School of Education

Loyola Marymount University

Extraordinary educators. Fearless trailblazers. At LMU School of Education, we cultivate teachers, leaders, and mental health professionals who ignite changes in schools and communities to foster a more just and inclusive world for all. Welcome!

Explore Our Programs

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Teacher Preparation

M.A., credential, and certificate programs for elementary, secondary, and special education teachers and specialists

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Educational Leadership

M.A., credential, and certificate programs for future principals, superintendents, and other leaders in education

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Doctoral Program

Ed.D. program in educational leadership for social justice that prepares experienced educators to foster inclusive, equitable learning environments

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School Psychology

Three-year M.A./Ed.S. and credential program that trains school psychologists to work in a variety of educational settings

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Counseling

M.A. program with specialty tracks for school counseling, mental health counseling, and guidance counseling

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Educational Studies

Flexible M.A. program for non-teacher educators that allows students to tailor a curriculum to their professional goals

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Undergraduate Teacher Training

LMU students can earn a California teaching credential upon graduation by taking coursework through SOE

Choose SOE

Learn more about applying, meet virtually with our admission team, or begin your application now.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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As an institution founded on the principle of fostering social justice, LMU School of Education has always sought to understand and respond to social inequities and historical forces of oppression in order to eradicate them. Our Diversity Action Committee (DAC), formally established in 2020, is a results-oriented group that collaboratively leads, designs, and coordinates our equity, inclusion, and diversity-related processes and programs.

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Undergraduate Teacher Training at LMU

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Undergraduate students enrolled in other schools or colleges at LMU can take coursework in the School of Education that qualifies them to earn a preliminary teaching credential in the state of California upon graduation. Our Center for Undergraduate Teacher Preparation (CUTP) provides advising and other support to undergraduates who are preparing for careers in PK-12 teaching.

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Get to Know Our Partners

Through research, collaborative inquiry, and collective action, LMU SOE’s centers, partnerships, and institutes carry forward our mission of providing student-centered, high-quality educational experiences in a variety of settings.

elementary age Catholic school girls sitting at desks and working at computers
CCE brings together a broad range of programs to ensure the quality and traditions of PK-12 Catholic education.
Latinx students gathered around computers and working on schoolwork
Through research, advocacy, and resource development, CEEL serves the needs of linguistically and culturally diverse students in California and beyond.
male student with glasses working at a laptop at a desk
The iDEAL Institute works alongside schools and communities to apply educational technology to teaching and leadership to ensure robust educational practices.
three male elementary students with their arms around each other
The LMU Family of Schools is dedicated to promoting student success and educational equity for PK-12 schools in the Westchester community of Los Angeles.
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These federal programs aim to increase rates of high school graduation and college enrollment and graduation for low-income students whose parents lack college degrees.
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The CUTP supports undergraduate students at LMU who are preparing for careers as teachers, and serves as a resource for faculty and staff who support these students.

Stories

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campus news

LMU Names Estela Zarate as Dean of LMU School of Education

The nationally recognized higher education leader, known for her impact on student success, anti-racism, and equity, joins Loyola Marymount University on July 8, 2024

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counseling programs

SOE, BCLA Join Forces to Offer New Scholarships

A pioneering partnership will support LMU seniors who are interested in pursuing careers in counseling

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faculty

Parham Appointed to Governor’s Advisory Council

William D. Parham, counseling professor at SOE, sits on the Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being

Our Alumni

headshot of LMU SOE alumna Kelly Gonez

Kelly Gonez M.A. ’13

“As Board President of Los Angeles Unified School District, I will put students’ needs at the center. We must work together as leaders to drive student learning, address disparities exacerbated by COVID-19, and put equity and antiracism at the forefront.”

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headshot of LMU SOE alumnus Stepan Mekhitarian

Stepan Mekhitarian Ed.D. ’16

”My dissertation at LMU focused on the skills and training needed to effectively implement blended learning across schools and systems. This work formed the basis of my new book and has been become the bedrock of my career.”

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headshot of LMU SOE alumna Lauren Black

Lauren Black M.A. ’20, Ed.S./P.P.S. ’21

“LMU has taught me the importance of being mindful of circumstances impacting students’ ability to access education, and showed me how to give a voice to these students and their families—including acting as their advocates when they’re not in the room.”

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headshot of LMU SOE alumna Hilda Maldonado

Hilda Maldonado Ed.D. ’21

“I'm very proud of keeping our students and staff safe from Covid during my first year as a superintendent. Even or maybe especially during a crisis, educators can do equity work and great work if we collaborate, communicate, and put students at the center of all our decisions.”

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By the Numbers

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1,030

Students

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37

Full-Time Faculty

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13

Average Class Size

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$16,010

Average Scholarship/Aid to Students

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Events
  • Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0700

    CEEL's Executive Director & Leavey Presidential Endowed Chair in Ethics and Moral Leadership, Dr. Magaly Lavadenz will be joined by Dr. Etta Hollins, Professor Emerita in the...

Explore SOE by Video

Leaders for social justice in education are needed, now more than ever. Advance your career and lead socially just change in your schools and communities with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Education.

Learn About Our Educational Leadership for Social Justice Doctorate Program

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Center for Undergraduate Teacher Preparation

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Meet the Dean

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Estela Zarate, Ph.D., a nationally recognized higher education leader, became dean of LMU School of Education on July 8, 2024.

Give to SOE

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Your generosity will help us cultivate the next generation of extraordinary educators who are igniting change in schools and communities.