upenn philosophy phd application

Skip to Content
Catalog Home
Institution Home
Graduate Catalog /
School of Arts & Sciences /

Philosophy, PhD

The Penn Philosophy Department has a long and distinguished history. Philosophy has been taught at the University since 1755, and Penn was among the first universities in the country to offer the PhD degree in Philosophy, in 1882. The Department has always prized breadth, and its members are prepared to supervise advanced research in metaphysics and epistemology, philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, logic, philosophy of language, ethics, social and political philosophy, philosophy of law, and the history of philosophy.

The Ph.D. program includes course work, a teaching requirement, a preliminary examination, and the preparation and defense of a dissertation. Required coursework includes two courses in contemporary epistemology and metaphysics (including philosophy of science, mind, language, and mathematics); two courses in value theory (ethics, political or legal philosophy, aesthetics); three courses in history of philosophy, and a logic requirement.

For more information: http://philosophy.sas.upenn.edu/graduate

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The total course units required for graduation is 20.

Must include one course in ancient and one course in early modern through Kant.

One course unit must be a regularly offered Philosophy course.

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Print Options

Print this page.

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

A PDF of the entire 2024-25 catalog.

A PDF of the 2024-25 Undergraduate catalog.

A PDF of the 2024-25 Graduate catalog.

Guide to Applying for Graduate School

The process of preparing for and applying to a PhD program can be overwhelming. The University of Pennsylvania has created this webpage to help prospective PhD students think through the process so you can put together a strong application.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree one may obtain within a particular field of study. This ranges from studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields; Social Science fields such as Education, Economics, Political Science, and Sociology; as well as Humanities fields such as English, History, Music, Philosophy, and more. The PhD degree aims to prepare people to think critically, develop research, and produce scholarship that may be used for further research or implementation . The PhD historically prepared students to take on faculty roles in colleges and universities, and that is still the goal for many students pursuing the PhD. However, today the PhD is a sought-after degree in many other industries including pharmaceutical research, arts organizations and other nonprofits, publishing, government policy, big tech, finance, and more.

Who can apply to a PhD program? PhD education is available to people from various educational, occupational, socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds.
Who should get a PhD? People interested in uncovering new ideas, solutions, or processes within a specific area of study through conducting independent research.
Why is it important for diverse candidates to become PhD holders? Our world thrives on heterogeneous ideas and experiences, which is why it is indispensable to include students with diverse perspectives in our PhD programs. These students will generate important and original research.

Most PhD programs are fully funded, meaning that for a specific number of years, the program will pay for your tuition and fees and health insurance, as well as provide you with a stipend for living expenses . The structure of this funding varies by field. Below is an outline of general funding information as well as trends according to field of study.

Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships: Part-time service that provides teaching and research training opportunities within your area of study.
Funding packages provided through faculty research grants: Many STEM fields fund students through research grants awarded to faculty. In these cases, students perform research alongside the faculty.
Fellowships: Internal or external merit-based funding. Some fellowships require an application while others are given via nomination. Educational institutions typically have a resource listing fellowship opportunities. Winning a competitive fellowship looks good on your resume.
Grants: Requires an application with supporting materials of either your grades, scholarly work, and/or anticipated research. These are available through internal and external means. Grants greatly vary so be sure to always understand the requirements. Educational institutions typically have a resource listing grant opportunities. Winning a competitive grant looks good on your resume.
Employment: For example, serving as a residential advisor, on-campus jobs, etc. Some PhD programs restrict additional employment, so be sure to check before applying for jobs.
The funding opportunities described here often can be combined.

Choosing a school or program that provides the most potential funding may be a challenging decision. The value of the same amount of funding will differ depending on the cost of living in different geographic locations. Admitted applicants should investigate cost-of-living tools (available on the web) and be sure to understand how their funding will be structured. Ask questions when you are admitted, such as:

Could you share more about your program’s funding mechanism?
For how long is funding guaranteed? How does that compare to the average time-to-completion? Historically, what percentage of students have received funding beyond the guaranteed funding package?
Does funding cover tuition, fees, books, health insurance?
Does the funding rely on teaching, research, or other service? How much and for how long?

Choosing a program for your studies is a personal decision that should reflect not only your research interests, but your work style, and interests outside of the classroom. Here we have identified five key tips to consider when selecting schools.

Ask about which programs are strong in your area of interest, which have high completion rates, and which have career outcomes that align with your goals.
Explore the websites of the professional academic associations in the field(s) that interest you. Many will have a directory of doctoral programs and other resources for graduate students. For example, see the American Economic Association’s list of graduate programs and their preparing for graduate school page .
Conduct a general internet search with terms related to your research interest.
Determine your geographic and personal preferences. Does the area meet your community needs? Is it important that the university aligns with your sociopolitical values? Do you prefer a large city or a smaller/college town? Is there a particular region(s) that has better access to resources needed to conduct your research?
Access your current or former university career center. These services are often still available for former students!
As you narrow your choices, try to identify at least 3 faculty in the programs of interest with whom you’d like to study. Also note how many of them have tenure. If relevant, research which of those faculty are taking on advisees in your year of matriculation.
Read articles from faculty with similar research interests.
Note the number of awards, publications, and service activities of faculty.
Identify research opportunities funded by both your program and university at large.
Connect with current and former students in the program for informational interviews.
Connect with campus Diversity Offices.
Whenever possible, before submitting your applications, make an appointment to visit the campuses and department(s) that interest you.
Use LinkedIn to see what graduates of your program are doing and how they are involved in their communities.
Estimate your feasible cost of living by geographic location and compare to the funding package offered.
Consider availability of health insurance, childcare, housing, transportation, and other fringe benefits.
Connect with a local bank or your prospective university’s financial services office for budgeting, savings, and other financial wellness advice.
Research the career outcomes for PhD graduates from the institutions that interest you in your specific field.
Your First Year in a Ph.D. Program
What Does Academic Success Mean and How to Achieve it? (STEM)
Pathways to Science (STEM)
7 Advantages PhDs Have Over Other Job Candidates (Industry)
During your undergraduate/master’s education, you should pursue coursework and/or research that will prepare you for the higher expectations of a PhD program; for example, taking a research methods course, pursuing a summer research experience, or conducting research with a professor at your home institution.
Identify instructors who could write a letter of recommendation. Share with those instructors your interest in doctoral studies; faculty can be excellent resources for advice as well as recommendations!
Experiences outside of higher education can also strengthen your PhD application. These may range from project management to volunteer work.
Develop soft or hard skills. A soft skill that is most useful from the first day of your PhD program is networking. This is necessary not only for meeting other students but also to find collaborators with similar research interests and selecting faculty for your dissertation committee. Learning how to negotiate will also serve you well when approaching collaborative projects. Hard skills related to your field might include learning statistical analysis software, economic theory, a foreign language, or search engine optimization. In short, identify a few soft and hard skills that you can familiarize yourself with prior to your program’s start date.
Finally, prepare by identifying leading researchers and practitioners in your field , exploring peer-reviewed literature and/or publications, and gain familiarity with research methods.
Typically, PhD applications are due 10-12 months in advance of the program’s start date (i.e. apply in November to start the following September). A good rule of thumb is to begin your application process 6 months before the deadline.
The availability of reduced application fees or fee waivers varies and sometimes depends on financial status and/or experiences (AmeriCorps, National Society of Black Engineers, attending certain conferences, etc.). If you are interested in a reduced fee or waiver, reach out to the program coordinator for details.
Be sure to address all the specific questions/topics in the statement prompt.
Clearly state why you want to pursue a PhD.
Propose your research interest.
Identify the faculty you’d like to study under.
Discuss the unique qualities/experiences you offer to the program/school.
Outline what you hope to do with your degree.
Ask for recommendation letters early in the process, at least 2-4 weeks before the deadline. A good letter takes time to write!
Provide recommenders with your resume, information about the program, your statement of purpose and/or information about your research interests and research goals.
Consider your current/former instructors, supervisors, colleagues. These should be people who can speak to your work ethic, academic abilities, and research interests.
Test scores (i.e. TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.) may or may not be required.
All transcripts including those for coursework completed abroad and transfer credits. Some programs require official transcripts, which take longer to procure.
Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Writing sample (field dependent): Include a graduate-level sample and update any statements, statistics, etc. as needed. It is highly encouraged that you edit your previous work.
Diversity statement: Many institutions offer an optional short statement where students can expand on their diverse backgrounds and experiences that may contribute to the diversity interests/efforts of the school.
Dress professionally, even if the interview is virtual. You don’t necessarily need to wear a suit but dress pants/skirt and a blouse/button down shirt would be appropriate.
Develop an engaging elevator pitch, a 30-60 second summary of your research interests and what you hope to gain by becoming a student at that particular university. Practice your pitch with a career counselor, faculty advisor, or friends, and ask for honest feedback.
Prepare 2-3 questions to ask during the interview. These could include questions about program expectations, the experience and success of their PhD students, and (academic/financial/mental health) support for PhD students.
Some interview programs will include multiple activities including a social event. Be sure to maintain a professional attitude: do not drink too much and keep conversation on academic/professional topics.
This is also your opportunity to decide whether this campus is a good fit for you.
Academia Insider is a good resource.

Unlike undergraduate and master’s level education, coursework is just one component of the degree. A PhD comes with additional expectations: you must independently conduct scholarly research in your field of study, train in specific activities such as teaching or lab/field research, pass “milestone” requirements along the way, such as comprehensive exams, and complete the process by writing a dissertation. Furthermore, some fields require you to write multiple articles (number varies by field/program) for conference presentation and/or peer-reviewed publication.

There are other important elements as well:

Student/Advisor relationship. This is one of the most valuable relationships you can have as a PhD student. Your faculty advisor not only assists you with learning how to approach your research topic, but also typically serves as the lead supervisor of your dissertation research and writing, and ideally mentors you throughout the PhD experience. The selection process of choosing your advisor varies so be sure to know what is expected of you as a student and what is expected of the faculty member. Whenever possible, it is important to align your personality and work style with that of your faculty advisor. Many universities publish expectations for the PhD student/faculty advisor relationship; AMP’ed is Penn’s guide.
Other relationships: Your faculty advisor is far from the only important person during your PhD career. Other faculty members will also serve on your dissertation committee and be potential mentors. Students in your program can also provide good advice and guidance along the way.
Coursework: Most programs have a number of required courses all students must take regardless of research interests. Once you have finished this requirement, the classes you choose should closely align with your research topic. Choose courses that will help you learn more about your dissertation topic and research methods. It is a good idea to discuss elective course selection with your advisor.
The dissertation is a large-scale, written document that explores a narrow research topic of your choice. It is the final step before receiving your degree and must be presented and “defended” to your dissertation committee (made up of faculty members) for approval. Defending means that you have to answer in-depth questions about your topic. While this might sound daunting, the dissertation is simply a demonstration of all the knowledge and expertise you have acquired through your PhD education.
Networking comes in many forms and includes connections with your fellow classmates, faculty members, and scholarly community. Formal networking events typically take place at academic conferences, where scholars and students present research. Increasing your academic circle will not only allow you to have study buddies, but offer you the opportunity to collaborate on articles or even gain employment. Your school’s career center can provide best practices for effective networking.

Explore graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania and click on the programs that interest you to learn more about admissions and academic requirements.

Upcoming Penn information sessions and recruitment events include:

Fontaine Fellows Recruitment Dinner (by invitation only): every March
Summer Virtual Series for undergraduates thinking about graduate school: June-July, 2024
DEEPenn STEM (Diversity Equity Engagement at Penn in STEM): October 11-13, 2024. Application deadline is May 24, 2024.
DivE In Weekend (Diversity & Equity Initiative for Mind Research): October 18-20, 2024. Application due May 30, 2024.
IDDEAS@Wharton (Introduction to Diversity in Doctoral Education and Scholarship): April 2025. Application opens in November 2024.

