Mississippi College offers Certificate programs in several specialized subject areas for those students seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise.
The Special Education endorsement is a unique opportunity to develop specialized skills to support students with diverse learning needs. Unlike pursuing a broader degree, this endorsement centers on intensive training in Special Education for grades K-12, particularly emphasizing Mild/Moderate disabilities. Through this program, you will engage in targeted coursework and field-based experiences designed to deepen your understanding of special education practices, preparing you to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities effectively.
This program begins on May 13 and can me completed by August 2.
Don’t miss this opportunity to add this endorsement to your teaching license.
Due to the current pandemic, educators must become versed in online instructional delivery and design to meet the current needs of K-12 learners. The Online Instruction K-12 certification program is designed for students who are seeking training and preparation in developing, teaching, managing, and assessing effective online instruction in today’s K-12 schools by studying learning theories, instructional strategies, technology, and best practices for application in the virtual classroom. This program is currently pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| EDU 6401 | Foundations of Online Instruction: Theory & Practice | 3 |
| EDU 6402 | Development & Assessment for Online Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 6403 | Management & Resources for Online Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 6404 | Differentiation Strategies for Online Instruction | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
The four classes needed to earn a graduate certificate from Mississippi College will be offered during the Summer of 2021, and again on a rotating basis in the Fall of 2021 and Spring of 2022 and Summer of 2022.
Tuition Assistance
Tution Assistance is available from GEER grant funding for a limited number of Mississippi educators to complete the four certification classes in the Online Instruction and Design program. Students are responsible for applicable University fees.
For more information on the Online Instruction and Design program please contact:
Abbygail Franklin, admissions counselor, 601-925-3979, anhicks@mc.edu if you have any questions regarding admissions.
DeSean Dyson, academic advisor, 601-925-3411, ddyson@mc.edu if you have any questions regarding the program or courses.
Questions regarding the program? Please contact the Program Director, Dr. Cindy Melton, at cmelton@mc.edu or click here to apply.
The 18-hour Leadership certificate program is designed for graduate students who are seeking training and preparation for administrative roles in independent schools. This program is not designed to provide requirements for educator or administrative licensure through the Mississippi Department of Education. This proposal includes the creation of three new courses, modification of one existing course, and the use of two existing courses to complete this certificate program.
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| EDU 6516 | Principles of Educational Leadership | 3 |
| EDU 6543 | Technology and Curriculum Development | 3 |
| EDU 6544 | Organizational Finance | 3 |
| EDU 6546 | Practicum in Independent School Administration, Leadership, and Research I | 3 |
| EDU 6580 | School Law and Governance | 3 |
| EDU 6582 | Special Topics in Independent School Administration | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 |
Students who have a bachelor's degree in the field of Education and who wish to know more about gifted education may pursue a Certificate in Gifted Education. This Certificate is a formal certificate indicating the completion of a gifted education curriculum. The coursework included in the certificate program provides a background for careers in education and can lead to a K-12 gifted endorsement through the MDE for those with a current, standard MS teaching license. Courses are taken in the traditional and online formats and include internship hours to be completed in a K-12 school setting.
The certificate is comprised of the following prescribed 12 hours:
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| EDU 6548 | Psychology and Education of the Gifted | 3 |
| EDU 6549 | Materials and Methods for Teaching the Gifted | 3 |
| EDU 6560 | Curriculum and Program Development in Gifted Education | 3 |
| EDU 6561 | Critical Issues in Gifted Education | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Students who have a bachelor's degree who wish to know more about higher education administration may pursue a Certificate in Higher Education Administration. This Certificate is a formal certificate indicating the completion of a higher education administration curriculum. The coursework included in the certificate program should provide a background for careers in university administration. Courses may be taken in both traditional and online modalities.
The certificate is comprised of 15 hours as follows:
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| HED 6500 | Basic Understandings in Higher Education Administration (History and Issues) | 3 |
| HED 6501 | Law and Higher Education | 3 |
| HED 6502 | Finance in Higher Education | 3 |
| HED 6503 | Student Development Theories/Ethics and Inquiry | 3 |
| HED 6506 | The Community College | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 |
Advisor: Dr. Debbie Norris, 925-3260, Nelson Hall 202
The new National Arts Standards (2014) and the new Mississippi Arts Standards (2017) include dance, music, theatre, visual arts, and media arts. Media arts is a newly recognized art form and K-12 schools are interested in offering media arts courses. The certificate will allow current educators to be eligible for a MS K-12 Media Arts Endorsement through the MDE.
The Media Arts certificate requires 21 hours from courses listed below.
| Requirement | Class Name | Hours |
| ART 205 | Introduction to Graphic Software | |
| ART 209 | Digital Animation | 3 |
| ART 215 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 317 | Digital Illustration | 3 |
| ART 414 | Web Design 1 | 3 |
| ART 481 | Digital Photography 1 | 3 |
| COM 338 | Media in Society | 3 |
| JOU 101 | Journalism Laboratory 1 | 3 |
| JOU 333 | Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| JOU 334 | Multimedia Journalism | 3 |
| Total Hours | 21 |
By taking any seven of the courses, an endorsement in Media Arts would be added at the class AA level provided the student possesses Standard Class AA Licensure, and would be eligible for a Media Arts Certificate from Mississippi College.
Admission to the program and other details:
- Students admitted into this certificate program must have completed an undergraduate degree and hold a current teaching license.
- Those admitted can return to MC, take any seven courses (21 hours) from the list of ART, COM, and JOU courses and be eligible for a K-12 Media Arts endorsement.
- Courses will be taught by Art, Com, Jou.
- Students will be advised by the Art dept (Dr Busbea), and recommended for licensing by Teacher Ed.
Admission Requirements
- Class A standard, educator license issued by a state department of education or a recognized state agency.
- Transcripts from an accredited university showing an earned degree in a K-12 education field.
- Students are expected to maintain a 3.0 quality point average.
