Message from the Dean

Welcome to the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst website.

Public education is the foundation of democratic society. It fulfills the promise of equality of opportunity by providing quality educational experiences for all. Our mission is to promote equity and excellence in teaching and learning by integrating educational theory, research, practice and policy; and preparing education professionals.

The School has more than 50 tenured/tenure-track faculty and more than 1,000 graduate students. We are ranked in the top 50 among graduate schools of education by U.S. News and World Report, are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Massachusetts Department of Education and are seeking accreditation by the Council for Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Ph.D. in School Psychology is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Our three academic departments, Educational Policy, Research and Administration, Student Development and Pupil Personnel Services, and Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies, offer challenging programs for professional licensure, Master's degree, doctoral degree, Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) and an undergraduate minor leading to careers as teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, administrators, researchers, and educational specialists working in K-12 schools, colleges and universities and international agencies. We also offer outreach, professional development and licensure programs through Continuing Education.

We are a leading research institution with four research centers: Center for Educational Assessment, Center for Education Policy, Center for International Education and the Center for School Counseling Outcome Research. Our research initiatives are collaborative, interdisciplinary, and provide opportunities for students to participate in critical research and innovative outreach initiatives that support our work. Research expenditures in 2005-2006 were more than $8 million, doubling in just two years.

I invite you to explore the School of Education website and consider joining an exciting community of faculty, students and staff who are committed to equity and excellence in education.

Christine B. McCormick
Dean, School of Education