Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

College of Education and Human Sciences


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Trenton Gould, Interim Dean
118 College Drive, Box #5023
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4568

Jeff Hinton, Associate Dean
118 College Drive, Box 5023
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4676

Rene’ Drumm, Associate Dean, Gulf Park Campus
Hardy Hall 339
228.214.3336

The University of Southern Mississippi, through its College of Education and Human Sciences, holds membership in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities and the Southern Regional Consortium of Colleges of Education. The Professional Education Unit at The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educators (CAEP), 1140 19th Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036; 202.223.0077. This accreditation covers all initial and advanced educator preparation programs at The University of Southern Mississippi. To request a copy of this report, contact the Dean’s office, College of Education and Human Sciences, Box #5023, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001; 601.266.4568. For details of graduate teacher education programs, consult the Graduate Bulletin. To prepare for a career in secondary education (grades 7-12), a student must matriculate in the college and department of the teaching major and also successfully complete the education curriculum courses for secondary licensure.

Mission

The College of Education and Human Sciences prepares and develops educators, researchers, mental health professionals, and information specialists while generating and disseminating knowledge that connects and advances individuals, communities, and society.

Students develop knowledge and skills through exposure to exemplary teaching, research and professional service. The college contributes to the mission of the University through all aspects of scholarship that promote academic success; enhance the image of the college; foster community relationships and involvement; and create healthy minds, bodies and campuses.

College of Education and Human Sciences Gulf Coast Programs

School of Child and Family Studies

Pat Sims, Director
118 College Drive, #5035
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4679

Bowens, Grames, Herring, Hinton, Hess-Holden, Jeanfreau, Kimberly, Luethje, McCormick, Rollins, Sims, Thomas, Wright

 

The School of Child and Family Studies offers coursework and degree programs grounded in systemic, ecological, and developmental frameworks.  Students acquire a broad knowledge of child and family science through courses in family dynamics, communication, child and family theories, and contemporary issues affecting quality of life.  In addition to a comprehensive range of didactic coursework, students engage in numerous experiential learning activities through laboratory, practicum, or internship experiences.  Students majoring in child and family studies may select an emphasis in child development or family relations.

Graduates with an emphasis in child development are qualified to work as teachers and administrators of childcare and preschool programs. Graduates may also pursue an educator license to teach pre-kindergarten through kindergarten in the public school system. To do so, students must pass the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching-Early Childhood exam (5621/0621) the semester prior to the practicum experience. As part of the licensure application requirement, the State Department of Education also requires students to pass the Praxis II Education of Young Children exam (5021/0021). Students with an ACT below 21 must take the Praxis Core exams (5712/5722/5732).  Graduates may also work as child development specialists who plan and implement developmentally effective activities with children in other settings.

Graduates with an emphasis in family relations are prepared to work in community and human service organizations such as child protection services, family resource centers, community mental health, youth development organizations, and agencies on aging. Graduates are also prepared to work with the Cooperative Extension Service.  Graduates may be eligible for provisional membership in the National Council on Family Relations’ Certified Family Life Education Program.

The undergraduate program in the School of Child and Family Studies is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Program Requirements

  • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to transfer into programs offered in the School of Child and Family Studies; and
  • Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major area of study (DEG 01 and DEG 02) and any courses substituted for major courses in order to graduate.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree

School of Education

Jeff Hinton, Director (Interim)
118 College Drive, Box #5057
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5810

Askew, Chestnut, Classen, Filce, Fisher, Foster, Hill, Howell, Jones, Labat, Lee, Lipscomb, Lowrey, Lucas, Mohn, Morgan, O’Brien, Platt, Reeves, Shelley, Smith, Stricklin, Sylvest, Tingle, Tonore, Walker, Willis
 

The School of Education prepares elementary and special education teachers, as well as educational administrators, higher education professionals and researchers. The school also manages field placement, teacher candidacy (also known as student teaching), and graduate administrative internships for all educational licensure programs at the University. The School of Education also provides an alternate-route pathway for secondary teacher certification.

Professional education programs are nationally accredited through the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and their appropriate specialized professional association accreditation bodies. All professional education programs within the University undergo periodic review to ensure that national and state standards are achieved and that student outcomes are appropriate. Each program adheres to a conceptual framework developed to ensure all educational licensure students graduating from The University of Southern Mississippi possess the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and diversity outcomes developed by internal and external stakeholders.

Teacher Education Licensure

The information that follows pertains to all undergraduate teacher education licensure programs at the University. Mississippi Department of Education licensure requirements supersede the program requirements listed in this Bulletin. Mandated changes in licensure requirements are communicated through the school of the teaching major. If students have questions about current licensure requirements, they should contact the University Certification Officer, Owings-McQuagge Hall 121-A, (601) 266-5522. Please note that, in addition to the requirements listed below, some teacher education licensure programs have additional grade point average, letter grade, and/or degree progression requirements that must also be met; students should consult with their program advisor for details.

