The mission of the College of Education at Texas Southern University is "to provide competent career professionals for effective service in urban schools, utilizing research, collaboration, and application in seeking solutions to teaching, learning, social, physical and behavioral issues facing urban populations." In support of its mission, the College of Education provides courses of study leading to academic degrees in four instructional departments:

The Department of Counseling prepares counselors, who value equity and equality, to meet the demands of a culturally and linguistically diverse clientele. With a special emphasis on knowledge bases and internships, the department seeks to prepare prospective counselors, classroom teachers, and other professionals with the knowledge and skills essential for an understanding of the individual and his/her educational, vocational, health, and social problems. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of positions, such as community/school counselors, counselor educators, advocates, consultants, and administrators.

The Mission of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is to provide an education for pre-service teachers, post-baccalaureate teachers and other educators that will enable them to assure a developmentally appropriate, equal and equitable education for students from diverse populations. This education prepares undergraduates and graduates to become quality teachers for elementary and secondary teaching. Graduate degrees provide experienced educators with more advanced and in-depth studies.

The Department of Educational Administration & Foundations offers Masters and Doctoral degrees in Educational Administration. Also offered are programs leading to professional certification in Educational Administration at the Principal and Superintendency levels. The purpose of the Educational Administration and Foundation program in the College of Education is to prepare, on a continuing basis, individuals who are competent and capable, possess a strong awareness of their responsibility to organize, and lead and manage efficient and effective educational institutions.

The Department of Department of Health and Kinesiology prepares student majors in both Health and Human Performance and serves the general needs of fitness and skill development for the general student body. A high degree of professionalism among faculty is required to meet the needs of a diverse student population. The department's mission is to prepare students as competent teachers, leaders, researchers, behavioral scientists and heath administrators who are able to serve urban and non-urban populations.

At the doctoral level the College of Education program is designed to enhance educational growth and prepare one for unlimited opportunities in education. In addition to the four instructional departments the College of Education includes:

The Center for the Development and study of Effective Pedagogy for African America learners (CPAL) It is the mission of the Center for the Development and Study of Effective Pedagogy for African American Learners (CPAL) to promote educator and institutional responsibility for the excellent and equitable education of African American learners. This mission is pursued via a series of initiatives relative to teaching, professional development, support and services specific to assuring the school success of African American and lower-income learners. A laboratory school serving students in grades K-3 from the Cuney Homes Development and operating in collaboration with the Houston Independent School District. The Jack Yates High School, HISD, is near, and the Middle College High school for Technology Careers is located on the TSU campus, a Certification Office that serves as a resource and service unit designed to facilitate the process of obtaining certification as a licensed teacher, counselor, and/or administrator for students completing a course of study at Texas Southern University, an Office of Field Experiences which functions as a support system for students seeking to gain admission to the Teacher Preparation Program and to be approved for the student teaching practicum.

Students are admitted to the College of Education through this office, which evaluates their credentials, and other relevant materials to ensure that they meet the criteria for admission as put forth by the College of Education and the department of Curriculum and Instruction. The Office of Field Experiences is responsible for the assignment of student teachers to the public schools, the development of a professional development program, and the assignment of supervisors to student teachers, and a coordinating office at the University Center at the Woodlands. The coordinator is responsible for recruiting and retention of students. The coordinator teaches some courses as well.

The College of Education has provided innovative approaches to education since 1947.