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Research Driving Change

Meet Our Interim Dean

Meet Emily Tanner-Smith, PhD, a Thomson Professor, and now interim dean. Dean Tanner-Smith takes on this new role after 8 years at the College of Education serving as a Thomson Professor in the Counseling Psychology and Human Services Department, a research scientist at the Prevention Science Institute, and executive director of the HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice. 

More about Emily Tanner-Smith, PhD

No. 3
special education Graduate program in the nation
No. 5
graduate school of education among public institutions
No. 15
graduate school of education in the nation

Our faculty, staff, and students have one thing in common: A spirit of discovery and dedication to creating positive change with the goal of a more equitable, educated, and healthy tomorrow.

2,000+
students and faculty
3
departments
19
programs
13
research & outreach units
two students talking while sitting on a bench in front of HEDCO building
Our Degree Programs and More

If you plan to become a teacher, special educator, administrator, human service provider, or clinician you will find a diverse array of learning, social/cultural, professional, and practice opportunities at the University of Oregon College of Education. 

In addition to academic programs, the COE includes an alliance of nationally prominent centers, institutes, and affiliated research and outreach units working together to educate our students, further groundbreaking research, and provide vital services to the community. Along with our degree programs, we offer teaching licensure, endorsements, and certificates for students interested in increasing their knowledge and adding credentials to their resume. At the frontier of policy and practice, we offer new ways to think, know, and learn.

Explore Degree Programs and More

News 

August 22, 2025

straight talk panel featuring Stormshak, Doty, and Williamson video thumbnail

Experts weigh in on how parents can support their children amid a youth mental health crisis

The number of teens reporting depressive symptoms has risen sharply over the past decade, and the trend is particularly bad in Oregon. On this week's episode of "Straight Talk," three experts, Dr. Jen Doty, Dr. Beth Stormshak, and Dr. Ariel Williamson who are working to get ahead of the curve, came together to talk about what's driving the trend, what researchers say can be done to help, and what kids are saying they need.

August 20, 2025

Professor Jen Doty, PhD giving video interview

Back-to-school can cause tech anxiety

Kids can develop bad tech habits as the summer winds down.

Jen Doty, PhD, associate professor of counseling psychology, provides guidance on how to nurture healthy relationships with technology and kids.

August 11, 2025

professor John Seeley speaking to the camera wearing a blue shirt

UO launches center to help improve middle schoolers' mental health

"We're in a mental health crisis. For the past two decades, mental health issues have been escalating, particularly among youth," said John Seeley, PhD, a professor and associate dean for research in the University of Oregon College of Education. "The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on students in need of additional supports, and that's the aim of the center — to help provide those additional supports."

July 17, 2025

Rachel Aazzerah

Alumni Spotlight: Rachel A. Aazzerah

"Educational leadership often requires making tough calls, but when your choices are grounded in what is best for students, you’ll never lose sight of your purpose." – Rachel A. Aazzerah

Meet Educational Leadership program alumni Rachel A. Aazzerah, EdS '25, through our Alumni Spotlight series.

 

 

 

 

All News  »

student looking down at book studying
Creating Change Through Research

We are the highest-ranked academic unit at the University of Oregon, due largely to a decades-long record of national and international research and development in special education, counseling psychology, educational leadership, and school psychology. Our research culture is unique and highly influential because our faculty have a long tradition of translating research into effective models, methods, and measures that improve lives.

We have 43 commercial education products on the market right now. These innovations have an enduring impact in Oregon and across the nation.

 

Research Center

Our faculty-developed research models, methods, curriculum, and assessment tools:

Reach
 
97%
of Oregon children
are used in
 
29,000+
schools in the us and internationally
 
Community and Outreach Centers

We are a premier provider of educational and related clinical services to local communities and the state of Oregon. We are also a critical provider of technical assistance to international governments ranging from Saudi Arabia to New Zealand to Denmark. And hundreds of children and adults are served each year by our outreach units.

