College of Education and Human Sciences
GRADUATE RESIDENCY
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The application is closed for the 2025-26 graduate residency cohort. To learn more, please review our ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS or complete the "Ask a Question" form linked below.
Program Components
- For graduate students who do not already possess an educator license
- One year master’s degree program (summer, fall and spring semesters) in inclusive elementary education that prepares candidates for elementary K-6 and special education mild/moderate K-8 licensure
- Full academic year residency experience in local elementary classroom
- Participants interview with USM and partnering districts as part of selection process
- Applicants must already possess a bachelor's degree and either meet the minimum required passing score on the Praxis Core, have a 21 or higher on the ACT/SAT equivalent, or have a 3.0 GPA (60 hours of coursework)
Benefits
- Up to full-tuition scholarships available
- Monthly living stipend available for residents serving as AmeriCorps members
- Free textbooks and licensure testing fees
- Classroom support from two high-quality mentor teachers
- Licensure assessment preparation
- Networking and career connection opportunities
Degree Plan
Inclusive Elementary Education MAT Degree Plan
2025-26 Partner School Districts
- Covington County School District
- Harrison County School District
- Hattiesburg Public School District
- Jackson County School District
- Jefferson Davis County School District
- Moss Point School District
- Pass Christian Public School District
- Simpson County School District
- South Pike School District
Program Background
Beginning in summer 2022, the first cohort of graduate residents began studying at
USM with support from a $2-million grant from the Mississippi Department of Education
(MDE) as part of a statewide initiative to expand and diversify the teacher pipeline.
To learn more about this grant, click here.