About Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development
A Worldwide Community
Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is a top-ranked college that focuses on cross-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and community engagement. We seek to empower our students, faculty, and staff to reshape the systems that impact learning and human development, more firmly centering them in justice, diversity, and belonging.
BU Wheelock by the Numbers
US Graduate Schools of Education
#40
US News & World Report, 2025
$15.2M
in external research funds awarded in 2024
256
Scholarly publications in 2024 (including articles, conference papers, book chapters, and internet publications)
A pioneer in early childhood education, Lucy Wheelock (1857-1946) was inspired by the then-radical German kindergarten movement and how it might serve communities of immigrant families. In 1888, she founded Miss Wheelock’s Training School, which later became Wheelock College. The first college at Boston University to be named after a woman, BU Wheelock carries Lucy’s name proudly.
Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development combines the best of both Boston University's School of Education and Wheelock College, which merged in 2018. An education-focused liberal arts college in Boston, Wheelock College offered undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as arts & sciences, education, child life, social work, and family studies. Founded in 1918 by Arthur H. Wilde, BU's School of Education prepared future teachers to excel in the classroom and invested its resources in community education and outreach, as well as high-quality educational training and research. Throughout our teaching, research, and mentoring, we are inspired by the legacies of both these institutions.
A Global Community
BU Wheelock provides a world-class education to our students, and brings together leading scholars, and supports children, youth, and families in our community. Our students, alumni, faculty, and staff are part of an ever-growing family of education and human development professionals prepared to take on the challenges young people, families, and communities face every day. Learn more about how to join us today!
