College of Education

The College of Education is a transformative leader in systematically improving education, beginning at birth. The mission is to engage students in high quality applied research, professional learning, and immersive experiences. We prepare culturally competent scholar practitioners who promote the growth, education, and development of all individuals, with emphasis on underperforming schools and underserved communities across the state and nation. The College of Education prepares professionals for P-12 schools, higher education, and various agencies and organizations as teachers, practitioners, counselors, scholars, and leaders.

The College of Education offers five Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees including Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Leadership (Higher Education and P-12); Learning Sciences; Literacy, Language, and Culture; and Special Education; as well as one Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Education Systems Improvement Science. There are four Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degrees offered including Middle Level Education; Secondary Education; Special Education; and Teacher Residency. Master of Education (MEd) degrees offered include Counselor Education (School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Student Affairs); Educational Leadership; Literacy; Special Education; and Teaching and Learning. Educational Specialist (EdS) degrees are offered in Counselor Education and Educational Leadership. Also offered is a Master of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and a Master of Science in Athletic Leadership (MS).

The graduate programs focus on preparing students for leadership positions in education and other organizations. Clinical and field experiences are common in many graduate programs. Some programs and courses are offered off campus and in the evening to accommodate the schedules of public schools, higher education, and other organizations. Off-campus course schedules for fall, spring and summer offerings for school personnel, school districts and other South Carolina agencies are published by the Office of Off-Campus, Distance and Continuing Education. In addition, courses are taught by contract with local school districts in the Clemson University service region.

Degree programs in Educational Leadership (EdS and MEd), Literacy, Middle Level Education, Secondary Education, Special Education (MAT), and Teacher Residency are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), national specialized professional associations, and the South Carolina Department of Education. Counselor education programs in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

NOTE: A student’s advisory committee aids in developing an individualized curriculum. A student’s personal GS2 Plan of Study documents their specific curriculum as determined by the advisory committee and consistent with the program guidelines, as well as Graduate School and University policies. For more information, see the most current graduate program handbook(s) and the Graduate School Policies and Procedures handbook, which include important information related to degree and program requirements, and may contain more updated policy information than what appears in this catalog.