Most Influential Schools in Education Today

1. Harvard University

Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education was founded in 1920. The school offers master’s degree and doctoral degree programs in education, as well as professional education programs and certificates of advanced study. Students at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education have access to world-class experts and cutting-edge research and theoretical work.

The purpose of the Graduate School of Education is to:

• Prepare the next generation of leaders, researchers, and innovators in the field of education
• Improve outcomes by implementing new knowledge and methods based on research
• Use strategic partnerships and alliances to advance communication and policy development

Among the faculty that students will learn from are MacArthur “genius grant” winners, internationally-recognized researchers, and leaders in the field. The school is home to a number of significant research labs, including the Center on the Developing Child and the Education Redesign Lab.

Current research initiatives include projects exploring civic and moral education, charter schools, global education initiatives, teacher development, and literacy. Students in these programs are able to gain practical knowledge and experience, working to solve real-world problems with some of the brightest minds in the field.

HGSE is also home to the Monroe C. Gutman Library, which is a 200,000 volume collection focusing on all topics related to education, including psychology, human development, policy, and literacy. The faculty and staff have also created an outstanding resource for education professionals. Usable Knowledge is an online database that brings the best education research available to all who wish to deepen their understanding of best practices.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Master’s Degree in Arts in Education – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Education Policy and Management – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Higher Education – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Human Development and Psychology – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in International Education Policy – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Language and Literacy – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Learning and Teaching – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Mind, Brain, and Education – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Prevention Science and Practice/CAS in Counseling – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in School Leadership – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Specialized Studies – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Teacher Education – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Technology, Innovation, and Education – on-campus
• Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) – on-campus
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) – on-campus
• Certificate of Advanced Study – on-campus

2. Stanford University

Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education was opened in 1917, but its roots extend back to the creation of Stanford University in 1891. Education was one of the original departments at the university but did not reach its official status until the birth of the Stanford School of Education under Ellwood Patterson Cubberley’s leadership.

Cubberley’s early efforts on behalf of the education department yielded extraordinary results, and Stanford quickly established itself as a leading institution in the field. The mission of Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education is to prepare the learners of today to be the educators of the future. They have identified nine challenges to define their goals and mission. These include:

• Transformative Technologies
• Better Systems of Education
• A Worthwhile Education
• Science of Learning
• The Promise of Every Child
• Research and Practice Exchange
• A Data Revolution
• Empowered Educators
• Identities and Participation

Stanford University’s research and development in the areas of these grand challenges have yielded innovations that are transforming education every day. Faculty, students, and alumni bring substantial contributions to their schools and communities and bring their expertise to bear on policy-making decisions that impact students around the world.

Some of Stanford University’s most well-known contributions to the education field include the Stanford-Binet test of intelligence, the creation of UNESCO (also known as the United Nations Educational, Social, and Cultural Organization) by Stanford’s Dean of the School of Education, Grayson Kefauver, Cronbach’s alpha, the opening of the Center for Educational Research at Stanford (CERAS), and the development of the Stanford Education Data Archive (SEDA).

Education Degrees Offered:

• Master’s Degree in Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP) – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Learning, Design and Technology (LDT) – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in International Comparative Education (ICE) – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies (POLS) – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in International Education Policy Analysis (IEPA) – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Teacher Education (CTE) – on-campus
• Master’s Degree in Education (Individually Designed MA) – on-campus
• Joint MA in Education/MBA – on-campus
• Joint MA/MPP in Public Policy and Education – on-campus
• Joint MA/JD – on-campus
• Ph.D. in Education (numerous concentrations divided into departments– on-campus)
• Social Sciences, Humanities & Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS)
• Developmental and Psychological Sciences
• Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education (CTE)
• Cross-Area Specialization: Learning Sciences and Technology
• Cross-Area Specialization: Race, Inequality, and Language in Education
• Other programs such as undergraduate minors, ethnic studies and quantitative research methods

3. Columbia University

Columbia University’s Teachers College, a graduate school of education, health, and psychology, was founded in 1880 to provide practical training to immigrant women in disciplines such as cooking and sewing. Over time, the mission evolved to provide teacher education. Teachers College now specializes in an interdisciplinary approach to teacher education, drawing knowledge from disciplines such as psychology, economics, social justice, public health, and neuroscience to better understand best practices in teaching and learning.

Columbia University’s faculty are among the best in the world, and among them have been the brightest minds in education and educational psychology, including John Dewey, Margaret Mead, and William Heard Kilpatrick, who opened new paths of inquiry for education researchers in the fields of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and behavioral sciences.

The home of the nation’s oldest nutrition education program, Columbia’s education offerings are vast, with over 65 programs of study. The Teachers College has developed new teacher preparation models and advanced the world’s understanding of cognition and learning.

Columbia University’s Teachers College is working collaboratively with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point through the Eisenhower Leader Development Program and has recently announced the creation of the Education Policy and Social Analysis department, devised to focus on policy development. It is also home to The Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, as well as the Institute for Urban and Minority Education, organizations focused on peace and conflict studies and social justice concerns.

Education Degrees Offered, by Concentration:

• Reimagining Education - Advanced Certificate
• Sociology and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D., Advanced Certificate
• Dance Education – Ed.D.
• Philosophy and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Communication and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D.
• Gifted Education – M.A.
• English Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ed.D.C.T., Ph.D.
• Computing in Education (online) – M.A.
• Early Childhood Education – M.A., Ed.D.
• Early Childhood Special Education- M.A.
• Bilingual/Bicultural Education – M.A., Advanced Certificate
• Elementary Inclusive Education – M.A.
• Secondary Inclusive Education – M.A.
• Education Policy - M.A., Ed.M., Ph.D.
• Economics and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ph.D.
• Politics and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ph.D.
• Education Leadership - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Health Education – M.A., M.S., Ed.D.
• Mathematics Education – M.A., M.S., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ed.D.C.T., Ph.D.
• Nursing Education – Ed.D., Advanced Certificate
• Physical Education – M.A., Ed.M, Ed.D.
• Science Education - M.A., M.S., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Anthropology and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Educational Technology Specialist – M.A.
• History and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Neuroscience and Education – M.S.
• Psychology in Education – M.A.
• Art and Art Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ed.D.C.T., Advanced Certificate
• Cognitive Science in Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Diabetes Education and Management – M.S., Advanced Certificate
• Higher and Postsecondary Education – M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D.
• International and Comparative Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Movement Science and Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Music and Music Education - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ed.D.C.T.
• Urban Education Leaders Program – Ed.D.
• Education Leadership – Ph.D.
• Adult Education Guided Intensive Study (AEGIS) – Ed.D.
• Leadership and Education Change – Singapore – M.A.
• Sexuality, Women and Gender in Psychology of Education – Advanced Certificate
• Curriculum & Teaching - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D.
• Reading Specialist - M.A.
• Severe or Multiple Disabilities - M.A.
• Instructional Technology and Media - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D.
• Literacy Specialist - M.A.
• Developmental Disabilities - M.A.
• Intellectual Disability/Autism - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Applied Linguistics and the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D.
• Communication, Media and Learning Technologies Design - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D.
• Teaching of Social Studies - M.A., Ed.M., Ed.D., Ph.D.

4. Yale University

Yale University’s undergraduate Education Studies Program was started in 2013. It is a multidisciplinary program that combines education coursework with courses throughout their liberal arts curriculum. The program utilizes small cohorts of 25 students at a time, who take courses on the history, theory, and practice of education while also taking classes in their chosen discipline.

