General Information
The faculty of the College of Education are committed to fulfilling the following four major functions:
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Professional Preparation:
To provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate preparation for teachers, school administrators, counselors, and other professionals pursuing careers in P-12 education, higher education, counseling, kinesiology, instructional technology, music, and related fields in business and industry. -
Collaboration and Partnership:
To work collaboratively with school districts, educational agencies, professional organizations, businesses, hospitals, human service agencies, and community stakeholders to evaluate and improve educational programs, services, and opportunities across both P-12 and post-secondary settings. -
Research and Service:
To engage in meaningful service and promote scholarly activity, including experimental and applied research studies intended to advance educational
practice, theory, and science, particularly in the fields of education, kinesiology, instructional technology, and mental health. -
Student Development:
To foster the intellectual and professional growth of students, ensuring that graduates emerge with a strong foundation in theory and practice and are equipped to serve as effective leaders in education, sports, music, counseling, and technology.
The College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). All teacher preparation programs are approved by the Mississippi Department of Education, ensuring that program graduates meet certification requirements for the state of Mississippi.
The College of Education is committed to providing academic excellence in a student-centered environment that values collaboration, accessibility, and innovation in preparing the next generation of educators and professionals.
Vision:
The College of Education, inspired by "Changing Tomorrow Through Education Today," is dedicated to shaping a brighter and more innovative educational future. Our faculty and staff stand at the forefront of supporting and driving transformational change through impactful learning experiences. By integrating theoretical insights with experiential learning, we shape well-rounded professionals. Prioritizing academics, life skills, and resilience, we uphold the highest standards and embrace global perspectives. We aspire to a future where individuals, empowered and inspired by our efforts, are poised to enact lasting change in the world.
Mission:
The College of Education values outstanding teaching and offers nationally accredited programs, from baccalaureate to doctoral levels. Guided by the university's land-grant tradition, the college is committed to nurturing professionals who impact communities through leadership, research, and service. The college, upholding the values of integrity and global engagement, prepares students to lead and serve in educational settings, industry, and beyond.
Values:
Our core values guide our educational journey through the following:
- Teaching Excellence: We value exceptional teaching and are committed to offering nationally accredited programs grounded in foundational knowledge, best practices, pertinent research, and comprehensive clinical training. We strive to prepare our students to lead healthy, productive lives with a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning.
- Advancing Knowledge: We are committed to providing impactful learning experiences from baccalaureate to doctoral levels. We merge theoretical insights with practical application and prioritize academic excellence, resilience, and a global perspective to cultivate individuals poised to be catalysts for lasting, positive change in the world.
- Fostering Innovation: We equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to make significant contributions, enhancing the lives of a range of individuals in our rapidly evolving, technologically advanced society.
Differentiator:
Empowering Excellence Through Education: Our college integrates world-renowned research centers and state-of-the-art facilities with an unwavering commitment to education through experiential learning and community service. From our unique Partnership School serving the community to our trailblazing Mississippi Institute on Disabilities and National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, we’re not just teaching — we’re transforming lives and communities.
Administrative Organization
The College of Education consists of five departments and a division on the Meridian Campus:
• Teacher Education and Leadership
• Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations
• Industrial Technology, Instructional Design, and Community College Leadership
• Kinesiology
• Music
• Division of Education – Meridian Campus
Teacher Education and Leadership. The Department of Teacher Education and Leadership is responsible for instruction in both general and professional pedagogy courses that focus specifically on teaching in special education, elementary education, and in the secondary fields of English, social studies, mathematics, and science. In addition to organizing and administering the curricula for educating teachers in the fields of elementary education, special education, and secondary education, the department is responsible for the direction and immediate supervision of teacher candidates in these fields. The department also provides programs in educational leadership and teacher leadership that are designed to prepare P-12 school administrators, curriculum supervisors, and other educational personnel for positions of leadership in school district offices.
Through this department, the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, Educational Specialist, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education degrees are offered. Online or hybrid options include the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in elementary education, secondary education, special education and educational leadership; the Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education and special education; the Educational Specialist in school administration and teacher leadership; and the Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The department also offers areas of emphasis in elementary education, secondary education, special education, educational leadership, and teacher leadership for the specialist and the doctoral degrees.
Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations. The Department of Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations prepares individuals at the undergraduate and graduate levels to function in a variety of professional settings that include P-12 schools, community counseling centers, human services agencies, hospitals, business settings, rehabilitation agencies, community colleges, four-year colleges, and universities. The department offers the Bachelor of Science degree with online options in applied behavioral analysis and educational psychology, the Master of Science degree with online options in applied behavioral analysis, educational psychology, and rehabilitation counseling, the Educational Specialist degree with an online option in school psychology, and the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Additional areas of interest in the department are educational psychology, school psychology, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, applied behavioral analysis, and higher education leadership.
Industrial Technology, Instructional Design, and Community College Leadership. The Department of Industrial Technology, Instructional Design, and Community College Leadership offers undergraduate programs that prepare students for professional roles in technical, educational, and design-focused fields. The Bachelor of Science in industrial technology equips students for supervisory and managerial careers in manufacturing, automation, and logistics. The Bachelor of Science in learning and user experience design prepares students to create intuitive, user-centered learning experiences and digital products for corporate, educational, and non-profit contexts. Both programs emphasize applied learning, integration of current technologies, and career readiness.
In addition, the department offers a suite of graduate programs for students considering advanced study. These include the online Master of Science programs in instructional technology and in workforce education leadership, as well as the Doctor of Philosophy in instructional systems and workforce development and in community college leadership. These programs support career advancement as instructional designers, educational leaders, researchers, and faculty in P–20 and workplace environments.
Kinesiology. The Department of Kinesiology offers the Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology with six concentration areas: clinical exercise physiology, neuromechanics, strength and conditioning, physical education and coaching, physical activity and coaching, and sport administration. Each concentration is designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare, sport science, fitness, education, coaching, and the sport industry, as well as for advanced study in fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and medicine. Physical Education and Coaching majors pursue teacher licensure in physical education and have the option to add endorsements in other teaching areas through additional coursework. The department also offers the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in kinesiology. Graduate students may specialize in exercise physiology, sport pedagogy, sport administration, or disability studies at the master’s level, and in exercise science or sport studies at the doctoral level. Through evidence-based practice and applied learning, graduates are prepared to use and promote physical activity as a vital element of health and human performance.
Music. The Department of Music is comprised of multiple interrelated areas of study that include band, brass, choir, collaborative piano, music education, music history, music theory, orchestra, percussion, piano, strings, vocal, world music, and woodwind. Students in MSU’s Department of Music have access to dedicated faculty and excellent ensembles, including the Famous Maroon Band, Schola Cantorum, State Singers, Opera Production, the MSU Symphony and Philharmonia, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and more. The department offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education, and Master of Music Education. Music
Department graduates are prepared for careers as professional musicians, studio music teachers or licensed K-12 music teachers, choral directors, and band directors.
Division of Education – Meridian Campus. The Division of Education, located at the MSU-Meridian Campus, offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in teaching, educational leadership, and mental and behavioral health services. Designed to meet the needs of working adults, programs are delivered in hybrid, evening/weekend, and synchronous online formats. Degree offerings include the Bachelor of Science in elementary education and educational psychology; Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science, and Educational Specialist degrees in areas such as elementary and secondary education, counseling and psychology, school administration, and community college education; as well as the Doctor of Education in Educational Policy and Organizational Design and the Doctor of Psychology in Combined Health Service Psychology.
The Division of Education emphasizes practical training through strong partnerships with local schools and agencies and operates the MSU-Meridian Mental and Behavioral Health Clinic, which provides hands-on clinical experience for graduate students and accessible services for the community. Through its academic programs and community outreach, the Division of Education plays a vital role in advancing education and mental health services across East Mississippi.
Services
Mississippi Migrant Education Service Center. The Mississippi Migrant Education Service Center is committed to ensuring that migrant students and youth receive the educational support they need to meet high academic standards. The Center addresses challenges related to cultural and language differences and the educational disruptions caused by frequent moves. In addition to the services provided by school districts, the Center offers a variety of free resources to eligible migrant students and families. These include the distribution of school supplies, access to summer and after-school programs, academic assistance such as tutoring, adult education (GED and ESL classes), referrals for medical and dental services, interpretation assistance at medical appointments, and assistance with applications.
