Dr. Stephanie. Davidson-Herndon, Interim Chair and Associate Professor
P.O. Box 18380
Telephone: (601) 979-2341
Fax: (601) 979-2178
e-mail: stephanie.r.davidson@jsums.edu 

Faculty

Dr. K. Bennett, Assistant Professor
Dr. K. Bryant, Associate Professor 
Dr. S. Davidson-Herndon, Associate Professor
Dr. T. Dixon, Assistant Professor 
Dr. T. Latiker, Associate Professor
Dr. L. Opara-Nadi, Assistant Professor 
Dr.  J.  Yin, Professor

The Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science in Education Degree in Early Childhood Education, Literacy and Elementary Education; the Specialist in Education Degree in Elementary Education; and the Doctor of Education Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Departmental Objectives

The department and its programs exist to prepare professional instructional personnel at levels appropriate to the degrees offered, and to meet certification requirements at AA, AAA, and AAAA levels for the State of Mississippi in the various fields. The department's intention is to prepare candidates who:

1. Demonstrate sensitivity to the emerging knowledge bases and understand how they impact education and the need for change;
2. Adjust methods, curriculum and service approaches to meet the needs of diverse learners;
3. Demonstrate a repertoire of educational related strategies and skills which enable them to share knowledge effectively;
4. Demonstrate critical thinking competence and effective communication skills in various forms and media;
5. Ensure that established standards for successful learner outcomes are met;
6. Possess the ability to work successfully with learners, teachers, college faculty, and others;
7. Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in applying basic principles undergirding the selection and utilization of methods, techniques and devices which facilitate effective program development using various educational models;
8. Can locate, interpret and apply research pertinent to educational problems;
9. Exhibit competency in doing independent, original research;
10. Are able to identify, interpret and promote the functions of education in a democracy;
11. Are skilled in the techniques of instruction and ensure that pupils will derive the greatest benefits from classroom experiences;
12. Serve as facilitators for the total process of growth and learning;
13. Develop competencies and professional leadership skills through the advancement of knowledge and research that will enable them to assume major leadership roles in diverse communities.

Program Objectives

The program illustrates advanced knowledge about pedagogical skills and earning theory, educational goals and objectives, cultural influences on learning, curriculum planning and design, instructional techniques, design and use of evaluation and measurement methods, classroom and behavior management, instructional strategies for exceptionalities, classroom and schools as social systems, school law, instructional technology and collaborative and consultative skills. Program objectives embrace experiences which incorporate multicultural and global perspectives that help education students understand and apply appropriate strategies for individual learning needs, especially for culturally diverse and exceptional populations.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the Specialist program must obtain general admission to the Division of Graduate Studies; however, this does not guarantee admission to the College of Education Specialist program in the specific area of concentration. Students must also complete an application to the specific department.

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• An overall GPA of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale) on the master’s degree
• Student must hold a valid teaching license: Proof of Class “AA” Educator License.
• A completed Specialist program application
• Three letters of recommendation
• Acceptable evidence of the applicant’s writing ability as determined by a writing sample completed under the supervision of the screening committee
• A successful interview with the program screening committee
• A recommendation for admission by the screening committee
• A satisfactory GRE score
• Deadline for applications for summer/fall admissions is January 15th

Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific degree requirements by the Division of Graduate Studies, students must successfully complete:

1. A minimum of 30 semester hours and a thesis or a minimum of 33 semester hours and a scholarly research project.
2. Required core courses, EDFL 601 ADV RESRCH & STATISTICS, EDFL 602 COMPARATIVE EDUCATION, or EDFL 610 SCHOOL&COMMUNITY RELATNS, as prerequisites for specialization requirements and/or equivalent courses.
3. Elective courses selected in consultation with advisor.

Note: A student may transfer up to 12 quarter or 9 semester hours earned at an accredited college or university.

¹

Required if not taken on the Master's Degree level.

Outcomes

Through the program, students will develop competencies that will enable them to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and skill in applying basic principles undergirding the selections and utilization of methods, techniques and devices which facilitate effective program development in various educational models;
2. Locate, interpret and apply research pertinent to education problems;
3. Conduct independent, original research;
4. Become skilled in techniques that ensure pupils will derive the greatest benefits from classroom experiences;
5. Serve as facilitators for the total process of growth and learning;
6. Provide professional leadership to advance knowledge and research in ways that enable them to assume major leadership roles in diverse communities;
7. Become competent teachers in the field of Elementary Education.