Best Education Programs (US)

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 rankings of graduate schools in education highlight the excellence and diversity of educational programs across the United States. These rankings reflect the strength of programs that are dedicated to preparing future leaders in teaching, counseling, administration, and various other education-related fields. Among the institutions featured, Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College stands out as the top-ranked graduate school of education in the country, followed closely by Harvard University, which has historically been recognized as a leader in education studies.

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, ranked No. 1 in the 2013 U.S. News graduate school rankings, continues to exemplify a commitment to both academic excellence and societal impact. Its education programs are recognized not only for their rigorous academic standards but also for their focus on social justice, educational equity, and preparing students to be leaders who can tackle the challenges of modern education systems. The college's faculty includes many renowned scholars, and its graduates often occupy leadership roles in educational policy, administration, and school systems across the country. Vanderbilt’s Peabody College is especially known for its strength in special education, community and school counseling, and leadership preparation.

Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE), which holds the No. 2 position in the 2013 rankings, also has a long history of being a top contender in the field of education. Harvard’s education program is known for its rigorous academic standards, global perspective, and focus on preparing graduates to work in a wide array of educational contexts—from K-12 schools to higher education institutions and international education systems. Harvard’s faculty and alumni include some of the most influential figures in education reform and policy, and the school offers a broad range of degrees, including Master of Education (Ed.M.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Ph.D. programs in various educational fields.

Both Vanderbilt and Harvard's positions at the top of the rankings underscore their longstanding commitment to shaping the future of education and their ability to attract talented students who want to make a positive impact on schools, communities, and global educational systems. Their resources, faculty, and expansive alumni networks contribute to the ongoing success of these programs and their graduates, who go on to become leaders in academia, public policy, and educational practice.

Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP), ranked 9th in the U.S. News 2013 rankings, has consistently maintained a top-tier reputation over the years. This ranking places Northwestern among the best institutions for education studies in the country, and its continued presence in the top 10 for more than a decade speaks to its sustained quality and reputation in the field. Northwestern’s SESP is known for its innovative interdisciplinary approach, which blends education, psychology, social policy, and human development. This holistic perspective enables graduates to become well-rounded professionals who can address complex issues within the field of education. Students at Northwestern benefit from small class sizes, personalized attention, and access to cutting-edge research on a variety of educational issues, including learning, policy reform, and educational equity.

Northwestern’s faculty are leaders in the areas of educational psychology, policy analysis, and social justice, and the program attracts students who are committed to addressing educational disparities and shaping public policy. This makes Northwestern's SESP program an ideal choice for students interested in pursuing careers in education reform, policy analysis, and community development. Its emphasis on social policy also makes it distinctive among education programs, providing a broader lens for students who wish to address systemic issues in education.

Indiana University’s School of Education, ranked 21st overall in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, is one of the leading institutions for graduate education in the United States, particularly within public universities. It stands out for its strength in multiple areas, including curriculum and instruction, elementary education, higher education administration, student counseling and personnel services, and secondary education. Among its specialties, Indiana University excels in preparing educators for roles in school leadership and administration, offering a robust range of degrees and programs aimed at those who seek to impact educational policy, organizational behavior, and institutional development.

The school’s consistent success in these specialty areas, including top rankings in curriculum/instruction and student counseling, speaks to its deep commitment to both theory and practice. Students at Indiana University benefit from a highly collaborative learning environment, numerous opportunities for fieldwork, and a strong emphasis on educational research. Indiana University’s School of Education is also widely known for its research output, with faculty regularly publishing influential studies that shape the future of educational practice and policy.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences made significant progress in the 2013 U.S. News rankings, moving up to 49th overall, from 58th in the previous year. This rise of 9 spots indicates a growing recognition of the quality of the university’s education programs. The College of Education offers a wide variety of degree programs, from elementary education to counseling, with a focus on preparing educators who are equipped to deal with the diverse needs of students in today’s schools. The College’s research and faculty expertise in areas like teacher preparation, educational leadership, and public health education contribute to its improvement in the rankings.

The University of Tennessee’s education programs emphasize the importance of community involvement and service, fostering a practical approach to teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to engage in experiential learning opportunities, including internships, practicums, and research projects, all of which enhance their readiness to enter the workforce. The university’s focus on preparing educators who can effectively teach in diverse settings and address the unique challenges of contemporary education systems has contributed to its increasing prominence in the field.

Virginia Tech’s School of Education, part of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, tied for 100th place in the 2013 U.S. News rankings. While this rank is relatively modest compared to the other universities mentioned, Virginia Tech's inclusion in the rankings signals that it is on the radar of those seeking quality education programs. The School of Education’s strengths lie in its ability to offer flexible programs that cater to the needs of working professionals and its focus on making a positive impact in educational settings, particularly in rural or underserved communities.

Virginia Tech’s programs emphasize practical engagement, and the School of Education offers a wide range of degrees in fields such as counseling, educational leadership, and higher education. Though it may not be as highly ranked as some other institutions, Virginia Tech is nonetheless committed to producing graduates who are ready to address educational challenges in their communities, especially in the context of Virginia and the surrounding regions.

Overall, the U.S. News 2013 Best Graduate Schools rankings highlight the breadth and diversity of strong education programs across the United States. From Vanderbilt and Harvard leading the field to emerging programs at institutions like Virginia Tech, each school brings its own strengths to the table, providing prospective students with a wealth of options for pursuing careers in education. Whether students are interested in teaching, policy reform, school leadership, or counseling, these institutions represent some of the best choices for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of education. The rankings serve not only as a benchmark for prospective students but also as a reflection of the growing importance of high-quality graduate education in shaping the future of education systems worldwide.