Teacher Education Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to an undergraduate teacher education licensure program, the student must meet the following requirements:

  • Successful completion of a nationally normed ability/achievement assessment OR a teacher education normed entrance test:

            1. A minimum ACT composite score of 21 or a minimum SAT composite score of 1060;
            2. Acceptable scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators Test (CORE): Reading Test Code 5712 with a minimum score of 156; Writing Test Code 5722 with a minimum score of 162; and Mathematics
                Test Code 5732 with a minimum score of 150;

  • A minimum grade of C in English Composition I and II;
  • A minimum Grade Point Average of 2.75 on the 44 semester-hour core curriculum of pre-major coursework;
  • Subscription to the Watermark Assessment System, an electronic portfolio and data storage system; and
  • A clear background check via www.mycb.castlebranch.com 

A student on academic probation, probation continued, or suspension cannot be admitted to a teacher education licensure program.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate in an undergraduate teacher education licensure program, the student must meet the following requirements:

  • Earn a minimum grade of C in each required course of the program curriculum (DEG 01. Major Area of Study Requirements; DEG 02. Additional Requirements; DEG 03. Teacher Licensure Requirements; etc.);
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50 on best attempts of total hours applied toward degree (includes all general education curriculum and program curriculum courses as detailed on the student’s degree progress report). Remedial, repeated, and unused courses are not included in the calculation;
  • Pass the Praxis II content and Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) tests. Students must report the scores to The University of Southern Mississippi (school code #1479) prior to awarding of degree;
  • Complete a minimum of 30 clock hours of clinical experience (15 hours of observation and 15 hours of practicum). Specific programs may require additional practicum hours; and
  • Satisfy any additional program-specific requirements.

Educational Field Experience Requirements

The Educational Field Experiences Office (EFE), within the School of Education, has been directed by the Professional Education Council of The University of Southern Mississippi to manage field placements and teacher candidacy (also known as student teaching).

Teacher candidacy serves as the culminating semester of every undergraduate teacher education licensure program. The semester provides students with the opportunity to apply best professional practices in diverse experiences in designated state-accredited K-12 schools or in designated international sites. The University collaborates with schools to design classroom experiences that positively influence student learning and professional development.

To be eligible for student teacher placement, the student must meet the following requirements:

  • Satisfactory completion of all required coursework, except student teaching. During student teaching, students may not enroll in any additional coursework. The Dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences must pre-approve any exceptions to this policy;
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.50 on best attempts of total hours applied toward degree (includes all General Education Curriculum and Program Curriculum courses as detailed on the student’s Degree Progress Report). Remedial, repeated, and unused courses are not included in the calculation;
  • Satisfy any additional program-specific requirements;
  • Register intent to complete student teaching via Watermark Assessment System by October 1 for spring term student teaching or by March 1 for fall term student teaching;
  • Complete a graduation application prior to registering for student teaching courses;
  • Agree to spend a full semester in (an) accredited K-12 school(s) arranged by the Educational Field Experiences Office; and
  • Attend Professional Development Seminars scheduled by the Educational Field Experiences Office prior to, and during, the semester of student teaching.

Degree Programs

The School of Education offers three undergraduate professional teacher education licensure programs, which are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). These programs are designed to meet the licensure requirements of the state of Mississippi. Students wishing to pursue one of the following programs should consult the Teacher Education Program Requirements for program admission, progression, and teacher candidacy requirements.

BS in Elementary Education (K-6 Licensure)

Elementary education students who complete the program are prepared to meet the demands of teaching in today’s elementary schools. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for a Mississippi Educator’s License in elementary education with an endorsement in at least one content area and a supplemental reading endorsement. Areas of endorsement require the completion of 21 hours of coursework (with a minimum grade of C for each course) in one or more of the following areas: English, social studies, foreign language, mathematics, and science.

BS in Elementary Education/Special Education Licensure (Dual-Licensure)

Elementary education/special education dual licensure students who complete the program are prepared to meet the educational needs of traditional and exceptional students (mild/moderate). Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for a Mississippi Educator’s License in Elementary Education and Special Education (Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-12) with a remedial reading endorsement.

BS in Special Education (K-12 Licensure)

Special education students who complete the program are eligible to apply for a Mississippi Educator’s License in Special Education (Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-12) with a remedial reading endorsement. Special education majors are strongly encouraged to select electives that lead to additional supplemental endorsements, which will enable them to meet Mississippi’s requirements for highly qualified teachers.

