Working today for a better tomorrow...

Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) is a global force for good.
SESP catalyzes change by bringing together a wide range of disciplines– including psychology, economics, computer science, organizational studies, sociology, and education–along with many modes of inquiry.
We study individuals, massive organizations and everything in between.
This deep, complex, and multifaceted research paves the way for life-changing discoveries.

SESP student presenting work at Inclusive Design Expo

Research

SESP’s collaborative and transdisciplinary approach emphasizes success and thriving at all ages, from infancy through maturity.

Discover SESP Research
Students in front of the Northwestern Arch

Leadership

Our diverse programs explore leadership, solution design and change and ways to design and implement policy.

Explore our Degree Programs
SESP PhD student working with young students

Improving Lives

We thoughtfully combine research, teaching, and service. Together we can make our main missions even stronger.

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Meet Our Dean

Dan McAdams

"In SESP we promote human growth and flourishing in individuals, families, schools, organizations, and culture.  We study the world to change it."

 Dan P. McAdams
Interim Dean, School of Education and Social Policy
Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Psychology
Professor of Human Development and Social Policy

Learning, Leadership, and Policy

The SESP Vision

SESP undergraduates

We create connections and partnerships by putting cutting-edge research into action.
From birth to maturity, the SESP family works to improve lives, enhance organizations, and transform individuals, communities, and the world.