Exploring the School of Education Programs at the University of Mississippi

The School of Education at the University of Mississippi offers a wide array of programs designed to prepare educators and leaders for various roles in the field of education. From undergraduate degrees to doctoral programs, the school aims to inspire professionalism, transformation, and leadership in Mississippi and beyond. This article explores the diverse programs available, covering areas such as counselor education, educational leadership, higher education, and teacher education.

Overview of the School of Education

The University of Mississippi's School of Education is committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experiences necessary to excel in their chosen careers. The school emphasizes personal attention, with small classes, close-knit cohorts, and one-on-one support. Faculty members bring real classroom experience to their teaching, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and rewards of the education profession.

The School of Education at University of Mississippi has an application deadline of March 1. The application fee for the education program at University of Mississippi is $60. Its tuition is full-time: $9,612 per year (in-state); full-time: $28,440 per year (out-of-state); part-time: $6,408 per year (in-state); and part-time: $18,960 per year (out-of-state). The School of Education at University of Mississippi has 46 full-time faculty on staff with a 2:1 adjusted ratio of graduate students to faculty.Tuition & Fees (Doctorate)$9,612 per year (in-state). Programs Offered Bachelor's, master's, education specialist, Ph.D., Ed.D. University of Mississippi is ranked No. 61 (tie) out of 255 in Best Education Schools.

Counselor Education Programs

For those interested in becoming clinical mental health counselors or school counselors, the Counselor Education programs at Ole Miss offer comprehensive training.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education

The M.Ed. in Counselor Education offers two emphases:

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC): This option prepares graduates to become counselors in public and private community settings as Licensed Professional Counselors.
School Counseling (SC): This option equips graduates to work as school counselors.

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Counselor Education

The Ed.S. in Counselor Education offers specializations designed to enhance specific counseling skills and leadership abilities:

Play Therapy Emphasis: Introduces licensed counselors in school, clinic, and community environments to the principles of Play Therapy and helps students qualify for licensure through the Association for Play Therapy.
Counseling Leadership: Prepares students for district-level leadership positions, enabling them to become school counseling leaders who use data, build partnerships, and advocate for all students in K-12 settings.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counselor Education

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education develops counselor educators who are prepared to be skillful teachers, expert supervisors, insightful quantitative and qualitative researchers, and outstanding professional faculty at a college or university.

Educational Leadership (K-12) Programs

These programs are designed for individuals interested in becoming K-12 administrators, such as assistant principals, instructional support personnel, or special program administrators.

Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares school leaders for entry-level roles in K-12 leadership, typically as assistant principals, instructional support leaders, or special program administrators. The program familiarizes students with Mississippi curriculum standards and state laws, in addition to four MDE Common Assessments developed by faculty in leadership programs across the state.

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Principal Corps) is a comprehensive training program designed to transform classroom teachers into K-12 leaders who guide children, teachers, and schools to success. Admitted Principal Corps recruits receive full funding for tuition, books, fees, summer housing, and a living stipend while at UM.

Read also: Campus Life at Ole Miss

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership enhances excellence in school leadership by encouraging individual growth and application of research-based practice consistent with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) and Professional Standards for Educational Leadership (PSEL) standards.

The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Principal Corps) mirrors the M.Ed. Principal Corps program, providing comprehensive training and full funding for admitted recruits.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with emphasis in K-12 Leadership prepares educational leaders for advanced administrative practice at the school or district level. Candidates receive advanced skill development in applied leadership and applied research.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership

The Ph.D. in Educational Leadership prepares students for advanced administrative practice or advanced support roles in the public or private sector. Graduates from this program have become principals of large schools and superintendents of school districts. This program also prepares candidates for faculty and research positions in higher education.

Higher Education Programs

These programs cater to individuals aspiring to work in colleges and universities, whether as professors or administrators.

Master of Arts (M.A.) in Higher Education/Student Personnel

The M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel fosters a strong theoretical understanding of systems, laws, and leadership that support student retention, equity, engagement, and success. This program helps sculpt the college student experience and foster student success with a career in higher education administration and leadership.

For students pursuing a Juris Doctor with an interest in Higher Education, Ole Miss offers a concurrent program that provides a competitive advantage for students seeking a law degree with specific interest in Higher Education issues. This program reduces the time and cost associated with receiving both degrees and can be completed in just four years.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education

The Ed.D. in Higher Education program is designed for the career needs of working professionals in higher education seeking a practitioner-driven program delivered with a part-time format. Candidates in this program enhance their communication, assessment, evaluation, and leadership skills.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Higher Education

The Ph.D. in Higher Education typically prepares individuals for advancement within the institution they currently serve. Graduates from this program have taken on vice-presidencies, directorships, and state and federal government positions. A few have become presidents of institutions.

