Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin 
    
2017-2018 Graduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Educational Research and Administration


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Lilian H. Hill, Ph.D., and Thomas J. Lipscomb, Ph.D., Co-Chairs
118 College Drive #5027
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5027
(601) 266-4579

Blankenship, Chesnut, Foster, Fox, Hill, Labat, Lee, Lipscomb, Mohn, O’Brien, Platt, Shelley

The Department of Educational Research and Administration (ERA) offers coursework in educational administration; higher education; statistics, research, and educational foundations; and student affairs administration. The department offers five graduate degrees: Master of Education (M.Ed.), Master of Science (M.S.), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution can apply for the M.Ed., M.S., or in some cases, directly for a Ph.D.

Admission to all graduate programs in the departments is selective and is conducted in accordance with university policies (please refer to the Admissions Requirements and Procedures section of the Graduate Bulletin). In general, these procedures include the submission of an application through the Graduate School website. All degree applicants should submit: (a) a letter explaining their interest in and reasons for pursuing the degree and (b) a résumé of academic and job-related experiences, and (c) three letters of recommendation. Application for some degree programs may require additional materials. Interviews are required for doctoral programs and may be required for other programs. The ERA Graduate Admissions Committee recommends admission only for those applicants whose academic background, work experience, and communication skills equip prospective students to meet the challenging demands of graduate programs in the department.

Once admitted to one of ERA’s degree programs, students will be assigned an advisor. Then, in accordance with departmental policy, students’ advisors will direct students in developing a plan of study. Plans of study set forth the minimum course requirements for each degree. Additional requirements may be added and existing requirements may be modified based on unique program criteria.  It is mandatory that the student consult early in his or her program, and frequently thereafter, with his or her advisor concerning the selection of courses, paying particular attention to the sequence in which these courses will be taken.

The Graduate Bulletin stipulates general degree requirements regarding required research and scholarly integrity training, advisement, submission of a plan of study, continuous enrollment, minimum GPA requirements, application for degree, graduation requirements, and time limitations for completing the degree. Degree requirements for each degree program are specified in the sections that follow.

Master of Education

Educational Administration and Supervision, M.Ed.
Higher Education (Student Affairs Administration), M.Ed.

Master of Science

Education (Educational Studies and Research), M.S.

Specialist in Education

Education (Educational Administration P-12), Ed.S.

Doctor of Education

Education (Educational Administration P-12), Ed.D.
Higher Education Administration, Ed.D.

Doctor of Philosophy

Education (Educational Administration P-12), Ph.D.
Education (Research, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment), Ph.D.
Higher Education Administration, Ph.D.

Graduate Certificates:

College Teaching Certificate
Institutional Research Certificate

Research and Scholarly Integrity Education

All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status must complete CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the CITI training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester they are enrolled in graduate school. The RSIE policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page – www.usm.edu/graduate-school. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy or training information.

Residency Requirements

Doctoral programs have residency requirements that may be met through one of the following:

  • Two consecutive* semesters of 12 hours each (12-12);
  • Three consecutive* semesters of 9 hours each (9-9-9);
  • Four consecutive* semesters of a minimum of 6 hours each, none arranged (6-6-6-6);
  • Two semesters within a three-year period in which a minimum of 12 hours is taken in each of the two semesters and a minimum of 3 hours in each of the intervening semesters.

* Consecutive does not have to include summer term but may, at the student’s discretion.

Comprehensive Exams

See individual program requirements.

Pre-requisite courses

Many of the programs in the department have pre-requisite courses. These requirements may be satisfied by having previously taken equivalent courses (as determined by the Department’s Director of Graduate Programs and the Department Chairs) for regularly-admitted students. Note that whereas grades in the pre-requisite courses do apply to a student’s GPA, credit for the courses does not apply to hours required in the degree plan.

Graduation

To complete the degree, students must

  1. maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average
  2. complete all coursework
  3. pass the comprehensive exam (if applicable)
  4. complete internship or practica requirements (if applicable)
  5. successfully complete and defend a dissertation (if applicable)

Program Information

Educational Administration (M.Ed., Ed.S., Ed.D., Ph.D.)

