Overview

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.

The Education, Culture and Society Ph.D. program at the University of Pennsylvania 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.

Careers

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.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Statistics for Educational Research
Qualitative Modes of Inquiry
Craft of Ethnography
Advanced Qualitative and Case Study Research
Methods of Discourse Analysis
Ethnographic Research Methods
Culture/Power/Subjectivities

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Education Ethnic Studies Sociology View 139 other PhDs in Sociology in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to Penn GSE requires satisfactory completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. university or its equivalent prior to your matriculation into any program.
Prerequisites: research experience and a master's degree recommended
Statement of Purpose: in 750 words or less, address the factors that have encouraged you to seek an education from Penn GSE.
A current résumé/CV is required.
Letters of Recommendation required: 3
Transcripts
Writing Sample: Students should submit written work that reflects their emerging voice as a scholar.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

44792 USD / year

≈ 44792 USD / year
Out-of-State

44792 USD / year

≈ 44792 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

44792 USD / year

≈ 44792 USD / year

Additional Details

Most of our PhD programs are fully funded, meaning the program will pay for your tuition and fees, as well as provide you with a minimum stipend of $39,425.

Living costs

Philadelphia

United States

1313 - 2284 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Education, Culture and Society.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Philadelphia

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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