret results for understanding and policy development. Relevant positions are found in city and state educational research institutions, public and private research organizations, medical and pharmaceutical organizations, and state and federal criminal justice systems.

    The M.Phil.Ed. degree is ideal for students who wish to prepare for research careers in education and related fields. This degree can be completed in one academic year of full-time study. Graduate study leading to the M.Phil.Ed. degree studies in QM includes coursework, a research apprenticeship, and a written comprehensive examination.

    b. Coursework

    The core content of coursework includes advanced statistical methods, measurement, research design, and completion of an independent research project. There are six required courses (after completion of a relevant conventional master’s degree for the M.Phil.Ed. degree, 5 of which constitute the QM core and 1 of which is an elective.  Courses must be completed for a letter grade unless noted otherwise in the graduate catalog.

    c. Research Apprenticeship

    Since M.Phil.Ed. degree students are preparing for careers in empirical research, participation in a research apprenticeship is highly recommended. An individually tailored research apprenticeship is an integral part of the learning experience arranged in consultation with the student’s advisor. This arrangement will be by mutual agreement of the student, the student’s advisor, and perhaps an alternate sponsor. Typically, the student will participate in significant aspects of faculty research in progress. The nature of the research apprenticeship will vary with the student’s preparation, the characteristics of the research, and the stage of the research. This experience involves a commitment of 6 hours per week for an academic year for full-time students (appropriate arrangements will be made for part-time students). The purpose is to provide the student with practical research experience on an ongoing basis during the course of master’s studies. The student may or may not be compensated for services rendered under the research apprenticeship or might be compensated for part of the time.

    d. Written Comprehensive Examination

    Toward the end of completion of course requirements, M.Phil.Ed. degree students are required to pass a written 3-hour comprehensive examination in the core content of the M.Phil.Ed. curriculum.  Students are permitted two opportunities to pass the comprehensive examination. Students who are unsuccessful after two tries will be withdrawn from the degree program. In order to qualify to take the examination, students must first fulfill the following requirements:

    a. Be formally admitted to the M.Phil.Ed. degree program in Quantitative Methods.

    b. Be registered for the term in which they apply to take the exam. If coursework has been completed, and no additional courses are needed, the student must be registered for Master’s/Doctoral Degree Completion (EDUC 9900) during the term in which the examination is taken. Enrollment in EDUC 9900 is considered full-time status and may affect the student’s financial aid eligibility, international student status, and enrollment in University mandatory health insurance.

    c. Be enrolled in the last term of courses or be completed with coursework.

    a. Exam cannot be taken until all grades of Incomplete have been rendered final grades or the student has written documentation that they will be taking a permanent incomplete in the course.

    b. Hold a GPA of 3.0 or better at the time of the exam.

    f.       Demonstrate that there is no outstanding tuition owed for terms prior to taking the exam.

    e. Transfer Credit

    As stated in the Background and Requirements for the Master of Philosophy in Education, students in this program can apply for transfer credit on a limited basis. Students who have completed Penn GSE’s M.S.Ed. degree in Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology (SMART) will be able to apply the coursework completed for the SMART degree toward the M.Phil.Ed. degree, thereby needing to complete only an additional 6 CUs to earn the M.Phil.Ed degree. Students who have earned relevant master’s degrees at other institutions will be allowed to transfer up to 4 applicable courses toward the minimum of 16 courses required for the M.Phil.Ed. degree.  

    f. Time Limitation

    A maximum of six consecutive years from the date of matriculation in a master’s degree program will be allowed for completion of the work for the master’s degree, including satisfactory completion of all examinations required. Official leaves of absence will not change this time limit, except under certain conditions. Leaves of absence that stop the time limitation clock are only approved by the Office of Student Success and will be documented in writing when the leave is granted.  After the six-year mark, students will be withdrawn from the program.  Any requests to extend beyond the time limit is considered an exception to policy and thus a petition must be submitted to the Committee on Degrees (COD).

    g. Graduation Requirements 

    The GSE Academic Calendar lists the deadlines for completing degree requirements in order to graduate in any academic term. All degree candidates must apply to graduate to guarantee that their names appear in the commencement program and to ensure they receive the next steps related to alumni status (e.g., setting up an alumni email account, completing an alumni survey, etc.)

    All required coursework, including exam/thesis/portfolio, must be complete.  All courses must be at or above the 5000 level.

    1. Students must be registered in the term in which they intend to graduate

    2. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

    GSE holds one commencement ceremony each year in May for students who will be receiving their degrees in that academic year’s fall, spring, or summer term (e.g. For Academic Year 2024-2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates are eligible to walk in the May 2025 GSE commencement ceremony).  Students will not receive a diploma at the ceremony.  The diploma is mailed after the confirmation of degree completion by the University Registrar. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee a degree; only completion of all degree requirements will result in confirmation of degree completion.

    The University requires that students who have completed all their degree requirements be conferred their degree. 

    III. Master of Philosophy in Education (M.Phil.Ed.): Professional Counseling 

    VALID FOR THOSE WHO COMPLETED THE CMHS, M.S.Ed. (Year 1) and are now in the PC (Year 2) program:

    a. Background and Requirements

    This program involves an additional year of advanced study in the mastery of professional counseling, clinical assessment, and consultation services immediately following completion of the one-year Counseling and Mental Health Services M.S.Ed. Program, which requires a minimum of 10 CUs. Students may choose to complete the PC program either full-time or at a slower pace through a part-time course of study. PC is a 10 CU program with a required oral clinical comprehensive examination and a written report of that examination.

    b. Internship

    An integral part of the learning experience is the completion of a 600-hour internship in a counseling setting. The nature of the internship will vary based upon the student’s interests. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with clinical experience on an ongoing basis during the course of their M.Phil.Ed. studies. The internship is arranged by mutual agreement of the student, the student’s academic advisor, the PC internship course instructor, and the supervisor at the field site (who must be at least a licensed master’s-level mental health professional). The student may or may not be compensated for services rendered under the internship experience. Performance in the internship must be rated as satisfactory via a first- semester evaluation process based upon the assessment of the student’s progress by the field site supervisor, the student’s academic advisor, and the PC program faculty. Satisfactory performance in the first half of the student’s coursework is a prerequisite for admission to the Oral and Written Clinical Comprehensive Examination for the M.Phil.Ed. degree.

    c. Comprehensive Exam

    The Oral Clinical Comprehensive Examination process for the M.Phil.Ed. program is designed to assess the student’s working knowledge of the three major themes of the program: (1) applied counseling/clinical services; (2) understanding of clients’ cultures and contexts; and (3) lifespan human development. The examination assesses the student’s competence in using and integrating applied skills in settings where counselors work. The clinical examination uses a case presentation format to evaluate the student’s level of competency as a counselor, which is considered the capstone of the program.

    Students are permitted two opportunities to pass the capstone. Students who are unsuccessful after two tries will be withdrawn from the degree program. In order to qualify to take present their capstone, students must first fulfill the following requirements:

    1. Be formally admitted to this M.Phil.Ed program in the Graduate School of Education.

    2. Be registered for the term in which they apply to take the exam. If coursework has been completed, and no additional courses are needed, the student must be registered for Master’s/Doctoral Degree Completion (EDUC 9900) during the term in which the examination is taken. Enrollment in EDUC 9900 is considered full-time status and may affect the student’s financial aid eligibility, international student status, and enrollment in University mandatory health insurance.

    3. Have completed the program’s required course units or be enrolled in the final term of   required coursework.

    4. Additionally, the capstone cannot be completed until all grades of Incomplete have been rendered final grades or the student has written documentation that they will be taking a permanent incomplete in the course.

    5. Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better at the time of the exam.

