Multicultural education has become a controversial topic in recent years, and in the midst of such controversy, there has been little agreement on a precise conceptualization of multicultural education. It is apparent that it takes many forms. A typology is presented that divides multicultural education programs into three categories according to their primary emphasis. The first includes content-oriented programs, which are the most common and immediately recognizable approaches to multicultural education. In its simplest form, this type of program adds a multicultural gloss to a standard curriculum. More sophisticated versions actually transform the curriculum. The second category includes student-oriented programs that address the academic needs of defined groups of students, often minorities. The third category includes socially oriented programs that seek to reform schooling and the political and cultural contexts of education. Identifying these categories may help educators develop programs that reflect the diversity of their student bodies. (Contains 10 references.) (SLD)