Gevirtz School Launches Undergraduate Education Major

July 26, 2026 - 19:37

UC Santa Barbara's Gevirtz Graduate School of Education is breaking new ground by introducing its first-ever undergraduate major. The new program, simply called the Education major, is designed for students who want to explore the science of learning and teaching without necessarily committing to a career as a classroom teacher.

The major will focus on the broader social, cultural, and psychological aspects of education. Coursework will cover topics like child development, educational policy, and how different communities approach schooling. University officials say the program aims to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, including work in non-profits, educational technology, community organizing, and advocacy.

This move marks a significant shift for the Gevirtz School, which has historically focused on graduate-level training for teachers, counselors, and administrators. By opening its doors to undergraduates, the school hopes to attract students who are interested in understanding how people learn and how educational systems can be improved. The first cohort of students is expected to begin the major in the upcoming academic year, filling a gap in the university's offerings for those passionate about education as a field of study.