    6. Demonstrate that there is no outstanding tuition owed for terms prior to taking the exam.

    d. Transfer Credit 

    In accordance with licensing requirements, the Professional Counseling, M. Phil. does not allow for any courses to be transferred into the degree program.

    e. Time Limitation

    A maximum of six consecutive years from the date of matriculation in a master’s degree program will be allowed for completion of the work for the master’s degree, including satisfactory completion of all examinations required. Official leaves of absence will not change this time limit, except under certain conditions. Leaves of absence that stop the time limitation clock are only approved by the Office of Student Success and will be documented in writing when the leave is granted. After the six-year mark, students will be withdrawn from the program. Any requests to extend beyond the time limit is considered an exception to policy and thus a petition must be submitted to the Committee on Degrees (COD).

    f. Graduation Requirements 

    The GSE Academic Calendar lists the deadlines for completing degree requirements in order to graduate in any academic term. All degree candidates must apply to graduate to guarantee that their names appear in the commencement program and to ensure they receive the next steps related to alumni status (e.g., setting up an alumni email account, completing an alumni survey, etc.)

    All required coursework, including exam/thesis/portfolio, must be complete.  All courses must be at or above the 5000 level.

    • Students must be registered in the term in which they intend to graduate

    • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

    GSE holds one commencement ceremony each year in May for students who will be receiving their degrees in that academic year’s fall, spring, or summer term (e.g. For Academic Year 2024-2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates are eligible to walk in the May 2025 GSE commencement ceremony).  Students will not receive a diploma at the ceremony.  The diploma is mailed after the confirmation of degree completion by the University Registrar. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee a degree; only completion of all degree requirements will result in confirmation of degree completion.

    The University requires that students who have completed all their degree requirements be conferred their degree.

    VALID FOR THOSE WHO ENTERED THE 2-YEAR PC PROGRAM IN FALL 2024 OR AFTER: 

    a. Background and Requirements

    This program prepares students to become Certified School Counselors and/or Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs). This two-year program is designed to provide the highest level of counselor preparation for work in schools, community mental health agencies, universities, and private practice. The program requires 20 course units (CU) plus a required oral clinical comprehensive examination and a written report of that examination.

    b. Practicum

    In the first year of the program, a student will be required to complete a 200-hour practicum in a counseling setting.  The practicum experience gives students the opportunity to not only see counselors in various professional settings, but to begin implementing strategies and techniques with the support and supervision of skilled professionals. The student may or may not be compensated for services rendered under the practicum. Students receive supervision both on-site and in a small seminar group format. This combination of field placement and classroom discourse enables students to learn and practice counseling skills with deep, ongoing professional support. 

    c. Internship

    An integral part of the learning experience is the completion of a 600-hour internship in a counseling setting. The nature of the internship will vary based upon the student’s interests. The purpose of the internship is to provide students with clinical experience on an ongoing basis during the course of their M.Phil.Ed. studies. The internship is arranged by mutual agreement of the student, the student’s academic advisor, the PC internship course instructor, and the supervisor at the field site (who must be at least a licensed master’s-level mental health professional). The student may or may not be compensated for services rendered under the internship experience. Performance in the internship must be rated as satisfactory via a first-semester evaluation process based upon the assessment of the student’s progress by the field site supervisor, the student’s academic advisor, and the PC program faculty. Satisfactory performance in the first half of the student’s coursework is a prerequisite for admission to the Oral and Written Clinical Comprehensive Examination for the M.Phil.Ed. degree.

    d. Comprehensive Exam

    The Oral Clinical Comprehensive Examination process for the M.Phil.Ed. program is designed to assess the student’s working knowledge of the three major themes of the program: (1) applied counseling/clinical services; (2) understanding of clients’ cultures and contexts; and (3) lifespan human development. The examination assesses the student’s competence in using and integrating applied skills in settings where counselors work. The clinical examination uses a case presentation format to evaluate the student’s level of competency as a counselor, which is considered the capstone of the program.

    Students are permitted two opportunities to pass the capstone. Students who are unsuccessful after two tries will be withdrawn from the degree program. In order to qualify to take present their capstone, students must first fulfill the following requirements:

    1. Be formally admitted to this M.Phil.Ed program in the Graduate School of Education.

    2. Be registered for the term in which they apply to take the exam. If coursework has been completed, and no additional courses are needed, the student must be registered for Master’s/Doctoral Degree Completion (EDUC 9900) during the term in which the examination is taken. Enrollment in EDUC 9900 is considered full-time status and may affect the student’s financial aid eligibility, international student status, and enrollment in University mandatory health insurance.

    3. Have completed the program’s required course units or be enrolled in the final term of required coursework.

    4. Additionally, the capstone cannot be completed until all grades of Incomplete have been rendered final grades or the student has written documentation that they will be taking a permanent incomplete in the course.

    5. Hold a GPA of 3.0 or better at the time of the exam.

    6. Demonstrate that there is no outstanding tuition owed for terms prior to taking the exam.

    e. Transfer Credit 

    In accordance with licensing requirements, the Professional Counseling, M. Phil. does not allow for any courses to be transferred into the degree program.

    f. Time Limitation

    A maximum of six consecutive years from the date of matriculation in a master’s degree program will be allowed for completion of the work for the master’s degree, including satisfactory completion of all examinations required. Official leaves of absence will not change this time limit, except under certain conditions. Leaves of absence that stop the time limitation clock are only approved by the Office of Student Success and will be documented in writing when the leave is granted. After the six-year mark, students will be withdrawn from the program. Any requests to extend beyond the time limit is considered an exception to policy and thus a petition must be submitted to the Committee on Degrees (COD).

    g. Graduation Requirements 

    The GSE Academic Calendar lists the deadlines for completing degree requirements in order to graduate in any academic term. All degree candidates must apply to graduate to guarantee that their names appear in the commencement program and to ensure they receive the next steps related to alumni status (e.g., setting up an alumni email account, completing an alumni survey, etc.)

    All required coursework, including exam/thesis/portfolio, must be complete.  All courses must be at or above the 5000 level.

    • Students must be registered in the term in which they intend to graduate

    • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

    GSE holds one commencement ceremony each year in May for students who will be receiving their degrees in that academic year’s fall, spring, or summer term (e.g. For Academic Year 2024-2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates are eligible to walk in the May 2025 GSE commencement ceremony).  Students will not receive a diploma at the ceremony.  The diploma is mailed after the confirmation of degree completion by the University Registrar. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee a degree; only completion of all degree requirements will result in confirmation of degree completion.

    The University requires that students who have completed all their degree requirements be conferred their degree. 

    IV. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

    a. Purpose of Degree 

    The Doctor of Education degree is intended for students who are interested in the application of scholarship and research to educational endeavors. Coursework, examinations, and the dissertation emphasize the reflective use of research as the basis of informed educational practice. Students are required to attain comprehensive knowledge of education, intensive knowledge of an area of specialization, skills in critical evaluation of research pertinent to the specialization, and proficiency in the planning and execution of research on topics in the practice of education.

    b. Course Requirements

    At least 12 course units (CUs) of graduate work must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania for the Ed.D. degree. One course must be a research seminar in the area of specialization. 

    Courses must be completed for a letter grade unless noted otherwise in the graduate catalog.

    c. Transfer of Credit

    GSE will, under certain conditions, accept equivalent credit toward the degree if the credit has been earned within the preceding 10-year period. 

    • For the Higher Education, Literacy Studies, and Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, Ed.D. programs, up to eight graduate-level CUs taken at GSE, Penn, or another institution, may count toward the Ed.D. degree to fulfill requirements above and beyond the 12 CUs required for the degree. 

    • For the Educational Linguistics, Ed.D., up to 4 CUs taken from another institution or up to 8 CUs taken at Penn may count toward the Ed.D.  

    • For the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education, the Penn Chief Learning Officer Program, and the Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership, no prior graduate-level credit is transferred into these programs as these programs require additional prerequisites for admission. 

