Written by Julia Halprin Jackson, University Writer and Copy Editor

U.S. News & World Report ranked the Connie L. Lurie College of Education as #2 among schools offering graduate programs in education in the California State University system.  

The rankings, released March 30, showed a marked improvement over last year, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 277 schools included, the Lurie College was ranked in these four categories:

• #2 among CSUs (tied for #2 last year)
• #4 among universities in the Bay Area (up from #5 last year)
• #14 among universities in CA (up from #16 last year)
• Tied for #125 overall (up from #158 last year)

The ranking methodology scores schools on quality assessment, student selectivity, faculty resources and research activity. U.S. News also assesses incoming students’ preparedness and career outcomes of its alumni.

“Not only did we move ahead in the overall rankings and within the CSU, Bay Area and California, but we also received more points from the reviewers in the administrator/expert assessment score,” said Isabel Vallejo, director of assessment and accreditation for the Lurie College. 

“The Lurie College has engaged with the education community more broadly through seminars, special events hosting renowned practitioners in education and educational leadership, and that is allowing the community to see what we as a college have to offer.”

Vallejo explained  that the survey requests feedback from professionals, community partners and colleagues, adding that she believes they scored favorably because the Lurie College has expanded its work with PK-12 districts and with community college partners. This is especially evident with the college’s advisory board, which consists of dedicated professionals who offer opportunities for collaboration.

The ranking submission was further strengthened, Vallejo said, because she submitted his data about funded research by faculty as well as related expenditures. 

“While we are still a small college compared to some others included in the rankings in terms of enrollment, we are growing, and most importantly, we are having an important impact in our preparation of education professionals who live and work in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley,” she said.

“The growth in our standing in the latest rankings is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff and community partners, and the excellence of our students and alumni,” said Heather Lattimer, dean of the Lurie College. 

“This past year has been incredibly challenging as our college community has navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing acts of racial violence and oppression, wildfires, and political turmoil, all while continuing to create transformative educational opportunities in our college and in the communities that our college serves.

“At the same time, this past year has underscored the importance of the work that we do and confirms the emancipatory stance that our college has taken. We look forward to continuing to grow and amplify this work as we emerge from the pandemic.”