M.Ed. in Teaching Arts

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Teaching Arts is a 30-33 credit-hour program that provides a pathway to initial teacher licensure, particularly for those who may not have pursued a traditional education undergraduate degree. It blends foundational educational theory with specific content knowledge and practical teaching experiences relevant to the arts. The program emphasizes developing effective and relevant teaching practices to ensure student success. It offers both traditional and online formats to accommodate varied student needs and includes a crucial internship component for hands-on classroom experience.

Curriculum: The 30-33 semester-hour curriculum for the M.Ed. in Teaching Arts includes a sequence of courses designed to prepare candidates for licensure and effective teaching. This typically involves "pre-teaching courses" such as "Advanced Child Development" (PSY 5435), "Classroom Management for Elementary and Secondary Teachers" (EDU 6506), and "Technology in Education" (EDU 6542). Essential education courses may also include "Current Methodology in Elementary Education" or "Current Methodology in Secondary Education," and "Test and Measurement." A crucial part of the curriculum involves internship requirements, which are vital for gaining practical classroom experience. For concentrations like "Art," specific courses in "Curriculum Development in Studio Art" and "Research Topics in Art History" are included. After completing initial pre-teaching courses and internships (often around 12 hours), students can apply for a Mississippi Standard A Alternate Route Educator License (5-year renewable) and then continue to complete the full M.Ed. degree. An oral or written comprehensive examination is required in the final semester, although it may be waived for students with a high GPA.

Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Teaching Arts program at Mississippi College incorporates a research-informed approach to pedagogical practices within the arts. While a traditional thesis may not be universally required for this M.Ed., the curriculum includes coursework that fosters critical inquiry and an understanding of educational research methodologies. For instance, in an Art Education concentration, courses might include "Research Topics in Art History," which emphasizes scholarly investigation. The program aims to develop teachers who can analyze effective teaching strategies, utilize assessment data, and adapt their instruction based on evidence-based practices to ensure student success in K-12 arts classrooms.

Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Teaching Arts program at Mississippi College is strongly engaged with the K-12 education industry, particularly within the disciplines of art, music, and physical education. Its primary function is to provide an alternate pathway to teacher licensure, directly addressing the need for qualified arts educators in Mississippi schools. The program's mandatory internship requirements place students directly into classroom settings, providing invaluable hands-on experience and direct engagement with students, school communities, and experienced mentor teachers. Faculty members often have practical backgrounds as K-12 educators and specialists in their respective art forms, bridging academic theory with the realities of the classroom. This direct engagement ensures graduates are well-prepared to step into teaching roles immediately upon licensure.

Global Perspective: The M.Ed. in Teaching Arts inherently fosters a global perspective through the universal nature and cultural diversity of artistic expression. Art, music, and physical education are integral to cultures worldwide. While the pedagogical focus is primarily on the U.S. education system and Mississippi licensure, effective arts education often involves exploring diverse artistic traditions, historical contexts, and performance practices from around the globe. Teaching to culturally diverse student populations, which is increasingly common in U.S. schools, also necessitates an understanding of varied backgrounds and learning styles. The program's emphasis on preparing students from diverse backgrounds and its Christian educational environment can also contribute to a broader worldview in classroom discussions and pedagogical approaches.