    Transfer credit is not automatically accepted or applied toward the doctoral degree. Students must follow formal procedures to request the application of transfer credit toward GSE degree requirements. The acceptance of transfer credits does not override specialization requirements. In order to receive transfer credit students must have earned a grade of at least B or above for all courses. Grades of “Satisfactory” or “Pass” are not transferable. No academic work done while the student was an undergraduate will be counted toward a graduate degree with the exception of courses taken when the student was an official Accelerated Student in the Graduate School of Education.  EDUC subject code courses taken under GSE General Admission status do not count against the course units that can be transferred. They can count towards the degree if the program sends approval to SRO prior to graduation audit.

    The following conditions apply to transfer of credit:

    For courses taken more than 10 years prior to admission to the Ed.D. program, within or outside the University, students must show that:

    •  a grade of B or above was earned;

    •  the faculty advisor and the division chair agree that the courses are acceptable. For example, some programs may require that students have engaged in academic activity after completing the previous courses to ensure up-to-date knowledge of the field of study. 

    •  when there is not agreement between the student’s advisor and division chair, the student must pass an examination in the content areas for which credit is requested.

    Process for Approval of Transfer of Credit:

    Students must be enrolled in a degree program before a request for transfer of credit can be considered. To request transfer of credit, students must:

    • Obtain the appropriate Request for Approval of Transfer of Credit form.

    • Complete the form in consultation with their advisor and obtain the necessary approvals from the advisor and division. Ed.D. students should discuss the transfer of credit with their advisor after at least their first year of study.

    • Submit an official copy of the transcript.

    Transfer credits will reflect on your transcript but will not count toward your GPA.

    d. Residency Requirement

    There is no residency requirement for Ed.D. students in the Graduate School of Education. Students need to be continuously registered as is consistent with all degree programs at Penn GSE.

    e. Advisor

    Each student will be assigned an academic advisor upon admission. The purpose of the advisor is to help plan the student’s program of study, assist in selecting courses, provide academic advising, and monitor academic progress. Students are not required to consult the advisor in order to register or enroll for classes, therefore, it is solely the student’s responsibility to ensure that all degree requirements are completed. Students should contact and meet with their advisor in the first semester of the first year before the drop/request period has concluded. The graduate catalog outlines the requirements for completing the degree. A student will work with their advisor in the first semester of the first year of study to plan their curriculum. After the initial meeting, students and advisors should stay in regular contact, preferably at least twice a year, but always at the start of the academic year to review progress and consider alterations to the PPS. While the advisor will know much about GSE policies, rules do change. Students should always consult the online Penn GSE Student Handbook for the most current academic policies, procedures, and deadlines for completing academic requirements. To request a change in advisor, the student should see the program staff for the process or the Director of Academic Affairs for assistance.

    Students on dissertation should also communicate with their advisors twice a year so that progress is closely monitored. The dissertation committee chair is the student’s advisor.  

    In executive-format Ed.D. programs, a student’s initial advisor is the program director.  The program will select a committee chair for students. This committee chair will serve as the student’s advisor. 

    f. Time Limitation for Completing Ed.D. Requirements

    Ed.D. students are required to complete all degree requirements within 12 years, including coursework, exams, and completion of the dissertation. Students will be reviewed annually, which includes meeting with their advisors to review progress and a written report outlining the student’s progress plans for completion of the degree within 4 years for full-time students and within 6 years for part-time students. This report is to be placed in the student’s file. Official leaves of absence will not automatically change these time limits.  Leaves of absence that stop the time limitation clock are only approved by the Office of Student Success and will be documented in writing when the leave is granted.

    Ed.D. students will be withdrawn after 12 years. If a student wishes to complete the program after being withdrawn, the student may request to be readmitted to the program for a maximum of one year in order to achieve recertification and defend the dissertation. The faculty has no obligation to continue working with a student who has been dropped, nor is there any presumption that the program or graduate group will respond favorably to an application for readmission. If the faculty wishes to recommend readmission, it must present to the graduate group chair a list of faculty members willing to serve as a dissertation committee and a detailed, realistic plan of how the student will, within one year of reenrollment, achieve recertification, pass the Candidacy Examination, and submit the final copy of the dissertation. If re-enrollment is approved by the graduate group chair, such a student must pay reduced rate tuition for two semesters, unless all requirements are completed within one semester. Students may petition for readmission at the time they are dropped from the program, or at a later date. The student should be fully ready and committed to completing within a one-year timeframe; enrollment will not be extended beyond that final year, and no further petition for readmission will be considered by the University.

    g. Evaluations and Examinations

    i. Qualifications Evaluation (also known as Program Candidacy)

    The purpose of program candidacy is to provide rigorous review and feedback to Ed.D. students regarding their academic progress within the first two years of study. Program candidacy is a prerequisite to doctoral candidacy. Minimum school-wide criteria are described below. Additional requirements about the timing, process, and materials for program candidacy review may be further specified by each specialization. Check with your academic advisor or program manager for details.

    ii. Eligibility for Qualifications Evaluation (Program Candidacy)

    For traditional Ed.D. programs and the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management, the qualifications evaluation must be completed after the completion of 6, but not more than 8 CUs, and no later than the fourth semester of coursework.

    For the Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, the qualifications evaluation will occur at the beginning of a student’s second year in the program. 

    For the Penn Chief Learning Officer program, the qualifications evaluation will take place after 12 course units, after which the student will be assessed for eligibility to continue in coursework.

    Eligibility will be assessed according to the following criteria: satisfactory performance in courses as shown by the student’s GSE transcript and faculty recommendations; a coherent program of study and prospectus; and a demonstration of the ability to do research as demonstrated by a research paper.

    iii. Procedure for Qualifications Evaluation

    • Program faculty reviews the student

    • Program faculty votes whether to advance the student to program candidacy.

    • The student is given feedback in conference or in writing about the decision, their performance and future course of study.

    Students who are recommended for program candidacy are permitted to continue in the program. Students who do not pass program candidacy are withdrawn from the degree program.

    iv. Appeal of Qualifications Evaluation

    Students may appeal to the division chair if the program faculty does not admit them to program candidacy by contacting the division chair directly. Students may appeal to the Committee on Degrees if the division does not admit them to program candidacy. 

    v. Preliminary Examination (Doctoral Candidacy)

    The preliminary examination is a means of testing of knowledge in the candidate’s area of specialization. The examination requires students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as specified by the academic program. The format of the examination varies from program to program, but must include at least six hours of examination, at least three hours of which must be written. All examinations are administered in accordance with the rules set forth in the Code of Academic Integrity. Students should consult their advisor about the particular form of the examination they will take. Doctoral candidacy is conferred upon successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination.

    Students are permitted two opportunities to pass the preliminary examination. If they are unsuccessful after two tries, they will be withdrawn from the doctoral program. 

    To be eligible to take the preliminary examination students must:

    a. Have been admitted to program candidacy

    b. Have the recommendation of their advisor

    c. Submit evidence satisfactory to the advisor of ability to do research in their area of specialization

    d. Be registered for the term in which the exam is taken

    e. For traditional Ed.D. students (not in an executive-format Ed.D. program): Have completed all coursework or be in the last year of coursework. 

    f. Exam cannot be taken until all grades of Incomplete have been rendered final grades or the student has written documentation that they will be taking a permanent incomplete in the course.

    Note that students are not permitted to take a permanent incomplete in the following programs: Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management, Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Penn Chief Learning Officer.

    g. Hold a GPA of 3.0 or better at the time of the exam.

    h. Demonstrate that there is no outstanding tuition owed for terms prior to taking the exam.

    i. If applicable, register to take the preliminary examination.  

    Doctoral candidacy is conferred upon successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination.  Students must successfully pass the preliminary examination before defending their Oral Proposal.  

    h.  Satisfactory Progress

    Lack of significant progress in completing any of the degree requirements for two consecutive years (exclusive of time when on official leave of absence) will result in an automatic withdrawal of candidacy or eligibility to apply for candidacy if not already attained. Therefore, students should take the initiative in providing their advisor with evidence of continuous progress; in the absence of such evidence, advisors may apprise themselves of their advisee’s status each term and recommend a student to the Office of Student Success for withdrawal if satisfactory progress is not maintained.

    i. The Dissertation

    The dissertation is the final degree requirement for the Ed.D. degree. While the minimum requirements are outlined below, your specific program may have a more detailed process.  It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all guidelines for the dissertation both at the program and school level are followed and satisfactorily completed.