With services such as learning disability assessments, speech-language pathology, family counseling, early childhood special education, and behavioral support for children with autism among many, we support children and families of all ages—from infants and toddlers to adolescents and young adults.

Community and Outreach Centers

graduate shaking hand with dean of college of education

Fund Your Future

$1.3M
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING IN 2024-2025
$382K
UNDERGRADUATE 
SCHOLARSHIPS
$697K
MASTER'S
SCHOLARSHIPS
$221K
DOCTORAL
SCHOLARSHIPS

We have a number of funding opportunities, both at the college and program level, that will help you to afford your education—from traditional scholarships to grant-funded positions, stipends, and service-pay-back programs. We encourage you to explore all the different options and to apply even if you initially think you might not qualify. It is our goal to make our programs as accessible as possible to all who are interested.

Student Academic Services

Aiming to make student services more accessible, the SAS office is now a “one-stop shop” for students seeking undergraduate advising.
Our academic advisors, along with our scholarship, international, and graduate recruitment folks are now all housed in the SAS office.

I want to meet the SAS team! 

a mix of College of Education students sitting in a classroom
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Education

Our college is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of our undergraduate and graduate students, our faculty, our staff, and our partners. 

See our plans, activities, and opportunities.

DEI Activities

University of Oregon International Students
COE International Students

Our international student scholars are represented across nearly all of our undergraduate and graduate programs. 

5 Continents, 27 Countries, 102 Students.

We have International Students all over the world. 

International Student Resources

Sapsik'ʷałá Teacher Education Program

Sapsik'ʷałá, a Ichishkíin/Sahaptin word meaning "teacher", is the name of a program created by the University of Oregon College of Education in partnership with the nine federally recognized Tribes of the State of Oregon. The 12-month program allows participants to earn a master of education (MEd) degree and teacher licensure.

The Sapsik'ʷałá Teacher Education Program supports American Indian and Alaska Native teacher candidates in becoming professional educators, provides funding for teacher candidates' cost of attendance, and provides two years of support services once in the field.

 

Sapsik'ʷałá cohort 2025

 

2002
Sapsik'ʷałá Program started to support american indian and alaska native teacher candidates
131
number of Sapsik'ʷałá Program alumni teaching in tribal communities
61
number of tribes represented by Sapsik'ʷałá Program alumni

Once a Duck, Always a Duck

We love our alumni. They are an engaged community of accomplished Ducks who support student success and faculty research, share their wisdom in the classroom, and help graduates launch careers. With a strong network of personal and professional connections that last a lifetime, our alumni have a lasting and profound impact on the success of the college.

 

 

Oregon News

A new UO research review finds little evidence that the four-day school week benefits students

With a new $11 million federal grant, the University of Oregon will create a national center for children’s mental health, putting the university at the forefront of national prevention efforts to improve the mental health and well-being of adolescents.

A new UO research review finds little evidence that the four-day school week benefits students

All Oregon News  »

Events

Federal Research Advocacy: A Presentation from Council on Governmental Relations President Matt Owens
Sep10
Federal Research Advocacy: A Presentation from Council on Governmental Relations President Matt Owens Sep 10 Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Oct8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Oct 8
Next Level Resumes and CVs
Oct15
Next Level Resumes and CVs Oct 15
The BIG10 Academia Postdoc Hiring Fair
Oct21
The BIG10 Academia Postdoc Hiring Fair Oct 21
The BIG10 Academia Faculty Hiring Fair
Oct22
The BIG10 Academia Faculty Hiring Fair Oct 22
The BIG10 Grad Student and Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event
Oct23
The BIG10 Grad Student and Postdoc Industry Recruitment Event Oct 23
Fall Career & Internship Expo
Oct23
Fall Career & Internship Expo Oct 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Presenting for Success: 3MT Skills for STEM Students
Oct27
Presenting for Success: 3MT Skills for STEM Students Oct 27
Presenting for Success: 3MT Skills for Humanities Students
Oct29
Presenting for Success: 3MT Skills for Humanities Students Oct 29
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Nov5
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Nov 5

 

All Events  »