Graduate Degree Programs

The Pennsylvania State University Workforce Education and Development program offers certificate and graduate degree programs leading to master's of education (M.Ed.), master's of science (M.S.), doctorate of education (D.Ed.), and; doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Students interested in these programs should be employed in or aspire to be employed as faculty, trainers, administrators, or researchers in education-for-work settings such as business, industry, health fields, occupational home economics, cooperative education, youth apprenticeship, or employment and training.

Master's of Education (M.ED.)

The M.Ed. candidates must complete six credits taken outside of the Workforce Education and Development program. A candidate for the M.Ed. has the option of completing a three-credit independent study, a comprehensive examination, and at least three credits of WF ED 596.

Master's of Science (M.S.)

The culminating experience for the Master of Science (M.S.) degree is either a thesis, essay, or paper acceptable to the student's advisor and professor-in-charge. Candidates who choose to complete a formal thesis that will be submitted to the Graduate School must complete six credits of WF ED 600. Those choosing to complete a paper or essay must enroll in a minimum of three credits of WF ED 596. Students must be enrolled during all semesters in which they are working on the manuscript. 

Doctorate of Education (D.Ed.)

The D. Ed requires a minimum of 90 credits , of which at least 30 credits must be earned in residence at the University Park campus.   The D.Ed. culminating project includes a comprehensive examination, thesis, and final oral examination (AKA the defense).

Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. requires at least two consecutive semesters as a registered full-time student. The Ph.D. culminating project includes a comprehensive examination, thesis, and final oral examination (AKA the defense).