M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.Ed. in Social Studies
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Social Studies at Mississippi College is a 30-credit-hour program that integrates advanced social studies content with core professional education coursework. The primary objective is to equip teachers with both a deeper understanding of the subjects they teach and the instructional strategies necessary to effectively deliver this content. The program aims to prepare master teachers capable of designing impactful learning experiences and fostering a supportive classroom environment for social studies education. It can also help teachers obtain an upgraded Mississippi Class AA Standard Educator License.
Curriculum: The 30-credit-hour curriculum for the M.Ed. in Social Studies is divided between content and pedagogy. It requires 12 semester hours of graduate-level professional education core courses, including specific courses like EDU 6504 and EDU 6535. Additionally, students must complete 18 semester hours in social sciences, with a minimum of three semester hours taken in each of History, Political Science, and Sociology. No more than nine hours can be taken in any single discipline within the social sciences, promoting a broad understanding. Students must also take PLS 5410. In their final semester, candidates complete a portfolio project, which includes a comprehensive Unit Lesson Plan demonstrating content from their graduate studies in history or political science and pedagogical principles from education courses. A comprehensive written examination is also typically required, though students maintaining a 3.25 GPA may be exempt.
Research Focus: While the M.Ed. in Social Studies is a professional degree focused on applied knowledge in teaching, it incorporates a focus on research application and evidence-based practices. The curriculum includes professional education courses that likely cover educational research methods, enabling students to critically analyze and integrate current research findings into their teaching strategies. The portfolio project requires students to synthesize content knowledge and pedagogical principles, which implicitly involves a form of applied research in curriculum design. The program aims to train educators who can stay informed by scholarly inquiry and best practices to continually improve their instructional methods in social studies.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Social Studies program at Mississippi College is highly engaged with the K-12 education industry. It directly addresses the need for qualified social studies teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools. The program also caters to individuals who might pursue teaching roles at the community college level. Faculty members often have backgrounds in both academic disciplines and practical teaching, providing relevant insights into the demands of the educational profession. Strong relationships with local school districts in the Jackson Metro area facilitate student teaching placements and career opportunities for graduates, further demonstrating the program's practical engagement with the educational workforce.
Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Social Studies inherently fosters a strong global perspective due to the very nature of the subjects it encompasses. Social studies, by definition, involves the study of diverse cultures, historical events across the globe, comparative political systems, global economic interactions, and the complexities of human societies worldwide. The curriculum, with requirements in history, political science, and sociology, provides ample opportunities to explore international themes and issues. This broad exposure prepares graduates to teach in an increasingly interconnected world, enabling them to help their future students understand global citizenship, diverse perspectives, and the interconnectedness of human societies across time and geography.
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 Social Studies from Mississippi College is primarily designed to cultivate highly effective educators in social science disciplines for K-12 settings and potentially community colleges.
High School Social Studies Teacher (Advanced/Lead Teacher): The most direct path, teaching subjects like U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, or Sociology. Graduates are often prepared for leadership roles within their departments due to their advanced content and pedagogical knowledge.
Middle School Social Studies/History Teacher: Specializing in teaching history and civics to younger students, focusing on foundational concepts and engaging methodologies to foster early interest in social studies.
Curriculum Developer (Social Studies): Work for school districts, educational publishers, or non-profit organizations to design and create engaging and standards-aligned social studies curricula, lesson plans, and educational materials.
Instructional Coach/Mentor Teacher: Support and train other social studies teachers within a school or district, providing guidance on best practices, new teaching strategies, and curriculum implementation.
Educational Technology Specialist (Social Studies Focus): Help integrate digital tools, resources, and online learning platforms into social studies classrooms, training teachers and students on effective educational technology use.
Community College Instructor (Social Sciences/History): An M.Ed. can qualify graduates to teach introductory courses in history, political science, or other social science subjects at community colleges.
School Administrator (with additional experience/certification): While requiring further steps like administrative certification and experience, an M.Ed. in Social Studies provides a strong content background that can be beneficial for roles such as assistant principal or instructional supervisor.
Educational Consultant (Social Studies Education): Provide expert advice to schools, districts, or educational organizations on improving social studies programs, implementing new teaching methodologies, or addressing specific learning challenges in the discipline.
Museum Educator/Program Developer: Design and deliver educational programs, workshops, and tours for museums, historical societies, or cultural institutions, connecting historical content with engaging learning experiences for various age groups.
Assessment Specialist (Social Studies): Work within school districts or for testing organizations to develop, analyze, and interpret assessments for social studies, ensuring they accurately measure student learning and meet educational standards.
