College of Education and Human Sciences

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 and the University; foster community relationships and involvement; and create healthy minds, bodies, and campuses.

School of Child and Family Sciences

Master of Science in Child and Family Studies

The Master of Science degree in Child and Family Studies is a thirty-seven (37) hour, fully online program designed for students interested in the integration of theory, research and experiential learning. It builds on a foundation in family systems theory and emphasizes leadership, critical thinking skills, and the connection between research and practice. Students aquire the knowledge and skills necessary to promote quality of life and serve as effective advocates for children and families.

Special Program Requirements

Students seeking admission to this degree program must meet all the requirements of the department (GPA, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation), as well as submit a letter of intent containing a clear statement of professional goals.

School of Education

M.Ed. in Special Education

The M.Ed. in Special Education is a 33 hour program including a 15 hour core, 15 hours of special education elective coursework, and a 3 hour practicum. Candidates may complete elective sequences which lead to Mississippi licensure in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Emotional/Behavior Disorders, Severe Disabilities, or Gifted Education.

The School of Education offers several options to the student for a Master of Education degree program. This program is open to teachers who have already obtained licensure.

Teachers who have gained special education licensure through alternative routes will be required to take a program of at least thirty-six (36) hours and may need to take additional courses to fulfill deficiencies. Licensure resulting from the master’s degree is the responsibility of the student obtaining the degree. Clarification of licensure outcomes should be confirmed prior to beginning the program.

For students who are presently certified in MIssissippi at the bachelor’s level in special education, not by alternative route or add-on licensure: The student must provide evidence that the following prerequisites have been successfully completed: SPE 400 or equivalent coursework and appropriate professional experience with students with exceptionalities.

Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision (totally online) This program prepares teachers to become school principals. Cohorts of up to 25 students are admitted each spring through a competitive admissions process. The 34 credit-hour program spans 4 consecutive semesters (spring, summer, fall, and spring) and includes a 3-semester internship.

Other Graduate Degrees are offered by the department in collaboration with the Hattiesburg campus. A significant portion of coursework for these programs is offered on the Gulf Coast and/or online.

The following degrees prepares individuals for the principalship, central office administration, and the superintendency. Applications are considered each semester through a competitive application process.

Education Specialists - Educational Administration (P12) Emphasis
Doctor of Education in Education - Educational Administration (P12) Emphasis
Doctor of Philosophy in Education - Educational Administration (P12) Emphasis

School of Kinesiology and Nutrition

The School of Kinesiology and Nutrition offers the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees, and and a graduate certificate in Management of Child Nutrition Programs. Program development is oriented toward supply and demand in the professional job market and academic disciplinary definition. Flexibility of program requirements allows for academic fulfillment of individual career interests.

School of Library and Information Science

The School of Library and Information Science offers a course of study leading to a Master of Library and Information Science degree. Since the first master’s degree in library science was awarded in 1965, the program has continued to grow and develop into a comprehensive instructional program for all students who plan to become information professionals. The program prepares professional librarians in public, school, academic, or special libraries as well as other information environments. For the general university graduate student, the school offers a variety of courses for acquiring skills in the use of library and other information resources as research tools. Finally, the school performs a vital role in the continuing development and expansion of library services at all levels in the state of Mississippi as well as providing continuing education for state practicing librarians. Currently, our courses are delivered online with required real-time chats.

Candidates for the Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) degree must earn a minimum of forty (40) semester hours of credit with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Eighteen (18) of these hours must be at the 600 level of courses. As many as six (6) hours may be selected from the offerings of other departments within the university with approval of the director. A total of no more than six (6) semester hours of transfer work may be applied toward the degree. A total of no more than nine (9) semester hours of combined transfer work and nondegree work may be applied toward the degree. Students must pass a comprehensive exam and complete a master’s proposal and project (LIS 695) and have a 3.0 GPA with no more than one “C” or lower to graduate. Some specified courses cannot have less than a “B”. The program of study for students will be individualized, taking into consideration previous academic backgrounds, experience, and career objectives. All programs of study must be planned with the counsel of a faculty advisor and approved by the director of the School of Library and Information Science.

School of Psychology

The School of Psychology offers graduate programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. Except for the master’s degrees in counseling psychology and psychology (applied behavior analysis) (see below), the school admits to its graduate programs only those students interested in continuing through to the doctorate. Students desiring only a master’s in other areas of psychology need not apply as we do not offer a terminal master’s degree, other than in Counseling Psychology and Psychology, emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis.

The master’s degrees in counseling psychology (M.S.) and Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis) have a dual mission to train entry-level practitioners for service delivery roles in various settings and to prepare students for further graduate study in psychology. This dual mission is carried out from a scientist-practitioner training model.

The school’s Doctor of Philosophy programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology are based on the scientist-practitioner training model which integrates scientific and professional components at all stages of training, preparing graduates for teaching, research, and practice roles in health service, governmental, educational, business/industrial, and academic settings. The Doctor of Philosophy program in brain and behavior prepares graduates for teaching and research roles in academic institutions and specialized research programs.

At the doctoral level, programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). In addition, the doctoral program in school psychology is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Since program requirements, application material, and curricula may vary from one program to the next, program brochures should be accessed online or requested from the school if detailed information is needed.

School of Social Work

The USM School of Social Work develops and transmits social work knowledge and skills consistent with the values of the profession, informed by the culture and history of Mississippi. We are inspired by a vision of social justice and advocacy for the health and well-being of all people. Our graduates engage clients who primarily reside in the increasingly diverse Gulf South to produce dynamic solutions for personal, interpersonal, and system problems-especially those unique to the poor, oppressed, and underserved.

The primary purpose of the School of Social Work is to provide professional social work education to undergraduate and graduate students. The school offers the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

The social work profession recognizes the BSW degree as preparing students for entry-level social work practice in social service agency settings. The MSW degree prepares students for advanced practice in agency settings and in private practice. The school is accreditated by the Council on Social Work Education.