    1. Forming a Dissertation Committee

    Students must consult with their advisor for assistance in selecting a group of at least three people with earned doctorates to serve as the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee is responsible for evaluating their proposal for dissertation research, for supervising the preparation of a dissertation on an approved problem, and for evaluating the dissertation. Committee members should be selected on the basis of their relationship to the dissertation content.  This process typically happens near the end of coursework and/or around the time of the preliminary examination.  The dissertation committee needs to be fully approved at the school level before a student can hold an oral proposal hearing.  Without an approved committee, any hearing that takes place will not be counted as a completed milestone for the student.

    The chair of an Ed.D. dissertation committee must be approved to chair Ed.D. dissertations, and at least one member of the committee must belong to the Ed.D Graduate Group.  View our list of faculty authorized to chair Ed.D. dissertation committees and the Ed.D. Graduate Group.  Students should see their academic advisor for specific information.

    Note: for executive-format Ed.D. programs, the program will select a committee chair for students.

    2. Approval Process for a Dissertation Committee

    To formalize the committee, submit a Penn Graduate Forms request for Milestone: Committee Formation (under Available Forms). At the same time, you may submit your Oral Proposal Scheduling request form, however, you are not required to do so. The committee must be formally approved before your oral proposal hearing date. Allow at least three weeks for the request to be reviewed by the Director of Academic Affairs. To request a change in dissertation committee, students must update the Milestone: Committee Formation form and submit for review again. Changes to the committee must also be approved by the Director of Academic Affairs.

    3. Procedure for Oral Proposal of Dissertation

    All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format to the dissertation committee. To schedule the oral proposal, the student must: 

    • Already have submitted dissertation committee approval request (see Approval Process for a Dissertation Committee section above).

    • Decide with the committee members on a day, date, and time to hold the proposal hearing. 

    • Submit the Scheduling of Oral Proposal Hearing Form at least two weeks in advance of the date the hearing is to take place. The Student Records Office will assign a room for the proposal hearing and notify the student, the committee members, and the program manager. The notice will also be posted on the Penn GSE calendar, the second-floor bulletin boards within the GSE building, and the building monitors.  If a hearing is virtual or hybrid, it will be up to the student and the program to ensure that a proper virtual hearing is set up and that all stakeholders have the information for the hearing.

    • All members of the dissertation committee are required to attend the oral proposal hearing.

    • Having passed the oral proposal, the student will submit a Penn GSE Dissertation Hearing/Defense Ballot to collect committee members’ digital approval. This will notify SRO to update the transcript with the date the successful hearing was held.

    At the oral proposal hearing, the dissertation committee will review the proposal with the student and help refine the proposed dissertation project. The committee will vote on the proposal and indicate any revisions that might be required before the student may be allowed to proceed with the dissertation research. Oral proposal hearings are not normally held during the summer. Candidates who wish to have the oral proposal hearing during the summer must secure the approval of all committee members. If approval is granted, the student will be required to register for courses or for dissertation supervision (EDUC 9950) and pay tuition for the summer session in which the oral proposal hearing is held.  Students must complete all remaining requirements for the degree within the time allotted for the Ed.D. degree. For an extension of time to complete the dissertation, please see above description of Ed.D. degree time limits.

    4. GSE Standards for the Oral Proposal

    Your committee will determine whether you pass your oral proposal hearing. Your proposal must pass the following criteria:

    • The topic is stated clearly and relevant background literature is reviewed and evaluated.

    • The research question(s) are stated clearly.

    • The contribution and importance of the research question(s) with respect to relevant literature, theory, policy, and/or practice are articulated in a convincing manner.

    • The research plan and methods are appropriate and adequate to study the research question(s) posed and are explicitly described.

    The general expectation is that a document containing the above information is sent prior to the hearing to the entire dissertation committee for review.  Exceptions to this expectation should be agreed upon by the entire dissertation committee. The committee chair must ensure that the oral proposal hearing is not scheduled until the student meets all the above criteria.

    5. Research on Human Subjects

    After passing the oral proposal hearing and obtaining permission to start the dissertation project, students must obtain University approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) before they may conduct research on human subjects for their dissertation study. Since education research generally involves little or no risk to the participants, the University permits GSE students to apply for an expedited review by the IRB. Detailed information about these procedures is available at the University of Pennsylvania Human Research Protections Program. 

    6. Dissertation Research Abroad

    A student who will conduct dissertation research abroad for the semester registers for Dissertation Research Abroad status. Full tuition is charged to students in years 1-5, reduced tuition to students in years 6-10; a reduced general fee is charged for students on Dissertation Research Abroad regardless of their year.

    Note: this above policy does not apply to doctoral students in the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education, the Penn Chief Learning Officer Program, or the Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership programs.

    7. Standards for the Dissertation 

    • The topic is stated clearly and relevant background literature reviewed and evaluated. 

    • The research question(s) are stated clearly.

    • The contribution and importance of the research question(s) with respect to relevant literature, theory, policy, and/or practice are articulated in a convincing manner.

    • The research plan and methods are appropriate and adequate to study the research question(s) posed and are explicitly described.

    • The research plan and methods are implemented effectively.

    • The research produced trustworthy evidence that bears on the research question(s).

    • The conclusions follow convincingly from the evidence and its interpretation.

    • The dissertation manuscript is coherent, well structured, clearly written, and is formatted in accordance with the Ed.D. Dissertation Manual. 

    • With appropriate revisions, the dissertation is of sufficient quality to be publishable in an academic or practice-oriented journal that is peer reviewed.

    8. Formatting the Dissertation

    The dissertation must be formatted in compliance with the Ed.D. Dissertation Manual. Use of the Ed.D. Dissertation Template is strongly encouraged. 

    9. Final Defense of the Dissertation 

    The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length, depending upon the candidate’s dissertation. The public is welcome to attend these presentations.  A private discussion for certain periods of the defense may also be granted as per the decision of the dissertation committee.  All members of the dissertation committee are required to attend the dissertation defense.

    The oral proposal hearing and the final defense cannot be completed within the same term. The earliest that a final defense can be held is in the next consecutive term after the oral proposal hearing has been successfully completed.

    After agreeing to a successful defense by the candidate, the dissertation committee will recommend the candidate to the faculty of the Graduate Group in Education for the degree of Doctor of Education. After the final defense hearing, the student will submit a Penn GSE Dissertation Hearing/Defense ballot to collect their committee members’ digital approval. Once all committee members have submitted their approval, the Student Records Office will receive a final copy of the ballot and update the student’s record with the date the successful hearing was held.

    Final oral examinations are not normally held during the summer. Candidates who wish to have the final oral examination during the summer must secure the approval of all committee members and register for Dissertation Supervision (EDUC 9950) and pay tuition for the summer session in which the final dissertation defense is held.

    Procedure for Scheduling the Final Defense of the Dissertation

    To schedule the final defense, the student must:

    • Mutually agree with the committee members on a day, date and time to hold the defense.

    • Submit the Final Defense Notification form signed by the dissertation chair and the proposal abstract at least three weeks in advance of the date the hearing is to take place. The Student Records Office will assign a room for the defense hearing and notify the student, the committee members and the program manager. The notice will also be posted on the Penn GSE calendar, the second floor bulletin boards within the GSE building, and the building monitors.  If a hearing is virtual or hybrid, it will be up to the student and the program to ensure that a proper virtual hearing is set up and that all stakeholders have the information for the hearing.

    • Tuition is waived the semester after students successfully pass the final defense to finish their revisions to their dissertation manuscript. This waiver is only for one semester and cannot be extended.