Secondary Alternative Route Teacher Education Pathway

The JumpStart Pathway is an option for current University of Southern Mississippi undergraduate students to begin an alternate-route teaching certificate while completing a non-licensure undergraduate degree. A junior or senior may apply to enter the pathway as a non-degree graduate student and take one graduate-level teacher education course each semester while completing a bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the JumpStart Pathway, students are eligible to apply for a Mississippi secondary license in one or more of the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Business Education
  • Chemistry
  • English Language and Literature
  • French
  • Health Education
  • Home Economics
  • Library Media Specialist
  • Mathematics
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Social Studies
  • Spanish

For admission, students are required to:

  • Have a minimum ACT composite score of 21 OR a minimum SAT composite score of 1060 OR acceptable scores on the Core Academic Skills for Educators Test (CORE): Reading Test Code 5712 with a minimum score of 156; Writing Test Code 5722 with a minimum score of 162; and Mathematics Test Code 5732 with a minimum score of 150;
  • Have a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.75 on the 44 semester-hour core curriculum of pre-major coursework;
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from faculty or administration mailed to the alternate route coordinator;
  • Have a clear background check via www.mycb.castlebranch.com; and
  • Meet with the alternate route coordinator for an advisement appointment.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

School of Psychology

Joe Olmi, Chair
118 College Drive, Box 5025
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5693

Agler, J. Anestis, M. Anestis, Arnau, Batastini, Capron, Charles, Dahlen, Dart, Dufrene, Green, Greer, Hajnal, Huff, Jordan, Keefer, Leuty, Lyn, Madson, McKinley, Mong, Moore, Nicholson, Noguchi, Oberst, Olmi, Patihis, Sacco, Smith, Stadthagen-Gonzalez, Stepanova, Yowell

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior - understanding how people and other organisms develop, learn, think, feel, act, and relate to one another. Psychology graduates develop an understanding of human behavior. Knowledge about human behavior can be useful in understanding one’s everyday experience and can be applied to a wide range of career options. The program prepares students for entry-level jobs in psychology/mental health, social services, law, business, and education and for advanced degrees in psychology and other professions, such as law and business. Students majoring in psychology must complete a minimum of 54-57 semester hours of course work in the School of Psychology and must earn a minimum grade of C in each of these courses. To receive the Bachelor of Arts degree, a student must also complete nine hours of a foreign language.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree

School of Social Work

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is a 124-hour program. The degree prepares students for generalist social work practice at the entry level within the social work profession. The BSW is offered at both the Hattiesburg and the Gulf Park campuses.

BSW students, while acquiring the knowledge, values and skills needed to practice social work in any social service agency, are prepared to practice within the context of Mississippi, a state characterized by limited social welfare safety nets and scarce public resources. BSW students are prepared to improve the interactions between individuals (especially those who are members of vulnerable populations) and their social environments as well as to advocate for social changes that would remove institutional barriers that prevent individuals from full social participation.

The USM School of Social Work’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program has been accredited continuously since February 1996, retroactive to 1992.

Offerings for Nonmajors

A number of courses offered within the School of Social Work do not have prerequisites and are excellent choices for non-social work majors. Additionally, these same courses are prerequisites to the BSW program and are classified as pre-social work courses.

 
  (includes a service-learning component)
  

Overview of Major

The social work curriculum builds upon a liberal arts foundation through which students develop core competencies. Students are required to have a solid background in the social and behavioral sciences, including theories of individual development, group processes and organizational behavior. The BSW program teaches students the knowledge, values and skills necessary for effectively working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.

Students begin the BSW program by taking nine hours of prerequisite course work (SWK 300 , SWK 301  , SWK 315 ). During the pre-social work semesters, students apply to the BSW program. Subsequent to an admission process, a cohort of students is selected from the applicant pool. A new cohort of social work students begins the BSW program each fall and spring semester in Hattiesburg. A new cohort begins the BSW program at the Gulf Park campus every fall semester. Once students are accepted into the BSW program, they must complete three semesters of coursework followed by a senior field practicum capstone course requiring a minimum of 450 hours of supervised practice within an approved human service agency. Each student intern is supervised by a licensed master’s-level social worker.

Career Opportunities

Once graduates of the BSW program pass the state-mandated licensure exam, they are recruited by human service organizations within the region and across the state. Although the following is not an exhaustive list, alumni are employed in hospitals and mental health centers, schools, children and family services, addictions programs, youth courts and correctional facilities. Many BSW alumni also pursue the Master of Social Work degree at Southern Miss or other graduate programs. BSW graduates may be eligible for admission to the Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program at the University.

Field Experiences and Practicums

BSW students are required to complete one 40-hour volunteer service-learning experience as part of the SWK 301  course (Introduction to Social Work). The volunteer service experience must be approved by the instructor of the course and must have a social worker as a supervisor.

The final integrative senior practicum requires students to work 450 hours (only in the fall or spring semesters) in a human service agency approved by the field coordinator of the school. Students work under the supervision of a licensed master’s-level social worker, applying the generalist problem-solving method to their work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Students also attend a weekly three-hour seminar that requires them to demonstrate, through written and oral presentations, the mastery of content related to their social work practice.

