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. Students create an individualized program of study in close consultation with an academic advisor. Students are encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach to human development and may take courses in other schools and departments at Penn. Our program 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.