Information and Resources for Students

Programs offered by Educational Studies and Research

All ESR courses are open to students formally admitted to the university; however, some have prerequisites. Students should consult with their academic advisor before registering.

Who takes ESR courses

There are three categories of students who take courses within the ESR Department. These include:

  1. Students seeking a degree within the department

    ESR offers several degree options. Refer to Program information for admission and program criteria for each program.

  2. Students seeking a degree in a different department

    ESR offers many courses, especially those with REF prefixes that are required and/or recommended in degree programs outside the department. Additionally, ESR courses are frequently chosen as electives, especially by students who wish to work in higher education settings.

    All ESR courses are open to students formally admitted to the university; however, some have prerequisites. Students are advised to review Course Descriptions for the Degree Program in which they are interested and consult with their academic advisor and/or course instructor prior to registering.

    Instructors can be identified in SOAR each semester.

  3. Non-degree students

    There are many reasons a student may have a non-degree status and still wish to take courses. Non-degree students may take ESR courses. Refer to the Graduate Bulletin for Regulations Governing Non-Degree Graduate Students

How to Apply

Admission to a degree program in ESR requires a two-step process.

  1. Apply and be admitted to The University of Southern Mississippi. Guidelines are available through the Graduate School.
  2. Apply and be admitted to a specific ESR program. Guidelines for applying to specific programs can be found under Degree Programs.

Housing

The Department of Residence Life offers a variety of housing options on the Hattiesburg campus including options for Graduate/Family housing.

Financing Your Education

Many of our students are able to secure Financial Aid in the form of grants, loans and scholarships.

A financial aid officer should be able to assist you with your financial situation. There may also be additional Resources available to help fund student research.

Full-time students may apply for a graduate assistantship (See Graduate Assistant Handbook-PDF). A graduate assistantship provides full tuition waivers during fall and spring semesters and pays a modest stipend.

There may also be a limited number of on-campus employment opportunities that become available.

Academic Advisement

Students should familiarize themselves with the ESR Advising Handbook 2011 and meet regularly with their advisor during academic advisement periods as listed on the academic calendar.

Academic advisors are full-time ESR faculty and are assigned when students are admitted into their program. Students may contact the ESR office to verify the name of their academic advisor if they are unsure.

Detailed information about each Program should be consulted when planning course sequences. In particular, students should review course rotation guides and follow their plan of study.

Not all courses can be offered each semester, and students are advised to sequence their course selections accordingly.

Minor/Certificate advisement:

Students seeking a minor and/or graduate certificate will require additional advisement from an advisor in the department/program granting the minor or certificate.

Registering for Classes

Once a student is advised, the advisor flags the student in the system allowing the student to register for courses through SOAR. If a student has not been flagged, he/she cannot register for classes. Registration is open during prescribed times/dates as listed in the university’s academic calendar.

SOAR (Southern Online Accessible Records)

  • See SOAR for:
    • Grades
    • Registration
    • Transcripts
    • Course Schedules
    • Progress to Degree (GRD11)

Student Services

Libraries

  • See USM Libraries for:
    • Databases and Resources
    • Books, magazines, films, etc
    • Reference materials
    • Document delivery services
    • Laptop computer checkout
    • APA and Plagiarism Tutorials

Student Services

  • See Student Services for:
    • Copy Center
    • Email Accounts
    • Financial Aid
    • Housing
    • Dining Services
    • Technology Support

Student Support (Writing, Speaking, Presenting, Researching, Stats)

Important Information and Deadlines

Students are encouraged to plan for the various deadlines they are required to meet. These deadlines come from a variety of sources. The following is a partial list to consider:

The comprehensive exam is a degree requirement for all graduate students. Comprehensive exams are program-specific and are administered each semester. Students generally take comps during their final semester of coursework. Please contact your advisor and/or program coordinator for more specific information.

Dissertation Information

Handbooks and Policies

Graduation

  • Requirements: Students must meet degree requirements established by the university and ESR Department.

    General Degree requirements can be located in the Graduate Bulletin and program-specific requirements can be found under ESR Programs.

  • Application for Degree: Students must apply for their degree by following the policies of the Graduate School.

     Application should be made during the semester prior to the anticipated graduation.

  • Commencement: Ceremonies are held at the end of the fall and spring semesters on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Coast campuses. Participation is strongly encouraged for all graduates and is a university requirement for doctoral graduates.

Department of Educational Studies & Research

Owings-McQuagge Hall 135
Phone: 601.266.4621
Fax: 601.266.4233

Mailing Address
Educational Studies & Research
118 College Drive #5093
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Department E-Mail
esr@usm.edu