The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program offers a terminal degree designed to prepare scholar-practitioners serving in P-12 leadership positions. By combining educational theory with action research, students learn how to critically examine problems and provide solutions to needs at the building and district levels. Graduates will possess the content knowledge and research skills to improve schools in the P-12 education system.

The department prepares students for careers as school counselors, student affairs professionals in higher education, and as counselors in rehabilitation, college counseling centers, and other mental health community agencies. Teaching and research assistantships are available. Graduate study in counseling offers preparation in counseling at three degree levels. The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Counselor Education with concentrations in clinical mental health counseling; rehabilitation counseling; student affairs; college counseling; and school counseling, The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Education with concentrations in counseling and school psychology, The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Counselor Education and Supervision.

The Ed.S. program, a major in Education with a concentration in School Psychology, is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) through 2027. This degree qualifies students to become Nationally Certified School Psychologists (NCSP) and allows individuals to obtain AAA licensure from the Mississippi State Department of Education. This degree begins in the fall semester and requires at least three years of full time course work (i.e., fall, spring, and summer semesters).

The Educational Specialist degree requires 60 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The planned program of study leading to the degree is greater in scope, depth, and thoroughness of preparation than the master’s degree program of study. Graduates of the educational specialist program are eligible to be recommended for the Class AAA Mississippi Educator License.

The Educational Specialist degree requires 60 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The planned program of study leading to the degree is greater in scope, depth, and thoroughness of preparation than the master’s degree program of study. Graduates of the educational specialist program are eligible to be recommended for the Class AAA Mississippi Educator License.

The Educational Specialist degree requires 60 semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The planned program of study leading to the degree is greater in scope, depth, and thoroughness of preparation than the master’s degree program of study. Graduates of the educational specialist program are eligible to be recommended for the Class AAA Mississippi Educator License.

The Educational Specialist degree with a major in Education and concentration in School Administration requires a minimum of 30 hours of coursework above the Master's degree including EPY 6214 and EDL 7000 and a comprehensive examination. The program is designed for individuals who hold a Master's degree in School Administration and administrator license, and graduates are prepared for professional positions in education including school district level positions. For students who do not hold administrator licensure, the program requires a minimum of 37 credit hours above the Master's degree and is designed to provide administrative licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education.

The Educational Specialist degree in Education with a concentration in Teacher Leadership is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of professional positions in education, including curriculum coordinator, lead teacher, instructional coach, and teacher-mentor. Program candidates learn to analyze data, evaluate instruction, improve student achievement, make strategic decisions, creatively solve problems, promote collaborative learning, empower others, supervise staff, promote change, and establish a positive school culture. The program requires a minimum of 30 hours above the Master's degree for individuals who hold a Master's in School Administration and an administrator license, and a minimum of 37 credit hours for those whose Master's is in another area.

The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is a 31-semester-hour program that is an addition to a master's degree. The coursework focuses on instructional technology with opportunities to pursue courses in other fields and disciplines, allowing you to tailor your studies to your unique career goals.