Teacher Education Programs

These programs are for individuals interested in becoming school teachers in a K-12 setting.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

Elementary Education: An online program designed for non-education majors (those who hold bachelor’s degrees in areas other than education) who wish to gain teacher licensure in Mississippi (K-6) and a master’s degree concurrently.
General M.A.T.: An online master's degree program for people possessing an undergraduate degree with significant coursework in the subject they wish to teach, or who are current teachers wishing to earn a master's degree.

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Early Childhood Education (Residential and Online): Equips educators with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become impactful educators.
Elementary Education (Residential and Online): Equips teachers with the necessary skills to develop and engage in effective teaching strategies through study, interaction, practice, and reflection.
Secondary Education (Residential): Fosters a deep understanding of the intricate link between theory, research, and practical application within the field of Secondary Education.
Special Education (Residential and Online): Further fosters a deep understanding of the intricate link between theory, research, and practical application within the field of Special Education. Through a combination of coursework, practicum experiences, and fieldwork, this program equips educators to serve individuals with exceptional learning needs effectively.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Teacher Education

The Doctor of Education in Teacher Education enhances the professional practice of its graduates who assume the role of scholar practitioners as classroom teachers, local curriculum specialists, and other professionals actively involved in classroom instruction, supervision, or professional development in the various areas of emphasis.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Teacher Education

The Doctor of Philosophy in Teacher Education is a research-intensive program that prepares graduates to assume academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as leadership positions within school districts, such as curriculum coordinators or administrators.

Undergraduate Programs

The School of Education offers 8 Undergraduate Programs:

Early Childhood Education, B.A.Ed.: Learn strategies to incite children's curiosity and help them meet the development milestones necessary to become lifelong learners.
Elementary Education, B.A.Ed.: Help young students develop the academic and social skills they need to build a strong foundation for future learning.
English Education, B.A.Ed.: Introduce students to the stories, poems, and plays that reflect and shape our world, while sharpening their skills in critical thinking, research, and organization.
Math Education, B.A.Ed.: Guide students to recognize the interconnectedness of mathematical ideas and generate creative solutions to everyday problems.
Social Studies Education, B.A.Ed.: Learn to engage students in the study of civics, economics, geography, and history, and equip students to make informed opinions that promote the common good.
Special Education, B.A.Ed.: Learn to teach all children effectively. Explore evidence-based practices that maximize understanding and social and emotional growth for students with special needs.

Certificate Programs

Certificate in Elementary Education K-6: Provides a structured pathway for secondary teachers seeking to earn an Elementary K-6 endorsement. The program is designed for licensed secondary (7-12) educators with a 5-year standard renewable license and at least three years of teaching experience.
Certificate in Emotional Disability in Special Education: Prepares teachers to be interventionists in the field of Emotional Behavior Disorders to address the needs of individuals with EmD rulings.
Gifted Certificate: Designed to prepare educators with the knowledge base and competencies necessary for the appropriate education of gifted and talented learners.
Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy: Designed for those committed to working on behalf of young children and their families domestically and internationally. This certificate is ideal for those working in early childhood centers, elementary schools, social work, public health, public affairs, or political science.

Special Programs and Initiatives

Mississippi Teacher Residency Program

The Mississippi Teacher Residency Program provides partial funding for those admitted to the program. Individuals selected for this program receive:

Tuition for the first 12 hours of coursework
Vouchers for the Foundations of Reading Test
Stipend to assist with textbooks and technology
An assigned mentor for support during the first year of classroom placement

Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program

The Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program attracts top-performing students into education with full financial support and professional development incentives. Students commit to teaching in Mississippi for five years after graduation, helping build a pipeline of talented educators for the state's future. Funded by the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation, METP offers an honors college-style learning experience that promotes collaboration between high-achieving education students and faculty at Ole Miss.

TeachLive

Before stepping into a live classroom for field experiences, TeachLive uses virtual reality to let you rehearse lessons, manage classroom scenarios, and conduct parent-teacher conferences in a supportive, low-stakes environment. It’s a powerful tool for trying new strategies and getting immediate feedback.

The Bridge Program

The Bridge program aims to facilitate the transition into college by providing academic and social support to all University of Mississippi students who have been diagnosed with autism. Through mentorship, tutoring, and activities, members are able to navigate higher education with ease.

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