Graduate programs in Educational Administration are designed for the preparation of individuals who are interested in serving as building level educational leaders (e.g., principals, assistant principals), district level educational leaders (e.g., superintendents, assistant superintendents, program coordinators) and/or individuals interested in the study of these fields (e.g., university professors, researchers). Individuals may also take courses within the department as non-degree students for professional growth and to satisfy requirements for license renewal.* Building level programs may lead to eligibility for licensure as an educational administrator.

*Licensure and/or certification is a function of each state’s department of education, and requirements for licensure and/or certification vary from state to state. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of his/her state’s current requirements for licensure and/or certification and ensure that all current requirements are met through completed coursework. The College of Education and Psychology has a certification officer who assists students with filing appropriate licensure and/or certification paperwork, but it is the student’s responsibility to provide the necessary forms. For these reasons, students seeking licensure and/or certification are encouraged to stay current with licensure and/or certification regulations within their respective states. If you have any questions about this policy, contact the department chair.

Admission Criteria

  1. GPA of 3.0 or higher on last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  2. GRE - Verbal, Quantitative, Writing official scores within past 5 years
  3. Current résumé (must document successful teaching experience; must include a copy of certification/licensure in education field; three years of teaching required to be eligible for licensure as an administrator in MS.)
  4. Letter of Interest (should include statements regarding the applicant’s beliefs about teaching and leadership as well as statements about professional goals)
  5. Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with the student’s academic experience and/or ability and can address applicant’s readiness for graduate study
  6. Interview

Supplementary material may be submitted at the student’s discretion or may be requested by the admissions committee.

Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Educational Administration and Supervision, M.Ed.

The Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision Degree Program prepares graduates for the school principalship. The fully online program is delivered through a cohort model and new cohorts begin each summer semester. A limited number of students can be accommodated in each cohort. Prospective students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applications for admission should be completed at least one semester prior to desired start date. Application deadlines are available on the department’s website. Enrollment in courses is limited to students who are formally enrolled in a cohort.

Degree Requirements (34 hours)

The M.Ed. program requires a minimum of 34-credit hours and is designed with a spiraling curriculum in which concepts introduced at one level are built upon and expanded at the next. Students also complete internship experiences during the last three semesters of the program at two or more sites.

Summer

  • EDA 661 - Practitioner as P-12 Researcher 3 hrs.
  • EDA 602 - Foundations of School Leadership 3 hrs.
  • EDA 603 - Leading Diverse School Populations 3 hrs.

Fall

  • EDA 604 - Intro to Leadership for Organizational Effectiveness 3 hrs.
  • EDA 605 - Intro to Instructional Leadership 3 hrs.
  • EDA 636 - Administrative Internship 1-12 hrs. (3 hrs. required)

Spring

  • EDA 606 - Advanced Leadership for Organizational Effectiveness 3 hrs.
  • EDA 607 - Advanced Instructional Leadership 3 hrs.
  • EDA 636 - Administrative Internship 1-12 hrs. (3 hrs. required)

Summer

  • EDA 608 - Socio-Political Issues and Educational Leadership 3 hrs.
  • EDA 609 - Transformational Leadership 3 hrs.
  • EDA 636 - Administrative Internship 1-12 hrs. (1 hr. required)

Comprehensive exams should be taken in the last semester of coursework.

Education (Educational Administration P-12) Ed.S.

This is a fully online program.

Students accepted into the program pursue either a building level or district level plan of study, depending on their current educational certification. The building level program is for students who are currently not certified/licensed as educational administrators. The district level program is for students who are currently certified/licensed as educational administrators.

Degree Requirements (36 hours)
The Ed.S. program requires a minimum of 36-credit hours

Fall 1

  • REF 601 – Educational Research 3 hrs.
  • EDA 628 – Contextual Dimensions of the Principalship 3 hrs.

Spring 1

  • EDA 600 – Introduction to Educational Leadership 3 hrs.
  • EDA 620 – Instructional Leadership 3 hrs.

Summer 1

  • EDA 704 – School Community Relations 3 hrs.
  • EDA 708 – Developing and Managing Human Resources 3 hrs.

Fall 2

  • EDA 651 – Principal as Resource Manager 3 hrs.
  • EDA 736/738 – Building/District Practicum 3 hrs.

Spring 2

  • EDA 616 – Legal Considerations for School Leadership 3 hrs.
  • REF 602 – Introduction to Educational Statistics 3 hrs.