Education Studies scholars participate in field trips, case studies, guest lectures, field experiences, and weekly dinners, during which they practice skills, conduct research, and meet with other students in the program to build a professional community. The program culminates in a capstone project which presents original research or a newly developed educational innovation or policy.

The purpose of the multidisciplinary approach is to train educators for the future of education while they are studying their chosen field. This produces educators with strong subject matter expertise, ready to teach the next generation of scientists, makers, and leaders. The faculty within the Education Studies Program reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the program, with professors of English, sociology, foreign affairs, law, and other disciplines. Together they create a holistic learning community to prepare tomorrow’s educators.

Yale does not offer a teaching certification program, nor is the Education Studies Program a major of its own. Instead, the education program exists as an additional layer of expertise that can be combined with any academic program currently offered at Yale University. Graduates from the program often move on to teaching, although some do move into politics, journalism, research, or government jobs.

Education Programs Offered:

• Multidisciplinary Education Studies Program

5. University of Chicago

The University of Chicago’s Committee on Education is built on two understandings. First, they believe students benefit from interdisciplinary study, and secondly, they believe that this interdisciplinary work fosters innovation. Students will take courses exploring learning and development, schools as social institutions, and the development of educational policy.

Integral to the University of Chicago’s mission is the Urban Education Institute, which operates a public school, PreK-12, through which the University of Chicago’s education researchers and their partners can observe teaching and assessment methods in real-time, and investigate new approaches to improve student outcomes. The Urban Education Institute also provides students at the University of Chicago’s Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies with the opportunity to practice teaching through their Urban Teacher Education Program.

University of Chicago faculty are active researchers and practitioners. They lead a number of initiatives promoting educational goals, such as the Network for College Success, the Spatial Intelligence and Learning Center, Language Development Project, the Center for Early Learning & Public Health, and numerous research studies regarding learning and development. Their research, conducted at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, the UChicago Charter School, UChicago STEM Education, and the Urban Education Institute, has yielded critical insights and the development of assessment and data analysis tools used by educators around the world.

The Committee on Education hosts programs designed to provoke deeper thinking about education best practices, through the presentation of lectures, conferences, and receptions with eminent scholars. Students benefit from exposure to provocative ideas that challenge what we think we know about teaching and learning.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education with Teaching Certification
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Graduate Certificate and Undergraduate Minor: Education and Society
• Doctoral Fellowship in Education Research

6. University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley offered its first studies in education in 1889. By 1894, the school was offering its first high school teaching certifications, and by 1900 the Graduate School of Education was born. The faculty and students represent a diversity of backgrounds, but all are committed and passionate about improving our understanding of how learners learn.

The University of California, Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education focuses on supporting equity and inclusion in public education at every level. Through practical field experiences and collaboration with eminent faculty, students receive a world-class introduction to the practice and theory of teaching and learning.

Graduates from the University of California, Berkeley will have explored multiple dimensions of educational practice, including classroom teaching, innovative approaches to educational spaces, learning communities both formal and informal, and the social dimensions of learning.

The school offers a number of workshops and colloquiums highlighting advances in education technology and other education topics. Most recently, the school hosted a group of high school students for the NAF Future Ready Scholars Program, which offered them an opportunity to stay on campus for three weeks and take STEM classes along with workshops in leadership and collaboration.

A number of research centers are supported by the school, including the Berkeley Evaluation and Assessment Research Center, the Embodied Design Research Laboratory and the College & Career Academy Support Network, as well as research projects such as the California Reading and Literature Project and Technology-Enhanced Learning in Science, a platform for open-source instruction.

Education Degrees Offered:

• M.A./Ph.D. in Education (offering faculty mentors in the categories below)
• Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender
• Learning Sciences and Human Development
• Policy, Politics, and Leadership
• Social Research Methodologies
• Joint Doctorate in Special Education
• Minor in Education
• Minor in Online Education
• Professional Programs
• Teacher Preparation
• Leadership Preparation
• School Psychology
• Principal Leadership Institute

7. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan School of Education was officially created in 1921, but in actuality had existed in practice since the University of Michigan was founded in 1817. The mission of the school is to “generate, study, and teach strategies, practices, and tools for addressing educational problems and to prepare practitioners, policy-makers, and researchers who can develop equitable and just educational opportunities”.

Their programs prepare graduates to affect positive change through teaching, research, policy development, administration, and leadership. Consistently ranked among the top universities for education by U.S. News & World Report, the University of Michigan is also the home of the Center for Education Design, Evaluation, and Research (CEDER) which focuses on the development of new educational tools, evaluations, assessments, and programs.

CEDER has generated tremendous advancements in education, offering consultations with organizations developing curriculum or educational products. These projects include a collaboration with Oakland Schools to develop a program called Equitable Futures, a project-based program exploring causes for, and solutions to, social inequality in Detroit, and the Little Stones Educational Toolkit, developed in support of a documentary film about gender-based violence.

The center is also heavily invested in the research and development of new teaching methods and curriculum models. They are working with the University of Michigan Law School to evaluate and rework their program to involve more experiential learning. They are also working closely with the University of Michigan School of Education’s Teaching & Learning Exploratory TeachLivE™ Lab, which uses mixed-reality technology to prepare teachers to manage classrooms and deliver content.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Bachelor of Arts in Education
• Bachelor of Science in Education
• Master of Arts in Educational Studies
• Elementary Teacher Certification (ELMAC)
• Secondary Teacher Certification (SecMAC)
• Educational Leadership and Policy
• Program Evaluation and Improvement Research
• Design and Technologies for Learning
• Blended Master of Arts in Educational Studies
• Urban Pedagogy (With Teach for America Detroit)
• Educational Studies and MBA (Dual Degree)
• Master of Science in Educational Studies
• Post-Secondary Science Education
• Master of Arts in Higher Education
• Higher Education
• Diversity and Social Justice in Higher Education
• Higher Education and Master of Public Policy (Dual Degree)
• Higher Education and Master of Business Administration (Dual Degree)
• Higher Education Institutional Research
• Higher Education Management and Organizations
• Higher Education Public Policy
• Higher Education Student Access and Success
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies
• Educational Policy, Leadership, and Innovation
• Educational Foundations and Policy
• Learning Technologies
• Literacy, Language, and Culture
• Mathematics Education
• Science Education
• Teaching and Teacher Education
• Education and Statistics (Dual Degree)
• Individually Designed Concentration
• Doctor of Philosophy in English and Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education
• Academic Affairs and Student Development
• Organizational Behavior and Management
• Public Policy in Postsecondary Education
• Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
• Individually Designed Concentration

8. Princeton University

Princeton University’s Teacher Preparation Certificate Program is unique in that it is open to any undergraduate or graduate student, as well as alumni, who wish to receive a New Jersey Teaching Certification. The certification is also transferrable to other states.

Princeton University’s Teacher Prep Office is also active in creating professional development programs such as QUEST and Teachers as Scholars (also Administrators as Scholars), which provides seminars exploring a multitude of topics for teachers and administrators, as part of their outreach efforts at the local level. They also facilitate a high school program on campus, which allows local high school students to take courses for college credit. The school also supports an alumni network that keeps students connected long after they have graduated. This network is a valuable source of news, mentorship, collaboration, and support.

The Teacher Prep Program also awards a number of fellowships at home and abroad, including the Annenberg Fellowship to Eton College, a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, and a U.S. Foundation Fellowship to Sherborne School of Dorset, Great Britain.