Special Program Requirements

A limited number of students is accepted into the program each semester. The following admission standards must be met by all applicants to the BSW program:

  • Complete  ,  ,  ,  ,   and   (or higher);
  • Complete all but 6-9 hours of the General Education Curriculum and the social work Program curriculum remaining requirements listed in DEG02 and DEG03 (See B.S.W. degree plan);
  • Earn grades of C or above in all required courses (including transfer courses) used to meet the social work degree requirements;
  • Maintain a USM GPA of 2.5 or above (excluding remedial courses; if applicable);
  • Successfully complete 40 hours of volunteer experience (a requirement of SWK 301 ); and
  • Participate in an interview with the BSW program’s admission committee

The following progression policies apply for all students accepted into the BSW program:

  • Maintain a USM GPA of at least 2.5 (excluding remedial courses; if applicable) (The minimum GPA is required for acceptance into the senior practicum.);
  • Earn grades of at least C or higher in the BSW program;
  • Adhere to the standards of conduct specified in the Social Work Code of Ethics; and
  • Complete the senior practicum (450 clock hours) in an agency setting designated by the school’s field coordinator.

Programs

Bachelor of Social Work

Services and Centers

Centers for Child Development (CCD)

Hattiesburg CCD
Stephanie Haney, Program Director
118 College Drive, Box 10012
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.5294

Gulf Park CCD
Melissa Weaver, Program Director
205 Levoy Avenue
Pass Christian, MS 39571
228.452.5210

The Department of Child and Family Studies operates two full-day laboratory schools on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. The Hattiesburg CCD is located at 3404 Morningside Drive (on the northeast edge of USM’s Hattiesburg campus). The Gulf Park CCD is located at 205 Levoy Avenue in Pass Christian (on the campus of Pass Christian Elementary). The primary purpose of the University of Southern Mississippi Centers for Child Development is to provide high quality educational and care services to children 8 weeks to 5 years old and serve as an academic teaching and research facility for students and faculty across the university.

The Centers are dedicated to providing an environment that enhances the quality of life not only for the children enrolled, but for their families, the USM community participants, and other observers, as well. Enrollment of children regardless of race, ethnicity, or special needs addresses the practice of unconditional acceptance embraced by the Center as it provides loving care for the whole child. The CCDs operate on the university calendar, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Application can be made by contacting the CCD at 601.266.5294 (Hattiesburg) or 228.452.5210 (Gulf Coast).

Special Program Requirements

All students in Child and Family Studies must pass a Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) background check that includes a criminal history records check (fingerprint), child abuse registry check, and a sex offender registry check.

Educational Field Experiences (EFE)

Anne Sylvest, Director
118 College Drive, Box 5028
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4571/ 601.266.4572

ALL STUDENTS MUST REGISTER FOR TEACHER INTERNSHIP THROUGH EFE.

The Educational Field Experiences (EFE) office is directed by the Professional Education Council of The University of Southern Mississippi to act as the central clearinghouse for the teacher candidacy and teacher internship (formerly known as student teaching) placements. Although specific requirements vary from program to program, education students are required to complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of observation and 15 clock hours of practicum prior to teacher internship.

Teacher internship serves as the capstone semester of the teacher education program. This semester provides all teacher education students the opportunity to apply best professional practices in two separate and diverse experiences in state-accredited P-12 schools or designated international and national sites of diverse placement.

All field experiences are completed in accredited, off-campus host schools designated by EFE directors. Guidance and evaluation are provided by cooperating host school mentors and supervisory faculty members from The University of Southern Mississippi.

THE TEACHER INTERNSHIP SEMESTER: Registration for the final semester of field work is restricted to 12 semester hours of teacher internship. It is a University of Southern Mississippi policy that no other coursework be taken during the teacher internship and that all course work be completed before the final semester of field work.

Requirements for Teacher Internship

All teacher interns:

  1. Must have been admitted to the teacher education program and completed the teacher education curriculum;
  2. Must have at least 2.5 degree program GPA at the time that the teacher internship semester begins;
  3. Must have completed all coursework: the core subject, education courses, major and minor areas, concentrations of study, labs and field work;
  4. Must expect to spend a full semester in off-campus schools designated by the director of Educational Field Experiences. NOTE: Transportation and child care issues are the responsibility of the candidate and should be handled as if the individual has accepted a position with the schools; and
  5. Must attend a preliminary instructional meeting provided by EFE prior to registering for an internship on Tk20. All internship registration forms are submitted to Educational Field Experiences at the beginning of the semester prior to the teacher internship for timely placement in area schools. Registration deadlines on Tk20 are October 15, for spring internship and February 15, for the following fall semester, respectively.

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