Summer 2

  • EDA 730 – Media Skills for Successful School-Community Relations 3 hrs.
  • REF 632 – Assessing Student Outcomes 3 hrs.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during or after the last semester of coursework.

Education (Educational Administration P-12) Ed.D.

Students accepted into the program pursue either a building level or district level plan of study, depending on their current educational certification. The building level program is for students who are currently not certified/licensed as educational administrators. The district level program is for students who are certified/licensed as educational administrators. The doctoral program requires a minimum of 66 semester hours beyond the master’s degree, inclusive of the dissertation. Applicants who have earned an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership/Administration may be allowed to waive up to three specified courses upon approval of department.

Degree Requirements (66 hours)
The Ed.D. program requires a minimum of 66-credit hours. Required coursework is shown below but does not include dissertation hours (EDA 898) taken after coursework is complete. Pre-requisite courses are included.

Fall 1

  • REF 601 – Educational Research 3 hrs.
  • EDA 628 or 755 – Contextual Dimensions of the Principalship or The Superintendency 3 hrs.

Spring 1

  • EDA 710 – School Law 3 hrs.
  • REF 602 – Introduction to Educational Statistics 3 hrs.

Summer 1

  • EDA 702 – Administrative Approaches to Technology 3 hrs.
  • EDA 706 – Educational Facilities Development and Management 3 hrs.

Fall 2

  • EDA 700 – Public School Finance 3 hrs.
  • REF 791 – Applied Research-I 3 hrs.

Spring 2

  • EDA 736/738 – Building/District Practicum 3 hrs.
  • REF 791 – Applied Research-II 3 hrs.

Summer 2

  • EDA 720 – Advanced Curriculum Development 3 hrs.
  • REF 736 – Survey Research 3 hrs.

Fall 3

  • EDA 722 – Introduction to P-12 Education Policy 3 hrs.
  • REF 770 – Program Evaluation 3 hrs.

Spring 3

  • EDA 800 – Seminar: Theories in Educational Organization and Administration 3 hrs.
  • EDA 740 – Advanced Instructional Supervision 3 hrs.

Summer 3

  • EDA 780 – Educational Leadership Seminar 3 hrs.
  • EDA Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 4

  • EDA Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.
  • REF 889 – The Dissertation Process 3 hrs.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during or after the last semester of coursework and must be passed before presenting a dissertation proposal.

Education (Educational Administration P-12) Ph.D.

Students accepted into the program pursue either a building level or district level plan of study, depending on their current educational certification. The building level program is for students who are currently not certified/licensed as educational administrators. The district level program is for students who are certified/licensed as educational administrators. The doctoral program requires a minimum 66 semester hours beyond the master’s degree, inclusive of the dissertation. Applicants who have earned an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership/Administration may be allowed to waive up to three specified courses upon approval of department.

Degree Requirements (66 hours)
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 66-credit hours. Required coursework is shown below but does not include dissertation hours (EDA 898) taken after coursework is complete. Pre-requisite courses are included.

Fall 1

  • REF 601 – Educational Research 3 hrs.
  • EDA 628 or 755 – Contextual Dimensions of the Principalship or The Superintendency 3 hrs.

Spring 1

  • EDA 710 – School Law 3 hrs.
  • REF 602 – Introduction to Educational Statistics 3 hrs.

Summer 1

  • EDA 702 – Administrative Approaches to Technology 3 hrs.
  • EDA 706 – Educational Facilities Development and Management 3 hrs.

Fall 2

  • EDA 700 – Public School Finance 3 hrs.
  • REF 761 – Quantitative Analysis I 3 hrs.

Spring 2

  • EDA 736/738 – Building/District Practicum 3 hrs.
  • REF 762 – Quantitative Analysis II 3 hrs.

Summer 2

  • EDA 720 – Advanced Curriculum Development 3 hrs.
  • REF 736 – Survey Research 3 hrs.

Fall 3

  • EDA 722 – Introduction to P-12 Education Policy 3 hrs.
  • EDA Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Spring 3

  • EDA 800 – Seminar: Theories in Educational Organization and Administration 3 hrs.
  • EDA 740 – Advanced Instructional Supervision 3 hrs.

Summer 3

  • EDA 780 – Educational Leadership Seminar 3 hrs.
  • EDA Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 4

  • REF 730 – Qualitative Research I 3 hrs.
  • REF 889 – The Dissertation Process 3 hrs.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during or after the last semester of coursework and must be passed before presenting a dissertation proposal.

