Greetings from the Chair
Megan Hopkins
Chair, Department of Education Studies
Welcome to the Department of Education Studies (EDS) at the University of California, San Diego. Our work centers on advancing equity, strengthening educational systems, and preparing leaders who will shape the future of education.
The Department of Education Studies is guided by a mission that includes:
- Engaging in rigorous research to address persistent challenges in education systems
- Preparing educators to implement evidence-based, justice-oriented pedagogy
- Supporting transformative change in educational institutions
- Providing excellent teaching and mentorship to our students
Our students, staff, and faculty work toward transforming education in a diverse society, where all students—particularly those in marginalized communities—can thrive and reach their fullest potential.
In 1972, several faculty members established the Teacher Education Program, later renamed the Department of Education Studies, with the goal of providing innovative teacher preparation. From the beginning, the program recognized the central role teachers play in shaping educational opportunity.
Over time, the department built strong partnerships with school districts across San Diego County. These collaborations support research-practice partnerships that advance educational opportunity, access, and excellence.
Today, the department has grown in both size and reputation while maintaining its commitment to educational equity, diversity, and inclusion. EDS now includes more than 30 faculty and affiliated researchers studying a broad range of educational issues.
Department Snapshot
30+
Faculty and affiliated researchers
400+
Undergraduate majors and minors
150+
Graduate students
20,000
Annual student service hours through the PAL program
Explore Education Studies
Our Community Impact
EDS students and alumni play an important role in advancing the department’s mission. Our community includes:
- More than 200 P–16 educational leaders and 400 teacher leaders across Southern California and beyond
- More than 10 current and former superintendents in regional school districts
- More than 75 pre-service teachers committed to advancing equitable learning opportunities
- More than 500 undergraduate students who volunteer approximately 20,000 hours annually through the Partners at Learning (PAL) program, the largest service-learning program at UC San Diego
Campus Partnerships
The Department of Education Studies maintains close partnerships across UC San Diego, including the Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment, and Teaching Excellence (CREATE), CalTeach, OASIS, CASP, and the Center on Gender Equity and Health, along with numerous academic departments and community partners.
Whether you are a prospective or current student, a colleague, an alumnus, or an educator interested in our work, we welcome you to connect with us.
Sincerely,
Megan Hopkins
Chair, Department of Education Studies
