College of Education and Psychology

Ann P. Blackwell, Ph.D., Dean
Diane J. Fisher, Ph.D., Associate Dean
W. Jeff Hinton, Ph.D., Associate Dean
118 College Drive #5023
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-4568

The University of Southern Mississippi, through its College of Education and Psychology, 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. All programs in professional and teacher education are fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The master’s degree in library and information science is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The master’s degree in marriage and family is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. For degrees offered by each department, please see below.

Mission

Building on the distinctive heritage of our University as a normal college, the College of Education and Psychology has expandedits mission to prepare not only successful professional educators but also influential researchers, mental health and human service professionals, and information specialists. The College 1) delivers high quality teaching that transforms the lives of students, 2) generates and disseminates knowledge through research that impacts societal needs, and 3) engages in professional service that multiplies the effects of both teaching and research. The College of Education and Psychology provides a student experience characterized by student support that fosters success, provides exposure to diversity of people and ideas, includes active engagement in research, offers quality practicum and internship experiences, and provides opportunities for professional service.

Conceptual Framework

The Professional Education Unit’s Conceptual Framework is consistent with the University’s historical roots as a normal college, its mission, and its future. The University, since our founding in 1910, has been committed to the outstanding preparation of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel. In accordance with this history and the present vision and mission of the University, the mission of the Unit is fivefold: a) educate the whole student; b) prepare high quality teachers and leaders for the Mississippi classrooms; c) conduct innovative, relevant research; d) promote a healthier region; and e) enhance cultural understanding.

The Unit has embedded knowledge, skills, and dispositions throughout its teacher education program to prepare students to become creative, bold, and determined educational leaders who possess the power of knowledge to inform, to inspire, to transform lives, and to empower a community of learners.