Since its inception in 1912 as West Tennessee State Normal School, the University of Memphis has evolved significantly, and at the heart of its educational mission has always been the College of Education. Today, our college proudly houses three dynamic departments where students specialize in teaching, counseling, research, leadership, administration, design, and more.
Whether your passion lies in traditional education, non-profits, or pioneering roles in unconventional settings, our broad range of degree programs is tailored to help you achieve your aspirations. Beyond academics, the College of Education is home to award-winning research centers that drive impactful changes in public and academic policies through innovative research initiatives.
We are dedicated to empowering our students to excel, transforming innovation into actionable results, and inspiring communities in Memphis, Tennessee, and beyond through the power of education.
What can I do with a degree from the COE?
At the College of Education, our graduates are more than educators and administrators; they are the backbone of transformative change across diverse fields. From hospital-based rehabilitation specialists to mental health counselors, school administrators to university researchers, and leaders in nonprofit organizations to human resources administrators, our alumni shape communities and drive innovation. They serve as directors of government agencies, community college presidents, and influential figures in student affairs. Our versatile programs also prepare graduates as behavior analysts in education, business, and clinical psychology, instructional designers in corporate and academic settings, and literacy coaches enhancing educational outcomes. Whatever your passion, we equip you with the skills and expertise to excel and lead in today's dynamic landscape.
COE graduates work as:
- Hospital-based and community-based treatment and rehabilitation practitioners
- Mental health counselors
- School and university counselors
- Psychologists
- University researchers
- K-12 school administrators
- District superintendents
- Non-profit directors
- Human Resources administrators
- Leaders of government agencies
- Community college presidents
- Deans, Associate Deans, and Assistant Deans
- Student Affairs administrators
- Teachers and leaders in pre-school and K-12
- Behavior Analysts in education, business, and clinical psychology
- Instructional Designers in business, military, and higher education
- Literacy Coaches in schools and the community
Our Departments
Looking to launch your career in education or take it to the next level? The College of Education goes beyond teaching certification> with a wealth of opportunities across our three dynamic departments. With over 30 degree programs offered at both graduate and undergraduate levels, we're dedicated to helping you achieve excellence in your chosen field.
Delve into specialized areas:
Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research (CEPR): Dive into clinical mental health, rehabilitation, school counseling, counselor education, and more. Explore the complexities of educational and counseling psychology that shape the future of learning and mental health.
Instruction and Curriculum Leadership (ICL): Whether you aspire to teach at the preK-12 level or apply instructional design in business, art, or education settings, our ICL department prepares you to innovate and lead in diverse educational environments.
Leadership (LEAD): Interested in educational administration or conducting research in higher and adult education? Discover how our LEAD department equips you with the skills to excel as a K-12 administrator or contribute to educational policy and leadership at all levels.
Each department offers unique pathways to success. Explore our departmental pages to find the perfect degree program to elevate your career and make a lasting impact in education.
Centers, Clinics and Research Groups
Explore research, community partnerships and opportunities for student involvement across the University of Memphis College of Education.
Center for Research in Educational Policy (CREP)
CREP provides independent research and evaluation services to support informed decisions across education, workforce and community programs. The center collaborates with faculty on grant proposals and evaluation projects and offers graduate assistant opportunities.
Contacts: Cindy Muzzi and Dr. Todd Zoblotsky
University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID)
UMID advances research, education and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students can connect with opportunities for fieldwork, training and research.
Contacts: Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist and Dr. Patrick Krolik
Phone: 901.678.4303
University of Memphis Autism Treatment, Training and Research Clinic
The clinic combines autism services with supervised training and research opportunities for students in Applied Behavior Analysis. Its work connects academic preparation with clinical practice and community needs.
Contact: Dr. Thouraya Al-Nasser
Research Labs, Groups and Collaboratives
DEFIANTS Research Collective
The DEFIANTS Research Collective brings together faculty scholarship, graduate research and community engagement. Its activities include publications, conference presentations, professional development and community services.
Visit the DEFIANTS Research Collective
Contact: mbrodt@memphis.edu
Development of Research Identity, Values, and Efficacy Lab (DRIVE)
DRIVE connects current students and Educational Psychology and Research alumni across institutions to study research identity, values and self-efficacy. Members collaborate on publications, presentations and grant submissions.
Contacts: Dr. Eli Jones and Dr. Leigh Harrell-Williams
EDPR Scoping Review Research Group
Led by Drs. Christian Mueller and Angela Winsor, this group engages graduate students in scoping review research. Fall 2026 topics include early childhood and gifted identity, with work directed toward peer-reviewed publication.
Contacts: Dr. Christian Mueller and Dr. Angela Winsor
Instructional Design & Technology Studio
The studio supports the design and evaluation of educational materials, professional development resources and learning technologies. It provides opportunities for graduate research and collaboration within the College and across the University.
STEM Research Group
The STEM Research Group connects graduate students interested in STEM research and large-scale data analysis. Members collaborate on research projects, publications and conference presentations.
UPLIFT Collaborative
UPLIFT, which stands for Uplifting Voice, Healing, and Social Action, connects faculty research, graduate learning and community engagement. The collaborative welcomes inquiries about undergraduate research assistant involvement.
Contact: jlee63@memphis.edu
Wellness/Resilience Research Team
The Wellness/Resilience Research Team brings together faculty and graduate students for research and scholarship related to wellness and resilience. Activities include publications, conference presentations and professional development.
Women's Athlete Leadership Lab
The Women's Athlete Leadership Lab studies the experiences of women athletes and supports leadership development. Faculty and students from Memphis and other institutions collaborate on research, evaluation and opportunities to strengthen leadership capacity.
Work, Dignity, and Health Lab
The Work, Dignity, and Health Lab examines how work systems shape opportunity, recognition and well-being across the lifespan. Its research explores economic insecurity, labor market barriers and the connections between vocational development and mental health.
The lab welcomes inquiries from undergraduate and graduate students interested in research, mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Visit the Work, Dignity, and Health Lab
Contact: Gabriel Ezema
Student Research and Professional Learning
Doctoral Presentation and Publication Preparation Group
This group supports doctoral students as they prepare presentations, develop publications and build their academic CVs. Activities connect with doctoral residency projects and provide opportunities to strengthen research communication skills.
Memphis Network for Science Teacher Excellence (NSciTE)
NSciTE supports early career science teachers through community, collaboration, wellness and science teacher identity development. The network promotes professional growth and teacher retention and offers a connection for new graduates and MAT candidates entering science education.
Contact: Olayinka Mohorn-Mintah
Qualitative Inquiry Circle (QUIC)
QUIC is a social and intellectual community for graduate students interested in qualitative inquiry, particularly research that advances social justice. The circle supports students in developing, conducting, analyzing and sharing qualitative research.
Community Research Partnerships
Memphis Resilience Project
A collaboration with the Christian Psychological Center, the Memphis Resilience Project connects research, graduate student learning and community engagement. The project involves CEPR graduate students in work supporting elementary students’ social and emotional skills.