College of Education and Human Sciences
Welcome to Teacher Education!
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Programs
Southern Miss offers initial teacher licensure programs at the traditional undergraduate level and the alternate-route graduate level. We also offer advanced licensure programs and programs for other school professionals at the graduate level. Click here for a listing of all our educator preparation programs.
Mission and Vision
Faculty, staff, and candidates within the Professional Education Unit at The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ collaborate to generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Unit faculty members prepare candidates to become creative, bold, and determined educational leaders who possess the characteristics embodied within the following four core themes: the power of knowledge to inform, the power to inspire, the power to transform lives, and to empower a community of learners.
The Professional Education Unit’s conceptual framework is consistent with the University’s historical roots as a normal college, its mission, and its future. The University, since its founding in 1910, has been committed to the exemplary preparation of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel. In accordance with this history and the present vision and mission of the University, the Unit is committed to improving the educational attainment of the citizens of Mississippi, and in turn, the economic development of our state. Therefore, the mission of the Unit is fivefold: a) prepare high quality teachers and education leaders for our state; b) conduct innovative, relevant research that informs decision-making in education; c) establish strong relationships with local school districts and the Mississippi Department of Education to improve education in our state; d) promote a healthier populace; and e) enhance cultural understanding among our citizens.
Financial Aid
Substantial scholarships and loans are available for teacher education programs, and students are encouraged to apply.
*Students enrolled in a certificate only program are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.
Professional Education Faculty
Our professional education faculty have extensive expertise in the classroom and are actively engaged in research that informs professional practice. Nothing is more important to our professional education faculty than investing in our teacher education students. They are committed to providing students with an exciting and engaging professional education experience that prepares candidates for a successful and rewarding career as a teacher, teacher leader, or school administrator.
Memberships
The Professional Education Unit is a member of:
Identifying Information
- ETS Institutional ID: 1479
- AACTE Institutional ID: 4330
- CAEP Institutional ID: 11956
Accreditation
The Professional Education Unit at The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ is accredited by the through Fall 2026. This accreditation covers initial licensure educator preparation programs and advanced licensure educator preparation programs on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campus. The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ was a charter member of NCATE and has been continuously accredited since 1954.
The mission of CAEP is accountability and improvement of educator preparation. The accreditation process establishes rigorous standards for educator preparation programs and holds accredited institutions accountable for providing continuous evidence of meeting these standards.
Many educator preparation programs are also nationally recognized by their applicable Specialized Professional Association (SPA); see list of recognitions here.
Contact Information:
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 223-0077
Fax: (202) 296-6620
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The programs are also accredited through the (MDE) following the Mississippi Educator Preparation Program Accreditation (MEPPA) Review.
Contact Information:
Mississippi Department of Education
Office of Educator Licensure
Central High School Building
359 North West Street
P. O. Box 771
Jackson, MS 39205-0771
601-359-3513