About the School
About the University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco (USF) is the city's first institution of higher learning, established in 1855 by the Society of Jesus (“Jesuits”). Learn more about our Jesuit Roots. The University of San Francisco exists to change the world for the better. You can read more about the university mission and values. Students are invited to browse the USF website for more, in-depth information about our unique university.
About the School of Education
The University of San Francisco has grown from a one-room schoolhouse to become San Francisco's largest independent university. Founded in 1947, the University of San Francisco School of Education has driven new ways of thinking about Education since its inception. Today, the University of San Francisco School of Education is an urban destination that draws inspired scholars and social justice advocates to our credential, master's and doctoral programs.
At the School of Education, our faculty, staff, and students are scholars and social justice advocates engaged within the diverse San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. With over 20 master's and doctoral programs, including programs at the University of San Francisco's additional locations, we welcome students who seek to make an impact and who are committed to serving those most in need.
As the largest School of Education in the Bay Area, we enroll students across five departments:
- Counseling Psychology (CPY)
- Leadership Studies (DLS)
- International and Multicultural Education (IME)
- Learning and Instruction (L&I)
- Teacher Education (TED)
The School of Education (SOE) offers certificate, credential, master’s and doctoral level programs in San Francisco (hilltop campus) and at four branch campuses in the East Bay, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and the South Bay. The SOE offers programs in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:
- Catholic Educational Leadership (MA/EdD)
- Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration (MA)
- Higher Education & Student Affairs (MA)
- Human Rights & Educational Justice (MA)
- International & Multicultural Education (EdD)
- Learning & Instruction (EdD)
- Organization & Leadership (MA/EdD)
- School Counseling with Credential (MA)
- Special Education with Credential (MA)
- Teaching with Credential (MAT)
- Teaching Reading Master’s Program with Credential (MAT)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)
- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages with Credential (MA)
- Teaching with Credential, Catholic Education Concentration (MAT)
- Urban Education & Social Justice with Credential (MAT)
Our Mission
The school’s mission is to act collectively and leverage our resources in ways that are driven by our Jesuit mission and responsive to our constituents’ needs. We strive to have a measurable impact in schools and communities, particularly for those most affected by injustice. Our vision includes our four identified priorities:
- Supporting advancement and well-being of faculty, staff and students,
- Building institutional capacity for improved governance, communication and financial health,
- Strengthening the collective within and outside of the School of Education, and
- Amplifying our unique contributions within the field of education.
The SOE Advantage
If you are thinking of developing or advancing your skills in the fields of education, counseling psychology, leadership, research or advocacy, the University of San Francisco School of Education has these distinctive assets to offer:
- Quality: Academic rigor and excellence have been USF’s trademarks since 1855.
- Commitment to diversity and social justice: Our classes combine extensive exploration of theoretical knowledge in a diverse classroom setting with purposeful action, including outreach activities.
- Supportive and personalized environment: With small classes, dedicated faculty who are available to students, caring staff, and numerous USF services, we are committed to student success.
- Incomparable setting: Our diverse San Francisco Bay Area community, where cultural and artistic events abound, is sure to stimulate your own creativity and desire to learn.
Centers and Institutes
- Center for Humanizing Education and Research
- McGrath Institute for Jesuit Catholic Education (MIJCE)
- College Access Programs
- Community Counseling & Wellness
More information about our center and institutes
The School of Education (SOE) Hilltop campus and main administrative offices are located at:
2350 Turk Boulevard in San Francisco
Tel: (415) 422-6525
The official mailing address:
University of San Francisco
School of Education
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117-1071
Additional Campus Locations
The School hosts four additional campus locations:
Contact Information
Visit our Contact US page for a full list of chairs, PAs, Fieldwork Coordinators, and contacts for additional campuses and locations.