Vision
Through high quality professional preparation, research, advocacy, and innovative programming, we will lead in building inclusive communities and environments where equal opportunity and the equitable distribution of resources for people with disabilities and their families is the norm, not the exception.
Mission
People with disabilities make meaningful contributions to our communities and to society. However, we recognize that people with disabilities and their families are historically ignored, marginalized and excluded. Therefore, our mission is to prepare high quality professionals; identify, implement, and disseminate evidence-based practices; and conduct research and outreach in collaboration with community partners. Our work is critical to ensure the full inclusion of people with disabilities across educational, independent living, and employment domains.
The core values that drive our mission include the conviction that all people have the right to:
- Respect: valued interactions and communication
- Wellness: positive relationships and meaningful partnerships
- Inclusion: meaningful participation in education, employment, and community
- Self-determination: opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and strengths to support self-advocacy and informed choices.
U.S. News & Word Report Ranking
U.S. News & Word Report provides nearly 50 different types of numerical rankings and lists to help students narrow their college search. The graduate programs in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services are ranked among the top tier of colleges of education in the nation.
In the 2018 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools," the magazine ranked our college 26th in the nation overall against all graduate colleges of education. The college has moved up from 30th last year and is the only school of education in Utah to place in the top 50.
Of significant note, the college was ranked sixth in the nation in total research dollars received by a college, with faculty and staff securing $46.7 million in funded research.
Another celebrated achievement for the College of Education and Human Services is the status of our rehabilitation counseling program, currently ranked 10th in the nation. Their transition services support those who are leaving special education youth services and going into adult services. USU provides trailblazing leadership nationwide on this and other timely issues.