As practitioners and researchers, the faculty have made significant contributions to the development of future teaching and education professionals. Their commitment to supporting the ongoing professional development of educators and administrators is evident in the quality of their programming, with thought-provoking topics such as Using Theatre Practices to Strengthen Reading and Writing in the Classroom, U.S. Politics in the Time of Trump, Modernist Portraiture: Literature and Film, and Helping Teachers and Students Flourish: A Mindful Approach.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Certificate Program in Teacher Preparation

9. New York University

New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development was founded in 1890 and was previously known as the NYU School of Education. It is well known for its integrative approach to education, which combines education with disciplines such as communication and public health. This approach highlights education for the force for social change that it is.

NYU Steinhardt offers world-class faculty who are experts in their respective fields, offering an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best. Students may participate in numerous study abroad programs in countries such as China, Argentina, France, and Australia. These global programs prepare Steinhardt graduates to become educators ready to affect lasting global change.

Their mission is to “advance knowledge, creativity, and innovation at the crossroads of culture, education, and human development.” Steinhardt is a community of learners and scholars from every imaginable discipline, united by the goal to prepare the educators and education leaders of the future. Students have the opportunity to intern at major companies and organizations in New York City, experiences that will have an impact for life.

It is the home of the Center for Research on Culture, Development, and Education (CHREO), the Center for the Promotion of Research Involving Innovative Statistical Methodology (PRIISM), and the Consortium for Research and Evaluation of Advanced Technology (CREATE), programs intended to promote research and development for education technologies.

In November of 2019, the school was named #1 in Study Abroad and International Student Enrollment by the Institute of International Education.

Education Degrees Offered:

• American Sign Language Minor
• Applied Statistics for Social Science Research, M.S.
• Art & Education, M.A.
• Bilingual Education, M.A., Ph.D. Advanced Certificate
• Childhood Education, B.S., M.A., Ph.D. and Minor
• Computer Science Education, Minor
• Dance Education, M.A., Advanced Certificate
• Early Childhood Education, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Minor
• Education and Jewish Studies, Ph.D.
• Education and Social Policy, M.A.
• Education Studies, B.A., M.A.
• Education Communication and Technology, M.A., M.S., Ph.D., Advanced Certificate
• Educational Leadership, M.A., Ph.D., Ed.D., Advanced Certificate
• Educational Theatre, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Ed.D., Minor
• English Education, B.S., M.A., M.A.T., Ph.D., Minor
• Environmental Conservation Education, M.A., Ph.D.
• Foreign Language Education, B.S., M.A. Advanced Certificate, Minor
• Global and Urban Education Studies, Minor
• Higher and Postsecondary Education, M.A., Ph.D., Ed.D.
• History of Education, M.A., Ph.D.
• International Education, M.A., Ph.D., Advanced Certificate
• Literacy Education, M.A., Ph.D.
• Math Education, B.S., M.A., M.A.T., Ph.D., Minor
• Music Education, M.A., B.M., Ph.D., Advanced Certificate
• School Counseling, M.A. (online or on-campus)
• Science Education, B.S., M.A.T., Ph.D., Minor
• Social Studies Education, B.S., M.A., M.A.T., Ph.D., Minor
• Sociology of Education, M.A., Ph.D.
• Special Education, B.S., M.A., M.A.T., Ph.D., Minor
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), M.A., Ph.D., Advanced Certificate, Minor

10. Cornell University

Cornell University’s Education program, within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is different from the other programs on this list, offering a unique perspective on education, through the lens of Cornell University’s mission to “discover, preserve and disseminate knowledge, to educate the next generation of global citizens, and to promote a culture of broad inquiry throughout and beyond the Cornell community.” With a focus on concentrations from Agricultural Sciences to Classical Literature, Cornell University’s education programs are designed to complement their interdisciplinary studies.

Consistently in the top ten for fundraising, Cornell has a massive endowment of over $7 billion to fund research and development projects. Cornell offers numerous study abroad opportunities as well as opportunities to intern at prestigious institutions and organizations related to student interests.

In addition, Cornell University offers a cooperative extension program that places extension educators throughout the state to offer services and education regarding Agriculture and Food Systems, Children, Youth and Families, and more. As a community-based function, working with the cooperative extension is a rewarding and relevant service-learning opportunity that prepares students well to face future challenges. Admission to the school is highly competitive, and graduates from Cornell University are highly sought by employers and graduate programs alike.

Student programs at Cornell offer substantial opportunities for student engagement, including the Cornell Model United Nations Conference, as well as three secret societies, Sphinx Head, Der Hexenkreis, and Quill and Dagger. The list of prestigious alumni of the university is long, including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, and Christopher Reeve.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Undergraduate minor in education
• Graduate minor in education
• Master of Arts in Teaching (in collaboration with Ithaca College)
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Agriculture Education (in collaboration with Ithaca College)

11. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California at Los Angeles’ School of Education and Information Studies is committed to training the next generation of leaders in education. In fact, UCLA began as a teachers college when it opened its doors in 1919.

The education faculty at UCLA is passionate about providing students with the skills and understanding they need to create real change. The faculty conduct research exploring everything from behavioral development to indigenous language education. They have established partnerships with two Los Angeles Unified School Districts to experiment and evaluate with innovative tools and methods. Students in the education program benefit from robust field experiences and expert mentors in the field.

UCLA is recognized as the only international public research university, and this special capacity has led to breakthrough advancements that have driven change in instructional methods, pedagogical and andragogical strategies, and educational technologies.

In 2019, UCLA’s Education program was ranked first in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, for their commitment to urban education and the development of future teachers and administrators with a strong commitment to improving outcomes and social justice. The department invests heavily in its effort to increase access to education, remove barriers of race, class, or socioeconomics, and improve instructional quality.

UCLA is also home to a number of important research centers, including the Black Male Institute, the Center for Improving Child Care Quality, the Center for International & Development Education, the Center for the Transformation of Schools, and the Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards & Student Testing.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Education and Social Transformation Major
• Education Studies Minor
• Higher Education & Organizational Change (M.A. & Ph.D.)
• Human Development & Psychology (M.A. & Ph.D.)
• Social Research Methodology (M.A. & Ph.D.)
• Social Sciences & Comparative Education (M.A. & Ph.D.)
• Urban Schooling (Ph.D. only)
• Student Affairs (M.Ed.)
• Principal Leadership Institute (M.Ed. and Preliminary Administrative Credential)
• Teacher Education Program (M.Ed. and Preliminary Teaching Credential)
• Educational Leadership Program (Ed.D.)
• UCLA Women’s School Leadership Academy
• Certificate in Advanced Quantitative Methodology in Educational Research

12. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education started with a single professor in 1894 and is now a world-class program with over 40 tenured or tenure-tracked faculty. Faculty and administrators for the program are committed to nurturing a diverse community of learning professionals who are passionate about teaching and learning.

The University of Pennsylvania is also home to Catalyst @ Penn GSE, a center for the exploration of innovative educational approaches. Catalyst delivers programs to aid innovators in education, regardless of industry, to include educational technology entrepreneurs, researchers, educational and business leaders, policymakers, and anyone else working to revolutionize education. Their programs include The Milken-Penn GSE Education Business Plan Competition, which rewards innovations in education; The Center for School Study Councils, which provides an environment for school leaders to assemble and have discussions with peers about challenges and opportunities; and the Penn Literacy Network, which offers continuing education opportunities online and in-person for PreK-12 education professionals.