National conferences to explore:

The Leadership Alliance supports students into research careers
McNair Scholar Conferences
SACNAS , the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the U.S.
ABRCMS , the annual biomedical research conference for minoritized scientists
The PhD Project for students interested in business PhD programs

University of Pennsylvania
School of Arts and Sciences
Penn Calendar

University of Pennsylvania Philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

Fee Waivers How do I apply for a fee waiver? Applicants requesting a fee waiver can send their inquiries, with proof of financial need to [email protected] . If you are a McNair Scholar, please mention that in your email and you will be granted the fee waiver. I submitted a fee waiver, but I have not heard back. What should I do? Fee waivers are processed through Graduate Division. They process hundreds of fee waiver requests each year, so requesting a waiver as early as possible is your best chance of receiving an application waiver. If you have questions about the status of your fee waiver, please contact the Graduate Divison directly at [email protected] Does the department have fee waivers for international students? The University of Pennsylvania as an institution does not provide fee waivers for international students, including the Philosophy department. Application & Admissions How do I apply? The application for admission to the Master’s and Doctoral program opens on October 1st and closes on December 15th at 11:59 pm P.S.T . You can apply HERE Do I need a Master's Degree to be eligible? No! Approximately half of our admitted student's have not obtained a Master's Degree before matriculating into the Ph.D. program Does my undergraduate degree have to be in Philosophy? No, the department welcomes students with a broad area of interest. Recently, the department has admitted students with Bachelors degrees in computer science, journalism, biology, and psychology, however, applicants without a background in philosophy must demonstrate a strong foundation in philosophy and have a clear understanding of why they are applying to a doctoral program in philosophy. I submitted the wrong document to my application! Can I switch them out? Please contact the graduate coordinator for assistance. I haven't heard back about my application. Who should I talk to? The Penn Philosophy doctoral program receives between 150 - 250 applications each year. The admissions committee reviews the applications throughout the month of January and February. Applicants should not expect to hear until late February or early March. Please do not contact the department for updates on your application. When should I expect to hear back about my application? Applicants should not expect to hear until late February or early March. My letters of recommendation were not submitted by the Dec 1st deadline! Will my application be discarded? Letters of recommendation do not have to be submitted by the Dec 1st deadline, as long as your application was submitted in time. Recommenders have until December 31st to submit their letters. Applications start to be reviewed in early January so please encourage your letter writers to submit by the December 31st deadline. Standardized Testing Scores Are GRE scores required? GRE scores are not required by the philosophy department for admission in the doctoral program and will not be considered if they are sent. Is there a minimum score that I need to score on the TOEFL / IELTS to be considered? The department considers applicants using a holistic approach. For that reason, there are no minimum requirements but competitive applicants typically have either (1) a composite score of 100 or above on the TOEFL or (2) an overall band score of 7 or above on the IELTS. All applicants must demonstrate consistent competence in all four sections of the exams (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). What is the institutional code to submit my TOEFL / IELTS scores? The institution code for electronically submitting scores to GAS is 2926. I'm an international candidate that graduated from a school or university that primarily used the English language. Do I still need a TOEFL/ IELTS? If you have completed a degree in higher education from an institution in which the medium language of instruction is English, we are able to waive the TOEFL/ IELTS requirement. To request the testing scores be waived:

Uploaded your unofficial transcripts to the graduate application
Complete and submit the graduate application
Send the graduate coordinator an email requesting the English Language Test requirement be waived

General Inquiries Please note, the best way to contact the department about questions is by email. To be fair to all applicants who have submitted information requests, phone calls will not be answered or returned. Emails will be answered in the order they are received. During peak admissions season, it may take up to a week for faculty or staff to respond to email . Please be patient while we work to assist everyone with their admissions needs.

If you have questions about your application or submitting materials for consideration, please contact the Graduate Coordinator .
If you have questions about the department, curriculum, or structure of the program, please contact the Graduate Chair .

News & Events
Faculty & Staff

A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education . From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

Our goal is to develop scholars of the discipline of nursing capable of building a program of research that advances nursing knowledge and contributes to the health of individuals, families, and communities.

About the Program

The penn advantage.

Home to some of the most forward-thinking scholars and researchers in the world, Penn offers the opportunity to work alongside faculty who are actively shaping the future of nursing science and healthcare. Our networks and longstanding clinical and community partnerships throughout greater Philadelphia and beyond provide uncommon access to research and practice resources.

Program Information

Program Length

Financial aid available?

Start Semester

Learning Format

Program Details

The program consists of seven core courses, two statistics sequence courses, and five concentration courses; each course is worth one course unit, or CU. Students will take three to four courses each fall and spring semester. Most students complete their coursework within three to four years and then will be on dissertation status until the final dissertation defense.

Click the link below to view the curriculum and sample plan of study for this program on the University catalog.

View the curriculum

Requirements

Minimum qualifications for the program.

BSN and MSN or Master’s degree in the field of Nursing.

Application Deadlines

Fall 2025 enrollment.

Deadline: December 2, 2024 Decision Notification: mid-February

*Dates subject to change without notice.

Costs & Tuition

We are committed to assisting all full-time PhD students for four years of tuition, fees, living stipend, and health insurance. You may be funded internally or externally, depending on the options available. The doctoral program leadership will determine which funding is most appropriate for all incoming students. Students who choose part-time enrollment are responsible for paying for their own tuition, fees, and health insurance. Learn more about financial aid for PhD students .

The charts below outline costs based on the school year. For full-time doctoral students, after the first five years the reduced rate is charged until the Doctorate degree is awarded, or for a maximum of five additional years.

Full-Time: Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

Part-time per cu: fall 2023 & spring 2024, doctoral reduced rate: fall 2023 & spring 2024, program outcomes.

Our doctoral graduates go on to take coveted leadership roles in academia, healthcare, government, and related fields, and are integral to the growth of our profession.

Program Activities

Future-proofing healthcare.

How Penn Nursing’s PhD program is the key to unlocking innovative and equity-focused care and policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a phd and a dnp.

Prepares nurse scientists to conduct research, develop the scholarship needed to advance the body of nursing knowledge, guide the practice of nursing, assume leadership in nursing and health care organizations, and participate in the development of social and health policy
Methods and theories used to guide research
Grant writing skills
Technology used in research
Statistical & other analytical methods
Research traditions & methodologies
Faculty role development
Cognate areas of interest to guide research
Clinical Requirements – No
Research Requirements - Faculty guided research residency hours working on an established research project(s) to hone selected research skills
Final Product - Original research project that makes a significant contribution to the science of nursing
Academic faculty position which includes research, education, and service roles
Research Scientist for healthcare organizations, industry or government agencies
Principal Investigator on extramural research grants
Leadership positions in health organizations, industry and government agencies
Government advisor on health policy
Purpose - Prepares expert clinical scholars to perform direct clinical practice, translate, disseminate and integrate evidence-based research into clinical practice and improve quality of health outcomes for individuals, populations and systems.
Advanced clinical practice
Clinical scholarship skills
Technology used in practice
Analysis of clinical outcomes
Evidence-based practice
Leadership role development
Rural and underserved populations
Clinical Requirements - No
Research Requirements – No
Final Product – Project based
APRN in a variety of healthcare settings
Academic faculty position which includes practice, education, and service roles
Leadership positions in health care organizations, industry, government agencies
Evidence-based Practice Coordinator
Outcomes Manager
Magnet Coordinator
Quality Improvement Director

How many are accepted to the PhD program at Penn Nursing?

Approximately 6-12 applicants are accepted each year.

How can I get more information on the research faculty are doing for my application?

Please find our faculty’s research interests here .

Can I reach out to faculty for more information?

Yes, you are encouraged to reach out to faculty who align with your research interests and may be a good mentor during your PhD program. The PhD application is about looking at faculty’s research interests and how they align with yours. In your application, you should highlight these connections.

Is there a clinical component?

Is there an admissions interview.

Competitive applicants will be invited to interview.

When does the PhD program start?

The PhD program starts in the fall semester, and it typically takes 3-5 years to complete the program.

If I am an international applicant with an international RN license, can I still apply to the PhD program?

Yes, you may apply to the PhD program with an international RN license. The license must be valid at time of application.

Penn Nursing is leading to healthier, more equitable future.

Ready to take the next step?

See yourself here.

Congratulations, #PennNursing Class of 2023! Your dedication, compassion, and resilience have paid off.

PHD IN SOCIAL WELFARE

Bring your intellect, curiosity, and creativity to tackling complex social challenges.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD) Program will transform you into a scholar well-equipped to identify and solve social problems – both close to home and around the world. Grounded in innovation and academic rigor, the SP2 PhD allows you to explore diverse perspectives and approaches to social work, social welfare research, social policy, social theory, and social justice.

Request Info

Learn more about the PhD program and the SP2 experience.

Ready to experience SP2? Learn more about the application process.

Join us for an upcoming in-person or virtual event.

An Invitation from the Co-Directors

“Social welfare” is a complex term. Its basic definition is deceptively simple—the collective welfare or wellbeing of a given society. But what constitutes that wellbeing and how it can and should be achieved, who belongs in that society and can and should form and formulate the “social,” are abiding questions that have been posed, debated, and contested for as long as collective human settlements have been in existence. World-shaping works of art, science, and philosophy have been crafted to answer these questions. Disagreements on those answers are at the heart of the social, cultural, and political tumult in which the U.S. is embroiled. Social welfare is, in other words, a weighty, vital, and pressing field of study.

The social welfare field draws from all social science disciplines and the discourses of multiple professions including social work. Whatever the domain of interest—health, poverty, education, incarceration, climate change, racism, migration, philanthropy, homelessness, history, and whether it is framed as a theoretical, methodological, issue-focused, or population-based inquiry—what we seek is students interested in not only finding the answers but in critically interrogating the questions themselves. Given the school’s commitment to advancing social justice in all of its programs, the courses of study students engage in should, no matter the specific domain, actively attend to issues of power, inequality, and disparity.

We believe that the vitality of the social welfare field is maintained by the passion for social justice brought by those who enter it. SP2’s rigorous yet flexible curriculum aims to provide the training necessary to forge the students’ passion into disciplined scholarship. To encourage each student to develop unique work and an individual scholarly voice, the program is intentionally interdisciplinary, designed to expose students to an array of approaches to social welfare offered by the world-class faculty of the school and the university.

The PhD in Social Welfare prepares students for careers as outstanding researchers and scholars committed to critically and rigorously analyzing social problems to propose effective, research-based solutions, to offer new theories and methods for approaching research and scholarship, and to formulate new paradigms for social welfare. We welcome your questions about the program and the school. We invite you to join us in this endeavor.

Yoosun Park, MSW, PhD Co-Director, PhD in Social Welfare Program

Tamara J. Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH Co-Director, PhD in Social Welfare Program

“ Whatever the domain of interest—health, poverty, education, incarceration, climate change, racism, migration, philanthropy, homelessness, history, and whether it is framed as a theoretical, methodological, issue-focused, or population-based inquiry—what we seek is students interested in not only finding the answers but in critically interrogating the questions themselves.”

The SP2 Difference

A highly selective program for students with a proven record of academic excellence and strong potential to contribute to their field

Instruction and mentoring from world-class faculty researchers and practitioners in multiple disciplines

Four years of support in the form of tuition, fees, individual health insurance, and stipend

INVISIBLE – leave blank

Access to Penn’s vast institutional resources

A diverse global alumni network in academia and industry, government, nonprofits, think tanks, and research institutes

Female standing in front of chalkboard holding a piece of paper up and talking

World-Class Faculty

The PhD program faculty are here to help you shape your specific area of expertise, drawing on their own decades of scholarship, teaching, and experience in areas including mental health , queer studies , sex work, homelessness , incarceration, gerontology , foster youth , and more .