Mississippi World Class Teaching Program. The MSU World Class Teaching Program is a university-based initiative that recruits and mentors teachers pursuing advanced certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The program supports candidates through each stage of the National Board process and contributes to the growth of accomplished teaching across Mississippi.
Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach. This office collaborates with P-12 partner districts to provide practicums, internships, and clinical teaching experiences for students enrolled in teacher education programs at MSU. These experiences are jointly supervised by College of Education faculty and educators in partner schools to ensure high-quality, hands-on preparation for future teachers.
The National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision. This is the nation’s only federally funded center dedicated to employment-related research for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The center serves as a national resource, offering research, training, and technical assistance to individuals, organizations, and agencies focused on improving employment outcomes for people with vision loss.
The T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability. This center provides comprehensive, multi-disciplinary evaluations and services that use assistive technology to help individuals overcome limitations and fully participate in educational, vocational, and leisure activities. Services include transdisciplinary play-based assessments for children birth to age three, early intervention for children ages two to five, and assessments and interventions for individuals with difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling.
Requirements for Teacher Education Students
A four-phase admission procedure is designed to ensure logical progression through the professional education process.
Enrollment in the College of Education (Phase I – pertains only to Teacher Education majors in the College of Education): Phase I identifies students who have enrolled in Teacher Education programs prior to formal admission into Teacher Education. This early identification ensures that the necessary counseling, screening, and advisement is provided for students aspiring to become teachers. To enroll in the College of Education, students must be admitted to Mississippi State University; select a major within a department that offers a teacher preparation program; meet with an assigned advisor in the College of Education; become familiar with the current online College of Education Undergraduate Handbook, the Mississippi Educator Code of Ethics, the program of study curriculum sheet, and the current university catalog; and complete the Enrollment in the College of Education (Phase I) Form for Teacher Education Majors with a designated faculty advisor.
Admission to Teacher Education (Phase II): To be admitted to Teacher Education and enroll in upper-level professional education courses, students must complete Phase II by earning at least 44 semester credit hours (which includes the 36-hour general education requirements but excludes remedial and intermediate courses) with a 2.75 GPA in the 44 hours and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5. Students must also complete 6 semester credit hours of English composition and 3 semester credit hours of mathematics (College Algebra or higher) with a grade of C or better in each course. In addition, students must present either an ACT composite score of 21 (or SAT equivalent) or obtain the minimum passing scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Tests as defined by the Mississippi Department of Education (prior to 9/1/19 Reading 5712: 156, Math 5732: 150, Writing 5722: 162; 9/1/19 and after - Reading 5713: 156, Writing 5723: 162, Math 5733: 130) or have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in 60 or more credit hours at the time of admission to Phase II.
Students are advised to keep the original copies of their Praxis Core test scores in a secure place, as these scores are required for admission to Teacher Education. Students should request that ETS send a copy of their scores to Mississippi State University (Code RA1480). Students attending the Meridian campus should have their scores sent to both Mississippi State University (Code RA1480) and MSU-Meridian (Code RA3336). Students who do not meet the ACT/SAT or GPA requirements listed above are encouraged to take the Praxis Core exam by the end of the second semester of their freshman year.
Students must also submit two recommendation forms completed by educators, provide verification of 40 hours of work experience with children or youth, complete a criminal background check, complete an orientation module, sign the Teacher Education Professional Dispositions form, provide proof of liability insurance, and subscribe to Watermark. Students should also apply for a pre-service teacher license through the Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction (OCFBI). See an advisor for details.
Students should begin the Teacher Education application process during preregistration or orientation. Confidential recommendation forms must be sent to the Dean of the College of Education, Mailstop 9710, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or emailed to COEundergrad@colled.msstate.edu. All students must complete Phase II requirements before registering for upper-level professional education courses. Information for the Phase II forms must be submitted through the Admission to Teacher Education (Phase II) canvas course. Students who have not been admitted to Teacher Education will not be permitted to register for restricted professional education courses. Students must meet with an advisor to complete the Phase II form.