    10. Submission of the Ed.D. Dissertation

    Students should review the Steps for Submission of Ed.D. Dissertations.

    j. Certificate of Advanced Study

    Students who complete all requirements for a Doctor of Education except the preliminary examination and the dissertation may apply to the Director of Academic Affairs to receive a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS). The CAS is a form of recognition for completing significant doctoral-level study in an educational field. Students who elect to receive a CAS will not be eligible to re-enter a degree program and complete the doctorate at a later date. A CAS may be awarded to students matriculated in the Graduate School of Education who:

    • are in good standing;

    • have completed all requirements for an approved doctoral specialization of study except the preliminary examination and the dissertation; and

    • are recommended by the faculty of the appropriate program.

    The certificate contains:

    • The name of the School and the University;

    • The name of the student;

    • The title of the field of specialization in which the advanced study was completed;

    • The signature of the Dean of the Graduate School of Education.

    k. Graduation

    The GSE academic calendar lists the deadlines for completing degree requirements in order to graduate in any academic term. All degree candidates must apply to graduate online by the deadline listed on the GSE academic calendar. All degree candidates must apply to graduate to guarantee that their names appear in the commencement program and to ensure they receive the next steps related to alumni status (e.g., setting up an alumni email account, completing an alumni survey, etc.)

    GSE holds one commencement ceremony each year in May for students who will be receiving their degrees in that academic year’s fall, spring, or summer term (e.g. For Academic Year 2024-2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates are eligible to walk in the May 2025 GSE commencement ceremony).  Students will not receive a diploma at the ceremony.  The diploma is mailed after the confirmation of degree completion by the University Registrar. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee a degree; only completion of all degree requirements and a valid application for graduation will result in confirmation of degree completion.

    If you intend to graduate in August, these are the important dates to keep in mind:

    If you intend to graduate in August but do not want to pay an additional tuition fee, you must complete your final defense by the end of the Spring term as per the GSE academic calendar*.  If you defend your dissertation after this deadline, you will have to pay a 1 CU tuition for the summer term, because you have to pay tuition the semester you defend your dissertation.  Penn GSE will not pay this tuition fee during the summer, even if you are on a fellowship of any kind.  Consult with external fellowships for guidelines on summer tuition payment.  An August graduation means that you have deposited the dissertation per the deadlines on the GSE calendar for the Summer term. 

    The information in the paragraphs below applies only to students in the Executive Doctorate in Higher Education, the Penn Chief Learning Officer Program, or the Mid-Career Doctorate in Educational Leadership programs:

    Because these programs follow a different academic calendar, students will have until June 30th to defend their dissertation and still qualify for the free summer term.  Students will still need to deposit the dissertation per the deadlines on the GSE calendar for the Summer term if they intend to earn their degree in the summer. 

    Students must be registered in EDUC 9950 in the summer term to defend and will initially receive a bill. Once the Student Records Office receives the ballot confirming that the defense was successful within the June 30th deadline, the summer term tuition will be waived. Students who move their defense past the June 30th deadline or who are not successful in their defense will be subject to summer tuition. If a student wishes to cancel their summer defense and avoid being billed, they must do so prior to the add deadline of the summer term.  The following fall term’s tuition will be waived for those who either defend before the June 30th deadline but don’t deposit their dissertation in the summer term or those who defend after June 30th but prior to the end of the summer term.

    V. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

    Students pursuing their Doctor of Philosophy degree at Penn GSE are subject to both school-specific policy and policy implemented and maintained by the Provost’s Office at the University of Pennsylvania. While much of the below reiterates the Provost’s Office’s policy regarding Ph.D.s, you may also find it outlined here: https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/academic-rules-phd/  

    a. Purpose of the Degree  

    The Ph.D. is an intensive, theory-based study of education for scholars who want to pursue careers in research or teaching at colleges and universities. Doctoral students are expected to become competent in both qualitative (action research, case study, ethnographic methods) and quantitative (statistical data analysis, survey research and measurement) research methodologies, Students gain hands-on experience and practical competencies through service-based placements, mentorships, and research assistantships, and undertake independent research culminating in a dissertation that makes an original contribution to knowledge about educational practice or policies.

    b. Course Requirements 

    At least 12 course units (CUs) of graduate work beyond the master's degree must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania for the Ph.D. degree. One course must be a research seminar in the area of specialization.

    The faculty determines the curricular requirements for its program. The course of study can include a combination of specific required courses, electives, teaching, independent study or laboratory rotations, colloquia, and demonstration through examination of comprehensive knowledge in the major field.

    A student who enters the Ph.D. program with a bachelor’s degree will be expected to spend two to three years taking 3-4 course units per semester before satisfying the doctoral group’s academic requirements, passing the required examinations and being advanced to Doctoral Candidacy. Faculty may require more extensive preparation through additional work, especially those programs with substantial language requirements. Students who enter with a master’s degree or other transfer credit may satisfy the formal course requirements more quickly. Faculty has flexibility to establish the optimal timetable and requirements for their own students and to respond to the specific academic needs of individual students.

    The customary maximum load for a Ph.D. student is four course units each semester.  For any courseload over 4.0 course units, students must obtain permission and submit a request online.  A response can be expected within two weeks.

    Faculty may establish examination requirements in addition to the University’s standards. 

    c. Transfer of Credit 

    GSE will, under certain conditions, accept equivalent credit toward the degree. Up to eight graduate-level CUs taken at GSE, Penn, or another institution, may count toward the Ph.D. degree to fulfill requirements above and beyond the 12 CUs required for the degree. Transfer credit is not automatically accepted or applied toward the doctoral degree. Students must follow formal procedures to request the application of transfer credit toward GSE degree requirements. The acceptance of transfer credits does not override specialization requirements. In order to receive transfer credit students must have earned a grade of at least B for all courses. Grades of “Satisfactory” or “Pass” are not transferable. No academic work done while the student was an undergraduate will be counted toward a graduate degree with the exception of courses taken when the student was an official Accelerated student in the Graduate School of Education. EDUC subject code courses taken under “Penn General Admission” status do not count against the 8 course units which can be transferred. They can count towards the degree if the program sends approval to SRO prior to graduation audit.

    The following conditions apply to transfer of credit:

    • A maximum of eight course units of graduate-level coursework earned at GSE, Penn, or another institution within the preceding 10-year period may be accepted upon recommendation of the program and advisor. 

    For courses taken more than 10 years prior to admission to the Ph.D. program, within or outside the University, students must show that:

    • a grade B or above has been earned;

    • the faculty advisor and the division chair agree that the courses are acceptable; for example, some programs may require that students have engaged in academic activity after completing the previous courses to ensure up-to-date knowledge of the field of study

    • when there is not agreement between the student’s advisor and division chair, the student must pass an examination in the content areas for which credit is requested.

    Process for Approval of Transfer of Credit:

    Students must be enrolled in degree program before a request for transfer of credit can be considered. To request transfer of credit, students must:

    • Obtain the appropriate Request for Approval of Transfer of Credit form.

    • Complete the form in consultation with their advisor and obtain the necessary approvals from the advisor and division. Students should discuss the transfer of credit with their advisor after at least their first year of study.   

    • Submit an official copy of the transcript.

    Transfer credits will reflect on your transcript but will not count toward your GPA.

    d. Advisor

    Each student is assigned a faculty advisor upon admission. The advisor is responsible for helping to plan the program curriculum, guiding the student’s work until completion of coursework and the preliminary examination, and monitoring the student’s academic progress. 

    Students should contact their advisors individually in the first semester of the student’s first year before the drop/request period has concluded. After this initial meeting, students and advisors are mutually obligated to stay in regular contact, preferably twice a year, but always at the start of the academic year to review progress and consider alterations to the program curriculum. The program curriculum should be developed between the advisor and advisee in the first semester of the first year of study and can be revised over time. The student will receive an annual evaluation, which will include input from the advisor, as to their progress and performance.

    When a student has formed a dissertation committee, the committee chair automatically becomes the student’s advisor. Students working on their dissertation should also communicate with their advisors twice a year so that progress is closely monitored. They must submit a dissertation progress report once per year. 

