UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€71k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 4 YearsFully Funded (Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship)
- 12Course Units
- On CampusModality
- Fall EntryIntake Term
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research MethodologiesResearch Focus
- Equity and Social JusticeProgram Emphasis
The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (TLTE) at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education (GSE) is designed for aspiring researchers and academics who wish to advance the field of education through rigorous inquiry. The program integrates coursework, research apprenticeships, and professional academic activities to provide a comprehensive doctoral experience. Students delve into theoretical problems and practice-based issues within schools and community settings, examining them through sociological, cultural, philosophical, psychological, and historical lenses. With an interdisciplinary approach, faculty and students collaboratively explore critical issues of equity, social justice, and educational transformation in diverse formal and informal learning environments. Field-based research and partnerships with practitioners are fundamental to the program. A key component is the Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC), which guides students through the development, execution, and dissemination of original research. This course fosters a collaborative environment where students contribute to scheduling, discussions, and the overall agenda, reflecting the group's needs. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue faculty and research positions in higher education, contributing to the advancement of educational scholarship and practice.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. program is structured around 12 course units. Students typically enroll in three course units per semester during their first two years, participating in courses, practicum activities, and other academic experiences while in residence.
- Year 1
- Course Units in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
- Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)
- Year 2
- Course Units in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education
- Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)
- Years 3-4
- Dissertation Research
- Continued Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)
Careers
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program are prepared for research and academic careers in higher education and related fields.
- Professor in Education
- Researcher
- Academic Administrator
- Specialist in educational settings
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program funded?
- Yes, the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education is fully funded. This funding typically covers tuition, fees, and includes a stipend through a Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship.
- What are the typical career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for academic and research careers, often becoming Professors in Education, Researchers, Academic Administrators, or Specialists in educational settings.
- How long does the Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
- The program is designed for four years of study, including coursework, dissertation research, and a continued Research Apprenticeship Course.
- What are the core components of the curriculum?
- The program includes 12 course units, focusing on Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, along with a mandatory Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC) in the first two years and dissertation research in the final two years.
- How do I apply to the Ph.D. program?
- You must submit an application directly to the program through the Penn GSE website, preparing documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume by the specified deadline.
- What are the academic entry requirements?
- A Bachelor's or Master's Degree is required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Specific program requirements should be reviewed on the Penn GSE admissions website.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's or Master's DegreeRequired for admission to the Ph.D. program.
Specific program requirements beyond a graduate degree are not detailed. Prospective students are encouraged to review the application requirements and deadlines on the Penn GSE admissions website.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition for the I-MPA program (listed as an example for graduate tuition) is approximately $41,652 per term (Fall and Spring), totaling $83,304 annually. This rate is subject to change and is based on the registration of required course units.
Tuition (home)—
Living—
The provided tuition figures are for the I-MPA program and are estimates for the Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 academic year. The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education is fully funded, including a Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship, which typically covers tuition, fees, and provides a stipend. International students should verify specific funding details and any potential costs not covered by the fellowship.
How to apply
1. Visit the Penn GSE Admissions WebsiteNavigate to the Penn GSE website and find the specific page for the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program. Look for links related to 'Application Requirements and Deadlines'.
2. Check Program-Specific RequirementsReview the detailed academic and application requirements for the Ph.D. program. This includes any prerequisites, standardized test score expectations (though not explicitly stated for this program), and required application materials.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application by the specified deadline for the intended intake term (Fall).
5. Contact Admissions for InquiriesFor any questions regarding the application process, specific program requirements, or financial aid, contact the Penn GSE Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Scholarships
Dean's Fellowship and Research ApprenticeshipCovers tuition, fees, and provides a stipend.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program funded?
+
Yes, the Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education is fully funded. This funding typically covers tuition, fees, and includes a stipend through a Dean's Fellowship and Research Apprenticeship.
What are the typical career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for academic and research careers, often becoming Professors in Education, Researchers, Academic Administrators, or Specialists in educational settings.
How long does the Ph.D. program typically take to complete?
+
The program is designed for four years of study, including coursework, dissertation research, and a continued Research Apprenticeship Course.
What are the core components of the curriculum?
+
The program includes 12 course units, focusing on Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, along with a mandatory Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC) in the first two years and dissertation research in the final two years.
How do I apply to the Ph.D. program?
+
You must submit an application directly to the program through the Penn GSE website, preparing documents such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV/resume by the specified deadline.
What are the academic entry requirements?
+
A Bachelor's or Master's Degree is required for admission to the Ph.D. program. Specific program requirements should be reviewed on the Penn GSE admissions website.