Admission to Teaching Internship (Phase III): A student must complete Phase III by submitting an Application for Admission to Teaching Internship form, which can be found online at ocfbi.msstate.edu/teaching/index.php, to the Director of the Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach (OCFBI) one semester prior to the internship. To be eligible for the teaching internship, students must have been admitted to Teacher Education, must have taken both the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) and the subject-area assessment exam (Praxis II), maintained an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher, and earned a grade of C or better in all major, concentration, and professional education courses. Final eligibility (2.5 GPA overall) is confirmed through a screening process at the end of the semester prior to internship.
Students must complete all professional education and content courses in their major/concentration with a grade of C or better before starting the internship. No coursework beyond the 15 credit hours associated with teaching internship, classroom management, and seminar may be taken during the internship semester without prior approval. Elementary Education and Special Education majors must take the Pearson Foundations of Reading Test before beginning the internship.
Students seeking a degree in teacher education and educator licensure are expected to complete the teaching internship in the final semester of their senior year. Graduate students must meet the same eligibility criteria prior to their internship experience. All internship placements and communication with schools are coordinated through the Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach (OCFBI).
Exit Requirements (Phase IV): To be eligible for graduation, Teacher Education students must earn a grade of C or better in all professional education, major, and concentration courses, complete no more than 50% of the total coursework at a community college, satisfy university residency requirements, and maintain a minimum 2.0 overall GPA at Mississippi State University.
For additional information on Teacher Education admission procedures, refer to the current online College of Education Undergraduate Handbook (educ.msstate.edu/handbooks-and-forms). Forms are available online, in the academic departments, and in the Office of the Dean of the College of Education (309 Allen Hall).
Teacher Education Policies
D Policy. Students in Teacher Education must earn grades of C or better in all professional education courses, all courses in their academic major and concentration areas, English Composition I and II, and College Algebra or a higher-level math course. All other College of Education majors should consult their advisor for grade requirements applicable to non-teaching programs.
Probation/Dismissal for Teacher Education Students. After the completion of 60 hours, Teacher Education students (enrolled or admitted) whose overall GPAs fall below 2.50 will be placed on academic probation. This policy applies to transfer students as well. Teacher Education students whose GPAs remain below 2.50 after one year of probation will be dismissed from Teacher Education. If a student’s GPA subsequently improves to 2.50 or higher, they may reapply for admission or re-enroll in the program.
Teacher Licensure
In accordance with statutory provisions, the Mississippi Department of Education has adopted the rules and regulations on issuing and renewing teaching licenses which are set forth in the Guidelines for Mississippi Educator Licensure. The licensure program is applicable to all teacher licenses. Satisfactory completion of a teaching curriculum offered by the College of Education qualifies graduates to apply for a Mississippi teaching license. The university cannot waive state licensure requirements.
Mississippi State University’s teacher preparation programs are approved by the Mississippi Department of Education. Students transferring from other institutions should consult with the Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach (OCFBI) or College of Education advisor to determine the specific general education, professional education, and content-area courses required for licensure in their desired field.
Licenses are issued by the Mississippi Department of Education, not by Mississippi State University, and students are responsible for submitting their applications and original test scores to the Mississippi Department of Education. Information about teacher licensure can be obtained from the Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach (OCFBI).
To be eligible for licensure in Mississippi, students must pass the licensure exams required by the Mississippi Department of Education at the time of application for licensure. Students must request that ETS send official score reports to Mississippi State University (Code RA1480). Students attending the Meridian campus should have their scores sent to both Mississippi State University (Code RA1480) and MSU-Meridian (Code RA3336). Students should also have Pearson send their Foundations of Reading score to Mississippi State University and the Mississippi Department of Education. Students are strongly encouraged to retain original copies of all test scores, as they will be required when applying for a Mississippi educator’s license.
Student Code of Conduct Violations
Any violations of the Mississippi State University Student Code of Conduct, including academic misconduct, may jeopardize the student’s ability to complete degree or licensure requirements.
Curricula
Organization. All curricula in the College of Education are organized into lower- and upper-division levels. The lower division generally corresponds to the first two years of study and aligns with community college coursework. The upper division generally includes the junior and senior years.
