Through a collaboration between the College of Arts and Sciences’ Urban Studies program and Penn GSE, undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania can pursue a minor that prepares them to make a meaningful difference in education.
Whether you’re drawn to teaching in middle and high schools or want to understand and transform education in urban communities through a policy lens, these minors combine rigorous coursework with real-world experience—so you graduate ready to lead, serve, and create change.
Choose Your Path
| Urban Education Minor | Secondary Education Minor (with Teacher Licensure) |
|---|---|
The Urban Education minor equips students with a deep understanding of how schools intersect with broader social, cultural, and policy dynamics in cities. Students examine the social, economic, and legal forces that influence educational opportunity and develop the research skills needed to address inequities and improve outcomes. Ideal for students who want to:
| The Secondary Education minor prepares you to become a licensed teacher in grades 7–12. You’ll build a strong foundation in teaching and learning while gaining hands-on classroom experience through field placements and student teaching in Philadelphia schools. Students may pursue certification in:
Ideal for students who want to:
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| 7 Course Units | 9 Course Units |
| Full Course Guide | Full Course Guide |
Urban Education minors may apply for the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program and take courses in the Penn GSE master's programs while an undergraduate, and count up to four courses toward the Master’s degree. The allowed courses vary by program, so meeting with the advisor is necessary.
Questions about the program?
We are here to help. Please contact the program advisor.
Patrick Sexton, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Educator Preparation and Undergraduate Programs
Certification Officer
Office: 215-898-9336
Email: gse-undergrad@gse.upenn.edu
Take the Next Step
View application requirements, deadlines, and how to apply.
Compare Undergrad Options to Become a Teacher
| Undergraduate Minors | Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program | |||
| Urban Education Minor | Secondary Education Minor | Urban Teaching Apprenticeship, M.S.Ed. | Urban Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed. | |
| Courses | 7 undergraduate courses | 9 undergraduate courses | 11-12 graduate courses* | 11-12 graduate courses* |
| Master’s degree | Not applicable | Not applicable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Degree and Certification(s) | Not applicable | PA Instructional I | M.S.Ed. + PA Instructional I | M.S.Ed. + PA Instructional I + Special Education |
| Grade level preparedness | Not applicable | 7-12 | • Pre-K-4 • 4-8 • 7-12 | • Pre-K-4 • 4-8 • 7-12 |
| Culminating Field Experience | Not applicable | Full time student teaching in the spring semester of your senior year | Student teaching apprenticeship with 800+ hours of hands-on fieldwork | Earn your credential while working full time |
| Assigned a mentor or coach | Not applicable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
*As undergraduates, Penn students can complete 4 courses.
Questions About the Program?
We are here to help. Please contact the program advisor.
Patrick Sexton, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Educator Preparation and Undergraduate Programs