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Brief Introduction to the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CoEBS) is a cornerstone of Hawassa University, dedicated to excellence in teacher training, educational leadership, and the behavioral sciences.


Our History & Evolution

Our journey began in 2000 within the University system. Following national reforms, we have evolved through several important stages:

  • 2007–2009: Established as the Faculty of Education.
  • 2010–2011: Reformed into the Institute of Training and Education.
  • 2012–2016: Operated as the School of Education and Training within the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
  • 2016–2023: Grew into the full-fledged College of Education.
  • 2023–Present: Expanded to become the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences with the integration of the Department of Psychology.

Today, we comprise one school and four academic departments


Our Mandate & Recognition

Hawassa University (HU) is designated as one of Ethiopia’s eight first-generation research universities. CoEBS leads the university’s strategic mandate in the education of Teachers, School Leaders and Educational Professionals.

We are honored to be recognized by the Ministry of Education as one of Ethiopia’s five National Centres of Excellence for Teacher Education and Leadership, coordinating the development of national textbooks and distance education materials.


Academic Programs

We offer a wide range of programs designed to train educators, leaders, and professionals.


Previously since its commencement, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences coordinates 58 programs. Among them (3 BA, 8 MA, 3 PhD, 2  DEd , 6 Certificate (Post Graduate Diploma in School Leadership/PGDSL, Post Graduate Certificate in Primary School Supervision/PGCPS, Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary School Supervision/PGCSS, Women’s Leadership, HDP, and Induction Training for Beginner/Novice Teachers) have been managed within the College, that is,  College of Education and Behavioral Sciences; and in collaboration with the College of Natural and Computational Sciences/CNCSs, College of Law and Governance/CLG, and College of Social Sciences and Humanities/CSSH, it manages and organizes 8 BED in four years Degree Programs, 12 Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (PGDT), and 9 MEd  and 7 DEd  Programs. 

  • Undergraduate (BA): BA in Educational Planning & Management/EdPM, Life Long Education and Community Development/LLCD, Special Needs & Inclusive Education/SNIE, and Psychology;
  • Graduate: MA in School Leadership, Social Psychology, and Counseling Psychology; PhD/DEd in Curriculum and Instruction (PhD), Educational Measurement and Evaluation (PhD), Educational Assessment and Evaluation (DEd), Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (PhD), Educational Policy and Strategic Management (DEd);


Our Community

  • Staff: 73 academic staff and 9 supportive staff members
  • Students: Currently supporting 610 students and trainees across all programs andf modalities, with a focused commitment to increasing gender equity.


Engagement & Impact

Beyond the classroom, we are deeply engaged in service and research:

  • Establishing a Testing and Measurement Center for national and institutional assessments.
  • Operating an on-campus model secondary school and kindergarten serving over 300 students.
  • Publishing the Ethiopian Journal of Education Studies to share evidence-based research with policymakers and practitioners.
  • Leading professional development for educators across the region through induction programs and the HDP.

As a research driven college, our faculty actively contribute to national and international scholarly journals, informing best practices in education and behavioral sciences.


CoEBS is committed to fostering and inclusive academic environment where future leaders are prepared to meet the educational and psychological needs of Ethiopia and beyond.