Pennsylvania State University

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Requires a master's degree in education or related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, professional experience in education, and evidence of leadership potential. GRE is often optional, with emphasis on professional background and interviews.

About This Program

Penn State's College of Education emphasizes global outlook, unique dual degrees, and firm commitment to social equity. Multiple Ed.D. options: (1) Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for PreK-12; (2) Joint Law Degree option; (3) Ed.D. in Comparative and International Education (unusual dual degree for overseas work); (4) Ed.D. in Higher Education with flexibility for individualized study; (5) Ed.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education. Strong research centers and alumni mentoring program.

Career Outcomes

Penn State graduates lead internationally as education leaders, researchers, and practitioners in schools, higher education, and policy organizations.

• 1. School Superintendent
• 2. District Administrator
• 3. Educational Policy Director
• 4. College Provost

What You'll Learn

• Advanced strategies for educational policy development and implementation
• Leadership skills for school and district administration
• Data-driven decision-making and program evaluation
• Organizational change management in educational contexts

Curriculum Highlights

Leadership: Core Administration, Research Methods, Policy, Organizational Theory; International Education: Global Systems Analysis, Comparative Education, International Field Study, Research Methods; Higher Education: Individualized Coursework, Finance, Policy, Dissertation

Top Employers

Common employers include public school districts, state education departments, universities, and educational consulting firms.

Admissions

Requires a master's degree in education or related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, professional experience in education, and evidence of leadership potential. GRE is often optional, with emphasis on professional background and interviews.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Master's degree
• GRE/GMAT: Optional
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international students (TOEFL 80+ / IELTS 6.5+)