Coursework provides students with core knowledge and skills as well as the opportunity to develop a specific expertise area. Papers and projects in core courses, combined with strategically selected electives, ensure a broad understanding of the field as well as deep study in the theoretical and empirical aspects of a specific area.

Students work with their academic advisors to develop an individualized plan for five electives. Graduate-level electives can be taken in any Penn department. At least one of these electives must be an advanced methods course, such as advanced statistical methods or qualitative research methodology.

Courses may be offered in varying order and year of program. Students are notified of such arrangements well in advance.

*Subject to change.

Fall Semester

SOCW 8110: Social Theory
SOCW 8520: Social Welfare Research Methods
SOCW 9010: Proseminar
SOCW 6300: Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics

Spring Semester

SOCW 8030: Advanced History and Philosophy of Social Welfare
SOCW 8550: Advanced Social Welfare Research Methods
SOCW 8970: Applied Linear Modeling

Second Year

SOCW 6680: Economics for Social Policy
SOCW 8610: Advanced Policy Analysis Research Methods or elective
Theory Course or Elective
Advanced Methods Course or Elective
Theory course or elective
Advanced methods course or elective

Third & Fourth Years

Fall & Spring Semesters

Dissertation research & writing

Your Experience

You’ll devote 15 hours per week to a research assistantship during your first year and 20 hours per week during your second through fourth years. You typically begin by working with your first-year advisor to identify research experiences that align with your skills and interests. To develop a broad range of methodological skills, we encourage students to work on multiple faculty projects as well as their own research.

Each student is assigned a doctoral advisor upon entering the program. At the end of their first year, students are encouraged to assess the arrangement and decide whether to continue with that faculty member or to choose another advisor from among the Graduate Group faculty. The advisor helps the student prepare an individual educational plan, choose courses, form a dissertation committee, and become familiar with SP2 and Penn’s wide array of educational resources. Students are responsible for initiating meetings with their advisors at regular intervals.

Please see University guidelines for best practices around academic advising and building strong mentor relationships.

After completing all required coursework, typically at the end of the second year, students must take the Preliminary Exam.

After completing the required coursework and passing the Preliminary Exam, students defend their dissertation proposal. Upon a successful defense, students become PhD candidates.

A dissertation defense serves as the program’s final examination. Passing this defense completes all degree requirements.

Recent Awards & Honors

Federal research awards.

Shana Merrill

American Board of Genetic Counseling, up to $50,000

Alexandra Schepens

Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31), National Institutes of Health, 9/1/2014 – 8/31/2017, $105,409
Yoga Intervention for Substance Use and ART Adherence in Community Reentry.

National Research Honors

Michael L. Shier, PhD’15

Received the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS) for the Doctoral Dissertation Award for 2015-2016. Each year NAGS recognizes an outstanding dissertation that has been produced by a PhD candidate at one of its member institutions. The $1,000 award is presented at the annual meeting.

Staci Perlman, MSW’01, PhD’10

Selected by the American Psychological Association Section on Child Maltreatment to receive the Early Career Award in the Field of Child Maltreatment. This award recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field within eight years of receiving a terminal degree and who have demonstrated the potential to continue such contributions. One award is made each year to a practitioner or researcher whose work has demonstrated an influence on the field of child maltreatment.

Sara Wiesel-Cullen, PhD ‘11

Awarded honorable mention for the best dissertation from the Society for Social Work Research. Her dissertation chair was Professor Phyllis Solomon. Washington, DC: January 2012.

Joanna Bisgaier, PhD ’11

Received the 2012 Student Research Award for Social Work Research from GADE (Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education). Shown are Jill Duerr Berrick, awards committee chair; Joanna Bisgaier; Karin Rhodes, Joanna’s dissertation chair; and Kia Bentley, Chair Elect of GADE. Washington, DC: January 2012.

The Hal Levin Award

Presented to a meritorious doctoral student who is continuing the process of completing coursework. All students enrolled in classes at the time of award nominations and who have passed their preliminary exams are eligible to be nominated. The recipient is chosen by nomination and voting of the SP2 faculty. Dr. Herman (Hal) Levin was a professor in the School of Social Work.

Recent Recipients

2022-2023: Samaita Jana and Codi Smith
2021-2022: John Gyourko
2020-2021: Jessica Cho Kim
2019-2020: Michelle Mullen
2018-2019: Viviana Chiu-Sik Wu
2017-2018: Allison Russell

Penn Healthcare Innovation Challenge

Meagan Cusack, 2020

Frank R. Bruel Memorial Prize

Social Service Review recently announced that the 2022 Frank R. Bruel Memorial Prize has been awarded to Aaron Gottlieb and SP2 graduate Kalen Flynn MSW ’09, PhD ’18. The prize honors their article, “The Legacy of Slavery and Mass Incarceration: Evidence from Felony Case Outcomes.”

Presidential PhD Fellows

Sandhya Jha
Sharon Zanti
Jessica Kim
Rebecca Pepe
Mira Phillips
Christopher Wodicka

Career Success

Our PhD graduates go on to hold prestigious positions in academia, government, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, research firms, and more. Here are just some of the places where our recent graduates have found full-time employment:

American Federation of Teachers
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of the Inspector General
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorney
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center to End Homelessness
Columbia University, School of Nursing
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, School of Social Work
Hong Kong University, Department of Social Work
McGill University, School of Social Work
National Institute on Poverty
New York University, School of Social Work
Rutgers University, School of Social Work
Temple University, Graduate School of Social Work
University of Massachusetts, School of Public Policy
University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania, School of Social Policy & Practice
University of Toronto, School of Social Work
Yonsei University

FEATURED ALUMNI

Micheal shier, phd’14.

“SP2 provided a great opportunity to learn and collaborate with faculty during my PhD studies. I appreciated the research-intensive focus of the PhD program, and the skills that I learned have been influential in the work I currently undertake. The expert knowledge and skills I gained while training at SP2 have really shaped the type of researcher and social work educator I have become.”

Ready to join the PhD community?

Facts & Dates

Create the knowledge that will shape the future of business. Wharton’s world-leading faculty serve will train you in the practices of rigorous research and provide support, insight, and inspiration throughout your doctoral experience.

Application Deadline: December 15

The Wharton Doctoral Programs admits students for full-time study only beginning in the fall semester each year. Your online application and all supporting materials (letters of recommendation, grade transcripts, and either GMAT or GRE scores) must be received by the deadline. See Applying to Wharton .

Programs of Study

Applied Economics
Ethics & Legal Studies
Health Care Management & Economics
Operations, Information & Decisions

Degree Requirements

Completion of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at the University of Pennsylvania typically takes 4-5 years of full-time study. The requirements of the Wharton Doctoral Programs include, but are not limited to:

A preliminary written or oral examination (usually taken upon completion of coursework)
A written proposal for a PhD dissertation and its oral defense
A written PhD dissertation and its oral defense

In addition, many of the Wharton Doctoral Programs require a preliminary research paper. See Degree Requirements .

NEXT EVENT GRASP Seminar: Lillian Chin, University of Texas at Austin, “Materials…

Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are research-oriented degree programs for students of superior caliber who will make original contributions to theory and practice in their fields of interest. The programs prepare you for a research career in academe, government, or industry. Our curricula are purposely designed to develop the intellectual skills essential for the rapidly changing character of research.

Students conducting doctoral research at the GRASP Laboratory obtain their PhD degree at any of the associated departments. Depending on their main interest, PhD applicants should apply to the CIS, ESE, or MEAM department. There is no specific PhD degree in Robotics at Penn. Applicants will want to select robotics or related areas as their concentration and add that to their personal statement. In addition, their preferred research advisors should be chosen from the GRASP Faculty list within the faculty member’s respective departments. The online application for PhD in any of those departments starts here .

Please visit the website of the department/s you are interested in for the most comprehensive information regarding admissions and the curriculum.

Computer and Information Science Electrical and Systems Engineering Mechanical Engineering

Degree Requirements

All doctoral work, including the dissertation, must be completed within ten years of matriculation as a graduate student at Penn. The student is required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. Click here for more information.

Ph.D students are typically awarded funding upon admission to cover tuition and fees, a stipend for living expenses and payment of University of Pennsylvania student health insurance.

(Note: Applicants for PhD programs who have not yet obtained a master’s degree can be admitted directly into the Ph.D. program; they may obtain a MSE during their course of study.)

PhD Student Experience

Penn Engineering’s GRASP Lab fosters the development of inspiring leaders in cutting edge robotics research. See Dr. Monroe Kennedy III, in our GRASP Profile Series:

Student News

The 2024 SEAS Graduate Awards Ceremony Shines a Spotlight on GRASP Student Achievements

May 28, 2024

Faculty News

University of Pennsylvania’s Cynthia Sung On How We Can Increase Girls’ Participation in Engineering and Robotics

May 22, 2024

GRASP Lab’s Award-Winning Automated System for Printing Origami Robots Could Democratize the Robot Design Process

May 15, 2024

Master of Liberal Arts

Mphil application overview, admissions and eligibility.

Admission to the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) degree is available to individuals who earned a graduate degree from Penn and have an interdisciplinary academic background; who previously completed a Master of Liberal Arts degree at Penn; or who hold an equivalent master's degree in the liberal arts at another institution.

Application deadlines

You may apply to begin the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts during the fall, spring, or summer terms. Your application portfolio, including all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines:

Application materials checklist

Applications must be submitted through our online application system and must contain all of the following in order to be considered complete. Please note that all application materials become the property of the University of Pennsylvania and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.

Completed online application
Current resume
Nonrefundable $75 application fee
Application essays, listed below
Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary school attended uploaded through the online application system
Standardized test scores, if applicable (details below)
Two letters of recommendation (details below)

Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts application essays

Your application includes essays addressing the following topics. Responses should not exceed four pages in length for all the questions combined. Please compile your responses into a single document, but keep them as separate essays.

During your master's program, you developed an interdisciplinary curriculum that explored one or more themes. Please describe your intellectual journey during your previous graduate studies and discuss, in detail, how your experience has prepared you to undertake further study in the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts program.
Describe the final thesis project you would pursue during your Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts studies. Be as specific as possible concerning the questions you would like to explore, the methodology you would employ, the kinds of sources you would consult, the courses you would take and the faculty with whom you would like to work. You should also describe the relationship between your proposed program and your previous graduate research. If you propose to depart from your previous research, describe any coursework or experiences that have prepared you to undertake your proposed course of study.

Letters of recommendation

Each applicant submits two letters of recommendation. If you have already completed a Master of Liberal Arts at Penn, these letters should be from Penn faculty with whom you propose to study in the MPhil. For other Penn programs or external applicants, the letters should be from two of your advisors or instructors from a previous master's program. Recommendations may be submitted online or by mail. For online recommendations, please follow the instructions in the recommendations section of the online application. For paper recommendations, please download a copy of the recommendation form (PDF) and supply a copy to each recommender.

Standardized test scores

Standardized test scores are not required for admission to the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts. However, you may choose to submit standardized test scores, such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), in support of your application. Request that your scores report for the GRE test be forwarded to the College of Liberal and Professional Studies, using ETS institutional code 2986.

A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores to demonstrate English proficiency. Please note that the TOEFL is rarely waived; therefore, we encourage applicants to take the test to avoid delays in completing the application. The TOEFL must be sent from ETS using the institutional code 2986. To locate a testing site near you or schedule an exam, visit the TOEFL website . International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is also accepted and the minimum score for consideration is a 7. You may upload a copy of your IELTS test to the standardized test score section of the application.