    Note that students are not required to consult the advisor in order to register or enroll for classes, therefore, it is solely the student’s responsibility to ensure that all degree and fellowship requirements are completed. Students should always consult the Penn GSE website for the most current academic policies, procedures and deadlines for completing academic requirements.

    If the advisor judges the quality of an advisee’s work to be inadequate, he or she may recommend to the program and division chair that the student not be allowed to continue in the program.

    If there are issues obtaining guidance from an advisor, students should reach out to the Director of Academic Affairs for next steps. Additionally, to request a change in advisor, the student should see the program staff for the process or the Director of Academic Affairs for assistance.

    e. Evaluations and Examinations

    1. Qualifications Evaluation (Program Candidacy)

    The evaluation is designed by the program faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress. Satisfaction of this requirement is necessary in order to continue in the graduate program and is recorded in the student’s academic record. The student and the Student Records Office must be notified of the outcome of the evaluation.

    2. Eligibility for Qualifications Evaluation

    Program candidacy review must be completed after completion of 6, but not more than 8 CUs, and no later than the fourth semester of coursework. Eligibility will be assessed according to the following criteria: satisfactory performance in courses as shown by the student’s GSE transcript and faculty recommendations; a coherent course of study as illustrated by the planned program of study and prospectus; and a demonstration of the ability to do research as demonstrated by a research paper. 

    3. Procedure for Qualifications Evaluation

    The following is the procedure used by faculty to determine whether a student is qualified for program candidacy:

    • Program faculty reviews the student dossier.

    • Program faculty votes to recommend students for program candidacy.

    • Program faculty votes whether to admit students to program candidacy.

    • The student is given feedback in conference or in writing about the decision, their performance, and future course of study.

    Students who are recommended for program candidacy are permitted to continue in the program. Students who do not pass program candidacy are withdrawn from the degree program.

    3. Appeal of Qualifications Evaluation:

    Students may appeal to the division chair if the program faculty does not admit them to program candidacy by contacting the division chair directly. Students may appeal to the Committee on Degrees if the division does not admit them to program candidacy.

    4. Candidacy Examination (Doctoral Candidacy)

    A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses. Feedback will be provided to the student within one month, if the exam is completed in the fall or spring terms. Satisfactory completion of the Candidacy Examination requirement is recorded in the student’s academic record in the term of successful completion. Upon successful completion of the Candidacy Examination, the student is advanced to Doctoral Candidacy. Typically, a student should advance to candidacy by the end of the third year. The maximum time limit for a student to be advanced to candidacy is five years (exclusive of approved leaves of absence), after which time the student will be withdrawn from the program.

    Doctoral candidacy is conferred upon successful completion of the candidacy examination (formerly doctoral preliminary examination).

    The Ph.D. student must pass a candidacy examination in the field of the student’s major subject. The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division, including:

    • depth and breadth of familiarity with the literature in their field of study

    • synthesis of material across core content courses taken in the doctoral program

    • ability to critically analyze issues in the field

    • knowledge and understanding of the intellectual domains and research paradigms relevant to their field of study

    • the ability to present cogent arguments including the effective use of evidence

    The following conditions apply to committee selection and candidacy examination attempts:

    • Members of the Ph.D. examination committees must be drawn from the Penn GSE standing or secondary faculty.

    • Students are permitted two opportunities to pass the candidacy examination; if they are unsuccessful after two tries, they will be withdrawn from the doctoral program.

    To be eligible to take the candidacy examination, students must:

    • Have passed the Qualifications Evaluation;

    • Have the recommendation of their advisor;

    • Submit evidence satisfactory to the advisor of capacity to do research in their area of specialization;

    • Be registered for the term in which the exam is taken;

    • Register to take the candidacy examination by the deadline listed in the academic calendar.

    Examination results should be communicated to students within four weeks of the date the examination was taken, if completed in the fall or spring term.  Students must successfully pass the candidacy examination before defending their Oral Proposal. 

    f. Satisfactory Progress 

    All doctoral students are reviewed by the faculty on a regular basis to evaluate their progress. 

    Evaluation is based on a review of coursework, fieldwork, progress and other relevant criteria. All students are expected to make steady progress toward completion of degree requirements unless a leave of absence has been granted. Lack of significant progress in completing degree requirements for two consecutive years (exclusive of time when on official leave of absence) will result in an automatic withdrawal of candidacy or removal of eligibility to apply for candidacy if not already attained.

    g. Time Limitation

    Beginning in 2010-11, the University’s maximum time limit for completion is ten years after matriculation, including coursework, exams, and completion of the dissertation. Students will be reviewed annually, which includes meeting with their advisors to review progress and the writing of a report by the program outlining the student’s progress and plans for completion of the degree within 4 years. This report is to be placed in the student’s file. Official leaves of absence will not automatically change these time limits.  Leaves of absence that stop the time limitation clock are only approved by the Office of Student Success and will be documented in writing when the leave is granted.

    Ph.D. students after 10 years will be withdrawn.  At this point, the student may request to be readmitted to the program for a maximum of one year in order to achieve recertification and defend the dissertation. The faculty has no obligation to continue working with a student who has been dropped, nor is there any presumption that the program or graduate group will respond favorably to an application for readmission. If the faculty wishes to recommend readmission, it must present to the graduate group chair a list of faculty members willing to serve as a dissertation committee and a detailed, realistic plan of how the student will, within one year of reenrollment, achieve recertification, pass the dissertation examination, and submit the final copy of the dissertation. If re-enrollment is approved by the graduate group chair, such a student must pay reduced rate tuition for two semesters, unless all requirements are completed within one semester. Students may petition for readmission at the time they are dropped from the program, or at a later date. The student should be fully ready and committed to completing within a one-year timeframe; enrollment will not be extended beyond that final year, and no further petition for readmission will be considered by the University.

    h. Recertification

    If the Graduate Group and Graduate Dean approve the petition for readmission, the student must immediately be recertified. In order to ensure that a student’s dissertation research remains at the frontier of current research in the field, the student must retake and pass the Candidacy Examination, or satisfy alternative recertification criteria designed by their Graduate Group and approved by the Graduate Council of the Faculties. The new deadline for completion of all requirements for the Ph.D., including recertification, shall be within one year.

    Ph.D. students in the Graduate Group who have not completed all their degree requirements within the University’s maximum time limit must submit a progress report and plan to their dissertation committee. The purpose of this report/plan is:

    • to document which degree requirements the student has completed;

    • to provide a rationale for why they have been unable to complete all the requirements within the time limit and to provide a timeline/ schedule of steps for completion of the remaining requirements within a one-year extension.

    The student’s chair and a majority of their dissertation committee must review and approve the progress report and plan. The student must then submit the progress report and plan to the Committee on Degrees for their review and approval. The student must re-take a preliminary exam that documents familiarity with the current status of their field.

    Note: the above modified in accordance with Pennbook language from https://catalog.upenn.edu/pennbook/academic-rules-phd/. Changes to the above process must first be brought to the Graduate Council of the Faculties. 

    i. The Dissertation

    The final stage and culmination of doctoral study is preparation of a dissertation. The dissertation is an independently produced piece of original research on a problem in education prepared under the supervision of a dissertation committee. The student should meet with their dissertation committee at least once a year to ensure sufficient progress.  The dissertation should show high attainment and power of independent research and represent a significant contribution to human knowledge. A GSE Ph.D. dissertation should include:

    • A research problem that is clearly located in the relevant literature;

    • A research question(s) or research hypothesis(es);

    • A theoretical orientation or conceptual framework that is used to provide some of the background and rationale for:

    1. a description of the significance of the dissertation research, and
    2. the selection of the research methods approach(es) chosen to investigate the research question(s) or hypothesis(es);

    • Description of approach(es)/method(s);

    • Data presentation and analysis (i.e., findings, results); and

    • Implications for theory, policy, practice, and/or further research.

