The College of Education was established under an agreement signed between the Ministry of Education (formerly the Ministry of Knowledge) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Ministry implemented the project in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the College began operating in the academic year 1386/1387 AH (1966/1967 AD).

On 8/5/1387 AH, Royal Decree No. 9/11 was issued approving Council of Ministers Resolution No. 307 dated 9/4/1387 AH (16/7/1967 AD) on the amended statute of King Saud University. Under Article (3) of this statute, the College of Education became part of King Saud University.

In line with the needs, circumstances and educational requirements of society, the College of Education pursues several goals, foremost among them preparing highly qualified educators to work in the field of education. It also strives to serve as a center for educational research that helps find appropriate solutions to the various challenges facing education in the Kingdom through scientific research methods.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the College works to raise the academic and professional standards of teachers at all levels of education, as well as school principals and education administrators, by organizing training courses suited to each level. The College also runs programs aimed at developing and improving teaching methods, and spreads educational awareness among citizens through lectures and seminars. It plays a pioneering role in fostering cooperation between the Kingdom and educational institutions in the Arab and Islamic world in particular, and in other countries in general.

In 1433 AH, the College obtained international accreditation according to the standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), after all of its departments met the Council's requirements.