The minimum TOEFL scores required for admissions consideration are

Please note, the College of Liberal and Professional Studies is accepting at-home GRE and TOEFL test scores through the 2023-2024 admissions year. Please visit the specific standardized testing websites for exam options in your home country.

Upon review of an applicant's file, the Admissions Committee reserves the right to request TOEFL scores.

Culture, community, and city living

Explore everything Penn has to offer, including the vibrant city life of Philadelphia.

Looking for financial assistance?

Learn about the options at Penn.

Have any questions about the MLA? Reach out to our program director or enrollment team for a one-on-one discussion.

The lifelong learning division of Penn Arts & Sciences

3440 Market Street, Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19104-3335

(215) 898-7326 [email protected]

Undergraduate
Course Information
Areas of Focus
Centers + Institutes
Undergraduate Research
Technical Reports
Faculty Talks
Postdoctoral Fellows
Graduating Ph.D.s and Postdocs
Open Faculty Positions
Outreach Philosophy + Mission
Meet Our Students
K-12 Programs
Diversity + Climate
Chair’s Letter
Student Awards
Visiting CIS
Make a Gift
Current Students
Program Offerings
Doctoral Program

The Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) in Computer and Information Science (CIS) welcomes candidates in disciplines related to computer science, information processing, and computing . Our curriculum is designed to develop the intellectual skills essential for the rapidly changing character of research and to meet the demands of academe and industry. Students develop their own advanced study focus, working with faculty mentors on topics ranging from the core computer science discipline to diverse scholarly interactions within the School of Engineering and the University.

Doctoral studies in the CIS department offer the opportunity for rewarding exploration and research. Research opportunities span a wide range of theoretical and application topics including algorithms, bioinformatics, databases, graphics, machine learning, programming languages, robotics, security, software engineering, systems, vision, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as biology, electrical engineering, genetics, linguistics, and mathematics.

Our research laboratories offer myriad possibilities for exploration. Seminars hosting outstanding leaders in their fields at our departmental and laboratories’ colloquia provide rigor, breadth, and relevance to the research and education experience. The University of Pennsylvania’s schools and research centers create an academic environment whose synergy informs research and education in the CIS department.

Our faculty prepare our doctoral students to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and visionaries. The CIS department is an exciting place to be, and we invite you to join us. Read more about our research areas and highlights of projects and activities .

New Concentration in “Machine Learning + X”

Recognizing the integration of machine learning into all specializations of computer science: starting in Fall 2020, the department is offering applicants the opportunity to specify a new concentration called “Machine Learning + X” as the primary concentration, where X is any of several existing specializations in computer science that intersect with machine learning. Such applicants must identify one or two of these specializations as their 2nd and 3rd concentrations. The department has exciting research projects at the intersection of machine learning and these specializations.

“Machine Learning + X” cannot be used as your 2nd or 3rd concentration. T his concentration is used to facilitate review of your application by the faculty listed in the specializations above, based on your choice(s) of the 2nd and 3rd concentrations.

How to Apply: https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/

FAQ: https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/faq/

Graduate Program:

Master of Computer and Information Technology
MSE in Data Science
MSE in Embedded Systems (EMBS)
MSE in Robotics
MSE in Computer Graphics and Game Technology
Admissions Statistics
Fellowships + Aid
New Students
How to Register
Transferring from MSE to Ph.D.
Graduation + Thesis Information
Academic + Industry Job Postings

Your CIS Contacts:

Redian Furxhiu Graduate Coordinator for on-campus MCIT, CIS/MSE and CGGT programs Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-898-1668 Email: [email protected]

Staci Kaplan Program Manager for DATS (Data Science MSE) Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-573-2431 Email: [email protected]

Britton Carnevali Doctoral Program Manager Office: 310 Levine Phone: 215-898-5515 Email: [email protected]

Mariel Celentano Graduate Coordinator for ROBO Office: 459 Levine Phone: 215-573-4907 Email: [email protected]

Liz Wai-Ping Ng Associate Director for Embedded Systems MSE program Office: 313 Levine Phone: 215-898-8543 Email: [email protected]

Julia Esposito PICS Program Coordinator, SCMP Academic Coordinator Office: 3401 Walnut, 5th Fl. Phone: 215-573-6037 Email: [email protected]

University of Pennsylvania
School of Arts and Sciences
Penn Calendar

Search form

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The Ph.D. in criminology is designed to prepare students to produce theoretically informed empirical scholarship related to issues of crime and justice policy. After completing graduate courses in criminological theory, criminal justice policy, and empirical methods, Ph.D. students take advanced graduate coursework consistent with their research focus. The program trains students to produce scholarly research that is disseminated to researchers and policymakers through refereed publications.

Advanced coursework typically involves courses in data science, econometrics, law, and sociology. The dissertation is completed under the supervision of faculty in the Department of Criminology. Normally Ph.D. students complete the degree within four academic years. Details on individual faculty research interests can be found here . Details on recent Ph.D. graduates of the program can be found below.

PROGRAM FEATURES

Students are admitted directly into the Ph.D. program.
Each student is assigned two faculty mentors and works with the graduate chair to design a hand-tailored curriculum. Typically Ph.D. students take several “core” criminology courses in the first and second year. These include two courses in criminological theory, two courses in criminal justice policy, and two semesters of graduate level statistics or data science.
The “comprehensive exam” for the program consists of a working paper that may be part of a future dissertation proposal.
The Ph.D. dissertation typically includes three publishable papers.

DOCTORAL ADMISSIONS

Who is eligible to apply.

We expect a successful applicant to have earned a Bachelor’s degree by the time she/he begins the doctoral program. A strong background in research is highly recommended. Admission is very competitive.

Should I apply to the master’s program or doctoral program in criminology at Penn?

The master’s program is designed for individuals interested in furthering their knowledge of criminology and criminal justice policy in preparation for a range of professional opportunities in government, research, and academia. The doctoral program is designed for individuals with demonstrated excellence in academic research interested in generating scientific research on the causes of crime and the consequences of criminal justice policy.

How should I decide if the Penn doctoral program is a good fit for me?

Visit Penn criminology faculty member web pages to find out what projects faculty are currently working on. Read their published studies. If you are excited by the research questions and/or methods being used, then Penn could be a good choice for you. You should be able to identify one or more faculty research areas that align with your own interests.

Who makes admissions decisions?

Doctoral admissions decisions are made by the graduate admissions committee, which is composed of criminology faculty members.

How does funding normally work?

Admitted students will be given four years of fellowship funding. This includes tuition and stipend support during term time. Summer stipend support for three years is also included in the fellowship.

Recent Doctoral Program Alumni

Colleen Berryessa (Rutgers University)

David Mitre Becerril (University of Connecticut)

Mary Cavanaugh (Hunter College, CUNY)

Ruiyun (Frances) Chen (Georgia State University)

Olivia Choy (Nanyang Technological University)

Reagan Daly (CUNY, Institute for State and Local Governance)

Ellen Donnelly (Delaware University)

Charlotte Gill (George Mason University)

Ben Grunwald (Duke University)

Seunghoon Han (Chung-Ang University)

Jordan Hyatt (Drexel University)

Jacob Kaplan (Princeton University)

Alex Knorre (Boston College)

Carla Lewandowski (Rowan University)

Shichun (Asminet) Ling (CSU Los Angeles)

Wendy McClanahan (McClanahan Associates)

Caroline Meyer Angel (University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing)

Ruth Moyer (University of Pennsylvania)

Ben Nordstrom (Behavioral Health Group)

Viet Nguyen (Center for Justice Innovation))

Evelyn Patterson (Georgetown University)

Jill Portnoy Donaghy (RAND Corporation)

Meredith Rossner (Australia National University)

Jane A. Siegel (Rutgers University)

Rebecca Umbach (Google)

Daniel Woods (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)

Yuhao Wu (Peking University)

JD/MA and JD/PhD Philosophy

Department of Philosophy The JD/PhD Program is designed to train the next generation of legal philosophers, who will teach legal and political philosophy in law schools, philosophy departments, departments of government, specialized graduate and undergraduate jurisprudence programs, and legal studies departments. The JD/MA is available on an ad hoc basis with permission of the Graduate Program in Philosophy and can be completed in the three years that the student matriculates at Penn Carey Law.

Degree Requirements
JD/MBA (4 Year)
JD/MBE Bioethics
JD/MSSP Social Policy
JD/MS Nonprofit Leadership
JD/MSEd Education Policy
JD/MSEd Higher Education
JD/MA or MS Criminology
JD/MD Doctor of Medicine
JD/MSE Engineering
JD/MCP City & Regional Planning
JD/MPH Master of Public Health
JD/AM Islamic Studies
JD/PhD Legal Studies and Business Ethics
JD/PhD Anthropology
JD/PhD Communications
JD/PhD Psychology
Certificates
Legal Practice Skills
Clinics & Externships
Academic Support Program
International Affairs
Future of the Profession Initiative
Legal Education Programs
Executive Education
Academic Calendar
Learning Outcomes
Advocacy Competitions

About the JD/PhD Philosophy

Led by the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Pennsylvania Philosophy department, the JD/PhD Program is designed to train the next generation of legal philosophers. This program is designed for those who will teach legal and political philosophy in law schools, philosophy departments, departments of government, specialized graduate and undergraduate jurisprudence programs, and legal studies departments.

Students in this program have the opportunity to earn a combined JD/PhD in a condensed time frame while complementing their studies in each field with knowledge and research in the other.

Program Course Overview

Students can earn both degrees in six years. The Law School gives credit for up to four approved courses in the Department of Philosophy toward the JD (more if the courses are cross-listed with the Law School courses). The Philosophy Department requires that students complete all PhD coursework, which may include several courses from the Law School curriculum.

Most often, students spend their first two years in the Department of Philosophy and their third year at the Law School completing the traditional 1L curriculum. The next two years are spent in combined coursework in the two departments, followed by dissertation writing. On occasion, for the exceptional candidate, some other arrangement of coursework may be possible.

How to Apply

Students must apply and gain admission separately to each department. Applications to the Department of Philosophy are welcomed contemporaneously with the Law School application and vice versa.

For more information, admitted or current JD students should contact Amanda S. Aronoff. Applicants or prospective applicants to the Law School should contact [email protected] .

Interested in other humanities focused joint degrees?

JD/PhD American Legal History

JD/MA International Studies

You are using an outdated browser. This website is best viewed in IE 9 and above. You may continue using the site in this browser. However, the site may not display properly and some features may not be supported. For a better experience using this site, we recommend upgrading your version of Internet Explorer or using another browser to view this website.

- Download the latest Internet Explorer - No thanks (close this window)

Penn GSE Environmental Justice Statement
Philadelphia Impact
Global Initiatives
Diversity & Inclusion
Catalyst @ Penn GSE
Penn GSE Leadership
Program Finder
Academic Divisions & Programs
Professional Development & Continuing Education
Teacher Programs & Certifications
Undergraduates
Dual and Joint Degrees
Faculty Directory
Research Centers, Projects & Initiatives
Lectures & Colloquia
Books & Publications
Academic Journals
Application Requirements & Deadlines
Tuition & Financial Aid
Campus Visits & Events
International Students
Options for Undergraduates
Non-Degree Studies
Contact Admissions / Request Information
Life at Penn GSE
Penn GSE Career Paths
Living in Philadelphia
DE&I Resources for Students
Student Organizations
Career & Professional Development
News Archive
Events Calendar
The Educator's Playbook
Find an Expert
Race, Equity & Inclusion
Counseling & Psychology
Education Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Education Policy & Analysis
Higher Education
Language, Literacy & Culture
Teaching & Learning
Support Penn GSE
Contact Development & Alumni Relations
Find a Program
Request Info
Make a Gift
Current Students
Staff & Faculty

Search form

Education, culture, and society, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, interdisciplinary doctoral research on the social and cultural dimensions of education ..

