Welcome To College of Education and Behavioral Science (CEBS)

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) traces its origin to 2010 when Jimma University’s Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) restructured the former Faculty of Education into independent units as of July 2009. Initially it emerged as ‘Institute of Education and Professional Development Studies (IEPDS)’ involving two departments, Educational Planning and Management (EdPM) and Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies (TECS), and three professional development units (ADRC, HDP, ELIC) with the mandate to handle regular and continuous professional developments of secondary school professionals, including pedagogical and English language improvement initiatives for the university’s staff.

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) continuously evolved into its current form in 2014 after integrating two more departments.  Presently, the college has four departments namely Educational Planning and Management (EdPM), Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies (TECS), Psychology, and Special Needs and Inclusive Education (SNIE). The College delivers academic programs in regular, in-service, and distance modalities across its three undergraduate programs, two postgraduate diploma programs, nine master’s (MA) programs, and seven doctoral (Ph.D./DEd) programs. It also provides short-term professional development opportunities for academic and administrative staff through its three training centers: the Higher Diploma Program (HDP), the Academic Development Resource Center (ADRC), and the English Language Improvement Center (ELIC).

Dedicated to advancing education and behavioral sciences, CEBS upholds the values of quality, equity, gender sensitivity, social accountability, diversity, and community engagement. Guided by the philosophy “We are in the community,” the College ensures active participation of staff and students in community-based teaching, research, and service initiatives that promote local and national development. In its research endeavors, the College emphasizes intervention-based, problem-solving, and demand-driven studies aligned with national educational priorities to enhance the overall quality of education.

Furthermore, CEBS collaborates closely with schools, Woreda and Zonal education offices, and Regional Educational Bureau and Ministry of Education to deliver Quality of Education services. In pursuit of excellence, the College continues to strengthen partnerships with national and international institutions, focusing on the development of technology-enhanced postgraduate programs, applied research, and community service initiatives. Staff and student exchange programs have also been introduced to enhance international exposure, academic excellence, and institutional visibility.

Vision

To become a leading, community-oriented, and top-ranked center of excellence in education recognized for innovative, technology-driven teaching, impactful research, and transformative community engagement in Ethiopia by 2030.

Mission

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is committed to educational excellence through producing competent, ethical, and innovative graduates; conducting impactful and community-based research; and providing relevant, transformative community services. CEBS also strives to build a diverse global network and foster partnerships that enhance the visibility and recognition of Jimma University, while developing effective governance and diversified income sources to support institutional transformation.