The school is also active in its home city of Philadelphia. The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education is heavily involved in Philadelphia schools. Faculty, staff, and students of the graduate school work closely with city school systems, teaching in classrooms and providing leadership and support. Students of the program benefit from practical experience in real-life scenarios.

The program also supports the Penn Futures Project, which is a collaboration between the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, the School of Nursing, and the School of Social Policy & Practice. Together they work to address the complex problems faced by vulnerable families and children throughout the Philadelphia area, increasing access to education and addressing inequities in social justice.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Counseling and Mental Health Services, M.S.
• Counseling and Mental Health Services (Year One), M.S.Ed.
• Education Entrepreneurship, M.S.Ed.
• Education Policy, M.S.Ed.
• Education Policy, Ph.D.
• Education, Culture, and Society, M.S.Ed.
• Education, Culture, and Society, Ph.D.
• Educational Linguistics, Ed.D.
• Educational Linguistics, Ph.D.
• Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management, Ed.D.
• Higher Education, Ed.D.
• Higher Education, M.S.Ed.
• Higher Education, Ph.D.
• Independent School Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed.
• Intercultural Communication, M.S.Ed.
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development, M.S.Ed.
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development, Ph.D.
• International Educational Development, M.S.Ed.
• Learning Sciences and Technologies, M.S.Ed.
• Learning Sciences and Technologies, Ph.D.
• Medical Education, M.S.Ed.
• Mid-Career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, Ed.D.
• Penn Chief Learning Officer, Ed.D.
• Professional Counseling (Year Two), M.Phil.Ed.
• Quantitative Methods, M.Phil.Ed.
• Quantitative Methods, Ph.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy - Certification Only
• Reading/Writing/Literacy, Ed.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy, M.S.Ed.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy, Ph.D.
• School and Mental Health Counseling, M.S.Ed.
• School Leadership - Principal Certification Only
• School Leadership, M.S.Ed.
• Statistics, Measurement, Assessment, and Research Technology, M.S.Ed.
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), M.S.Ed.
• Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, M.S.Ed.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, Ed.D.
• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education, Ph.D.
• Urban Teaching Apprenticeship, M.S.Ed.
• Urban Teaching Residency - Instructional I + Special Education Certification Only
• Urban Teaching Residency - Instructional I Certification Only
• Urban Teaching Residency - Special Education Certification Only
• Urban Teaching Residency, M.S.Ed.

13. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University’s inaugural teacher education program was accredited in 1965. Since then, the program has grown into one of the best in the nation. With numerous education degrees available on-campus and online, the college has contributed to improving education practices across the state and around the world.

Their professional development and post-graduate programs have been nationally recognized, and have led to greater outcomes for the college’s students, and likewise, their future students. In the past seven years, PennState faculty have been awarded 19 Fulbrights and served on education boards at the local, state, and national levels.

Penn State is also home to the Center for the Study of Higher Education, Krause Innovation Studio, and the Institute for Research in Training & Development. They reach out to their communities with efforts such as the Summer College Opportunity Program in Education, the Urban Teaching Collaborative Afterschool Online Tutoring Program, and the Center for Science and the Schools.

The school is also home to 13 different student and professional organizations dedicated to education. They offer the longest-running American Indian Leadership Program in the country and have a high-quality online degree program called Penn State’s World Campus.

The American Journal of Education, a highly-regarded journal of educational research and perspectives, is published by the Department of Education Policy Studies at PennState. A number of faculty for the program also hold prestigious editorial chairs for other major publications, such as Adult Education Quarterly, The Career Development Quarterly, and the Journal of Research in Rural Education.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S.
• Middle School Education, B.S.
• Secondary School Education, B.S.
• World Languages Education, B.S.
• Education and Public Policy, B.S.
• Rehabilitation and Human Services, B.S.
• Special Education, B.S.
• Workforce Education and Development, B.S.
• Education Policy Studies minor
• Rehabilitation and Human Services minor
• Special Education minor
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Certificate
• Adult Education, M.Ed., D.Ed., Ph.D. (M.Ed. also available online)
• American Indian Leadership Program
• Comparative & International Education, M.A., M.Ed., M.S., D.Ed., Ph.D.
• Counselor Education, M.Ed., Ph.D.
• Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D.
• Curriculum and Supervision
• Early Childhood Education
• English Language Arts Education
• Language, Culture, and Society
• Mathematics Education
• Science Education
• Second Language Education
• Social Studies Education
• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, Emphasis in Children’s Literature (available online)
• Educational Leadership, M.Ed., D.Ed., Ph.D.
• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
• Joint Degree with Law (J.D.) and Educational Leadership (M.Ed., D.Ed., Ph.D.)
• Educational Psychology, M.S., Ph.D.
• Educational Theory and Policy, M.A., Ph.D.
• Joint Degree with Law (J.D.) and Educational Theory and Policy (M.A., Ph.D.)
• English as a Second Language
• Higher Education, M.Ed., D.Ed., Ph.D. (M.Ed. also available online)
• Joint Degree with Law (J.D.) and Higher Education (M.Ed., D.Ed., Ph.D.)
• Learning, Design, and Technology, M.Ed., M.S., D.Ed., Ph.D.
• M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology, Educational Technology Option (available online)
• Organization Development and Change, M.P.S. (available online)
• School Psychology, M.Ed./M.S. (leading into Ph.D.), Ph.D.
• Special Education, M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D.
• Workforce Education and Development, M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D.
• Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education (ABA)
• Certificate in Autism (Postbaccalaureate)
• Graduate Certificate in Children’s Literature
• Certificate in Distance Education (Postbaccalaureate)
• Certificate in Educational Technology Integration (Postbaccalaureate)
• Certificate in Family Literacy
• Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research
• Graduate Certificate for Principalship
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate in e-Learning Design
• Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Teaching and Learning Online in K-12 Settings
• Special Education Supervisory Program for PDE Certification

Online:

• Master of Education in Adult Education
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction—Children’s Literature
• Master of Education in Educational Leadership—School Leadership
• Master of Education in Educational Leadership—Teacher Leadership
• Master of Education in Higher Education
• Master of Education in Learning, Design, and Technology—Educational Technology
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change
• Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education (ABA)
• Certificate in Autism (Postbaccalaureate)
• Graduate Certificate in Children’s Literature
• Certificate in Distance Education (Postbaccalaureate)
• Certificate in Educational Technology Integration (Postbaccalaureate)
• Certificate in Family Literacy
• Graduate Certificate in Institutional Research
• Graduate Certificate for Principalship
• Special Education Supervisory Program for PDE Certification

14. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education has its roots in 1890, which is when USC first offered education classes. The School of Education opened in 1918, and since then, it has grown to one of the best programs in the country, offering five doctoral degree and eleven master’s degree programs, in addition to a full suite of professional development and minor options.

The USC School of Education curriculum is based on five pillars: Leadership, Learning, Accountability, and Diversity. These pillars overlay all of the work students do in the program, to include their community engagements and practice opportunities.

USC Rossier has a bold commitment to the improvement of pedagogy in Southern California and has undertaken numerous projects within the Los Angeles community. These projects include Ednovate Inc., which manages five LA charter schools; Jumpstart, which matches USC students with children in low-income communities, and Math for America Los Angeles, a pilot project working to change the art and science of teaching mathematics.

