The College of Education is dedicated to enhancing the practice of education through research that informs both the preparation of educational professionals and the development of public policy that affects education. Our approach is shaped by our fundamental commitment to social justice and diversity and by our belief in the essential importance of national and international perspectives as we approach the improvement of education.

The College of Education is a National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) approved comprehensive professional school. It is organized into three major departments: the Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies Department, the Student Development Department, and the Educational Policy, Research and Administration Department. The College offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Education (M.Ed.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), as well as an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Although graduate students are admitted to and administratively attached to specific departments, they are encouraged to develop, under faculty supervision, programs of study that draw upon the resources of the entire University. Graduate programs in the College of Education provide opportunities for advanced study and research in education and foster the development of innovative responses to challenges in the field of education.

Graduate program concentrations are designed to meet licensure guidelines, licensing requirements, professional association recommendations, College and University requirements, and individual student’s goals.

Current information on courses offered is available by going to www.spire.umass.edu, then selecting Schedule of Courses under Catalogs and Schedules. 

All licensure programs are approved by the University Faculty Senate and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. For further information on licensure opportunities, contact the Educator Licensure Office, W144 Furcolo Hall at (413) 545-2701.