School of Education Graduate Programs
Interested in a graduate degree in education?
At the School of Education, we offer over 30 graduate programs across three departments: Higher Education, Leadership & Counselor Education, and Teacher Education. Degrees include Master's, Specialist, Doctorate of Education, and Doctorate of Philosophy.
The School of Education understands the value in online programs and offers a variety of online programs catered to serve students and professionals. Learn more about our online Graduate Programs offered at the School of Education.
Counselor Education
The M.Ed. in Counselor Education offers two emphases: one in clinical mental health counseling (CMHC) and another in school counseling (SC). Graduates who pursue the first option (CMHC) are prepared to become counselors in public and private community settings as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Graduates pursuing the second option (SC) become equipped to be school counselors.
The Ed.S. in Counselor Education with Play Therapy emphasis introduces licensed counselors in school, clinic, and community environments to the principles of Play Therapy and helps students qualify for licensure through the Association for Play Therapy.
The Ed.S. in Counseling Leadership prepares students for a district-level leadership position. Become a school counseling leader who uses data, builds partnerships, and advocates for all students in K-12 settings.
The Ph.D. in Counselor Education develops counselor educators who are prepared to be skillful teachers, expert supervisors, insightful quantitative and qualitative researchers, and outstanding professional faculty at a college or university.
Educational Leadership (K-12)
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares school leaders for entry-level roles in K-12 leadership, typically assistant principals, instructional support leadership roles, or special program administrators. The program familiarizes students with Mississippi curriculum standards and state laws, in addition to four MDE Common Assessments developed by faculty in leadership programs across the state.
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (Principal Corps) is a comprehensive training program designed to transform classroom teachers into K-12 leaders who guide children, teachers, and schools to success. Admitted Principal Corps recruits receive full funding for tuition, books, fees, summer housing and a living stipend while at UM.
The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership enhances excellence in school leadership by encouraging individual growth and application of research-based practice consistent with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) and Professional Standards for Educational Leadership (PSEL) standards.
The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Principal Corps) is a comprehensive training program designed to transform classroom teachers into K-12 leaders who guide children, teachers, and schools to success. Admitted Principal Corps recruits receive full funding for tuition, books, fees, summer housing and a living stipend while at UM.
The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with emphasis in K-12 Leadership prepares educational leaders for advanced administrative practice at the school or district level. Candidates receive advanced skill development in applied leadership and applied research.
The Ph.D. Educational Leadership prepares students for advanced administrative practice or advanced support roles in the public or private sector. Graduates from this program have become principals of large schools and superintendents of school districts. This program also prepares candidates for faculty and research positions in higher education.
Higher Education
The M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel fosters a strong theoretical understanding of systems, laws, and leadership that support student retention, equity, engagement, and success. This programs helps sculpt the college student experience and foster student success with a career in higher education administration and leadership.
The Ed.D. in Higher Education program is designed for the career needs of working professionals in higher education seeking a practitioner- driven program delivered with a part-time format. Candidates in this program enhance their communication, assessment, evaluation, and leadership skills.
The Ph.D. in Higher Education typically prepares individuals for advancement within the institution they currently serve. Graduates from this program have take on vice-presidencies, directorships, and state and federal government positions. A few have become presidents of institutions.
Teacher Education
The Master of Arts in Teaching is a master's degree program for people possessing an undergraduate degree with significant coursework in the subject you wish to teach, or who are current teachers wishing to earn a master's degree.
The Mississippi Teacher Corps is an alternate-route graduate program that prepares participants to be classroom teachers (grades 7-12). Participants are placed in high-needs Mississippi public schools.
The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Residential and Online) is more than an advanced qualification; it's a springboard to propel you to the forefront of the educational landscape, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become a truly impactful educator.
The Master of Education in Elementary Education (Residential and Online) equips teachers with the necessary skills to develop and engage in effective teaching strategies through study, interaction, practice, and reflection. It encourages collaboration to address the diverse range of goals that schools are responsible for today.
The Master of Education in Special Education (Residential and Online) further fosters a deep understanding of the intricate link between theory, research, and practical application within the field of Special Education. Through a combination of coursework, practicum experiences, and fieldwork, this program equips educators to serve individuals with exceptional learning needs effectively.
The Master of Education in Secondary Education (Residential) further fosters a deep understanding of the intricate link between theory, research, and practical application within the field of Special Education. Through a combination of coursework, practicum experiences, and fieldwork, this program equips educators to serve individuals with exceptional learning needs effectively.
The Doctor of Education in Teacher Education enhances the professional practice of its graduates who assume the role of scholar practitioners as classroom teachers, local curriculum specialists, and other professionals actively involved in classroom instruction, supervision, or professional development in the various areas of emphasis.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Teacher Education is a research-intensive program that prepares graduates to assume academic positions in universities and research institutions as well as leadership positions within school districts, such as curriculum coordinators or administrators.
The Certificate in Emotional Disability in special education prepares teachers to be interventionist in the field of Emotional Behavior Disorders to address the needs of individual with EmD rulings.
The Gifted Certificate is designed to prepare educators with the knowledge base and competencies necessary for the appropriate education of gifted and talented learners.
The Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy is designed for those committed to working on behalf of young children and their families domestically and internationally. This certificate is ideal for those working in early childhood centers, elementary schools, social work, public health, public affairs, or political science.