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Doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a highly individualized doctoral program with nationally-recognized faculty researching the issues shaping higher education. .
Penn GSE's Higher Education Ph.D. program is pioneering research on the most pressing questions in higher education: college access and affordability; race, gender, and inclusion policies on campus; international education; and university governance. Our graduates are prepared to contribute to the field through positions in academia, government, or nonprofit institutions.
What Sets Us Apart
About the program.
The Ph.D. in Higher Education prepares students for an academic career in the field of higher education. Through coursework and a research assistantship with their advisor, students develop the skills they need to conduct quality primary research in higher education.
Fall: 3-4 courses; Spring: 3-4 courses
Transfer courses accepted Up to 8 with faculty approval
Culminating experience Dissertation
The Higher Education Ph.D. program is highly individualized, and students work closely with their academic advisor to draw from courses from the division and from other areas on campus that relate to their area of inquiry. Students develop the skills they need to conduct quality primary research in higher education, including understanding research design; program evaluation; and the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data.
The Ph.D. program in Higher Education is highly individualized. At least 12 course units of graduate work must be taken at the University of Pennsylvania. The program requires students to complete two methods courses, and Ph.D. students develop a planned program of study in consultation with their academic advisor.
For more information on courses and requirements, visit the Higher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .
Our Faculty
Higher Education faculty are leading the conversation about how to expand college access, equity, and affordability. These experts are routinely sought by university presidents, foundation leaders, journalists, and policymakers seeking to understand the changing landscape of higher education. Please contact our program for information on selecting a faculty advisor.
Affiliated Faculty
Peter Garland Executive Vice Chancellor, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Ph.D., Penn State University
Anita Mastroieni Executive Director for Graduate Education and Initiatives Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
Jason A. Presley Vice Dean, Finance and Administration, Penn GSE Ph.D., New York University
Frank Roth General Counsel & Secretary, Board of Trustees, Lehigh University
Sean Vereen President, Steppingstone Scholars, Inc. Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania
"Everyone at Penn GSE is there for your success."
Demetri Morgan
Our graduates, alumni careers.
- Assistant Professor, Loyola University of Chicago
- Assistant Professor, Seattle University
- Assistant Professor, The University of Michigan School of Education
- Assistant Provost for Administration, Bryn Mawr College
- Associate Dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education
- Senior Program Officer, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Senior Policy Advisor, United States Department of Education
Admissions & Financial Aid
Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.
Contact us if you have any questions about the program.
Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]
Ross Aikins Adjunct Associate Professor, Program Manager (215) 898-8398 [email protected]
Noel Lipki Program Assistant (215) 746-2923 [email protected]
Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.
All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
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Institute for Research on Higher Education
The Institute for Research on Higher Education (IRHE) is a university-wide research institute that conducts research relevant to policymakers and educational practitioners.
Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy (Penn AHEAD)
The Alliance for Higher Education and Democracy (Penn AHEAD) is dedicated to fostering open, equitable, and democratic societies through higher education.
You May Be Interested In
Related programs.
- Education Policy Ph.D.
- Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management Ed.D.
- Higher Education Ed.D.
- Higher Education M.S.Ed.
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A highly individualized doctoral program with nationally-recognized faculty and research on the most pressing questions in higher education. Learn about the curriculum, faculty, requirements, and career outcomes of this program that offers full funding for up to 4 years.