The Rossier School of Education has a singular commitment to the success of its students, even after they have graduated. The Rossier Commitment, as it is called, is to continue to be a resource for alumni as they face professional challenges. Alumni have a dedicated number and email to contact USC staff. Staff take the details of the problem and forward it to their faculty “Rapid Response Team”, which will diagnose the problem and offer solutions that could include coaching, site visits, or other support.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Education and Society Minor
• The Dynamics of Early Childhood Minor
• Progressive Degree Program (combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree)
• World Masters in Language Teaching
• Master of Arts in Teaching (online)
• Master of Arts in Teaching — Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (online)
• Master of Arts in Teaching — Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Summer Gifted Institute Workshop
• Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
• Global Teacher Institutes
• Equity Educators Certificate
• Differentiated Curriculum for Gifted Students Certificate
• Master of Education in Learning Design and Technology (online)
• Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
• Master of Education in School Counseling (online)
• School Leadership Academy
• Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs
• Master of Education in Educational Counseling
• School Business Management Certificate Program
• Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate
• Global Executive Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership (online)
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• AASA-USC Urban Superintendents Academy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy

15. Duke University

Duke University’s work to prepare teachers dates back to 1851. From that time the program has grown to become influential in the delivery of education both locally in North Carolina, and internationally. It is the home to the International Center for Service-Learning in Teacher Education, which is a program dedicated to service-learning projects around the world, offering students an opportunity to receive practical experience working with PreK-12 students from diverse backgrounds.

Current research projects undertaken by Duke faculty include Earn and Learn: An Economic and Civic Literacy Service-Learning Partnership, a State Farm Youth Advisory Board project; and Developing Interculturally Competent and Global Learning Curricula by Exploring Local Schools in India and Examining the Role Material Objects Play in Cross-Cultural Curricula, a research project based in India.

Duke is also invested in meeting the educational and professional development needs of teachers already in service, offering a certificate course for teaching academically and intellectually gifted students. The program is available for on-campus or distance learning, allowing more teachers access to the program.

Duke University is also home to Duke TeachHouse, a living and learning organization that has educators living and working together while they work full time as teachers in local North Carolina schools. This immersive experience gives students robust support and peer learning opportunities, as well as chances to begin creating the change they wish to see. Duke TeachHouse Fellows have additional opportunities to connect with leaders and policy-makers at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Minor in Education
• Elementary Education Teacher Preparation
• Secondary Education Teacher Preparation
• Master of Arts in Teaching
• Academically/Intellectually Gifted Add-On Licensing

16. Northwestern University

Northwestern University began offering education courses in 1888. It has evolved from being a traditional school to one that pushes the boundaries of teaching and learning. Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the United States, by the U.S. News & World Report.

Leadership at the school is committed to developing a community of scholars and practical designers to envision and create the future of education. By combining education with social policy, students at Northwestern University are taught to view education through the lens of how to create education policies to inform and drive social change. The program draws in professionals and students with broad expertise in areas as diverse as human biology and economics to investigate challenges and opportunities related to instructional effectiveness, equity, diversity, and access. This interdisciplinary approach improves outcomes and builds collaborative partnerships that create a real, lasting impact.

Faculty and students at SESP explore big questions about education, including why people often rely on inaccurate information, how to improve college counseling, and how to increase access to instructional technologies in computer science deserts.

In 2013, the school opened the Office of Global Initiatives to facilitate international studies and research initiatives. Through the Office of Global Initiatives, students are able to find opportunities to study abroad, and they are encouraged to take every opportunity to do so. Field experiences have been arranged in Hong Kong, Macau, Spain, South Korea, and many other countries, resulting in well-rounded students informed by global perspectives.

Education Degrees Offered:

• B.A. in Human Development and Psychological Services
• B.A. in Learning and Organizational Change
• B.S.Ed. in Education and Social Policy
• Master of Arts in Learning Sciences
• Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy Program
• Master of Science in Education
• Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change
• Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy in Human Development and Social Policy
• Alternative certification (NU-TEACH)
• Multidisciplinary Program in Education Sciences

17. University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development has been contributing to the field of education for over 100 years. Their mission is to, “contribute to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span.” With more than 75,000 alumni worldwide, the impact of the school on our understanding of pedagogy and instructional methods has been vast.

Faculty and students at the University of Minnesota engage in research studies and projects that explore critical issues in education, such as educational equity and the achievement gap, autism, and developmental disabilities, and children’s mental health and welfare. Their purpose in this study is to eliminate barriers to education, address inequalities inherent in society, support our evolving understanding of instructional methods, and to improve access for all. The school operates more than 20 research centers, devoted to the above issues as well as homelessness, cultural competence, and social development.

The University has developed partnerships with area school districts, which allow students to gain hands-on experience in the classrooms and administrative roles for which they are preparing. By pairing students with master teachers and other educational leaders, the school provides opportunities for relevant job experiences.

The school also offers a Multiple Pathways to Teaching program, which provides an alternative means of gaining teaching certification for candidates with promise who may already be working in schools. In so doing, they help to alleviate teacher shortages by preparing qualified teachers for the classroom.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Adult Education, Undergraduate Certificate, Master’s and Graduate Certificate
• Adult Literacy, Graduate Certificate
• Advance Practices in Second Language Teaching, Graduate Certificate
• Applied Child and Adolescent Development, Master’s (Online degree).
• Applied psychology in educational and community settings (APECS), Undergraduate Minor
• Arts in Education, License, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder, Undergraduate Certificate, License, Master’s and Graduate Certificate
• Business and Marketing Education, Undergraduate Major
• Clinical Physiology and Movement Science, Graduate Minor, Graduate Certificate
• Comparative International Development Education, Masters, Ph.D.
• Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, Master’s, Graduate Minor
• Couple and Family Therapy, Ph.D.
• Culture and Teaching, Ph.D.
• Developmental Psychology, Undergraduate Major *, Undergraduate Minor *, Ph.D., Graduate Minor * offered through CLA
• Disability Policy and Services, Graduate Certificate
• Dual Language and Immersion Education, License, Master’s, Graduate Certificate
• Early Childhood, Undergraduate Major
• Early Childhood Education, License, Master’s
• Education Policy and Leadership, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Elementary Education, Undergraduate Major, License, Master’s, Ph.D.
• English Education, License
• Evaluation Studies, Master’s, Ph.D., Graduate Minor, Graduate Certificate
• Family and Community Engagement, Undergraduate Minor
• Family Therapy, Undergraduate Minor
• Family Social Science, Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor, Master’s, Ph.D., Graduate Minor
• Family Violence Prevention, Undergraduate Minor
• Health and Wellness Promotion, Undergraduate Minor
• Higher Education, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Human Resource Development, Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Certificate, License, Master’s, Ph.D., Graduate Certificate
• Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Minor (online programs)
• Interpersonal Relationships Research, Graduate Minor
• K-12 Technology Integration, Graduate Minor
• Kinesiology, Undergraduate Major, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Leadership in Education, Master’s
• Learning Technologies, Undergraduate Minor, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Literacy Education, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Math Education, License, Master’s
• Multimedia Design and Development, Master’s (online)
• Online Learning, Graduate Certificate
• Parent and Family Education, License, Master’s, Graduate Certificate
• Physical Activity and Health, Master’s
• PK-12 Administrative Licensure, Graduate Certificate
• Prevention Science, Graduate Minor
• Professional Development, Graduate Certificate
• Program Evaluation, Graduate Minor, Graduate Certificate
• Psychological Foundations of Education, Master’s, Ph.D., Graduate Minor
• Quantitative Methods in Education, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Racial Justice in Urban Schooling, Undergraduate Minor
• School Psychology, Master’s, Ph.D., Graduate Minor
• Science Education, License
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education, Ph.D.
• Second Language Education, License, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Social Justice, Undergraduate Minor
• Social Studies Education, License, Master’s
• Social Work, Master’s, Ph.D.
• Special Education, Undergraduate Major, License, Master’s, Ph.D., Graduate Minor, Graduate Certificate
• Sports Coaching, Undergraduate Minor, Undergraduate Certificate
• Sport Management, Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor, Master’s
• Sport and Exercise Science, Master’s
• Talent Development and Gifted Education, Graduate Certificate
• Teaching English as Second Language, Undergraduate Minor, Undergraduate Certificate
• Teaching Writing and Critical Literacy, Graduate Certificate
• Youth Development Leadership, Master’s
• Youth Studies, Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor

18. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Indiana University of Pennsylvania has been widely respected for its teacher preparation programs since its founding in 1875. The school is committed to preparing future educators to teach with empathy and compassion, to model critical thinking and analysis, and to model cutting edge pedagogical and instructional methods.

