Dr. Dick Polman

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Dick Polman is a political columnist and writer in residence at the University of Pennsylvania's Department of English. He has a 22-year career as a staff writer with the Philadelphia Inquirer, covering five presidential campaigns and serving various roles including national political writer and foreign correspondent. His extensive body of work also includes contributions to notable publications such as The Atlantic, Politico Magazine, and Smithsonian Magazine. In addition to his journalism, he was the founding editor of the Hartford Advocate and has taught at the University of Pennsylvania since 2003 after initially auditing classes there in 1999. Polman also hosts public events at the Kelly Writers House, engaging with prominent journalists. He graduated from George Washington University in 1973 with a BA in public affairs and has been influential in shaping political discourse through his writing and teaching.

Research Interests

Experience

Writer in Residence

2003-01-01 — Present

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

Teaching various courses in political journalism and long-form journalism.

Political Columnist

1981-01-01 — Present

Philadelphia Inquirer • Philadelphia, PA

Covered five presidential campaigns and served as a national political writer.

Courses

Long-Form Journalism Political Journalism

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.