Learning Sciences & Technologies, PhD
The Ph.D. in Learning Sciences and Technologies focuses on the preparation of researchers and researcher/developers in education. The program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars. Ph.D. students are required to hold a master’s degree prior to beginning the Ph.D. program, and are expected to have experience in educational practice. You will build a program of study that includes courses in teaching and learning, social foundations, and research methods. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/academics/programs/learning-sciences-technology-phd
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | 5 | |
| Required Courses | ||
| Doctoral Proseminar on Education Research | ||
| Design of Learning Environments | ||
| Learning Sciences: Past, Present, Future | ||
| Social Foundations of Teaching and Learning | ||
| How People Learn: Theoretical Foundations | ||
| Methods Strand | 3 | |
| Required Courses (choose 3, pre-approved courses below) 1 | ||
| Introduction to Mixed-Methods Research | ||
| Qualitative Research: Concepts, Methods and Design | ||
| Core Methods in Educational Data Mining | ||
| Advanced Qualitative and Case Study Research | ||
| Social and Statistical Network Analysis | ||
| Regression and Analysis of Variance | ||
| Application and Design Courses | 3 | |
| Choose 3 from pre-approved courses below: | ||
| MaKer Studio | ||
| Integrative Design Studio: Biological Design | ||
| Design Thinking | ||
| Video Games and Virtual Worlds as Sites for Learning | ||
| Educational and Social Entrepreneurship | ||
| Digital Literacies in a Networked World | ||
| Educational Assessment of and for Learning | ||
| Big Data, Education, and Society | ||
| Artificial Intelligence for Children and Youth Learning and Creating in K-12 Education | ||
| Technologies for Language Learning and Teaching | ||
| Elective 2 | 1 | |
Select 1 EDUC elective. Advisor approval is required if taking a non-EDUC course. Course must be at the 5000 level or above | ||
| Additional Requirements 3 | ||
| Students must complete all University Milestones for Doctoral Candidates in addition to specific milestones for GSE. These include: | ||
A Qualifications Evaluation (also known as Program Candidacy) | ||
A Preliminary Examination (also known as Doctoral Candidacy) | ||
An Oral Defense of the Dissertation Proposal | ||
Final Defense of the Dissertation | ||
| Total Course Units | 12 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
Chosen in consultation with an advisor.
- 2
Elective may be taken outside of GSE with advisor approval. Courses must be at the 5000 level or above.
- 3
Required GSE Milestones
Qualifications Evaluation (Also known as Program Candidacy): A Qualifications Evaluation of each student is conducted after the completion of 6 but not more than 8 course units. The evaluation is designed by the specialization faculty and may be based on an examination or on a review of a student’s overall academic progress.
Preliminary Examination (Also known as Doctoral Candidacy): A Candidacy Examination on the major subject area is required. The candidacy examination is a test of knowledge in the student's area of specialization, requiring students to demonstrate knowledge and reasoning in the key content areas in their specialization as defined by their academic division. This examination is normally held after the candidate has completed all required courses.
Oral Proposal: All doctoral candidates must present their dissertation proposals orally and in person to the dissertation committee.
Final Defense of the Dissertation: The final dissertation defense is approximately two hours in length and is based upon the candidate’s dissertation.
- 4
A non-credit bearing Research Apprenticeship Course is required from second semester of first year forward in the Professional Experiences Strand.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.