Education (Educational Studies and Research) M.S.

The Master of Science in Education, emphasis in Educational Studies and Research, provides students with an introduction to social science research, statistics, and the foundations of education. The M.S. is a non-licensure program that prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of settings including community colleges, universities, training and policy-making organizations. It also provides a foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced study at the doctoral level.

Admission Criteria

  1. GPA of 3.0 or higher on last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  2. GRE - Verbal, Quantitative, Writing official scores within past 5 years
  3. Current résumé
  4. Letter of Interest (should include statements regarding the applicant’s related expereinces and professional goals)
  5. Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with the student’s academic experience and/or ability and can address applicant’s readiness for graduate study
  6. Interview (may be required)

Supplementary material may be submitted at the student’s discretion or may be requested by the admissions committee.

Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The M.S. program requires a minimum of 36 hours. Students enrolled full-time generally complete the program in three to four semesters with a recommended summer start date. Students may also enroll part-time. See department website for course requirements.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during or after the last semester of coursework.

Higher Education Administration (M.Ed., Ed.D., Ph.D.)

The Higher Education Administration programs provide options for individuals who seek to work within post-secondary institutions. The curricula emphasize the acquisition of skills and knowledge and includes a thorough grounding in theory and practice.

Admission Criteria

  1. GPA of 3.0 or higher on last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  2. GRE - Verbal, Quantitative, Writing official scores within past 5 years
  3. Current résumé
  4. Letter of Interest (should include statements regarding the applicant’s related expereinces and professional goals)
  5. Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with the student’s academic experience and/or ability and can address applicant’s readiness for graduate study
  6. Interview (for Ed.D. and Ph.D.)

Supplementary material may be submitted at the student’s discretion or may be requested by the admissions committee.

Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Higher Education Administration (emphasis in Student Affairs) M.Ed.

The Master of Higher Education Administration with emphasis in Student Affairs is designed to meet the professional needs of individuals who seek to work in the field of student affairs/higher education.  This degree will provide students with an understanding of the theory, research, and practice of student affairs, student development theory, cultural diversity among students, and current issues and trends in student affairs administration. A hallmark of the program is its integration of academic course work with practical experiences in student affairs. Students complete practical experience in student affairs offices to prepare them for work as a professional in the field. Applications are accepted for both fall and spring admission and should be completed at least eight weeks prior to desired start date. Application deadlines are available on the department’s website.

Degree Requirements (45 hours)

The M.Ed. program requires a minimum of 45-credit hours. Students enrolled full time typically complete the program in two years. Students may also enroll part time.

Fall 1

  • HE 639 Foundations of Student Affairs Administration 3 hrs.
  • HE 743 – Student Development Theory and Research 3 hrs.
  • REF 600 – Foundations of Educational Studies and Research 3 hrs.
  • HE 654 – Supervised Practice in Student Affairs I 3 hrs.

Spring 1

  • HE 619 – Cultural Diversity in Student Affairs 3 hrs.
  • HE 716 – Legal Issues in Higher Education 3 hrs.
  • REF 601 – Educational Research 3 hrs.
  • HE 654 – Supervised Practice in Student Affairs II 3 hrs.

Fall 2

  • HE 614 – Administration in Student Affairs 3 hrs.
  • HE 615 – The American College Student 3 hrs.
  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.
  • HE 654 – Supervised Practice in Student Affairs III 3 hrs.

Spring 2

  • REF 723 – Assessment in Student Affairs Practice 3 hrs.
  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.
  • HE 655 – Capstone Seminar in Student Affairs 3 hrs.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during the last semester of coursework.

Higher Education Administration Ph.D.

The Higher Education Administration Program is designed for individuals who seek advanced professional preparation for managing and administering programs and services in colleges and universities and for those who seek tenure-track positions in higher education departments. Students are not required to have received prior degrees in higher education to be admitted.

Applications are accepted for fall, spring, or summer admission and should be completed at least eight weeks prior to the desired start date. Application deadlines are available on the Graduate School website.

Degree Requirements (69 hours)

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 69 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree and is inclusive of the dissertation. Required coursework is shown below but does not include dissertation hours (HE 898) taken after coursework is complete. Pre-requisite courses are included.