Their programs are designed to offer the theoretical and pedagogical skills needed, as well as the opportunities to practice the skills they need to become educators and administrators that create impact and drive education reforms. These opportunities arise from placements in local public schools for semesters of supervised teaching experience. These programs, based in both rural and urban schools, offer students unique perspectives through experiences with students and organizations both culturally and economically diverse.

Teacher education programs are led by faculty with experience in their respective fields, and are comprised of three steps: the first step is their core educational requirements, the second step is made up of the higher-level methods courses, and the third is the field experience/student teaching experience.

For 17 consecutive years, Indiana University of Pennsylvania has been selected for the Princeton Review’s list of best colleges, as well as Money Magazine’s “Best College for You” list. They have been nationally recognized by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

Education Degrees Offered:

• Career and Technical Teacher Certification
• Cooperative Education Teacher/Coordinator Certification
• Leadership Certification
• Vocational Education, B.S.Ed.
• Disability Services, B.S.
• Early Childhood-Special Education, B.S.Ed.
• Urban, Early Education-Special Education, B.S.Ed.
• Special Education with Reading Specialist, B.S.Ed.
• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, B.S.
• Dual Certification-Special Education Grades 7-12 for Secondary Education Majors
• Audiology Minor
• Deaf Studies Minor
• Special Education Minor
• Assistant Behavior Analyst Certificate
• Undergraduate Minor in Educational Psychology
• Educational Psychology, M.Ed.
• School Psychology, Ed.S.
• School Psychology, Ph.D.
• Business Education, B.S.Ed.
• Early Childhood/Special Education, B.S.Ed.
• Early Childhood/Special Education Urban Track, B.S.Ed.
• Early Childhood, Grades PreK–4, and Literacy/Reading Specialist Certification, Grades PK–12, , B.S.Ed.
• Middle-Level Education, Grades 4–8, B.S.Ed.
• CCAC/IUP, Middle-Level Education, Math and Science, Grades 4–8, B.S.Ed./
• Adult and Community Education, Online, M.A.
• Instructional Design and Technology, M.A.
• Business/Workforce Development, M.Ed.
• Education, M.Ed.
• Literacy and/or Reading Specialist Certification, M.Ed.
• Administration and Leadership Studies, D.Ed.
• Curriculum and Instruction, D.Ed.
• Principal Certification
• Undergraduate Minor in Educational Psychology
• Educational Psychology, M.Ed.
• School Psychology, Ed.S.
• School Psychology, Ph.D.
• Student Affairs in Higher Education, M.A.
• Academic Advising Certificate

19. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education was named the #1 Public School of Education in a tie with UCLA by the U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 Best Graduate School Rankings. Their mission is to use research and instruction to advance understanding, prepare future educators, and develop educational innovations.

The school not only educates students, but also serves as an educational innovation incubator, and research unit. The school is home to the Wisconsin Center for Education Research, which is among the oldest and most prolific education research centers worldwide. The center’s current research efforts are exploring learning sciences, education policy development, school finance strategy, the improvement of equity and access to education, STEM education, literacy, and much more. Students attending this school will have vast opportunities to explore some of the possibilities of education of the future.

The Professional Development and Community Education (PLACE) takes the innovations generated by the faculty and staff and helps to bring those advances to the world through community learning and professional development programs.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education also offers a number of service units to support the educational community, including the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, the Teacher Education Center, and The Office of Child Care and Family Resources.

In addition, the school, through the legislative action of Act 31, requires that all students receive American Indian studies at least three times during their K-12 career. Likewise, students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who are seeking teaching certification must also be educated in topics such as tribal sovereignty and American Indian history and culture.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Art-BS and Art-BFA
• Art Education
• Athletic Training
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Dance-BS and Dance-BFA
• Education Studies
• Elementary Education (see Minors list below)
• Individual Major
• Kinesiology - Exercise and Movement Science
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Rehabilitation Psychology
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Theatre and Drama
• World Language Education: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish
• Certificate in Education and Educational Services
• Certificate in Educational Policy Studies
• Master’s Teacher Certification Program in Secondary Education
• Master’s Teacher Certification Program in Special Education
• Master of Science for Professional Educators (online)
• Master of Science in Educational Psychology
• Doctoral Research Program

Teacher/Administrator Certificate Programs

• Secondary Education
• Elementary Education
• English as a Second Language
• Special Education
• Art Education
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• UW-Set Residency Program
• Principal
• Superintendent
• Director of Instruction
• Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
• Adaptive Physical Education
• Bilingual/Bicultural Education
• Health Minor for Educators
• Library Media Specialist
• Reading Teacher/Specialist
• School Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Speech-Language Pathologist

20. Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University is one of the oldest Franciscan Catholic universities in the country. Their motto is “become that someone”, which is a reference to their commitment to developing compassionate, empathetic, and successful graduates.

With a focus on teaching theory and practice rooted in ethics and research, the SFU School of Health Sciences and Education offers a number of degrees and concentrations to prepare students for futures in education. The school features small class sizes, which allow for more interaction with faculty, and therefore, greater attention and support.

Graduates of Saint Francis University’s teacher certification programs qualify for teaching licensure in 45 states, allowing students the ability to teach in nearly any state they choose. The Education department has partnerships with local organizations and schools to allow students opportunities to perform on-site research, practice classroom teaching, and work with mentors in administration and policy development. As a result, the graduates leave the school with the relevant practical experience needed for their success, contributing to a 98% placement (working or attending graduate school) rate among recent graduates.

Saint Francis Worldwide is the platform for Saint Francis University’s online courses and programs, and there are a number of options for education degrees and certifications available online. SFU offers competitive tuition rates and is transfer-friendly. They offer full and part-time options for all students, making the school very attractive and convenient for non-traditional students such as those with children or other full-time obligations. The small class sizes both online and on-campus create a close-knit community that is comfortable with collaboration and spirited dialogue.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education (online)
• B.S. Early Childhood
• B.S. Early Childhood/Special Education
• B.S. Middle Childhood/English Concentration
• B.S. Middle Childhood/English Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Middle Childhood/Math Concentration
• B.S. Middle Childhood/Math Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Middle Childhood/Science Concentration
• B.S. Middle Childhood/Science Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Middle Childhood/Social Studies Concentration
• B.S. Middle Childhood/Social Studies Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Biology/Secondary Education Concentration
• B.S. Biology/Secondary Education Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Chemistry/Secondary Education Concentration
• B.S. Chemistry/Secondary Education Concentration/Special Education
• B.A. English/Secondary Education Concentration
• B.A. English/Secondary Education Concentration/Special Education
• B.A. History/Social Studies/Secondary Education Concentration
• B.A. History/Social Studies/Secondary Education Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Mathematics/Secondary Education Concentration
• B.S. Mathematics/Secondary Education Concentration/Special Education
• B.S. Spanish/Secondary Education Concentration
• B.S. Spanish/Secondary Education Concentration/Special Education
• Early Childhood/Reading Education Minor
• Middle Childhood/Secondary Education Minor
• Special Education Minor
• Master of Education (hybrid, online, face to face)
• Master of Special Education (online)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement
• Master of Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorder (online)
• Master of Special Education, Special Education Supervisory (online)

21. Boston University

Boston University’s Wheelock College of Education & Human Development was created in 2018 with the merger of Wheelock College and Boston University. By combining the legacy of Wheelock College and the reputation of Boston University’s School of Education, the school has an extraordinary capacity to drive change and innovation in education.