Selection of Teaching Fields. Students in the Teacher Education program are expected to pursue a program of study that qualifies them for licensure in their selected teaching field.
Degree Program Modifications. Changes in licensure requirements by the Mississippi Department of Education may require curricular modifications. As new graduation, licensure, and accreditation standards are implemented, Teacher Education programs will be updated accordingly. These changes apply to students based on their formal program admission date or the adoption of new degree requirements. Students should contact the departmental office for the most up-to-date degree program information.
Sequence of Courses. Students should consult with their faculty advisors when planning their course schedules.
Directed Individual Study Courses. A directed individual study course offers a learning experience that is equivalent to or greater than a traditional course in terms of academic rigor. These courses should be used only under special circumstances, as determined by the faculty of record, academic advisor, and department head. Unless otherwise approved, directed individual study is limited to 3 undergraduate credit hours. A formal agreement outlining course objectives and outcomes must be established between the student and the faculty of record. This policy applies to students entering MSU in Fall 2001 or later.
Transfer from Community College. Lower-division courses (1000-2000 level) in the College of Education closely align with those offered at Mississippi’s community colleges. Students majoring in similar fields at a community college can generally transfer to the College of Education without losing time or credit.
Fields of Training. Bachelor’s degree programs preparing students for teaching licensure are offered in elementary education, biology education, chemistry education, English education, mathematics education, music education, physics education, social studies education, special education, and physical education/coaching.
Non-teaching bachelor’s programs are offered in the following areas: applied behavior analysis; educational psychology; industrial technology; kinesiology with concentrations in clinical exercise physiology, neuromechanics, physical activity and coaching, strength and conditioning, and sport administration; learning and user experience design with concentrations in information technology services, product development, art and graphic design, and data science; and music and performance.
Requirements for Graduation. Graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Education requires a minimum of 120 semester credit hours and 256 quality points (some programs may require more).
Graduate Programs in Education
Master’s Degrees. The following departments and division offer Master of Science degrees: Counseling, Higher Education Leadership, Educational Psychology, and Foundations; Industrial Technology, Instructional Design, and Community College Leadership; Kinesiology; Teacher Education and Leadership; and the Division of Education at MSU-Meridian. Students should consult individual departments for available concentrations.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is offered for special education through the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership, for secondary education through the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership and the MSU-Meridian Division of Education, and for elementary education and community college education through the MSU-Meridian Division of Education.
The Master of Music Education (M.M.E.) is offered by the Department of Music.
Educational Specialist Degree. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree consists of a minimum of 30 semester hours beyond the master’s degree. It is designed to broaden leadership training and includes coursework in both the major field and supplemental disciplines. Program areas include counselor education, elementary education, school administration, teacher leadership, school psychology, secondary education, special education, and technology.
Doctoral Degrees. The Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered with program emphases in counselor education, community college leadership, P-12 leadership, higher education leadership, educational psychology, elementary education, exercise science, instructional systems and workforce development, school psychology, secondary education, special education, and sport studies. Minors may be added in various related disciplines.
The College offers two Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees. The EdD in Educational Leadership is offered in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership, while the EdD in Educational Policy and Organizational Design is offered in the Division of Education at MSU-Meridian.
For more information on graduate programs in the College of Education, see the Graduate catalog (https://catalog.msstate.edu/graduate/).
College of Education Conceptual Framework
All Teacher Education programs in the College of Education at Mississippi State University are aligned with the college’s conceptual framework.
The overarching theme for the college’s conceptual framework is "Educators/Professionals – Dedicated to Continual Improvement of All Students’ Educational Experiences." The framework is aligned with the mission and goals of both the College of Education and the university. It is depicted graphically by a shield that contains a burning torch, which signifies the necessary knowledge, skills, and dispositions of educators and other education professionals. It includes a globe, symbolizing the dedication of teachers and professionals to the improvement of all students' educational experiences. Along the border of the shield appear the four areas of study that constitute the core components of the educative process: general education curriculum, professional and pedagogical studies, content or specialty area studies, and field-based and clinical experiences. Embedded within these areas are four essential tenets: knowledge, collaboration, reflection, and practice.