US Top Graduate Schools in Education

The education field is a cornerstone of society, shaping the future of both individuals and communities by fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and creativity. Within this sector, graduate schools in education play a pivotal role in preparing the next generation of educators, administrators, researchers, and policymakers. The U.S. News & World Report rankings for the best graduate schools in education provide valuable insights into the most prestigious institutions offering advanced programs in this field. The rankings for 2009 place Stanford University at the top, followed closely by Vanderbilt University (Peabody), the University of California—Los Angeles, and Teachers College at Columbia University.

Stanford University, consistently ranked among the best educational institutions worldwide, is renowned for its cutting-edge research, innovative teaching practices, and interdisciplinary approach to education. As the top-ranked graduate school for education in 2009, Stanford offers a comprehensive array of programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to excel in the field. Its faculty includes some of the most influential scholars in education, contributing to groundbreaking research on topics such as educational equity, policy reform, learning technologies, and the psychology of education. Stanford’s commitment to innovation and its emphasis on creating educational leaders who can navigate complex societal challenges set it apart as a premier institution for education.

Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College follows closely in second place. Peabody College has long been recognized for its strong academic reputation and its focus on improving educational outcomes through research and practice. The institution offers a broad range of graduate programs in education, including those focusing on special education, educational leadership, and human development. Peabody’s commitment to producing socially conscious educators who are equipped to address the diverse needs of students in varying contexts has earned it a distinguished reputation. Its partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies further enhance the real-world relevance of its academic programs, making it a top choice for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in education.

The University of California—Los Angeles (UCLA) ranks third in the 2009 list and is another highly regarded institution known for its strength in the field of education. UCLA’s Graduate School of Education and Information Studies is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, combining education with fields such as social work, public policy, and information studies. This diverse academic environment fosters innovation and critical thinking, providing students with a well-rounded education that equips them to tackle pressing educational issues. UCLA's faculty members are leaders in their respective areas of expertise, and the school’s focus on urban education, educational policy, and global education offers students valuable opportunities to explore education in various contexts and cultures.

Teachers College at Columbia University ranks fourth in the 2009 rankings and is one of the most prestigious institutions for education in the world. As a graduate school, Teachers College has long been a hub for cutting-edge research and scholarly debate on topics related to education theory, practice, and policy. The college offers a wide array of graduate programs, including those in teacher education, education leadership, and counseling psychology. Its faculty includes some of the most renowned scholars in the field, and its historical ties to the development of educational thought and practice in the United States further enhance its standing as a leading institution for aspiring educators and policymakers.

The University of Oregon ranks fifth in the 2009 rankings and is known for its commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments. The University of Oregon’s College of Education offers a variety of graduate programs designed to address the complexities of modern education systems, including programs in counseling psychology, special education, and educational leadership. The institution’s research efforts focus on issues such as educational access, teacher preparation, and social justice, and its emphasis on community engagement provides students with valuable opportunities to connect theory to practice in real-world settings.

Harvard University, ranked sixth in the 2009 list, is another powerhouse in education research and policy. Harvard’s Graduate School of Education is known for its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and commitment to improving educational practice both in the U.S. and internationally. Harvard’s programs in educational leadership, school reform, and educational psychology are among the best in the world, and its graduates have gone on to lead educational institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies. Harvard’s interdisciplinary approach, which encourages collaboration across various fields of study, allows students to engage deeply with the challenges facing modern education systems while also exploring innovative solutions.

The University of California—Berkeley, ranked seventh, is another highly respected institution that is known for its strong emphasis on educational equity, policy, and reform. UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education offers graduate programs that prepare students to work in a variety of educational settings, from K-12 schools to higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. The school’s faculty is internationally recognized for its research on topics such as educational assessment, policy analysis, and the role of technology in education. UC Berkeley also has a strong focus on social justice, aiming to prepare educators who are committed to reducing disparities and ensuring access to high-quality education for all students.

Also ranked seventh, the University of Washington has long been recognized for its commitment to addressing the educational needs of diverse populations. The University of Washington’s College of Education is known for its research on urban education, teacher preparation, and educational leadership. Its graduate programs are designed to prepare students to lead change in schools and communities, and its faculty members are recognized as thought leaders in the fields of educational psychology, policy, and practice. The institution’s strong partnerships with local schools and educational organizations provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in hands-on learning and contribute to meaningful educational reforms.

Ranked ninth, the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is another top-tier institution with a strong focus on research and practice in education. The University of Michigan’s School of Education offers a variety of graduate programs, including those in educational leadership, teacher education, and policy analysis. The school’s faculty includes experts in areas such as educational assessment, educational psychology, and school improvement, and its commitment to preparing educators to meet the needs of diverse student populations has earned it a prominent place among the top graduate schools in education.

