University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This four-year degree combines general education, core education theory and specialised coursework in special education, with multiple supervised field experiences and a culminating student-teaching placement. You will learn foundations of special education, assessment and instruction for students with disabilities, curriculum adaptation and differentiating instruction, classroom and behaviour management, and legal and ethical issues in special education.

• Foundations and theory – historical, legal and philosophical bases of special education; disability categories and inclusive education models.
• Assessment and diagnosis – formal and informal assessment techniques, progress monitoring, writing Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs) and using data to guide instruction.
• Instructional methods – evidence-based strategies for academic and functional skills, differentiated instruction, small-group and co-teaching models.
• Behaviour support – positive behaviour interventions and supports (PBIS), behaviour intervention plans and classroom management tailored to diverse learners.
• Specialist topics – early childhood special education, transition planning to post-school life, assistive and instructional technology, literacy and communication supports.
• Practicums and student teaching – sequenced field placements in partner schools, working with mentor teachers and culminating in a full-time student-teaching placement or clinical internship.

Electives and seminar options may include autism spectrum disorders, severe and multiple disabilities, inclusive early childhood education and teaching students with emotional and behavioural disorders. Coursework emphasises hands-on practice in schools, interdisciplinary collaboration and preparation for state licensure.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet general admission requirements for the University of Southern Mississippi and the College of Education. Typical expectations include a high school diploma or equivalent, competitive academic performance at secondary level, and completion of required general-education prerequisites.

Progression into the teacher-education sequence usually requires admission to the professional education programme after a pre-professional period. Requirements for progression commonly include a minimum cumulative GPA (students should check the current threshold with the programme), satisfactory performance in foundational education courses, and completion of background checks and health/clearance documentation for school placements.

State certification processes commonly require additional steps such as passing required licensure examinations and meeting fingerprinting and immunisation requirements before student teaching and certification. International students must meet English language proficiency standards and provide credential evaluation as directed by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to pursue teacher certification and work as special education teachers in public and private schools, serving elementary, middle or secondary levels depending on certification. Other career paths include:

• Inclusion or resource-room teacher supporting students in general education settings
• Early intervention specialist or preschool special educator
• Transition coordinator or vocational specialist helping students move to post-secondary education, employment or independent living
• Behaviour interventionist or classroom behaviour specialist (often requiring further certification)
• Paraprofessional or instructional support staff, community agency roles and programme coordinators

Many graduates pursue additional credentials or graduate study in areas such as applied behaviour analysis, school administration, counseling or specialised certification areas to expand career options and leadership roles.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a teacher-education programme with extensive local school partnerships that provide diverse, supervised practicum and student-teaching experiences across urban, suburban and rural settings. The College of Education supports hands-on learning, mentorship from experienced faculty, and advising focused on certification and career placement.

Students benefit from applied learning opportunities, collaborations with local districts and access to campus resources for professional development, including workshops on assistive technology and differentiated instruction. The programme emphasises preparing ethical, reflective practitioners ready to meet state licensure requirements and to support inclusive, evidence-based practice in real classroom contexts.