M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.Ed. in Elementary Education
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.Ed. in Elementary Education at Mississippi College is a 30-credit-hour program that does not lead to initial licensure but rather to an AA license for those who already hold an existing K-6 Elementary Education license in Mississippi. The program focuses on improving teaching effectiveness through rigorous coursework and practical application. It emphasizes developing teachers who can effectively assess student strengths and weaknesses, create engaging lesson plans, prepare students for standardized testing, and foster a positive and supportive learning environment.
Curriculum: The 30-credit-hour curriculum for the M.Ed. in Elementary Education is designed to provide a comprehensive and advanced understanding of elementary education. Key courses typically include "Research - Methods & Procedures" (EDU 6504), "Current Methodology in Elementary Education" (EDU 6522), "Curriculum Development" (EDU 6535), "Diagnostic/Prescriptive Reading" (EDU 6488), and "History of Education in the U.S." (EDU 6556). Other relevant courses could include "Teaching Elementary & Junior High Mathematics." The program often offers accelerated online coursework, allowing full-time students to complete their degree in as few as 10-12 months. All candidates are required to take an oral comprehensive examination in their final semester, though those with a high cumulative GPA (e.g., 3.75 or above) may be exempt.
Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Elementary Education at Mississippi College integrates a strong research focus to foster evidence-based teaching practices. The curriculum includes a dedicated course, "Research - Methods & Procedures," which equips students with the skills to understand, analyze, and apply educational research to their teaching. The program emphasizes the use of research-based instructional procedures, helping teachers assess student learning, develop effective interventions, and continuously improve their pedagogical approaches. This focus ensures that graduates are reflective practitioners who can critically evaluate educational trends and implement strategies proven to enhance student achievement.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Elementary Education program at Mississippi College is deeply engaged with the K-6 education industry. Its primary purpose is to prepare highly qualified elementary school teachers and leaders. The program directly addresses the professional development needs of current educators seeking to enhance their skills and advance their careers. The curriculum is closely aligned with the realities of elementary classrooms, focusing on practical instructional strategies, classroom management, and child development. Faculty members often have extensive experience as elementary educators, bringing valuable real-world insights into the classroom. The program's aim to lead to an AA license in Mississippi demonstrates its direct responsiveness to state educational standards and industry requirements.
Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Elementary Education implicitly fosters a global perspective by emphasizing teaching strategies that respect and serve culturally diverse populations and communities. Elementary classrooms in today's world are increasingly multicultural, with students from various national and ethnic backgrounds. The program's focus on understanding child development across different contexts and adapting instruction for diverse learners naturally encourages a broader worldview. While the immediate pedagogical context is the U.S. elementary school system, the principles of inclusive education, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication with diverse families are universally applicable. Mississippi College's commitment to attracting a diverse student body further enriches classroom discussions with varied international insights on education and child-rearing.
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 Elementary Education from Mississippi College is a specialized graduate degree designed to elevate the instructional effectiveness and leadership capabilities of in-service elementary teachers (K-6).
Lead Elementary School Teacher: Continue teaching in the K-6 classroom but take on additional responsibilities, such as mentoring new teachers, leading grade-level teams, or piloting new curricula.
Instructional Coach (Elementary): Work within a school or district to provide one-on-one coaching, professional development, and support to other elementary teachers, helping them refine their teaching methods and improve student outcomes.
Curriculum Specialist/Developer (Elementary): Focus on designing, implementing, and evaluating elementary school curricula for a school district, educational publisher, or online learning platform, ensuring alignment with standards and best practices.
Reading Specialist/Literacy Coach: Specialize in diagnosing and addressing reading difficulties in young students, and provide support to teachers in implementing effective literacy instruction across the elementary grades.
Elementary School Administrator (Assistant Principal/Principal): While the M.Ed. in Elementary Education itself typically doesn't lead directly to administrative licensure, it provides a strong foundation. With additional leadership-focused coursework or certification, graduates can pursue roles like assistant principal or principal.
Educational Diagnostician: Work within a school or district to conduct assessments and interpret data to identify learning disabilities or other educational needs in elementary students, helping to develop individualized education plans (IEPs).
Professional Development Coordinator: Design and deliver workshops and training sessions for elementary school teachers on various topics, including new teaching strategies, technology integration, or classroom management techniques.
Educational Consultant (Elementary Education): Offer expert advice to schools, districts, or educational organizations on improving elementary education programs, implementing research-based practices, or addressing specific challenges in early childhood and elementary learning.
Early Childhood Education Coordinator: Oversee pre-kindergarten or early elementary programs, ensuring high-quality instruction, compliance with regulations, and fostering a nurturing learning environment for the youngest learners.
Education Program Manager (Non-Profit/Community): Develop and manage educational programs for children in non-profit organizations, community centers, or museums, leveraging expertise in child development and instructional design to create engaging learning experiences.
