Berkeley School of Education has surged to #14 overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2023–2024 Best Graduate Schools in Education rankings, according to data released today. BSE ranked #11 for both School Psychology and Education Policy.
“We know that the teachers, principals, and researchers who leave Berkeley School of Education are equipped to improve education for all students, especially those who are underserved by inequitable systems,” said Interim Dean Christopher Edley, Jr. “This year’s rankings begin to recognize BSE’s growing impact in California and nationwide.”
More than 270 Education schools submitted data to be ranked by U.S. News, which bases its rankings on multiple factors and data points, including the expenditure of research dollars and the assessment of peers at education institutions and in the field.
BSE’s upward swing from #21 last year can be attributed in part to graduating more doctoral students—25 total in 2021/2022, when data was collected—than in previous years. U.S. News uses this data point to help gauge impact in the education field.
The biggest factor was an increase in school spending on research, thanks to the California Department of Education’s multi-million investment in the Berkeley-based 21st Century California School Leadership Academy. This major and multi-year statewide effort, led by the BSE’s Leadership Programs, is charged with supporting and preparing school leaders to “lead for equity,” for students who have been historically underrepresented and in schools receiving federal Title II funds.
Following approximately $17 million in funding from the California Department of Education awarded between 2020 and 2023, Berkeley just received another state commitment of up to $12 million for its 21CSLA State Center and $6.9 million for its 21CSLA Regional Academy through 2026.
“In the wake of the pandemic that has taken a heavy toll on students and families, we are honored to have the resources to support our school leaders to lead for equity,” said Professor Jabari Mahiri, faculty director of Leadership Programs and chair of the 21CSLA Leadership Board at Berkeley School of Education.
As part of a growing trend nationwide, Berkeley Law has stopped participating in the U.S. News rankings process, citing an inconsistency with its public mission. Nevertheless, multiple Berkeley graduate programs continue to participate and are consistently ranked as top 10 or 20 programs nationwide. This year’s rankings are available at USNews.com