    Dissertations based on joint work with other researchers are allowed, provided that, in such cases, a unique and separate dissertation is presented by each degree candidate. The candidate must include a concise account of their contribution to the whole work. Authorship of an entire dissertation by more than one degree candidate is not allowed.

    Forming a Dissertation Committee

    Students must consult with their advisor for assistance in selecting a group of at least three people with earned doctorates to serve as the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee is responsible for evaluating their proposal for dissertation research, for supervising the preparation of a dissertation on an approved problem, and for evaluating the dissertation. Committee members should be selected on the basis of their relationship to the dissertation content.

    Students must complete the doctoral candidacy and minor examinations before seeking formal approval for a dissertation committee. Upon advancement to candidacy, each student has a Dissertation Committee consisting of at least three faculty members (including at least two members of the Ph.D. Education Graduate Group, one of whom is the chair of the committee). The third member may be a scholar external to the University of Pennsylvania with a doctoral degree, including a qualified individual who does not hold faculty rank at a college or university. To include an external member on their dissertation committee, students must have approval from the committee chair and the Director of Graduate Academic Affairs.  If the dissertation committee has more than three members, a majority (or at least half) of the members must belong to the Ph.D. Education Graduate Group. 

    The Dissertation Committee meets at least once annually with the student to review the student’s progress. The student prepares an Annual Dissertation Progress Report and the committee gives timely feedback (within one month) and confirms whether progress is satisfactory. A copy of the signed progress report is submitted to the Supervisor/Advisor and Graduate Group Chair and is documented by the school in the student’s academic record.

    One person is designated the chair. The chair of a Ph.D. dissertation committee must be both a member of the standing faculty and a member of the Graduate Group in Education. The dissertation committee chair becomes the official faculty advisor.  

    j. Approval Process for the Dissertation Committee

    To formalize the committee, submit a Penn Graduate Forms request for Milestone: Committee Formation (under Available Forms). At the same time, you may submit your Oral Proposal Scheduling request form, however you are not required to do so. The committee must be formally approved before your oral proposal hearing date. Without an approved committee, any hearing that takes place will not be counted as a completed milestone for the student.

    Allow at least three weeks for the request to be reviewed by the Director of Academic Affairs. To request a change in dissertation committee, students must update the Milestone: Committee Formation form and submit for review again. Changes to the committee must also be approved by the Director of Academic Affairs.

    k. Procedure for Oral Proposal of the Dissertation

    All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in-person, virtually via video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams), or in a hybrid format with some individuals participating remotely and some in-person. To schedule the oral proposal, the student must:

    • Already have submitted Dissertation Committee Approval Request (see Approval Process for a Dissertation Committee section above).

    • Decide with the committee members on a day, date, and time to hold the proposal.

    • Submit the Scheduling of Oral Proposal Hearing Form at least three weeks in advance of the date the hearing is to take place. The Student Records Office will assign a room for the proposal hearing and notify the student, the committee members, and the program manager. The notice will also be posted on the Penn GSE calendar, the second floor bulletin boards, and the building monitors.  If a hearing is virtual or hybrid, it will be up to the student and the program to ensure that a proper virtual hearing is set up and that all stakeholders have the information for the hearing. All members of the dissertation committee are required to attend the oral proposal hearing.

    • Having passed the oral proposal, the student will submit a Penn GSE Dissertation Hearing/Defense Ballot to collect committee members’ digital approval, which will notify SRO to update the transcript with the date the successful hearing was held.

    At the oral proposal hearing, the dissertation committee will review the proposal with the student and help refine the proposed dissertation project. The committee will vote on the proposal and indicate any revisions that might be required before the student may be allowed to proceed with the dissertation research. 

    Oral proposal hearings are not normally held during the summer. Candidates who wish to have the oral proposal hearing during the summer must secure the approval of all committee members. If approval is granted, the student will be required to register for courses or for dissertation supervision (EDUC 9950) and pay the Ed.D. tuition rate for the summer session in which the oral proposal hearing is held. Students must complete all remaining requirements for the degree within the time allotted for the Ph.D. degree. For an extension of time to complete the dissertation, please see above description of Ph.D degree time limits.

    GSE Standards for the Oral Proposal

    Your committee will determine whether you pass your oral proposal hearing. Your proposal must pass the following criteria: 

    1. The topic is stated clearly and relevant background literature reviewed and evaluated.

    2. The research question(s) are stated clearly.

    3. The contribution and importance of the research question(s) with respect to relevant literature, theory, policy, and/or practice are articulated in a convincing manner.

    4. The research plan and methods are appropriate and adequate to study the research question(s) posed and are explicitly described.

    l. Dissertation Research Abroad

    A student who will conduct dissertation research abroad for the semester registers for Dissertation Research Abroad status. Full Tuition is charged for students in years 1-4, and Reduced Tuition for students in years 5-10. Students who will be abroad for any part of the semester will be registered for Dissertation Status Abroad.  To ensure appropriate enrollment, students need to submit the form to request dissertation research abroad to the Student Records Office, and register your trip with Penn Global. 

    m. Extramural Research

    If graduate credit is sought for research work pursued at laboratories not officially a part of the University of Pennsylvania (for example, where the investigator is not a member of the graduate group), the student must obtain prior permission from the Graduate Group Chair. University Policies Regarding Intellectual Property apply in the case of research conducted in extramural settings.

    n. Dissertation Copyright and Patent Policies

    A dissertation submitted as part of the requirements for a degree is the property of the University. Any copyrights or patent rights arising therefrom shall be governed by the policies of the University of Pennsylvania, including the Patent and Tangible Research Property Policies and Procedures and the Policy Relating to Copyrights and Commitment of Effort for Faculty. Information about securing copyright for a dissertation and using copyrighted or previously published materials in a dissertation is available online.

    o. Research on Human Subjects

    After passing the oral proposal hearing and obtaining permission to start the dissertation project, students must obtain University approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) before they may conduct research on human subjects for their dissertation study. Since education research generally involves little or no risk to the participants, the University permits GSE students to apply for an expedited review by the IRB. Detailed information about these procedures is available from the Office of Research Services.

    p. Final Defense of the Dissertation

    The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation. To schedule the final defense oral examination, doctoral candidates must submit the completed the Final Defense Hearing Form and abstract at least three weeks in advance of the date of the final defense. The Student Records Office schedules the meeting room and formally notifies the dissertation committee that the meeting has been scheduled. The public is also welcome to attend these presentations.  A private discussion for certain periods of the defense may also be granted as per the decision of the dissertation committee.  All members of the dissertation committee are required to attend the dissertation defense.

    If a hearing is virtual or hybrid (when some committee members will be virtual), it will be up to the student and the program to ensure that a proper virtual hearing is set up and that all stakeholders have the information for the hearing.

    The oral proposal hearing and the final defense cannot be completed with the same term. The earliest that a final defense can be held is in the next consecutive term after the oral proposal hearing has been successfully completed.

    After agreeing to a successful defense by the candidate, the dissertation committee will recommend said candidate to the faculty of the Graduate Group in Education for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. After the final defense hearing, the student will submit a Penn GSE Dissertation Hearing/Defense ballot to collect their committee members’ digital approval. Once all committee members have submitted their approval, the Student Records Office will receive a final copy of the ballot and update the student’s record with the date the successful hearing was held.

    Final oral examinations are not normally held during the summer. Candidates who wish to have the final oral examination during the summer must secure the approval of all committee members and register for Dissertation Supervision (EDUC 9950) and pay the Ed.D. tuition rate for the summer session in which the final dissertation defense is held. 

    Procedure for Scheduling the Final Defense of the Dissertation

    To schedule the final defense, the student must:

    1. Mutually agree with the committee members on a day, date and time to hold the defense.

    2. Submit the Final Defense Notification form and the proposal abstract online at least three weeks in advance of the date the hearing is to take place. The Student Records Office will assign a room for the defense hearing and notify the student, the committee members, and the program manager. The notice will also be posted on the Penn GSE calendar, the second floor bulletin boards, and the building monitors.  If a hearing is virtual, it will be up to the student and the program to ensure that a proper virtual hearing is set up and that all stakeholders have the information for the hearing.

