In 1948, the University established the Department of Education under the leadership of Paul J. Harney, S.J. From its inception and through the decades of the 1950's and the 1960's the Department had a highly reputed teacher preparation program. In addition to the teacher preparation program, the School offered several masters degree programs.

In 1972 the Board of Trustees established the School of Education and in 1975 the first doctoral students were admitted to study for the newly approved Doctor of Education degree. From 1975 to 1980 the enrollment grew rapidly in the doctoral programs; in addition, innovative master's degree and credential programs were offered off-campus at various sites throughout the state.

Currently, the School enjoys a well-established reputation as a leading School of Education dedicated to meeting the needs of professional educators through academic programs, research and other services.

The USF School of Education offers a variety of pre-service and in-service programs to persons committed to careers in education.

The University is authorized by California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing to recommend candidates for:

Basic Teaching Credentials

• Multiple Subject
• Multiple Subject Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD)
• Single Subject
• Single Subject BCLAD

Service and Specialist Credentials

• Preliminary Administrative Services
• Professional Administrative Services
• Pupil Personnel Services
• Special Education Mild/Moderate Education Specialist

The School of Education currently offers the following degree programs in:

Master of Arts

• Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in School Counseling, or Marriage and Family Therapy
• Catholic School Leadership with or without an emphasis in Religious Education
• Catholic School Teaching
• Digital Media and Learning
• International and Multicultural Education
• Learning and Instruction
• Organization and Leadership
• Teaching English as a Second Language with or without an emphasis in Digital Media and Learning
• Teaching
• Teaching Reading

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

• Catholic School Leadership
• International and Multicultural Education
• Learning and Instruction
• Organization and Leadership