The Ph.D. in Education, Culture, and Society provides a rigorous theoretical and methodological framework for the study of education, focusing on social, cultural, political, and normative dimensions. Following a rich academic curriculum centered in social theory and qualitative research methods, the program invites students to interrogate and contribute to scholarship on the social and cultural contexts of learning, both inside and outside of schools.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

In the Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. program, students become part of a professional academic community—through their research apprenticeship, formal coursework, informal seminars, cross-cohort experiences, and research group participation.

Fall: 4 courses; Spring: 4 courses

Research apprenticeship 20 hours per week, working on active faculty research project

Culminating experience Dissertation

Transfer courses accepted Up to six courses with faculty approval

The Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. program explores educational processes, in and out of schools, focusing on their social, cultural, political, and normative dimensions. Research and teaching in this program interrogates tacit presuppositions about human nature and society that lie behind both popular and academic understandings of education, hoping to illuminate educational problems and prospects in more productive ways.

Education, Culture, and Society provides various tools to facilitate such interrogation: strong grounding in social theories that conceptualize the human world; study of theories and methods from such academic disciplines as anthropology, history, philosophy, political economics, and sociology; exposure to ways of life practiced in other parts of the world and to the rapid change brought by the increased movement of people and ideas in the contemporary world; and practice with ethnography and other methods that allow researchers to discover others’ categories and practices instead of imposing their own.

The doctoral program in Education, Culture, and Society not only provides a powerful theoretical and methodological framework for the study of education, but also helps students develop a foundation upon which new models of education can be built. Following a rich academic curriculum centered on social theory and qualitative research methods, the program invites students to interrogate and contribute to the scholarship on the social and cultural contexts of learning, both inside and outside of schools.

The Ph.D. program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars. Students must complete 16 courses and participate in a mentored research apprenticeship. To complete the course of study, students take a set of written examinations in their area of specialization and complete a dissertation on a problem in education.

Most students supplement their educational studies with significant coursework in a discipline of their choosing, including anthropology, sociology, history, urban studies, philosophy, or linguistics. It is possible to pursue a joint Ph.D. degree in Education and Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, Africana Studies, or History.

For information on courses and requirements, visit the Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Sample Courses

Co re and foundations courses.

Doctoral Proseminar on Education Research (required)

Introductory Methods Courses

Methods courses prepare students in both the practical and theoretical implications of collecting, interpreting, analyzing, and presenting data on the human condition broadly—and education/learning in particular. Options include courses such as:

Introductory Statistics for Educational Research (housed in the Division of Quantitative Methods)
Qualitative Modes of Inquiry (Doctoral Level)

Advanced Methods Courses

Advanced courses build on introductory ones. Options include courses such as:

Craft of Ethnography
Advanced Qualitative and Case Study Research
Methods of Discourse Analysis
Ethnographic Research Methods

Sample Social Theory Courses

Theory courses are centrally concerned with preparing students to draw on, understand, and contrast theoretical frameworks within the context of seminal scholarly figures and traditions. Options include courses such as:

Culture/Power/Subjectivities

Berkowitz Fellowship in History of Education

Jonathan Zimmerman, a professor of the history of education in Penn GSE’s literacy, culture, and international education division, has been named the Judy & Howard Berkowitz Professor in Education. Using the proceeds from the Berkowitz Chair, Dr. Zimmerman is launching the Berkowitz Fellowship in History of Education beginning Fall 2021. It will help fund a fifth year of study for doctoral students who are admitted in tandem to the Graduate School of Education and the School of Arts & Sciences department of history, where Dr. Zimmerman holds a secondary appointment. Berkowitz Fellows will receive a joint Ph.D. in education and history, the only funded joint degree between a school of education and a history department in the United States. Those pursuing joint doctoral study with Education, Culture, and Society and Penn’s Department of History may be eligible to extend their funding through the Berkowitz Fellowship. Interested candidates should contact Professor Jonathan Zimmerman at [email protected] .

Our Faculty

Our faculty bring together expertise in philosophy, anthropology, sociology, and history as scholars in education. Please contact our program for information on selecting a faculty advisor.

Affiliated Faculty

Our affiliated faculty members are valued as part of our intellectual community, and students are encouraged to take their courses and connect on research matters and for mentorship.

Asif Agha Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Chicago

Nikhil Anand Associate Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Stanford University

Mia Bay Roy F. and Jeannette P. Nichols Professor of American History, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Yale University

Nicole Mittenfelner Carl Director, Urban Teaching Residency Program Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Camille Z. Charles Walter H. and Leonore C. Annenberg Professor in the Social Sciences, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

Karen Detlefsen Vice Provost for Education Ph.D., University of Toronto

Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher Senior Lecturer Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

Leigh Llewellyn Graham Lecturer Ph.D., Columbia University

Mauro F. Guillén William H. Wurster Professor of Multinational Management, The Wharton School Ph.D., Yale University

Amy Gutmann Former President and Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Harvard University

Emily Hannum Professor of Sociology and Education, School of Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Michigan

Jessie Harper Lecturer, MSW Program, Penn Social Policy & Practice Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Jasmine Harris Professor of Law, Penn Carey Law J.D., Yale Law School

Nancy H. Hornberger Professor Emerita of Education Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison

Richard M. Ingersoll Professor of Education and Sociology Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

John L. Jackson, Jr. Provost Ph.D., Columbia University

Jerry A. Jacobs Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Harvard University

Michael C. Johanek Senior Fellow Ed.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

Andrea M. Kane Professor of Practice, Education Leadership Ph.D., Northcentral University

Annette Lareau Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Kristina Lyons Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Ranah McKay Associate Professor of History and Sociology of Science, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Stanford University

Jennifer Morton Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor of Philosophy Ph.D., Stanford University

Hyunjoon Park Korea Foundation Professor of Sociology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison

Alex Posecznick Adjunct Associate Professor Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University

John L. Puckett Professor Emeritus of Education Ph.D., University of North Carolina

Rogers Smith Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., Harvard University

Deborah Thomas R. Jean Brownlee Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., New York University

Greg Urban Arthur Hobson Quinn Professor of Anthropology, Penn Arts & Sciences Ph.D., University of Chicago

Daniel A. Wagner UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy Ph.D., University of Michigan

Our Graduates

The Ph.D. in Education, Culture, and Society prepares students for careers as researchers, particularly within universities, but also in research institutes, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Alumni Careers

Assistant Professor, Cleveland State University
Assistant Professor, Emory University
Assistant Professor, Stanford University
Clinical Associate Professor, NYU Center for Global Affairs
Global Director of Talent Development, Genworth Financial Faculty, American University
Lead Researcher and Policy Analyst, United Federation of Teachers
Lecturer, Columbia University
Professor, Villanova University
Visiting Assistant Professor, Swarthmore College

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.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Alex Posecznick, Ph.D. Program Manager and Associated Faculty (215) 573-3947 [email protected]

Paula Rogers Program Assistant (215) 898-5023 [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.

Related News & Research

Sharon ravitch discusses youth participatory action research at gpn speaker series talk.

Penn Ph.D. candidate Penelope Lusk named 2024 Queen Elizabeth Scholar

Penn GSE team named to fourth cohort of Projects for Progress

Karen weaver analyzes division iii college closures in “forbes”.

Ethnography in Education Research Forum

Convened by the Center for Urban Ethnography at Penn GSE since 1980, the Ethnography in Education Research Forum is the largest annual meeting of qualitative researchers in education.

Urban Education Journal

The Penn GSE Perspectives on Urban Education journal is an electronic, student-run publication and interactive forum to investigate critical issues in urban education.

Search form

Department of anthropology.

PhD Program

The emphasis in the Graduate Program is on training candidates for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This degree certifies that, in addition to having a sound knowledge of anthropology as a whole, the holder has been trained to do independent research at a professional level of competence in at least one of the major subfields of Anthropology (Anthropological Archeology, Biological [Physical] Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology).

Joint PhD Program

Applicants should apply to only one program within GSAS (Graduate School of Arts and Sciences). If you are interested in another department within GSAS, you may include this in your personal statement. Upon review, our faculty will decide if the candidate is a good fit for our department or if another program is more suited to their academic interests.

Applicants may, however, apply to more than one school simultaneously (i.e.: Penn Medical School, Penn Graduate School of Education, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences). In the case of a dual degree, Anthropology will be the secondary department and funding will come from the primary department. For more information about the MD/PhD program click here .

Course Requirements

The PhD degree requires a minimum of twenty (18) course units (one unit per course); a normal full-time program consists of three to four units per term. Of these units, at least twelve (12) must be taken at this University. Up to eight (8) course units may be transferred from another institution. Students should request credit transfer from the Graduate Group Chair after the first year of residence.

All PhD students must complete successfully a core program of four courses in the first year. The first-year courses cover the four subfields of anthropology and are mandated by the Graduate Group (GG). These courses include ANTH 6000, 6010, 6020, and 6030. Failure to complete the first year core courses with a final grade (i.e., no Incompletes) by the end of the second semester disqualifies a student from continuing in the program. The Graduate Group will determine the action to be taken.

Comprehensive Examinations (PhD Preliminary Exams)

The Comprehensive Examinations (Comps) are taken during the last week of May of the student's first year, following completion of the first-year core courses. Held over eight hours on two consecutive mornings, the Comps will cover the field of anthropology as presented in the first year core program and focus upon an integration of the material discussed therein. In addition to formal course work, further opportunities for preparation for the Comps include departmental colloquia and lectures, the basic anthropological references in the Van Pelt Library and the University Museum Library, and ethnographic and archaeological collections of the University Museum.

Core course faculty will evaluate the Comps and the student's first-year academic record within two weeks after the exams are completed. Faculty approval of both is necessary for the students to able to continue to work toward PhD Candidacy and/or the MA Degree in the department.

Foreign Language Exam

Students pursuing the PhD (and MA) degree in Anthropology are required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of one foreign language used in written source material or scientific literature relevant to the student's professional career. Language examinations may be taken in French, German, Spanish, or Russian (or other languages with permission of the Graduate Group). Dates for language examinations will be arranged by the Department. Students are strongly urged to take the language examination at the first opportunity but, in any case, are encouraged to complete the requirement by the end of their second year. The language exam must be completed before the student is able to take the Oral Examination. Students whose first language is not English are exempt from the requirement.

At the time of matriculation, students shall work together with the GG Chair to determine an appropriate advisor, if they have not already done so. An advisor will work with a student on a regular basis in order to determine the shape of the student's program from semester to semester. As the student gains familiarity with other faculty within the GG, he/she may invite those professors to serve on his/her Oral Examination and Dissertation Committees. It is expected that the core members of the committees will be determined by the time the student is defending his/her field statements and dissertation proposal (in most cases, by the end of the third year) during the Oral Exam (see below). When special expertise is required, additional committee members may be appointed from outside the GG or the university. The Advisor is responsible for initiating regular meetings with the student for the purpose of guidance. These meetings occur at least once per semester, at least until the student has passed the Oral Examination.

Oral Examination (PhD Candidacy Exam)

When course work, the language exam and the Comps have been completed, the student is eligible to stand for the Oral Examination (Oral Exam). At least one year must have lapsed since the completion of the Comps before the Oral Exam can be taken. At least one semester in advance, after consulting with her/his Committee, the student should reserve a date for and petition the GG Chair to take the Oral Exam.

