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UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES


The Schools of Nursing and Pharmacy operate on both the Oxford and Jackson campuses. The Schools of Dentistry, Health Related Professionals and Medicine, and the Health Sciences Graduate School, are based in Jackson only. (Additional healthcare programs are available through the School of Applied Sciences on the Oxford campus.) Other than these exceptions, the schools above are on the Oxford campus.

Teacher Education

General Requirements


All students are admitted to the School of Education under the guidelines set by the university. Students transferring from another institution or from a different major at The University of Mississippi must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and a minimum GPA of 2.75 for admission to Phase II: Teacher Education Program. Note: Admission standards and the programs' curricula are subject to change due to mandates from accreditation agencies and the Mississippi Department of Education. Therefore, it is important for all students to meet with School of Education advisers in the Student Advising and Field Experience office for the most recent information on teacher education programs. Admission to Phase II: Professional Education Core and Phase III: Student Teaching - The requirements for admission to teacher education are given in the School of Education section of the catalog. These requirements include completion of general core courses, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75, an acceptable test score (Praxis I or exemption through ACT or SAT), completion of EDCI 352 with a grade of "C" or higher. Similarly, the requirements and procedure for admission to student teaching are given in the School of Education section of the catalog.

Application Process for the M.A.


All candidates must have received or expect to receive a bachelor's degree by June before the entry fall semester and have a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all course work in the baccalaureate degree. No previous education course work is required or expected. As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to submit the following:


  1. References. Candidates will list two references, including work phone number and e-mail address. References should be familiar with your work ethic, academic ability, and potential as a teacher. We recommend professors or job supervisors.
  2. Resume (optional). A current resume outlining extracurricular activities and work experience. Including your resume is optional.
  3. Praxis Test Scores (optional). The Praxis I and II are not required for initial application. The Praxis I and II are standardized tests administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and are required for full admittance into the Mississippi Teacher Corps. Click here to view our Praxis information sheet as a PDF document (opens in a new window). For further information or a registration packet, contact the Educational Testing Service at 800-772-9476 or visit the Praxis Web site: www.ets.org/praxis.

Application Process for the M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary Education


  1. Verification of National Board Certification OR an OFFICIAL COPY of passing Praxis II scores on either the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) (minimum score 156) OR the required subject area exam according to department requirements. Contact the department for test codes and minimum scores.
  2. A copy of the Class A (standard five-year) license OR proof of eligibility to hold a standard teaching license.
  3. Minimum GPA of 3.0 on all previous course work. Note: A decision regarding admission will not be made until all required paperwork is on file at the Department of Teacher Education.

Application Process for the M.Ed. in Literacy Education

Application for this program is competitive, with admission's openings limited in number and dependent upon the availability of faculty mentors. Candidates admitted to the program will be assigned a faculty mentor upon admittance.

The admission requirements for the program are as follows:


  1. 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  2. Competitive GRE scores
  3. Statement on philosophy of education (including an assignment and rubric for grading)
  4. Hold or be eligible to hold an educator's license Applications must be received before March 15 for the first summer term admission. Candidates are admitted only during the spring semester with course work beginning the first summer term.

Application Process for the M.Ed. in Special Education


  1. 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours of undergraduate work
  2. Results from a national standardized achievement/aptitude test predictive of the ability to complete a graduate program successfully. Either: Praxis II Content Scores (6 points higher than MDE Licensure requirement); competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE; all sections).
  3. Undergraduate degree in Special Education, Education or closely related field (e.g. psychology, social work, counseling, speech, communications)*see track options

Application Process for the Ed.D. program and the Ed.S.


  1. Verification of National Board Certification OR an OFFICIAL COPY of passing Praxis II scores on either the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) (minimum score 164) OR the required subject area exam according to department requirements. Contact the department for test codes and minimum scores.
  2. Minimum GPA of 3.5 on all previous graduate work.
  3. Evidence of two years' teaching experience or relevant work experience (letter from employer). Exceptions must be submitted to the graduate coordinator for graduate committee consideration.
  4. Complete a two-hour written preliminary exam on an assigned topic set forth by the faculty of the Department of Teacher Education.
  5. Complete an oral interview with Department of Teacher Education graduate faculty. Note: A decision regarding admission will not be made until all required paperwork is on file at the Department of Teacher Education office.

Application Process for the Ph.D. in Secondary Education For the Ph.D., different entrance requirements exist for the emphasis in secondary education and the emphasis in educational leadership: Secondary Education


  1. Verification of National Board Certification OR an OFFICIAL COPY of passing Praxis II scores on either the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) (minimum score 164) OR the required subject area exam according to department requirements. Contact the department for test codes and minimum scores.
  2. Minimum GPA of 3.5 on all previous graduate work.
  3. Evidence of two years' teaching experience or relevant work experience (letter from employer). Exceptions must be submitted to the graduate coordinator for graduate committee consideration.
  4. Complete a two-hour written preliminary exam on an assigned topic set forth by the faculty of the Department of Teacher Education.
  5. Complete an oral interview with curriculum and instruction graduate faculty. Note: A decision regarding admission will not be made until all required paperwork is on file at the Department of Teacher Education office.
The policies and regulations contained in this online University of Mississippi Catalog are in effect for the current or selected semester. The catalog is not a contract, but rather a guide for the convenience of students. The University of Mississippi reserves the right to 1) change or withdraw courses; 2) change the fees, rules, and schedules for admission, registration, instruction, and graduation; and 3) change other regulations affecting the student body at any time. Implicit in each student’s enrollment with the university is an agreement to comply with university rules and regulations, which the university may modify to exercise properly its educational responsibility.