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

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Curriculum 

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

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

Attempted each term after completing coursework to finish PhD milestones. Students will earn 3 CU's in the term they upload their dissertation and complete all requirements for the degree. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Required 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.