M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.Ed. in Computer Science
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Computer Science at Mississippi College is a 30-credit-hour program aimed at equipping current or aspiring educators with a deeper understanding of computational thinking, programming, and various computer science principles. It is structured to blend graduate-level computer science coursework with professional education core courses. The goal is to produce master teachers who can develop effective instructional programs and manage supportive learning environments for computer science education. Students are typically required to have an undergraduate background in computer science or related fields.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.Ed. in Computer Science at Mississippi College is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for the program, particularly for international students. STEM designation allows eligible international graduates to apply for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after completing their degree, providing more opportunities to gain valuable work experience in a STEM-related educational or technical role.
Curriculum: The 30-credit-hour curriculum for the M.Ed. in Computer Science is divided into two main components: 12 semester hours of graduate-level professional education core courses and 18 semester hours of graduate-level computer science core courses. The computer science portion delves into topics such as "Advanced Data Structures," "Programming Language Structures," "Software Engineering," "Computer Networking," "Relational Database," and "Graph Theory." The education courses would cover pedagogical theories, curriculum development, and instructional strategies relevant to teaching computer science. The program culminates with a comprehensive oral examination covering general computer science concepts related to the student's coursework.
Research Focus: While the M.Ed. in Computer Science is primarily a professional degree focused on practical application in educational settings, it incorporates elements of applied educational research. The program aims to prepare educators who can effectively integrate current research and best practices into their teaching. Although a formal thesis might not be a requirement for this specific M.Ed. (unlike the M.S. in Computer Science which offers a thesis option), the curriculum for an M.Ed. typically includes coursework on "Research Methods and Procedures" or "Advanced Research Applications" within the professional education core. This equips graduates to critically evaluate educational strategies and contribute to evidence-based improvements in computer science instruction.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Computer Science program engages with the "industry" of education, specifically K-12 schools and potentially community colleges. It aims to meet the growing need for highly qualified computer science teachers as computational literacy becomes increasingly vital. The program's design, which emphasizes leadership skills for classroom settings, directly addresses the demands of the educational workforce. While direct partnerships with tech companies for internships might be less common than for an M.S. in Computer Science, the program focuses on preparing educators who can teach in-demand computing skills, thereby indirectly engaging with the broader tech industry by supplying its future workforce. Mississippi College also hosts events like the "Cyber South Summit," which exposes students to current industry trends and experts.
Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Computer Science inherently fosters a global perspective through the universal nature of computer science and technology. The principles of computing are not bound by geographical borders, and understanding global technological trends and best practices in computer science education is increasingly important. While the program may focus on U.S. educational standards, Mississippi College's diverse student body, which includes international students, enriches classroom discussions with varied cultural insights into technology adoption and educational approaches worldwide. This exposure helps prepare educators who can engage with and inspire students from diverse backgrounds in an interconnected global digital landscape.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Computer Science from Mississippi College is primarily designed for individuals who aspire to teach computer science at the K-12 level or potentially in community college settings. This specialized degree combines advanced computer science knowledge with pedagogical skills, preparing graduates to effectively lead and inspire students in the digital age. The program addresses the increasing need for qualified computer science educators as computational literacy becomes a foundational skill in modern education.
High School Computer Science Teacher: This is the most direct career path, teaching subjects like programming, cybersecurity, data structures, and computational thinking to students in grades 9-12. Graduates are equipped to develop and implement engaging computer science curricula.
Middle School Technology/Computer Science Educator: For schools introducing computer science concepts earlier, graduates can teach foundational technology and programming skills to middle school students, fostering early interest in the field.
K-12 Computer Science Coordinator/Specialist: Beyond direct classroom teaching, graduates can take on leadership roles within a school or district, responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the entire computer science curriculum across multiple grade levels.
Instructional Technology Specialist: Work within schools or districts to integrate technology into various subjects, including computer science. They train teachers on educational software, digital tools, and online learning platforms to enhance instruction.
Curriculum Developer (Computer Science Education): Design and create educational materials, lesson plans, and full curricula specifically for computer science programs at the K-12 level, often for school districts, educational publishers, or non-profit organizations.
Community College Computer Science Instructor (Adjunct/Lecturer): An M.Ed. can qualify graduates to teach introductory computer science courses at community colleges, covering topics like programming fundamentals, web development, or basic networking.
Educational Consultant (Computer Science): Provide expertise to schools or districts on best practices for implementing computer science programs, selecting appropriate technologies, or developing professional development for computer science teachers.
Professional Development Trainer (Educators): Develop and deliver workshops and training sessions for K-12 teachers who want to incorporate computer science concepts into their classrooms or improve their own technical skills.
Online Course Developer (Computer Science Education): Create and manage online computer science courses for various educational platforms, including virtual schools, university extension programs, or private learning companies.
Education Policy Analyst (Technology/Computer Science Focus): Work for government agencies, think tanks, or educational advocacy groups to research and analyze policies related to computer science education, advocating for standards, funding, and access to computer science for all students.