The University of Pennsylvania and the University of Texas—Austin are tied for tenth place in the 2009 rankings. Both institutions offer strong graduate programs in education that focus on various aspects of educational leadership, policy, and practice. The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education is renowned for its research on urban education, teacher preparation, and educational policy. Its faculty members have made significant contributions to the understanding of how education can be improved at both the local and national levels. Similarly, the University of Texas—Austin has a reputation for producing top educators and education leaders, particularly in the areas of educational technology, higher education, and policy analysis.

In conclusion, the U.S. News & World Report 2009 rankings of the best graduate schools in education provide valuable information for prospective students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in this field. From prestigious institutions like Stanford University and Vanderbilt University to renowned programs at UCLA, Columbia University, and Harvard University, the top-ranked schools in education are committed to producing the next generation of educators, researchers, and policymakers who will lead the charge in improving educational outcomes around the world. With their world-class faculty, rigorous programs, and focus on real-world impact, these graduate schools continue to shape the future of education.

US Ranking -  Top Graduate Schools in Education:
1 Stanford University
2 Vanderbilt University (Peabody)
3 University of California--Los Angeles
4 Teachers College, Columbia University
5 University of Oregon
6 Harvard University
7 University of California--Berkeley
7 University of Washington
9 University of Michigan--Ann Arbor
10 University of Pennsylvania
10 University of Texas--Austin
12 Northwestern University
12 University of Wisconsin--Madison
14 Michigan State University
14 New York University (Steinhardt)
16 Ohio State University
17 University of Minnesota--Twin Cities
18 Boston College (Lynch)
19 Indiana University--Bloomington
20 Johns Hopkins University
21 University of Connecticut (Neag)
22 University of Kansas
22 University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill
24 Utah State University
25 Arizona State University
25 University of Georgia
25 University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign
25 University of Maryland--College Park
29 George Washington University
30 Pennsylvania State University--University Park
31 U of Colorado--Boulder
31 U of Delaware
31 U of Iowa
31 U of Virginia (Curry)
35 U of Tennessee--Knoxville
36 Rutgers, the State Univ of New Jersey--New Brunswick
36 U of Pittsburgh
38 U of Southern California (Rossier)
38 Washington Univ in St. Louis
40 Cornell Univ
40 Lehigh Univ
40 Texas A&M Univ--College Station
40 U of Illinois--Chicago
40 Virginia Commonwealth Univ
45 Florida State Univ
45 U of Massachusetts--Amherst
45 U of Miami
45 U of Missouri--Columbia
45 U of South Florida
50 Temple Univ
51 College of William and Mary
51 Kansas State Univ
53 Syracuse Univ
53 Univ of Florida
53 Univ of Oklahoma
56 SUNY--Albany
56 U of Louisville
58 Fordham Uni
58 Georgia State Uni
58 San Diego State Uni
58 St. John's Uni
58 U of Arizona
58 U of California--Riverside
58 U of California--Santa Barbara (Gevirtz)
65 Drexel Uni
65 George Mason Uni
65 U of Hawaii--Manoa
68 Boston Uni
68 Purdue Uni--West Lafayette
68 U of California--Davis
68 U  of Cincinnati
68 U of Kentucky
73 U of North Carolina--Greensboro
73 U of Utah
75 U of Central Florida
75 U of Nebraska--Lincoln
77 Auburn Uni--Main Campus
77 U of California--Irvine
79 Miami Uni--Oxford
79 Oklahoma State Uni
79 U of Idaho
79 U of South Carolina--Columbia
83 Brigham Young Uni--Provo (McKay)
83 CUNY--Graduate Center
83 Louisiana State Uni--Baton Rouge
83 Western Michigan Uni
87 U of Alabama
87 U of North Carolina--Charlotte
87 Washington State Uni
90 Ball State Uni
90 Clemson Uni (Moore)
90 Illinois State Uni
90 U at Buffalo--SUNY
90 Virginia Tech
90 West Virginia Uni
96 Old Dominion Uni (Darden)
96 U of Mississippi
96 U of New Mexico
96 U of Wisconsin--Milwaukee
100 Iowa State U
100 Southern Illinois U--Carbondale
100 U of San Diego
103 American U
103 Baylor U
103 Marquette U
103 U of Colorado--Denver
103 U of Massachusetts--Lowell
108 DePaul U
108 U of California--Santa Cruz
108 U of Missouri--St. Louis
111 Claremont Graduate U
111 Howard U
111 Indiana State U
111 Kent State U
111 New Mexico State U
111 Northern Illinois U
117 Florida A&M U
117 Loyola Marymount U
119 Montclair State U
119 North Carolina State U--Raleigh
119 Oregon State U
119 Texas Christian U
119 Texas Tech U
119 U of Houston--Main Campus
119 U of Maine--Orono
119 U of Northern Colorado
119 U of Northern Iowa
Source: US News &  World Report 2009