US News Best Education Programs

The U.S. News & World Report’s 2007 ranking of American graduate schools placed Harvard University at the top of the list for schools of education, followed by Teachers College, Columbia University and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), both tied for second. These rankings, which reflect the overall reputation and quality of the education programs, offer a valuable insight into the institutions that are shaping the future of education. Along with the top three, Stanford University and Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College also earned top spots, solidifying their status as leaders in the field of education. These rankings highlight not only the academic excellence of these institutions but also their ability to shape the future of teaching, research, and educational policy on both a national and global scale.

Harvard University

Harvard University has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, and its Graduate School of Education (HGSE) has consistently ranked as one of the best. Harvard’s emphasis on creating leaders in education, along with its vast resources and research opportunities, places it at the top of the rankings. The faculty at HGSE are some of the most distinguished in the field, with expertise spanning various disciplines such as educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, special education, and leadership development.

One of the key strengths of the Harvard Graduate School of Education is its commitment to blending theory with practice. The school offers a wide variety of programs, including Doctoral, Master’s, and Certificate programs, that are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of educational settings, including schools, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and international institutions. The university’s ability to attract top-tier faculty, researchers, and practitioners from around the world creates an environment that is conducive to the development of innovative ideas and strategies for improving education. Harvard's reputation and the broad reach of its network further enhance the value of an HGSE degree, making it a premier destination for students looking to make a profound impact on the field of education.

Teachers College, Columbia University

In second place, Teachers College, Columbia University continues to be one of the most respected institutions for the study of education in the United States. The College has built a strong reputation for its emphasis on teacher preparation, educational leadership, policy analysis, and social justice. Located in the heart of New York City, Teachers College is uniquely positioned to offer students access to a diverse and dynamic educational environment. It has been a significant player in shaping educational policy and practice for over a century, influencing everything from curriculum design to education reform.

Teachers College is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, particularly in curriculum and instruction, special education, and educational psychology. The college offers a wide range of programs at the master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels that are designed to meet the diverse needs of those pursuing careers in education. Its faculty includes leaders in educational research and practice, many of whom are engaged in cutting-edge research aimed at addressing the most pressing issues in education today, such as achievement gaps, access to quality education, and teacher preparation. With its strong academic foundation, extensive research opportunities, and proximity to a rich educational ecosystem, Teachers College remains a top choice for those pursuing a career in education.

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)

Tied for second place with Teachers College, UCLA’s School of Education & Information Studies has earned its reputation as one of the best schools of education in the country, thanks to its comprehensive approach to education. UCLA offers a wide variety of programs that prepare students to become leaders in both the academic and practical aspects of education, with particular emphasis on research, policy, and practice. The school’s faculty members are highly regarded for their work in areas such as education policy, urban education, teacher preparation, and special education.

UCLA has a strong focus on equity and social justice in education, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to address the challenges of an increasingly diverse and complex educational landscape. The school’s research centers and initiatives focus on key areas like multicultural education, community schools, and education reform, making UCLA a hub for forward-thinking, transformative ideas. In addition to its rigorous academic programs, the university offers numerous opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and community engagement, providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for the realities of the classroom and beyond. UCLA’s location in Los Angeles, one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, adds a unique dimension to the university’s education programs, giving students the chance to engage with real-world issues on a global scale.

Stanford University

Ranked fourth in the U.S. News 2007 report, Stanford University has long been a leader in educational research and teacher preparation. Known for its rigorous academic environment and its focus on innovation and leadership, Stanford is a powerhouse in the field of education. The Stanford Graduate School of Education offers programs at both the master’s and doctoral levels that emphasize the development of research skills and the application of educational theory to practical problems. With its strong emphasis on research, policy, and curriculum development, Stanford attracts students who are eager to lead educational change at the local, national, and international levels.

The faculty at Stanford includes many renowned scholars and practitioners who are engaged in pioneering research that addresses some of the most important issues in education today. Topics such as cognitive development, educational equity, teacher education, and assessment practices are just a few of the areas that faculty members focus on in their research. Students at Stanford benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages critical thinking and innovative approaches to solving complex educational challenges. With its stellar academic reputation, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities, Stanford remains one of the premier destinations for graduate students seeking to make a lasting impact on the field of education.

Vanderbilt University (Peabody College)

In fifth place, Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development is consistently ranked among the best graduate schools of education in the United States. Peabody College is known for its commitment to producing highly skilled teachers and researchers, and its special focus on teacher preparation, special education, leadership, and policy. Vanderbilt’s Peabody College offers a rigorous curriculum designed to develop future leaders in education, and it consistently ranks highly in terms of faculty expertise, research productivity, and student satisfaction.

Peabody College is particularly noted for its special education program, which is consistently ranked at the top of U.S. News & World Report’s rankings. The college offers a range of programs at the master’s, doctoral, and professional levels, and it has a strong emphasis on integrating research with practice. Students benefit from access to Peabody’s extensive research centers and its collaborations with schools, nonprofits, and policymakers to address the most pressing issues in education. Vanderbilt’s strong academic foundation and commitment to producing graduates who can lead in the field make Peabody College a standout institution for students interested in education leadership, policy, and practice.

Conclusion

The U.S. News 2007 Rankings for graduate education programs reflect the prestige, quality, and leadership of institutions like Harvard University, Teachers College (Columbia University), University of California - Los Angeles, Stanford University, and Vanderbilt University (Peabody). Each of these schools has earned its place at the top due to their commitment to educational excellence, rigorous academic programs, groundbreaking research, and their ability to produce leaders who will shape the future of education. As these universities continue to lead in educational research and practice, they will undoubtedly continue to influence how we think about and approach education in the 21st century.

American Graduate School Rankings
- Schools of Education (Top 10 list):
1. Harvard University
2. Teachers College, Columbia University
    University of California - Los Angeles
4. Stanford University
5. Vanderbilt University (Peabody)
6. U of California - Berkeley
7. U of Pennsylvania
    U of Wisconsin - Madison
9. U of Michigan - Ann Arbor
10. Northwestern Uni

Education Specialties: Elementary Education
1. Michigan State University
2. University of Wisconsin–Madison
3. University of Georgia
4. Ohio State University
5. Teachers College, Columbia Uni (NY)
6. Vanderbilt Uni (Peabody) (TN)
7. Indiana Uni–Bloomington
8. U of Virginia (Curry)
8. U of Michigan–Ann Arbor
8. U of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign

Education Specialties: Secondary Education
1. Michigan State University
2. University of Wisconsin–Madison
3. Stanford University (CA)
4. Ohio State Univ
5. U of Georgia
6. Teachers College, Columbia Univ (NY)
7. U of Virginia (Curry)
8. U of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
9. Indiana Univ–Bloomington
10. Univ of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Education Specialties: Higher Education Administration
1. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
2. Pennsylvania State University–University Park
3. U of California–Los Angeles
4. Michigan State Univ
5. U of Southern California (Rossier)
6. U of Maryland–College Park
7. U of Georgia
7. Indiana Uni–Bloomington
9. Stanford Uni (CA)
10. Vanderbilt Uni (Peabody) (TN)

Source: US News 2007