Fall 1

  • REF 601 – Educational Research 3 hrs.
  • HE 711 – History of Higher Education 3 hrs.

Spring 1

  • HE 712 – The Two-Year College 3 hrs.
  • REF 602 – Introduction to Educational Statistics 3 hrs.

Summer 1

  • HE 713 – Curricula in Higher Education 3 hrs.
  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 2

  • HE 716 – Legal Issues in Higher Education 3 hrs.
  • REF 761 – Quantitative Analysis I 3 hrs.

Spring 2

  • HE 714 – Higher Education Finance 3 hrs.
  • REF 762 – Quantitative Analysis II 3 hrs.

Summer 2

  • HE 715 – Teaching in Higher Education 3 hrs.
  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 3

  • HE 814 – Organization and Administration of Higher Education 3 hrs.
  • REF 824 – Advanced Experimental Design 3 hrs.

Spring 3

  • HE 800 – Higher Education Leadership Theory and Research 3 hrs.
  • REF 830 – Multivariate Analysis 3 hrs.

Summer 3

  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.
  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 4

  • REF 730 – Qualitative Research I 3 hrs.
  • REF 889 – The Dissertation Process 3 hrs.

Spring 4

  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.
  • HE Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during or after the last semester of coursework and must be passed before presenting a dissertation proposal.

Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. in Education, emphasis in Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment (RESA) program provides graduate coursework in research methods, evaluation and assessment, statistics, and educational foundations. RESA emphasizes inquiry—quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. RESA is designed to prepare individuals for academic and non-academic positions and organizations such as: tenure-track faculty, researchers and statisticians, grant evaluators, assessment specialists, data analysts, institutional effectiveness offices, institutional research offices, IRB offices, hospitals and schools.

Applications are accepted for fall, spring, or summer admission and should be completed at least eight weeks prior to the desired start date. Application deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Applicants are encouraged to apply for fall admission unless pre-requisites, typically taken in summer semester, are needed.

Admission Criteria

  1. GPA of 3.0 or higher on last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  2. GRE - Verbal, Quantitative, Writing official scores within past 5 years
  3. Résumé
  4. Letter of Interest (should include statements regarding the applicant’s related expereinces and professional goals)
  5. Three letters of recommendation from professionals who are familiar with the student’s academic experience and/or ability and can address applicant’s readiness for graduate study
  6. Interview

Supplementary material may be submitted at the student’s discretion or may be requested by the admissions committee.

Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Degree Requirements (57-84 hours*)

Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution may apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Applicants applying without a Master’s degree are required to take a minimum of 84 credit hours. Applicants with a Master’s degree take a minimum of 66 hours and applicants having an Ed.S. degree are required to take a minimum of 57 hours. Required coursework is shown below but does not include dissertation hours (REF 898) taken after coursework is complete. The semester-by-semester guide shown reflects the 66-hour degree plan.

Summer 1

Pre-requisite courses if needed.

Fall 1

  • REF 761 – Quantitative Analysis-I 3 hrs.
  • REF 791 – Applied Research-I 3 hrs.

Spring 1

  • REF 762 – Quantitative Analysis-II 3 hrs.
  • REF 791 – Applied Research-II 3 hrs.

Summer 1

  • REF 736 – Survey Research 3 hrs.
  • Cognate elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 2

  • REF 770 – Program Evaluation 3 hrs.
  • REF 824 – Advanced Experimental Design 3 hrs.

Spring 2

  • REF 830 – Multivariate Analysis 3 hrs.
  • REF 724 – Assessment of Learning in Higher Education

Summer 2

  • REF 720 – Test and Measurement 3 hrs.
  • Cognate Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Fall 3

  • REF 730 – Qualitative Research-I 3 hrs.
  • REF 889 – The Dissertation Process 3 hrs.

Spring 3

  • REF 709 – Social Foundations of Education 3 hrs.
  • Cognate Elective – Chosen with advisor 3 hrs.

Not listed on the guide are six 1-hour Special Topics courses taken throughout the program and chosen with advisor.

Comprehensive exams should be taken during or after the last semester of coursework and must be passed before presenting a dissertation proposal.

Programs

    Master of EducationMaster of ScienceSpecialist in EducationDoctor of EducationDoctor of PhilosophyCertificate

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