The Oral Exam will concentrate mainly on the student’s specialized fields of interest, theoretically and geographically, and on his/her program of proposed research. The student, in conjunction with his/her advisor, and the GG Chair, will determine the appropriate fields of examination (see examples of approved fields in the Graduate Handbook) and produce Oral Exam statements summarizing research on those topics. In addition, the student must generate a PhD dissertation proposal. This proposal should demonstrate the student’s ability to plan and execute independent research in accordance with professional standards.

Two weeks prior to the Oral Exam, the student is required to submit the PhD dissertation proposal and three Oral Exam statements on areas of concentration for distribution to the Graduate Coordinator (“tabling”). The proposal and statements should be reviewed and approved by the Oral Exam Committee before being tabled. While the Oral Exam is open to all members of the GG, a quorum of five GG members, including the student’s advisor, the GG Chair and other Oral Exam Committee members, must be present in order for the Oral Exam to proceed.

Within one month following successful completion of the Oral Exam, the PhD candidate, in consultation with the Oral Exam Committee, must produce a final version of the proposal for approval by the Graduate Group and submission to the Graduate Division.

PhD Dissertation

The PhD dissertation proposal should demonstrate the candidate's ability to plan and execute independent research in accordance with professional standards and to present its results in a manner that is coherent and readily intelligible to fellow professionals. The dissertation is based on the candidate's own field investigation and is written under the direction of a Dissertation Committee appointed by the GG Chair. The Dissertation Committee will consist of a student’s Advisor and 2-4 other faculty members who are usually appointed at the time the student passes his/her oral examination. At least two members of the Dissertation Committee must be active members of the GG.

After the Dissertation Advisor and Committee reads and approves a complete, “defendable” or “close to completion” (but not necessarily the final) version of the dissertation, the PhD Candidate will schedule the Dissertation Defense. The version of the dissertation for the Dissertation Defense should include all chapters, including the introduction and conclusions, and a complete literature cited section that have been read and approved.

At least two weeks in advance of the Dissertation Defense, the PhD Candidate must make a physical and a digital version of the dissertation available to the Graduate Group (“tabling”). The digital version is sent with an announcement of the Dissertation Defense to the entire Graduate Group. At the public defense, the PhD Candidate will present his/her research and respond to questions from the Dissertation Committee members and others in attendance. The Dissertation Committee, in concert with the Graduate Chair, will determine if the PhD Candidate has passed the defense.

Upon passing the Dissertation Defense, the newly minted PhD must submit a final copy (consisting of two copies for the University and one copy for the Department) to the GG for final acceptance, according to Graduate Division guidelines.

Program Planning

Each student's program of study and research is an individual one and the timing will vary from person to person. The total years to degree has traditionally ranged from 5 (for students transferring in) to 9 (with allowance for MA degree and/or additional time in the field). The general schedule provided below may be used as a template for planning purposes. While this schedule reflects the five-year funding package, it is expected that students will apply for external research funds to support dissertation research during their third and fourth years, which will extend their Ben Franklin funding by a year.

Core courses
Basic courses in area of specialization
Comprehensive Examination (spring)

Second Year

Specialized courses, seminars, tutorials
Grant writing course
Teaching Assistant
Completion of Language Exam (fall or spring)
Completion of course requirements
Apply for dissertation research grants
Oral Examination & submission of Dissertation Proposal

Fourth Year

Dissertation Research (preferrably supported by external research funding in Fourth Year or Fifth Year)
Dissertation Research, Writing, and Submission (with outside research funding Fourth Year or Fifth Year)

Sixth Year (if necessary)

Dissertation Writing and Submission

Students must complete all course requirements, the foreign language requirement, the Comps, and the Oral Exam within a period of five consecutive years. The granting of a leave of absence or research leave does not extend this limit.

Concentrations:

Human Rights Studies
Women Gender & Sexuality Studies
Philosophy & Literature (Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program)
Communication & Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program)

June 4, 2024 Volume 70 Issue 36

From the interim president: update on the work of the university task force on antisemitism and the presidential commission on countering hate and building community, penn engineering & harvard: $12 million nsf grant for sustainable computing project, 2024 penn graduate school of education teaching & service awards, research to address healthcare patients’ food insecurities, from the senate office: senate nominations 2024, part two, 2024-2025 board of trustees meetings, penn nursing: reaccredited for 10 years by the commission on collegiate nursing education, therese richmond: honorary doctorate from regents of the university system of maryland, ottoman tertuliano: 2024 nsf career award, update: summer at penn, weekly crime reports, penn sachs program for arts innovation & paul robeson house & museum creative grants initiative.

June 4, 2024
vol 70 issue 36

May 30, 2024

To the Penn Community,

This past fall, we established a University Task Force on Antisemitism and a Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community . Today, I write to share with you their final reports, which can be found online on the task force and commission websites.

First, I want to express my deep gratitude to the members of the task force and the commission for their expansive outreach and for the thoughtful work they have put into these reports. These groups included faculty scholars, students, and staff, as well as former and current Trustees. They conducted dozens of listening sessions, reviewed hundreds of emails, consulted experts within and outside of Penn, produced online surveys, and spent countless hours in discussion with members of the Penn community and with one another. Throughout the process, I know that there were many strongly held beliefs expressed and passionate exchanges, and that these reports are the product of the rigorous, civil, and intellectual debate at the heart of Penn’s excellence.

The thoughtful recommendations contained within these reports offer concrete guidance for actions Penn can and will take now, as well as aspirational goals that will inform our institutional priorities for the future. The reports are both reaffirming and complementary. They contain shared themes, such as affirming Penn’s values and clarifying University policies and reporting, and offer distinct ideas for building community, investing in research and scholarship, and supporting the student experience.

Some of the recommendations in the reports are reflected in work already underway; other elements of implementation lie ahead of us and will benefit from further input as we assess which strategies make sense for Penn. I look forward to working with our Penn community to continue bringing these recommendations to life. We own the implementation process, and the culture it will create, together.

I encourage you to spend some time reading the reports and reflecting on our shared responsibility to cultivate a vibrant community that embraces our missions, acknowledges our differences, models civil discourse, and celebrates our successes so that everyone at Penn can thrive.

—J. Larry Jameson, Interim President

Penn Engineering, together with collaborators at Harvard University, has been awarded $12 million by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to participate in a groundbreaking, multi-institutional research initiative that aims to lay the foundations for environmentally sustainable computing.

With the rapid growth of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and sensor systems, the demand for computer systems that offer both scalable performance and environmental sustainability has never been greater. However, despite recent efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions, the computing industry’s energy usage continues to rise at an alarming rate, outpacing the growth of renewable energy installations.

The project will pursue three main objectives to reduce the carbon footprint of information and communication technology:

Develop transparent and accurate carbon accounting methods, including standardized protocols for measurement and reporting.
Focus on creating innovative tools and strategies to reduce computing’s carbon footprint by 45% within the next decade.
Coordinate the design and management of future computer systems to deliver sustainable performance for artificial intelligence and virtual reality applications.

“We will explore technical solutions to computer systems design that account for the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape,” said Dr. Lee. “Carbon Connect will also shape those regulations by modeling computing’s environmental impact and identifying areas that require collective, coordinated action in industry and society.”

In addition to its technical objectives, Carbon Connect will foster an interdisciplinary community of researchers in computer science, electrical engineering, industrial ecology and energy policy. By training the next generation of innovators and creating an academic-industry consortium, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable computing practices.

Awarded to current students, faculty, and staff, the annual Penn GSE Awards recognize outstanding service and commitment to the Penn GSE community. The 2024 honorees are:

The William E. Arnold Award for Outstanding Contributions by a Student

Staff Recognition of Service Award

Leland McGee, an adjunct assistant professor in the policy, organizations, leadership, and systems division, has interests in advancing education equity through the translation of research to practice. His focus on student-centered, community-engaged education envisions a K-20+ education continuum with a goal of producing competent civic citizens.

At GSE, Dr. McGee serves as the co-director of the Penn Experience Course, an asynchronous course designed to help students get the most out of their Penn experience, inside and outside the classroom, on and off campus. The course helps to prepare students for difficult conversations about racism and other forms of oppression. He is co-founder and manager of the GSE Writing Commons, which supports the culture and practice of academic writing at Penn GSE by creating supportive hybrid spaces to nurture people as writers and by recognizing that identities, cultures, and knowledge-building practices are integral to the writing process. Dr. McGee also serves on the GSE Committee on Race, Equity, and Inclusion, and previously served on the Penn Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Collaboration. Before pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees from Penn GSE, Dr. McGee had an extensive legal career. He spent most of that career in government agencies, including serving as a New Jersey deputy attorney general, a New Jersey deputy ratepayer advocate, and a City of East Orange assistant corporation counsel. He culminated his legal career by serving as a New Jersey administrative law judge.

Roshonda Scipio is a dedicated advocate and program manager with a strong educational background. She holds a master’s in public health from Temple University and a bachelor of arts in human services from Villanova University. Currently serving as the program manager for the urban teaching residency program at GSE, Ms. Scipio has consistently demonstrated her passion for social justice initiatives and community service throughout her career.

Ms. Scipio assisted in the establishment of the Sheller Center for Social Justice at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law. In this role, she provided crucial support for student clinics, where students represented individual clients in state and federal court cases involving wage theft. Additionally, she played a key role in producing influential reports shedding light on injustices affecting various marginalized groups, including low-wage workers, immigrants, unrepresented litigants, and individuals involved in the criminal justice system in Philadelphia.

Ms. Scipio also played a significant part in creating the first AIDS library in the country, underscoring her commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting access to information. Her dedication to service extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by her lifetime membership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Furthermore, she has actively served on local, state, regional, and national levels, demonstrating her leadership and advocacy on multiple fronts.

Faculty Recognition of Service Award

Dr. White-Lewis’s work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) and has appeared in The Journal of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, The Review of Higher Education, American Educational Research Journal, Teachers College Record, and others. His dissertation received the 2020 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the National Association of Chief Diversity Officers. He has also received honors and awards from the Association for the Study of Higher Education, the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, and the American Educational Research Association. As a public scholar, he has been featured in outlets such as Inside Higher Ed and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, and regularly advises college campuses and external organizations on addressing issues related to the academic profession, racial equity, and institutional transformation and systemic change in higher education.

Ms. Hill explores innovative organizations and learning models that optimize the role of relationships, uses technologies, and engages people as agents in their own transformation. She supports several national education organizations as they work to design and create more inclusive and responsive organizations and learning models.

Ms. Hill’s work is rooted in more than 20 years of experience in public education, education innovation, management consulting, and engineering. She holds a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from the University of Virginia and a master of education in learning and teaching from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She received an additional master of science in administration through New Leaders for New Schools, a principal training fellowship.

Rowan Machalow graduated from GSE in 2020 with research interests in international K-12 math curriculum comparisons. At GSE, they studied alignment and communication between standards and curriculum, teaching for social justice, and preschool education. They have previously taught at the elementary and middle school levels, as well as being a preschool director. They have over 20 years of experience in managing K-12 curriculum development and teacher professional development for major publishing companies, and enjoy bringing this experience to students at GSE through their courses.

Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Wollman’s areas of expertise include the presidency in higher education, leadership qualities and ethical leadership, scenario planning and creative design of college and university strategy, the imperative for change and effective change management in higher education, and the future of higher education. She is a frequent commentator and dynamic speaker on these and other education-related issues, appearing regularly in print, online, and broadcast media outlets and as a keynote speaker. During her presidency of Widener University, Dr. Wollman designed an innovative approach to strategy development that focused on strategic direction rather than traditional tactical plans that quickly become outdated in times of accelerated change. This process has been recognized nationally as an emerging best practice. Dr. Wollman has served on the boards of numerous local, regional, and national organizations. She currently serves on the Board of the American Association of University Administrators (AAUA) and led the development of AAUA’s Statement of Ethics for leaders.

