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This doctoral program integrates the examination of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical dimensions of human growth, analyzed through cultural frameworks and policy implications. Situated in West Philadelphia, Penn GSE's urban education focus enables students to craft tailored academic paths that deepen their grasp of diverse developmental perspectives throughout life. Working closely with faculty advisors, students design personalized curricula. The program promotes cross-disciplinary exploration of human development, allowing coursework across Penn's various schools and departments. Graduates emerge prepared for academic and research positions in higher education. While prior graduate work in human development or a master's degree is advantageous, it's not mandatory for application. Key concentration areas encompass developmental psychology, cognitive growth, culturally-situated development, and research methodology.
Applicant must have Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree desired but not required.
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.