Faculty within Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is rigorously engaged in advancing the theory and practice and education through research in four main areas, including Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Language & Literacy Education, Teaching & Learning, and Counseling Psychology & Applied Human Development.

Among their recent projects are the BU/Trotter BPS Pipeline Project, which works with local Boston Public Schools to build bridges for students to increase opportunities for their enrollment at Boston University. The University is also active with Upward Bound’s programs, which work with low-income college-bound students. Through their community work, BU students gain valuable, relevant experience that prepares them for their future work in education.

BU Wheelock is also home to a number of important research centers and institutes. The Center for Character and Social Responsibility, the Center for the Study of Communication & the Deaf, and Social Adjustment and Bullying Prevention Lab, among others, are conducting critical research efforts to advance our understanding of education issues, as well as to drive innovations to improve student outcomes. Students attending this school will have access to cutting edge research labs and a well-funded department committed to ongoing scholarship.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Minor in Applied Human Development
• Minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Minor in Deaf Studies
• Minor in Education
• Minor in Emotional and Behavioral Challenges in Schools
• Minor in Mathematics Education
• Minor in Special Education
• B.S. in Bilingual Education (ESL)
• B.S. in Deaf Studies
• B.S. in Early Childhood Education
• B.S. in Elementary Education
• B.S. in English Education
• B.S. in Mathematics Education
• B.S. in Modern Foreign Language Education
• B.S. in Science Education
• B.S. in Social Studies Education
• B.S. in Special Education
• M.S. in Child Life and Family Centered Care
• M.A.T. in English Education
• M.A.T. in Mathematics Education
• M.A.T. in Modern Foreign Language Education
• M.A.T. in Science Education
• M.A.T. in Social Studies Education
• M.A. in Educational Policy Studies
• Ed.M. in Applied Human Development
• Ed.M. in Counseling
• Ed.M. in Curriculum & Teaching
• Ed.M. in Deaf Education
• Ed.M. in Early Childhood Education
• Ed.M. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
• Ed.M. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Higher Education Administration
• Ed.M. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: PK-12
• Ed.M. in Elementary Education
• Ed.M. in English & Language Arts Education
• Ed.M. in Language & Literacy Education
• Ed.M. in Mathematics Education
• Ed.M. in Reading Education
• Ed.M. in Science Education
• Ed.M. in Social Studies Education
• Ed.M. in Special Education
• Ed.M. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Online Master’s in Curriculum & Teaching
• Online Master’s in Higher Education Administration
• CAGS in Curriculum & Teaching
• CAGS in Developmental Studies with a concentration in Literacy & Language Education
• CAGS in Early Childhood Education
• CAGS in Education of the Deaf
• CAGS in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
• CAGS in English & Language Arts Education
• CAGS in Mathematics Education
• CAGS in Reading Education
• CAGS in Science Education
• CAGS in Social Studies Education
• CAGS in Special Education
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development
• Ph.D. in Educational Studies
• M.S.W. in Social Work and Ed.M. in Special Education (Dual Degree)

22. University of Florida

The University of Florida’s Online Education Program has ranked in the top two of online graduate education programs for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019. Their on-campus programs have consistently ranked among the top 25 in the nation. It was founded in 1906 and has grown to a prolific and robust on-campus and online program with thousands of yearly enrollments.

University of Florida faculty is engaged in scholarship and development through multiple research centers and institutes, including the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, the Center for Excellence in Elementary Teacher Preparation, the Institute for Higher Education, and the P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School. The school also supports an education innovation incubator, the Lastinger Center for Learning, that helps to support and drive education technology development through partnerships with learning organizations and technology partners.

Students at the University of Florida College of Education, colloquially known as Edu-Gators, pursue an interdisciplinary approach to education, which informs deeper understanding of the nuanced challenges faced by educators, administrators, and policymakers. Graduating Edu-Gators are ready to make substantive contributions as leaders and practitioners in the field of education.

The University of Florida’s Education Program seeks to empower students to develop strategies to improve outcomes, increase access, enhance retention, promote achievement, and drive policy. Their “whole school” equips the next generation of education leaders to handle problems of today and the future. With endowments exceeding $1 billion, faculty and student are able to access generous funding for their research and development interests.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Alternative Certification for Teacher Education K-6, Certification, M.Ed.
• Bilingual/ESOL Education, Ed.S., M.Ed., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Counselor Education, Ed.S., M.Ed., Ph.D.
• Disabilities in Society, Certificate, Undergraduate Minor
• Dyslexia Graduate Certificate
• Early Childhood Education, Certificate, M.Ed., M.A.E.
• Early Childhood Education – Proteach (5-year, leads to Master’s), B.A.E.
• Early Childhood Studies, Certificate
• Education Administration and Policy/Educational Leadership, Ed.D., Ed.S., M.Ed., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Education Sciences, B.A.
• Educational Studies, Undergraduate Minor
• Educational Technology, Certificate, Ed.D., Ed.S., M.Ed., M.A.E., Ph.D
• Elementary Education, M.Ed.
• Elementary Education – Proteach (5-year, leads to Master’s), B.A.E.
• English Education, Certificate, Ed.S., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Florida Teaching, Undergraduate Minor
• Higher Education Administration, Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Mathematics Education, Certificate, Ed.S., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Reading and Literacy Education, Certification, Ed.S., M.Ed., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• REM Minor – Quantitative Focus & Qualitative Focus, Graduate Minor
• Research and Evaluation Methodology, M.Ed., M.A.E., Minor, Ph.D.
• School Psychology, Ed.S., Ph.D.
• Schools, Society & Culture, M.Ed., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Science Education, Ed.S., M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Science or Mathematics Teaching Certificate
• Secondary Teacher Preparation Certificate
• Social Studies Education, Certificate, M.A.E., Ph.D.
• Special Education, Certificate, Ed.D., Ed.S., M.Ed., Minor, Ph.D.
• Student Personnel in Higher Education, M.Ed.
• Teacher Leadership Certificate
• Teacher Leadership for School Improvement, Ed.S., M.Ed.
• Teachers, Schools, and Society, Ed.D., Ph.D.
• UFTEACH – Mathematics & Science, Undergraduate MInor
• Curriculum Instruction (online)
• Educational Leadership, Master’s Ph.D. (online)
• Education Sciences, B.S. (online)
• Educational Technology (online)
• Higher Education Administration (online)
• Reading Education (online)
• Program Evaluation, Master’s (online)
• Special Education (online)
• Student Personnel in Higher Education (online)
• Teacher Leadership (online)
• Teacher’s Schools, and Society, M.S. (online)
• Disabilities In Society, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Dyslexia, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Early Childhood, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Education and Healthcare Transition, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Educational Technology, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Science Education, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Science or Mathematics Teaching, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Secondary Teaching Preparation, Graduate Certificate (online)
• Teacher Leadership, Graduate Certificate (online)

23. Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University began as a school to train men for the ministry. Over time a sister campus was folded in, eventually becoming Susquehanna University in 1895. Susquehanna is a small college in Pennsylvania with big impact. Students benefit from a 12:1 student ratio, allowing them to work more closely with experts in their field and benefit from their knowledge and mentorship. The faculty are well-qualified, with over 90% of faculty holding a doctoral degree or higher.

