Developing the Educators of Tomorrow

Want to educate, inspire and empower future generations? 

A great teacher transforms your way of thinking and looking at the world. A great teacher stays with you for life. At the College of Education at Mississippi State University, we prepare you for your own rewarding, successful career in the world of education.  

We don't just create tomorrow's teachers. We also develop the counselors, administrators and other professionals that are critical to running an efficient educational institution. That's why the College of Education's portfolio of programs caters to students with diverse life goals, all taught by passionate faculty members.

At the College of Education at Mississippi State University, you’ll benefit from the very latest learning methods, technology and resources. We empower you with the knowledge to forge your future in any role you choose. 

The Mississippi State University College of Education is made up of six comprehensive programs covering counseling, music and more. The College of Education’s roots extend back to 1903 when it began as the Department of Industrial Education before acquiring its current title in 1963.  

Departments and Units

Counseling, Educational Psychology & Foundations

The Mississippi State University College of Education’s Counseling, Educational Psychology and Foundations department offers an outstanding portfolio of programs for both undergraduates and graduates. 

Undergraduates can study for a Bachelor of Science in Educational Psychology, leading students to work within an educational environment in a non-teacher role. This does not qualify students to teach but to serve an invaluable purpose in helping people from diverse backgrounds. 

For graduates, master’s degree programs include Counseling and Educational Psychology. Counseling program options include Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, Student Affairs and Rehabilitation Counseling. 

Education Specialist Degree Programs are available too, providing students with a master’s degree the opportunity to enhance their credentials. Two options can be chosen: School Counseling or School Psychology. 

Doctoral degree programs include Counseling, Educational Psychology and School Psychology. 

Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education

The Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education department runs accredited numerous programs across bachelor's, master’s, doctoral or educational specialist degrees. 

The Elementary Education degree is available to undergraduates. There are two concentrations: the middle school concentration or early childhood concentration. In addition to elementary licensure, candidates can also earn add-on endorsements in music, art, physical education, technology, computer science and special education. 

The Secondary Education undergraduate degree equips students to teach grades 7 - 12 in chemistry, biology, mathematics, social studies and more. A concentration in educating foreign language is another option, as well as two concentrations for computer science, a K-8 option and a 7-12 option. 

Finally, the Special Education degree centers on teaching children with exceptionalities.

Master’s degrees in Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education are available. Our specialist degrees include Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education. 

Finally, the Doctor of Philosophy offers concentrations in elementary, secondary or special education. 

Division of Education (MSU-Meridian)

The MSU-Meridian Division of Education at Mississippi State University offers students programs covering secondary education, educational leadership, community college leadership and more. 

Its undergraduate programs include Elementary Education; Kinesiology; Secondary Education with concentrations in English and Social Studies; and Special Education. 

Graduates can study for multiple Master’s degrees: Community College Education; Secondary Education (Alternate Route); Counselor Education; Elementary Education; School Administration; Teacher Leadership; and Secondary Education. 

Finally, the Educational Specialist area degrees are Counselor Education, Elementary Education, School Administration, Teacher Leadership and Secondary Education.  

Educational Leadership

The Mississippi State University Department of Educational Leadership focuses on a large group of degrees across three core areas: School Administration; Community College Leadership; and Higher Education Leadership. 

For School Administration, students can choose from the Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Administration, Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Teacher Leadership or Educational Specialist in Education with a School Administration concentration. 

A Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership with a concentration in P-12 School Leadership is available, too. 

In the Community College Leadership area, students may study for a Master of Science in Workforce Education Leadership, a Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education (M.A.T.) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership. 

Lastly, two Higher Education Leadership programs are available. One is the Master of Science in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Student Affairs and Higher Education, and the other Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership. 

Instructional Systems and Workforce Development

The Department of Instructional Systems and Workforce Development at Mississippi State University helps prepare hundreds of students for careers in schools, universities, businesses and other workplaces each year. 

Undergraduates may study for a B.S. in Industrial Technology or a B.S. in Information Technology Services. Graduates can undertake the Master of Science in Technology or Master of Science in Instructional Technology (either through on-campus or online learning). 

Other options are Educational Specialist with a concentration in Educational Technology and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development. 

Kinesiology

As the university's largest major, the Department of Kinesiology is a part of the College of Education. It is dedicated to studies in exercise, health, sport and physiology, exploring the relationship between the human form and such diverse areas as neuroscience, sociology and more. 

Undergraduate programs are Clinical Exercise Physiology, Health Fitness Studies, Physical Education and Coaching, and Sport Studies. 

Graduates looking for advanced education in this department can choose from master’s degrees in Disability Studies, Exercise Physiology, Sport Administration and Sport Pedagogy. At the higher level, Ph.D.’s in Exercise Science and Sport Studies are also offered. 

Music

The Department of Music at Mississippi State University provides students looking to further their knowledge and skills in music with multiple programs. Undergraduates can work toward the Bachelor of Arts in Music or the Bachelor of Music Education. 

Graduates may take on the Master of Music Education, which is taught as a combination of online and summer courses. This includes performance, music theory, history and more. 

The Mississippi State University Department of Music runs a Minor in Music option. Numerous courses include African-American Music, The History of Rock and Roll, Ear Training and other diverse options. 

Contact the College

College of Education

  • 309 Allen Hall
  • 175 President's Circle

Mississippi State, MS 39762