Overview

The Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development program at the University of Pennsylvania prepares graduates for careers as university professors and researchers.

Significant graduate-level preparation in human development or a master’s degree is recommended but not required for admission. Core areas of focus include developmental psychology, cognitive development, development in cultural contexts, and research design and analysis.

Overview

This Ph.D. program combines the study of social, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of human development considered within cultural contexts and relevant to social policies.

Penn GSE’s commitment to urban education as well as its West Philadelphia setting offers students the opportunity to create a specialized program of study that leads to an enriched understanding of the diverse perspectives of human development across the lifespan.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Education in Developing Countries
Psychology of the African-American
Topics of Psychology in Education: Qualitative Studies of Developmental Interventions
Cultural Perspectives on Human Development
Peer Relationships in Childhood and Adolescence
Poverty and Child Development
Cognitive Processes
Complex, Multilevel, and Longitudinal Research Models

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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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Philadelphia, United States

Disciplines

Liberal Arts Developmental Psychology View 31 other PhDs in Developmental Psychology 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.

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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: Master's in psychology 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

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 Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Overview

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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