Student Award for Excellence in Promoting Diversity & Inclusion

Adina Goldstein is a doctoral candidate in the teaching, learning and teacher education program at Penn GSE. She holds an EdM from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on teacher preparation and the experiences of teachers of color during teacher preparation. Ms. Goldstein is a proud Philadelphia native, a graduate of the School District of Philadelphia, and a former School District of Philadelphia middle school social studies and English language arts teacher.

The Laurie Wagman Award for Visual and Performing Arts in Education

As a co-founder of the Qazaq Khan Academy Project, Ms. Bizhanova aims to instigate positive changes within the international education system, particularly in narrowing the urban-rural education gap. She remains steadfast in her dedication to bridging gaps in educational access and opportunity, particularly for marginalized communities and economically disadvantaged students.

Perelman School of Medicine professor and Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics senior fellow Kevin Volpp has become the scientific leader of a new national ten-year, $250 million research and advocacy program designed to find cost effective approaches to improving health through greater access to healthy food for patients with chronic conditions and food or nutrition insecurities (not enough food or unhealthy diets). The initiative is called Health Care by Food (HCXF).

Coordinated by the American Heart Association with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and other funders, HCXF involves more than 100 researchers and members of 25 community-based organizations and food-related companies across the country.

The idea for what became the HCXF research initiative was first publicly announced at the September 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Subsequently, the Association’s Journal Circulation published “Food Is Medicine: A Presidential Advisory from the American Heart Association,” a paper produced by a team headed by Dr. Volpp.

The grant is one of the ways Penn leads on great challenges of our time by addressing the issue of food insecurity with policy and outreach expertise.

Adapted from a Penn Today article by Hoag Levins, May 28, 2024.

Pursuant to the Faculty Senate Rules, formal notification to members may be accomplished by publication in Almanac. The following is published under that rule.

TO: Members of the Faculty Senate FROM: Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia, Chair, Nominating Committee SUBJECT: Senate Nominations 2024, Part Two

In accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules, official notice is given of the Senate Nominating Committee’s remaining slate of nominees for the incoming senate officers. Part One of this year’s slate of nominees was published on May 7, 2024. The nominees, all of whom have indicated their willingness to serve, are:

Secretary-elect:

At-large Members of the Senate Executive Committee to serve a 3-year term beginning upon election:

Neeraj Panchal (Dental Medicine)

Assistant Professor Member of the Senate Executive Committee to serve a 2-year term beginning upon election:

Katherine Theken (Dental Medicine)

Senate Committee on Academic Freedom and Responsibility to serve a 3-year term beginning on July 1, 2024:

Alison Buttenheim (Nursing)
André Dombrowski (SAS/History of Art)
Sebastián Gil-Riaño (SAS/History and Sociology of Science)
Jennifer Rothman (Law)
Amanda Shanor (Wharton)

Senate Committee on Economic Status of the Faculty to serve a 3-year term beginning on July 1, 2024:

Aislinn Bohren (SAS/Economics)
Allison Hoffman (Law)

Also in accordance with the Faculty Senate Rules, you are invited to submit additional nominations, which shall be accomplished via petitions containing at least twenty-five valid names and the signed approval of the candidate. All such petitions must be received no later than fourteen days after circulation of the nominees of the Nominating Committee by email to the Faculty Senate, [email protected] , or by Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

Under the same provision of the rules, if no additional nominations are received, the slate nominated by the Nominating Committee will be declared elected.

Thursday-Friday, June 13-14, 2024 Spring Full Board Meeting

Thursday, September 26, 2024 Executive Committee Meeting Audit & Compliance Committee Meeting Budget & Finance Committee Meeting

Thursday-Friday, November 14-15, 2024 Fall Full Board Meeting (Homecoming on Saturday, November 16, 2024; Harvard v. Penn)

Thursday, December 12, 2024 Executive Committee Meeting Budget & Finance Committee Meeting (if needed)

Thursday-Friday, February 27-28, 2025 Winter Full Board Meeting

Thursday, May 15, 2025 Executive Committee Meeting Budget & Finance Committee Meeting (Commencement on Monday, May 19, 2025)

Thursday-Friday, June 12-13, 2025 Spring Full Board Meeting

Penn Nursing has just been reaccredited for the next 10 years by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

“Thank you to all who were involved in the many visits and materials provided to our CCNE evaluators,” said Penn Nursing dean Antonia Villarruel. “As you know, being accredited by the CCNE is crucial, as it ensures that nursing programs meet high standards of quality and integrity, which are essential for preparing competent and effective healthcare professionals.”

Penn Nursing has been accredited for the next decade in the following programs:

Post-graduate APRN certificate program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program
Baccalaureate degree program in nursing
Master’s degree program in nursing

“I am deeply honored to receive this honorary doctorate and thank the Board of Regents for the recognition,” said Dr. Richmond. “Life is fragile and the impact of firearm violence on health and well-being is significant. We can reduce firearm-related harms through rigorous science, partnering with communities who bear the disproportionate burdens of these harms, and respecting differing worldviews.”

Dr. Richmond’s research and scholarship are grounded in understanding and overcoming health inequities experienced by individuals and families living in low-resource and often disenfranchised communities. She is committed to identifying and overcoming structural barriers that lead to and reinforce inequities. Dr. Richmond’s research has a dual approach: She works with community partners to examine the impact of living in pervasively violent, low-resource communities on families and rigorously producing data that can be used by agencies to inform programmatic initiatives to reduce inequity and improve health, well-being, and safety. She also has a substantive body of research that focuses on disparate outcomes after serious injury, including PTSD and depression, and identifies modifiable targets that drive disparities seen in the transition to chronic pain after serious injury.

In order to initiate this work, Dr. Tertuliano and his lab had to first assemble a system that enables them to observe dynamic cracks at the nanoscale in 3D, then they got to work performing experiments with real human bone from organ donors and and those received from collaborating biologists and surgeons working with patients undergoing total joint replacements.

Funding from the NSF CAREER Award will help to reach that goal and will support graduate student research and a larger initiative to make Mr. Tertuliano’s work more accessible. Through the The Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter, the LRSM, Dr. Tertuliano will host a local high school teacher who will work within his lab to translate the group’s research into a curriculum that can be accessible to K-12 students.

For the next five summers, Dr. Tertuliano will fund and host a high school student from the Philadelphia Mütur Museum’s STEM program, which engages local students from underserved communities in science.

Fitness & Learning

Center for Undergraduate Research & Fellowships

Online webinars. Info and to register: https://curf.upenn.edu/events .

6/7 Introduction to the Fulbright U.S. Student Program ; noon.

What Does it Mean to Be an Ethically Responsible Researcher? 4 p.m.

6/5 Learning to Control with Vision–Language Models ; Roy Fox, University of California, Irvine; 2 p.m.; room 337, Towne Building (xLab: Safe Autonomous Systems Lab).

This is an update to the Summer AT PENN calendar , which is online now. To include events in a future AT PENN calendar or weekly update, send the salient details to [email protected] .

Division of Public Safety University of Pennsylvania Police Department Crime Report

About the Crime Report: Below are the Crimes Against Persons and/or Crimes Against Property from the campus report for May 20-26, 2024 . The Crime Reports are available at: https://almanac.upenn.edu/sections/crimes . Prior weeks’ reports are also online. –Eds.

This summary is prepared by the Division of Public Safety (DPS) and contains all criminal incidents reported and made known to the Penn Police, including those reported to the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) that occurred within our patrol zone, for the dates of May 20-26, 2024 . The Penn Police actively patrol from Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from 30 th Street to 43 rd Street in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police.

In this effort to provide you with a thorough and accurate report on public safety concerns, we hope that your increased awareness will lessen the opportunity for crime. For any concerns or suggestions regarding this report, please call DPS at (215) 898-7297. You may view the daily crime log on the DPS website .

Penn Police Patrol Zone

Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from 30 th Street to 43 rd Street

Philadelphia Police 18th District

Schuylkill River to 49th Street & Market Street to Woodland Avenue

Below are the Crimes Against Persons from the 18th District: 12 incidents were reported for May 20-26, 2024 by the 18 th District, covering the Schuylkill River to 49th Street & Market Street to Woodland Avenue.

The Division of Public Safety offers resources and support to the Penn community. DPS developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below. Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime.

See something concerning? Connect with Penn Public Safety 24/7 at (215) -573-3333.
Worried about a friend’s or colleague’s mental or physical health? Get 24/7 connection to appropriate resources at (215) 898-HELP (4357).
Seeking support after experiencing a crime? Call Special Services - Support and Advocacy resources at (215) 898-4481 or email an advocate at [email protected]
Use the Walking Escort and Riding services available to you free of charge.
Take a moment to update your cellphone information for the UPennAlert Emergency Notification System
Download the Penn Guardian App which can help Police better find your location when you call in an emergency.
Access free self-empowerment and defense courses through Penn DPS.
Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
Keep your valuables out of sight and only carry necessary documents.

The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania and the Paul Robeson House & Museum (PRHM) have announced a new funding opportunity for the West Philadelphia creative community.

Individual artists and community and civic groups can apply for West Philadelphia Creative Grants of between $2,500 and $5,000 to support creative projects and cultural activities that benefit the West Philadelphia community and provide general operating support for individual artists and organizations.

Grant Opportunities

Project Grants: funding for art projects and cultural activities that benefit the West Philadelphia community, up to $5,000 each.

General Operating Grants: support for ongoing operational costs for artists and organizations, up to $2,500 each.

Grant applications can be submitted from the Paul Robeson House & Museum website through Saturday, June 29, 2024. You can also view examples of the types of projects eligible for support.

Department of Philosophy

Jobs for Philosophers (Buffalo Edition).

We have built the world’s only philosophy PhD program with a focus on ontology. The annual starting salaries for our graduates can reach to $175,000. Learn more.

The Philosophy, Politics and Economics program gives students a set of interdisciplinary tools to think rigorously about important problems.

Graduate Program

Undergraduate program, applied ontology, ppe program.

Many of today’s most pressing problems – climate change, political polarization, equal access to education – are complex in nature, giving rise to both practical and ethical concerns. The burgeoning field of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) harnesses the expertise and methods from both the social sciences and philosophy to make meaningful progress on these multifaceted issues. This speaker series serves as a collaborative nexus, bringing together social scientists and philosophers to discuss and disseminate cutting-edge research at the heart of PPE. Learn more about the speakers, here.

FALL 2024 Fridays (selected), 4:00 p.m. Park Hall 141, UB North Campus

Schedule forthcoming.

See past colloquium listing, here.

GPA Research Forum

UB Events Calendar

Academic Calendar

New and Noteworthy

The journal Cosmos+Taxis, 12 (5+6) has published a symposium on Jobst Landgrebe and Barry Smith, Why Machines Will Never Rule the World: Artificial Intelligence without Fear.

