Our research, teaching, and practice approaches support a vision of public education that has as its goal equity and inclusion at all levels – classroom, school, community, district, state, national, and global – and that positively impacts personal growth and social transformation. Our renowned faculty engage students in theoretical and practical studies, providing opportunities to develop interdisciplinary scholarship, as well as to participate in field studies, unpack the history and philosophy of education, and explore cutting edge research.
Students build their knowledge about education and its policies and practices in a dynamic learning environment facilitates the development of human, organizational, and systemic capacities. The breadth of our faculty’s expertise allows students to conduct research in a number of areas, including:
- Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender
- Language, Literacy, and Culture
- Learning Sciences and Human Development
- Policy, Politics, and Leadership
- Social Research Methodologies
LEARN MORE about earning a MA or PhD; or click on any of the topics above to read more about these areas.
PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
The BSE's professional programs focus on equipping equity-driven future teachers, school psychologists and school leaders with the skills and mindsets needed to transform classrooms and schools into places where diverse students and communities thrive. We prepare students for a career in one of these fields:
- Classroom teaching
- School site leadership (principals and other administrators)
- District-level/systems leadership; or
- Other education-related fields
Learn more about our Professional Programs.
UNDERGRADUATE MINOR IN EDUCATION
Earn a minor in education
Through our Undergraduate Minor in Education (UME), we foster and grow the next generation of citizen change agents committed to redressing educational inequality and creating equitable, excellent educational opportunities for all students.
Our UME is one of Berkeley’s most popular Minor programs – and for good reason. Students gain a critical understanding of the correlations between education and the development of societies and individuals. The primary focus of the UME is on potential as well as existing models of education in our diverse society.
We also offer an online minor in education, which can be completed in two summers. The online minor is available to Berkeley and non-Berkeley students.
Learn more about our Undergraduate Minor in Education.
Graduate Studies in Science and Mathematics Education
Informally known as SESAME, this interdisciplinary graduate program is for students who seek advanced expertise in a scientific discipline as well as in educational theory and research methodologies. The course of study leads to a doctoral degree in science, mathematics, or engineering education. Learn more about the SESAME program.
Intersection of Sport and Education
We investigate the ways in which institutionalized sport both conflicts with and complements the educational missions of American secondary and post-secondary schools. Learn more about the Insection of Sport and Education program.
Special Education (Joint Doctoral Program with SF State University)
This program prepares leaders in research, teaching, administration, and supervision for the variety of professional needs facing children, youth, and adults with disabilities. It integrates the resources of Berkeley and SFSU, allowing students to combine theoretical interests with applied practices in a broad spectrum of specializations within Special Education. Learn more about the Special Education (Joint Doctoral Program with San Francisco State University.