    3. Having passed the final defense, the student will submit a Penn GSE Dissertation Hearing/Defense Ballot to collect committee members’ digital approval and update the transcript with the date of the successful defense hearing.

    4. Tuition is waived the semester after students successfully pass the final defense to finish their revisions to their dissertation manuscript. This waiver is only for one semester and cannot be extended.

    Standards for the Dissertation:

    1. The topic is stated clearly and relevant background literature reviewed and evaluated.

    2. The research question(s) are stated clearly.

    3. The contribution and importance of the research question(s) with respect to relevant literature, theory, policy, and/or practice are articulated in a convincing manner.

    4. The research plan and methods are appropriate and adequate to study the research question(s) posed and are explicitly described.

    5. The research plan and methods are implemented effectively.

    6. The research produced trustworthy evidence that bears on the research question(s).

    7. The conclusions follow convincingly from the evidence and its interpretation.

    8. The dissertation manuscript is coherent, well structured, clearly written and is in accordance with the specifications of a standard style manual regarding grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.

    9. With appropriate revisions, the dissertation is of sufficient quality to be publishable in an academic or practice-oriented journal that is peer reviewed.

    Formatting the Dissertation:

    Dissertations must follow the format prescribed in the University of Pennsylvania Dissertation Formatting Guide. 

    q. Acceptance of the Dissertation

    Following a successful dissertation defense, the student will revise the dissertation as necessary, and submit it by email to the Director of Academic Affairs. The Director will review the dissertation for compliance with the PhD Dissertation Formatting Guide, and request revisions from the student if needed. Once the dissertation’s formatting is properly formatted, the Director will send the document to the Graduate Group Chair for review and final approval. The Director will inform the student when the Chair and Graduate Group’s approval is secured (or, alternately, if further formatting edits are required) at which point the student is authorized to deposit their dissertation with the Office of the Provost. Throughout this process, students should ensure their compliance with both the GSE Academic Calendar and the University’s Graduate Degree Calendar. Format review by the Director of Academic Affairs and Graduate Group Chair typically take three weeks. 

    Publication and Submission of the Dissertation

    All dissertations will be archived in the Penn Libraries and ScholarlyCommons.  For more details, please read about the repositories here.

    • Steps for Submission of Education Ph.D. Dissertations

    r. Tuition

    Ph.D. students will be charged full tuition until they have completed 4 years of full-time study. The time may be as brief as three years if a student enters with credits from a post-baccalaureate degree program or successfully completes the Ph.D. in less than 4 years. 

    If the student has not earned the Ph.D. degree by the end of the 4 years, the student will be charged reduced tuition until the degree is awarded, or for a maximum of 6 additional years. Continuous enrollment is required through year ten (or until graduation), with exception for approved leaves.

    After a maximum of 6 years at Reduced Tuition, the student ceases to be enrolled. (See above, Time Limit for Completion of the Ph.D. Degree.) Sitting for exams, holding hearings, or defending the dissertation during the summer will be subject to the Ed.D. tuition rate. 

    With permission and recertification from the graduate group (see section above, “Recertification”), a student may reenroll for a final year in order to defend and deposit the dissertation. Such a student must pay reduced rate tuition for a final two semesters, unless all requirements are completed within one semester.

    s. Leave of Absence

    Ph.D. students are allowed to request a leave of absence before completing the oral proposal hearing with approval from the program and the Office of Student Success for any reason.  After successful completion of the oral proposal hearing, Ph.D. candidates are not allowed to take a leave of absence except for approved medical, military, or family leave (see specifics below).  Ph.D. candidates must be continuously enrolled from the term of oral proposal completion until graduation.

    t. New Parent Accommodation & Family Leave of Absence

    A student in a Ph.D. program at Penn is eligible for time off of eight weeks for the birth or adoption of a child.  Please visit the full policy here.  

    Additionally, a student in the Ph.D. program at Penn may take an unpaid Family Leave of Absence for the birth or adoption of a child, child care, or care of an immediate family member (spouse, domestic partner, child, or parent) with a serious health condition. Please visit the full policy here.

    u. Certificate of Advanced Study

    Students who complete all requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy except the preliminary examination and the dissertation may apply to the Director of Graduate Academic Affairs to receive a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS). The CAS is a form of recognition for completing significant doctoral level study in an educational field. Students who elect to receive a CAS will not be eligible to re- enter a degree program and complete the doctorate at a later date. A CAS may be awarded to students matriculated in the Graduate School of Education who:

    • are in good standing;

    • have completed all requirements for an approved doctoral specialization of study except the preliminary examinations and the dissertation; and

    • are recommended by the faculty of the appropriate program.

    The certificate contains:

    • The name of the School and the University;

    • The name of the student;

    • The title of the field of specialization in which the advanced study was completed;

    • The signature of the Dean of the Graduate School of Education.

    v. Graduation

    The GSE academic calendar lists the deadlines for completing degree requirements in order to graduate in any academic term. All degree candidates must apply to graduate online by the deadline published on the GSE academic calendar. Ph.D. students must also apply on-line to graduate with Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. 

    GSE holds only one a commencement ceremony each year in May for students who will be receiving their degrees in that academic year’s fall, spring, and summer (e.g. For Academic Year 2024-2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 graduates are eligible to walk in the May 2025 GSE commencement ceremony). NOTE: You will not receive a diploma at the ceremony.  The diploma is mailed to you after confirmation of degree completion by the university registrar. Participation in the ceremony does not guarantee a degree; only completion of all degree requirements and a valid application for graduation will result in confirmation of degree completion.

    Please check GSE academic calendar for deadlines on the final defense and commencement RSVP.  Check the GAS Ph.D. academic calendar for deadlines to deposit the dissertation and applying for the degree. The Student Records Office asks for three weeks notice to schedule your defense.

    May graduates must:

    1. Submit the GSE graduation application by the deadline here.

    2. Apply for the degree through GAS (in addition to GSE) by the deadline here.

    3. Defend and submit your dissertation for GSE review by the GSE deadline.

    4. Deposit your dissertation with Graduate Arts and Sciences by the deadline.

    August graduates who participate in the May commencement ceremony:

    1. Should have an expected graduation date in August.

    2. Need to RSVP for the May commencement ceremony by the deadline.

    All graduates will have their diplomas mailed to them by the Office of the Secretary of the University approximately three months after they have completed their degree requirements.

    If you intend to graduate in August, these are the important dates to keep in mind:

    If you intend to graduate in August but do not want to pay an additional tuition fee, you will need to have your final defense completed by the end of the Spring term as per the GSE academic calendar.  If you defend your dissertation after this deadline, you will have to pay the the EdD dissertation rate for the summer term, because you have to pay tuition the semester you defend your dissertation.  Penn GSE will not pay this tuition fee during the summer, even if you are on a fellowship of any kind.  Consult with external fellowships for guidelines on summer tuition payment.  An August graduation means that you have deposited the dissertation per the GAS guidelines for the Summer term.  Please note that GSE must review a Ph.D. dissertation before it is deposited with GAS.  Both GSE and GAS deadlines must be met to graduate in August.

     

     

    Contact the Penn GSE Office of Student Success

    Office of Student Success

    gse-oss@gse.upenn.edu
    (215) 898-7659

    Ronika Money Adams

    Director of Student Success
    ronikam@upenn.edu 
    (215) 573-8834

    Jessica Johns

    Case Manager and Associate Director of Student Success
    jljohns@upenn.edu
    (215) 573-2872

    Rachel Dozier

    Assistant Director of Student Success
    rdozier@upenn.edu
    (215) 898-6456

     

     

    Office of Academic Affairs

    Christian Kubik Cedeño

    Director of Academic Affairs
    cdkubik@upenn.edu
    (215) 898-1501