Faculty Research

6/26/19 ANALYTIC METAPHYSICS: Donnelly
9/16/22 APPLIED ONTOLOGY: Smith, Beverley, Hurley
6/26/19 BIOETHICS: Hershenov
8/18/22 EARLY MODERN PHILOSOPHY: Duncan, Powell
2/5/24 EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY: Beebe, Bruner
2/6/20 METAPHYSICS OF SCIENCE: Williams
1/25/21 19th CENTURY PHILOSOPHY: Lawler
PHILOSOPHY, POLITICS, AND ECONOMICS: Bruner, Gray, Muldoon, Oprea, Schaefer
7/7/21 PHILOSOPHY OF COGNITIVE SCIENCE: Vincent
4/12/21 SPEECH ACT THEORY: Smith
2/5/24 SOCIAL & POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: Bruner, Muldoon, Gray, Oprea, Schaefer
6/26/19 SPACE & TIME: Bittner
8/28/23 ASIAN PHILOSOPHY: Stephens
2/5/24 APPLIED ETHICS: Gray, Vincent

Student and Alumni Spotlight

PHILOSOPHY SPOTLIGHT

Skip to Content
Skip to Main Navigation
Skip to Search

Indiana University Bloomington Indiana University Bloomington IU Bloomington

The College of Arts & Sciences

Department of History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine
Student Portal
News & Events
Departmental News + Events
News Archive
Evan Arnet Associate Research Development Specialist

Evan Arnet, Associate Research Development Specialist

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Evan Arnet, recent graduate of our program has accepted a position as Associate Research Development Specialist with Proposal Development Services at Indiana University, Bloomington Campus.

College of Arts & Sciences

Medical Humanities Minor
Minor in Science, Technology, and Medicine in Society
Individualized Major Program
M.A. Degree
M.A., Studies in Scientific Research Literacy and Responsible Research
Combined M.A. and M.L.S. Degree
Qualifications
Dissertation
Ph.D. Double Major
Ph.D. Minor
Ph.D. Minor (6 credit)
Funding List
Travel Policy

IMAGES

Department of Philosophy
Successful Undergraduate Application to UPENN
UPenn Acceptance Rate and Application Process I Leverage Edu
Upenn Application Essay
PPT
GitHub

VIDEO

Research Ethics and Policy Series (REPS): Nanibaa' Garrison, PhD
PhD in Decision Sciences Webinar
2023 Ph.D. Open House
Research Scientist Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, PA
Student Vlog Massimiliano Meneguz
Biotechnology Information Session

COMMENTS

Application Overview
The application deadline for Philosophy's doctoral program is December 15th. No applications received after the 15th will be accepted or reviewed by the graduate committee. If you have questions about admissions and requirements that are not answered here, we encourage you to contact our Graduate Coordinator, Kate Stoler, at [email protected].
Philosophy, PhD < University of Pennsylvania
The Penn Philosophy Department has a long and distinguished history. Philosophy has been taught at the University since 1755, and Penn was among the first universities in the country to offer the PhD degree in Philosophy, in 1882. The Department has always prized breadth, and its members are prepared to supervise advanced research in ...
Admissions and Eligibility
The graduate application system opens every year on October 1st and closes on December 15th at 11:59 pm P.S.T. You can find more information about the online application and Penn on the Graduate Division's website. What we're looking for. Our Admissions Committee takes a holistic approach to evaluating applications.
Prospective Students
Prospective Students. Thinking about applying to Penn Philosophy? We think the Penn program is a great place to do graduate work, but whether it will suit you depends on your interests and desires. Our program is especially strong in history of philosophy (ancient, early modern, Kant, 19th century), philosophy of mind, philosophy of science ...
Ph.D. Requirements
A student who transfers into the Ph.D. program must take at least eight regularly scheduled graduate courses in the Philosophy Department. No decision either as to how much credit to grant a student for work elsewhere or as to what distribution requirements such work satisfies will be made until the student has been in residence for two terms ...
Graduate
Penn's Public Philosophy Certificate Program. The Graduate Certificate in Public Philosophy is designed to expand upon a student's disciplinary training by adding the philosophical knowledge and practical skills needed to engage with members of the public on vital issues. Incorporating coursework, research and community engagement, students ...
Guide to Applying for Graduate School
The process of preparing for and applying to a PhD program can be overwhelming. The University of Pennsylvania has created this webpage to help prospective PhD students think through the process so you can put together a strong application. ... A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree one may obtain within a particular field of study ...
Department of Philosophy
December 25, 2023. "The journal Philosophy of Science recently published its 90th anniversary issue, and to mark the occasion, the editorial board selected 30 of the 'best and most significant work the journal has published over the years.'. That list included the paper 'A Radical Solution to the Race Problem,' written by Quayshawn Spencer ...
Frequently Asked Questions
The Penn Philosophy doctoral program receives between 150 - 250 applications each year. The admissions committee reviews the applications throughout the month of January and February. Applicants should not expect to hear until late February or early March. Please do not contact the department for updates on your application.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) • Penn Nursing
Costs & Tuition. We are committed to assisting all full-time PhD students for four years of tuition, fees, living stipend, and health insurance. You may be funded internally or externally, depending on the options available. The doctoral program leadership will determine which funding is most appropriate for all incoming students.
PhD
Bring your intellect, curiosity, and creativity to tackling complex social challenges. The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD) Program will transform you into a scholar well-equipped to identify and solve social problems - both close to home and around the world. Grounded in innovation and academic rigor, the SP2 PhD allows you to ...
Facts & Dates
Application Deadline: December 15. The Wharton Doctoral Programs admits students for full-time study only beginning in the fall semester each year. Your online application and all supporting materials (letters of recommendation, grade transcripts, and either GMAT or GRE scores) must be received by the deadline. See Applying to Wharton.
Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts
The Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) is an advanced interdisciplinary graduate degree designed for individuals with a passion for academic pursuits. Available on a full- or part-time basis, you elect the courses most relevant to your interests, around your schedule. The Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts can serve as an important ...
Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education
The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers in education. The program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional ...
PhD
Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are research-oriented degree programs for students of superior caliber who will make original contributions to theory and practice in their fields of interest. ... The online application for PhD in any of those departments starts here. ... University of Pennsylvania 3330 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA ...
MPhil Application Overview
Admissions and eligibility. Admission to the Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts (MPhil) degree is available to individuals who earned a graduate degree from Penn and have an interdisciplinary academic background; who previously completed a Master of Liberal Arts degree at Penn; or who hold an equivalent master's degree in the liberal arts at another institution.
Ph.D. in Quantitative Methods
The Ph.D. program in Quantitative Methods is designed to prepare students for faculty positions at universities as well as important responsibilities at research and assessment organizations. Graduates will be prepared to design first-rate empirical research and data analyses and to contribute to the development of new research methodologies.
Doctoral Program
Email: [email protected] . Mariel Celentano Graduate Coordinator for ROBO Office: 459 Levine Phone: 215-573-4907 Email: [email protected]. Liz Wai-Ping Ng Associate Director for Embedded Systems MSE program Office: 313 Levine Phone: 215-898-8543 Email: [email protected]. Julia Esposito PICS Program Coordinator, SCMP Academic ...
JD/PhD Philosophy • Academics • Penn Carey Law
JD/PhD Philosophy. Take a philosophical approach to the study of law through the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the Department of Philosophy's joint JD/PhD program. This unique program is designed to train the next generation of legal philosophers, who will teach legal and political philosophy in law schools, philosophy ...
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology
These include two courses in criminological theory, two courses in criminal justice policy, and two semesters of graduate level statistics or data science. The "comprehensive exam" for the program consists of a working paper that may be part of a future dissertation proposal. The Ph.D. dissertation typically includes three publishable papers.
JD/MA and JD/PhD Philosophy • Academics • Penn Carey Law
Department of Philosophy The JD/PhD Program is designed to train the next generation of legal philosophers, who will teach legal and political philosophy in law schools, philosophy departments, departments of government, specialized graduate and undergraduate jurisprudence programs, and legal studies departments. ... University of Pennsylvania ...
Ph.D. in Education, Culture, and Society
The Ph.D. in Education, Culture, and Society provides a rigorous theoretical and methodological framework for the study of education, focusing on social, cultural, political, and normative dimensions. Following a rich academic curriculum centered in social theory and qualitative research methods, the program invites students to interrogate and ...
PhD Program
The PhD degree requires a minimum of twenty (18) course units (one unit per course); a normal full-time program consists of three to four units per term. Of these units, at least twelve (12) must be taken at this University. Up to eight (8) course units may be transferred from another institution. Students should request credit transfer from ...
Program: Philosophy, PHD
Joint and Special Programs (Graduate & Undergraduate) HELP. 2024-2025 University Catalog Philosophy, PHD Location(s): West Lafayette. Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) | Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window) ... Communication & Philosophy (Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program)
Volume 70 Number 36
Adina Goldstein is a doctoral candidate in the teaching, learning and teacher education program at Penn GSE. She holds an EdM from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on teacher preparation and the experiences of teachers of color during teacher preparation. Ms.
Department of Philosophy
We have built the world's only philosophy PhD program with a focus on ontology. The annual starting salaries for our graduates can reach to $175,000. Learn more. A broad range of expertise with cross-disciplinary ties. Research-driven mentoring and instruction. Prepare for career pathways in Philosophy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the entry requirement for the PhD program at Monash Business School? The minimum qualifications for admission to PhD enrolment are: a bachelor's degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field, and which normally includes a research component in the fourth year, leading to an honours 1 or 2A in a relevant field;
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education and Promotion
A flexible course of study can be designed by the student in consultation with his or her advisor. The general required components of the Ph.D. program are listed below. I. Health Education/Promotion Core (12 hrs) II. Advanced Research and Statistical Methods (12 hrs) III. Social and Behavioral Science (12 hrs) IV.
Evan Arnet, Associate Research Development Specialist
Evan Arnet, recent graduate of our program has accepted a position as Associate Research Development Specialist with Proposal Development Services at Indiana University, Bloomington Campus.
Program: Philosophy Major, MA
An MA in philosophy also prepares students to apply to a top philosophy PhD program or for a career as a teacher or an ethics consultant. Thesis Option. This option includes a substantial independent research project that is conducted with guidance and supervision by a committee of faculty. The option is open to all philosophy MA students, and ...

Philosophy, PhD

Required Courses

Print Options

University of Pennsylvania Philosophy

Frequently Asked Questions

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

About the Program

Program Information

Program Details

Requirements

Application Deadlines

Costs & Tuition

Full-Time: Fall 2023 & Spring 2024

Related Links

Program Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

How many are accepted to the PhD program at Penn Nursing?

How can I get more information on the research faculty are doing for my application?

Can I reach out to faculty for more information?

Is there a clinical component?

When does the PhD program start?

If I am an international applicant with an international RN license, can I still apply to the PhD program?

Ready to take the next step?

PHD IN SOCIAL WELFARE

An Invitation from the Co-Directors

The SP2 Difference

World-Class Faculty

Your Experience

Recent Awards & Honors

National Research Honors

Career Success

FEATURED ALUMNI

Ready to join the PhD community?

Facts & Dates

Application Deadline: December 15

Programs of Study

Related Links

Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

PhD Student Experience

Master of Liberal Arts

Application deadlines

Application materials checklist

Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts application essays

Letters of recommendation

Standardized test scores

Culture, community, and city living

Looking for financial assistance?

New Concentration in “Machine Learning + X”

Graduate Program:

Your CIS Contacts:

Search form

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

PROGRAM FEATURES

DOCTORAL ADMISSIONS

Should I apply to the master’s program or doctoral program in criminology at Penn?

How should I decide if the Penn doctoral program is a good fit for me?

Who makes admissions decisions?

How does funding normally work?

Recent Doctoral Program Alumni

About the JD/PhD Philosophy

Program Course Overview

How to Apply

Interested in other humanities focused joint degrees?

Search form

What Sets Us Apart

Sample Courses

Introductory Methods Courses

Advanced Methods Courses

Sample Social Theory Courses

Berkowitz Fellowship in History of Education

Our Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Our Graduates

Alumni Careers

Admissions & Financial Aid

Related News & Research

Penn Ph.D. candidate Penelope Lusk named 2024 Queen Elizabeth Scholar

Penn GSE team named to fourth cohort of Projects for Progress

Ethnography in Education Research Forum