The school advocates for the scholarship of their faculty and students, feeling that such deep explorations reflect and nurture their passion and love for their discipline. Faculty scholars are involved in critical studies to advance understanding of pedagogical methods and are able to guide student scholars who are developing their own interests.

All Susquehanna University students are promised four years of on-campus housing, and most live at the university townhomes and dormitories throughout their studies. With employment and graduate school rates of 96% across all majors, the school has been very successful in preparing its students for professional success and/or ongoing study.

Every student at Susquehanna University is required to participate in a service-learning experience or cross-cultural study abroad. These experiences, coupled with the new perspectives and learning opportunities, have caused Susquehanna University to be named among the top most popular study abroad programs by Princeton Review. Indeed, Susquehanna actively promotes student involvement outside of the classroom, reflective of their commitment to providing an internationally focused education.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Early Childhood certification, Pre-K–4
• English as a Second Language (ESL) certification
• Secondary certification (7–12 available in many disciplines)
• Master of Education
• Master of Education 4+1

24. University of Texas at Austin

Founded in 1891, the University of Texas at Austin’s Education Department is “guided by a deep commitment to community partnership, and bridging research to practice.” By the creation of effective programs and policies, they are able to reinforce equity and combat social injustices that are detrimental to education and health. They have a community-centered approach which is exemplified through their many locally-focused projects and programs, including the Center for Community College Student Engagement (CCCSE) and the Texas Center for Education Policy.

The university is also home to the Institute for Public School Initiatives and the Black Male Education Research Collection, and the STEM Center. As a center for research and development, the University of Texas at Austin’s Education Department is well-positioned to prepare teachers and education professionals to handle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

They offer specialized training opportunities for teachers preparing to enter urban school systems, for example. Breakthrough Austin is part of the Urban Teachers partnership and provides field experience working with middle school students. This program is just another example of the opportunities to learn practical skills while working through real-life challenges in the classroom, and in the administration of learning. Interested students must apply to be included in the program, but the benefits are tremendous.

The University of Texas is a tier-one research university and devotes significant funding toward research and development initiatives. Recent studies have examined race-conscious admissions policies, how infants and toddlers process language, and how to increase classroom engagement and participation.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development (ALD)
• Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
• Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Education (KHE)
• Minor in Educational Psychology
• Minor in Kinesiology and Health Education
• Autism and Developmental Disabilities, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Bilingual-Bicultural Education, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Cooperative Superintendency Program, Ed.D.
• Counselor Education, M.Ed.
• Cultural Studies in Education, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Early Childhood Education, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Early Childhood Special Education, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Educational Policy and Planning, M.Ed., Ph.D.
• Equity and Diversity in Special Education, Ph.D.
• Health Behavior and Health Education, M.Ed., M.S., Ph.D.
• Higher Education Leadership, M.Ed., Executive Ed.D., Ph.D.
• Human Development, Culture, and Learning Sciences, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Language and Literacy Studies, M.Ed, Ph.D.
• Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders, Ph.D.
• Learning Technologies, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Physical Education Teacher Education, M.Ed., M.A., M.Ed.+, Ph.D.
• Quantitative Methods, M.Ed., Ph.D.
• School Psychology, M.A./SSP, Ph.D.
• Social Studies Education, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• STEM Education, M.Ed., M.A., Ph.D.
• Texas Principal Leadership Academy, M.Ed.
• University of Texas Urban Teachers - English Certification, M.Ed.+
• University of Texas Urban Teachers - Social Studies Certification, M.Ed.+

25. University of Pittsburgh

The Pitt School of Education is regarded as one of the top graduate schools in education by U.S. News & World Report. The program plays a critical role in the advancement of learning science and classroom practice, fueled by their dedication to innovation and research. The campus opened in 1910 and rapidly established a reputation for delivering a world-class education that expands the horizons of both students and the field of education.

Their mission and vision read, in part, “We ignite learning. We strive for well-being for all. We teach. We commit to student, family, and community success. We commit to educational equity. We advocate. We work for justice. We cultivate relationships. We forge engaged partnerships. We collaborate. We learn with and from communities. We innovate and agitate. We pursue and produce knowledge. We research. We disrupt and transform inequitable educational structures.” Essentially, the goal of the Pitt School of Education is to transform learning and development by educating the leaders of tomorrow.

The Pitt School of Education is home to the Center for Urban Education, the Healthy Lifestyle Institute, and the Office of Child Development. These partnerships provide services and support to vulnerable communities and seek ways to solve challenges.

The Falk Laboratory School is a private, K-8 campus laboratory school that provides an experiential learning site for students and faculty to explore instructional methods, pilot new programs, evaluate theory and increase innovation. Pitt students work with K-8 students in the classroom, working alongside mentors and faculty, practicing classroom management, and instruction techniques.

Education Degrees Offered:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Developmental Psychology
• CASE Teacher Preparation (5-year bachelor’s and master’s program)
• Teacher Education Minor
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Applied Developmental Psychology
• Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education
• Early Intervention
• Education/School Leadership
• English Education
• Foreign Language Education
• Health, Physical Activity, and Exercise
• Higher Education Management
• Mathematics Education
• Reading Education
• Research Methodology
• Science Education
• Social and Comparative Analysis in Education
• Social Studies Education
• Social Work with Certificate of Advanced Study in Teaching Secondary Education
• Special Education
• STEAM Education
• Teacher Education
• Ed.D. Education Leadership
• Ed.D. Health and Physical Activity
• Ed.D. Higher Education Management
• Ed.D. Out-of-School Learning
• Ed.D. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Ed.D. Social and Comparative Analysis in Education
• Ed.D. Special Education
• Ed.D. Urban Education
• Ph.D. Applied Developmental Psychology
• Ph.D. Education Leadership
• Ph.D. Exercise Physiology
• Ph.D. Higher Education Management
• Ph.D. Language, Literacy and Culture
• Ph.D. Learning Sciences and Policy
• Ph.D. Mathematics Education
• Ph.D. Science Education
• Ph.D. Social and Comparative Analysis in Education
• Ph.D. Special Education
• Ph.D. Urban Education
• K-12 Principal Certificate
• Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility Certificate
• Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certificate
• Supervisor of Special Education Certificate (Online)
• Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement Certificate
• Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments Certificate
• Orientation and Mobility Certificate
• Reading Specialist K-12 Certificate
• STEAM Education (Online)
• Infant Mental Health Certificate (Hybrid Online)
• Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
• Master of Education (MEd) in Elementary Education (Online)
• Master of Education (MEd) in English Education (Online)
• STEAM Certificate (Online)
• STEAM Continuing Education Course (Online)
• Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) Certificate (Online)
• Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Certificate (Online)
• Reading Specialist Certificate (Online)
• Supervisor of Special Education Certificate (Online)