Department of Educational Leadership and School Counseling

Thelma J. Roberson, Ph.D., Chair
118 College Drive #5027
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5027
(601) 266-4580

Blankenship, Geier, Labat, Lee, Locke, Meadows, Roberson, Whitehead

The Department of Educational Leadership and School Counseling - offers courses, graduate degree programs, and minors in educational administration and school counseling. The department offers five degree programs. They are as follows:

Master’s of Education in School Counseling and Guidance Services

Master’s of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision

Specialist in Education (Educational Administration P12)

Doctor of Education (Educational Administration P12)

Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Administration P12)

Graduate programs in the department are designed for the preparation of individuals who are interested in serving as building level educational administrators (e.g., principals, assistant principals), district level educational administrators (e.g., superintendents, assistant superintendents, program coordinators) or professional school counselors 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 licensure as an educational administrator. The Master’s of Education degree in Counseling and Personnel Services may lead to licensure as a school counselor. *

*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.

The following information provides general degree requirements. Additional requirements may be added and existing requirements may be modified based on the unique needs and background of each student. Therefore, students are required to consult with their advisor early in the program; and frequently thereafter, concerning the selection of courses, sequence in which these courses should be taken, and other degree requirements.

Department Policies

The following departmental policies are supplementary to the rules and regulations of the university and the Graduate School as set forth elsewhere in this Bulletin. Students should familiarize themselves with the department, university and Graduate School policies including those in this Bulletin and those located on the Web sites of the department, university, and Graduate School.