2023-24 Academic Catalog

Under Construction

This is an archived copy of the 2023-24 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Teacher Education and Leadership

Department Head: Dr. Janice Nicholson
Graduate Coordinators:
Elementary Education - Dr. Rebecca Robichaux-Davis

Secondary Education - Dr. Missy Hopper
Special Education - Dr. Janice Nicholson
Educational Leadership - Dr. Janice Nicholson
Meridian Division of Education - Dr. Jeff Leffler

310 Allen Hall
Box 9705
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-3703
E-mail: contactCISE@colled.msstate.edu
Website: http://www.cise.msstate.edu

Admission Criteria

The Department of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) offers Master of Science degrees in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Teacher Leadership and School Administration. The Department also offers Master of Arts in Teaching–Secondary (MATS) and Master of Arts in Teaching-Special Education (MATX) degrees. The Educational Specialist degree is offered in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, Teacher Leadership and School Administration. 

Doctorate Degrees offered include a  Doctor of Philosophy is offered in Curriculum and Instruction with concentrations in Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education, as well as a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership. Graduate programs in the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership require applicants to hold or be eligible to obtain a Class A teaching certificate in the appropriate teaching field. 

Application Deadlines    

A student applying for admission to a degree program in Teacher Education and Leadership must submit a complete application packet to the Graduate School by the following deadlines:

Summer - April 1
Fall - July 1
Spring - November 1

Applications not meeting the admission deadline will be held for completion and review for up to two semesters. After that time, the applicant must reapply.

Regular Admission

A complete admission packet consists of: application to the graduate degree program; documentation of Class A teacher’s certificate or eligibility for licensure (exceptions noted above); three letters of recommendation; statement of purpose (must include number of years and overview of teaching experience, if applicable); and official transcripts from each college or university attended. Applicants to an MAT degree program are required to have passing scores on the Praxis Core and appropriate specialty-area test. Doctoral-program applicants must also include in their packet two scholarly writing samples, a statement of support from a current graduate faculty member in the program, and a curriculum vitae or résumé. Applicants must also document three years of teaching experience or other relevant experience. Applicants to doctoral programs must be interviewed before an admission decision is made. Minimum grade point averages required for admission to each degree are listed below.

  • Master’s degree: minimum GPA 2.75 on last half of baccalaureate degree
  • Educational Specialist degree: minimum GPA 3.20 on master’s degree
  • Doctoral degree: minimum GPA 3.40 on previous graduate degree(s)

All new students admitted into a graduate program in TEAL must attend the TEAL Graduate Student Orientation.

Contingent Admission

Contingent admission status is reserved for those students who are applying to a degree program during the semester they are graduating with another degree and the overall GPA is pending. Otherwise, the admission packet must be complete, and all admission requirements met before admission will be considered.

Provisional Admission

The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education follows the University’s Provisional Admission policy.

Admission Criteria for Educational Leadership

A student applying for admission to a degree program in the Department of Educational Leadership must submit a complete admission packet to the Graduate School and adhere to the following deadlines:

Graduate Application Deadlines for Educational Leadership

M.S. in Educational Leadership - School Administration and Teacher Leadership concentrations: Spring--N/A; Summer--May 1; Fall--N/A

Ed.S. in Education - School Administration and Teacher Leadership concentrations: Spring--N/A; Summer--May 1; Fall--N/A

Ph.D. in Educational Leadership - P-12 School Leadership concentrationSpring--October 1; Summer--March 1; Fall--March 1

Ed.D. in Education - Educational Leadership concentration: Spring - N/A, Summer - N/A, Fall - March 1

In order for applications to be evaluated for admission, the department may require additional information for each program area.

Minimum Grade Point Average for Educational Leadership

Master’s degree – 2.75 on last half of bachelor’s degree for the Teacher Leadership concentration; 3.00 for the School Administration

Educational Specialist degree – 3.00 on Master’s degree

Doctoral degree – 3.40 on previous graduate degree(s)

Additional Admission Requirements for Educational Leadership

Master’s (School Administration concentration) and Educational Specialist (School Administration concentration) degrees – copy of valid teacher’s license, evidence of a minimum of three years teaching experience, résumé, and interview (one letter of recommendation must be from current school administrator)

Master's (Teacher Leadership concentration) and Educational Specialist (Teacher Leadership concentration) - copy of valid teacher’s license, full-time P-12 classroom teacher experience, résumé, and interview (one letter of recommendation must be from current school administrator)

Doctoral degree – résumé and interview;
P-12 School Leadership (Ph.D.) and Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) concentration applicants must have evidence of current and continuing school administration work experience and an administrative license.
 

Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration

The M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration is offered through the Online and Meridian campuses. Program candidates in the School Administration concentration learn to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, make strategic decisions, creatively solve problems, involve families in their children’s education, empower others, supervise staff, promote change, establish positive school culture, understand budgets, and manage resources. The program is nationally accredited by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) and approved for administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional positions in education, including principal, assistant principal, coordinator, and director.

Admission Criteria for the M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, demonstrate interest in the mission of P-12 schools, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  1. A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree;
  2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two other letters of reference;
  3. Statement of purpose*;
  4. Copy of valid teacher’s license;
  5. Evidence of three years of teaching experience;
  6. Current résumé; and
  7. Interview.

*We encourage applicants to follow the guidance below when preparing a Statement of Purpose. In no more than two pages, please respond to the following items:

  • Describe your interest and purpose for applying to the program, including your short- and long-term career goals. 
  • Describe your experience in P-12 education, including the variation of your experience and why you believe the experience prepares you for a leadership role. 
  • Describe your demonstrated competencies in increasing student achievement citing specific data examples. Provide explanation of instructional expertise leading to increases. 
  • Describe your demonstrated competency in creating a classroom culture of equity and high expectations. Provide explanation of evidence-based strategies to establish such a culture and at least one specific example. 
  • Describe your vision for leadership including the skills and behaviors you believe contribute to productive and effective educational leadership.

Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Leadership

The M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Leadership is offered through the Online and Meridian campuses. Program candidates in the Teacher Leadership concentration area learn to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, make strategic decisions, creatively solve problems, promote collaborative learning, empower others, supervise staff, and promote change. Teacher Leadership candidates also focus on developing positive school culture by supporting and improving pedagogy among P-12 instructors. Following the degree, graduates will be skilled at helping other teachers better understand their subject matter, how they teach it, how to monitor student learning, how to think systematically about curriculum and pedagogy, and how to develop healthy learning communities. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional positions in education, including curriculum coordinator, lead teacher, instructional coach, and teacher-mentor.

Admission Criteria for the M.S. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Leadership

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

1. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale on the last half of the bachelor’s degree;
2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two additional letters of reference;
3. Statement of purpose;
4. Valid teacher’s license;
5. Evidence of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience;
6. Current résumé; and
7. Interview.

Educational Specialist in Education with a concentration in School Administration

The Ed.S. in Education with a concentration in School Administration is offered through the Online and Meridian campuses. The Educational Specialist degree with a major in Education and concentration in School Administration requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework above the Master’s degree including EPY 6214 and EDL 7000 and a comprehensive examination for individuals. The program has two tracks. One is a 30-hour track designed for individuals who hold a Master’s degree in School Administration and administrator license. Graduates are prepared for professional positions in education including school district level positions. The second track is intended for students who do not hold administrator licensure. The program of study for this track requires a minimum of 37 credit hours of coursework above the Master’s degree including EPY 6214 and EDL 7000. The program is designed to provide administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional positions in education, including principal, assistant principal, coordinator, and director.

Educational Specialist in Education with a concentration in Teacher Leadership

The Ed.S. in Education with a concentration in Teacher Leadership is offered through the Online and Meridian campuses. The Educational Specialist degree in Education with a concentration in Teacher Leadership is designed to prepare graduates for professional positions in education including school and district-level positions. For individuals who hold a Master's degree in School Administration and an administrator license, the program requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework above the Master's degree. If the student holds a Master's degree in an area other than School Administration, the program of study requires a minimum of 37 credit hours of coursework above the Master's degree. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of professional positions in education, including curriculum coordinator, lead teacher, instructional coach, and teacher-mentor. 

Program candidates in the Teacher Leadership concentration area learn to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, make strategic decisions, creatively solve problems, promote collaborative learning, empower others, supervise staff, promote change, and establish a positive school culture. Teacher leadership candidates also focus on developing positive school culture by supporting and improving pedagogy among P-12 instructors. Graduates will be skilled at helping other teachers better understand their subject matter, how they teach it, how to monitor student learning, how to think systematically about curriculum and pedagogy, and how to develop healthy learning communities.

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, demonstrate interest in the mission of P-12 schools, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  1. Grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on master's degree
  2. Letter of endorsement from current school administrator and two other letters of reference
  3. Statement of purpose
  4. Copy of valid teacher’s license
  5. Evidence of three years of teaching experience (School Administration); evidence of full-time P-12 classroom teaching experience (Teacher Leadership)
  6. Current résumé
  7. Interview

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership

The program for Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership with a concentration in P-12 School Leadership is designed for experienced professional educators interested in leading and managing schools, school districts, educational associations, foundations, and state departments of education.  Program candidates learn state-of-the-art executive skills, applied theory, ethical decision making and problem solving, organizational structure and function, systems analysis, strategic planning, curriculum assessment and improvement, human resource management, school law, school finance, facility design, and public relations.

The program prepares licensed school leaders for executive level leadership roles and opportunities while also advancing their knowledge as scholars and educational researchers.

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, demonstrate interest in the mission of P-12 schools, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  • Grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale on previous graduate degree(s);
  • Letter of endorsement from superintendent and two other letters of reference;
  • Statement of purpose;
  • Administrator's license and evidence of current and continuing school administration experience;
  • Résumé; and
  • Interview

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program offers a terminal degree designed to prepare scholar-practitioners serving in P-12 leadership positions. By combining educational theory with action research, students learn how to critically examine problems and provide solutions to needs at the building and district levels. Graduates will possess the content knowledge and research skills to improve schools in the P-12 education system.Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution, meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University, demonstrate interest in the mission of P-12 schools, and demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:

  • Grade point average (GPA) of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale on previous graduate degree(s);
  • Letter of endorsement from superintendent and two other letters of reference;
  • Statement of purpose;
  • Administrator's license and evidence of current and continuing school administration experience;
  • Résumé; and
  • Interview

Residency Requirement

There is no general residency requirement for the master’s degree. Residency for the specialist degree is a minimum of 30 weeks. A degree cannot be completed in two summer sessions or equivalent, neither in one regular semester and one summer session. For doctoral students there is no specific on-campus residence requirement. However, students are required to complete one-half of required coursework and all dissertation credits from Mississippi State University.

Academic Performance for All Programs

The Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education defines satisfactory performance in graduate level coursework as a grade of S on thesis/dissertation hours and a GPA of at least 3.00 on all coursework attempted. TEAL follows Graduate School policies relating to academic performance. In the event a student’s performance warrants dismissal from a graduate program, the TEAL Graduate Coordinator will petition the Dean of the College of Education to dismiss the student from the graduate program. The student will be notified of the action by certified mail. If a student earns a grade below a B in a course on his or her plan of study, the course cannot be dropped from the plan of study.