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College of Education and Human Sciences

Welcome to Teacher Education!

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USM Teachers and Principals

Programs

Southern Miss offers initial teacher licensure programs at the traditional undergraduate level and the alternate-route graduate level. We also offer advanced licensure programs and programs for other school professionals at the graduate level. Click here for a listing of all our educator preparation programs. 

Mission and Vision

Faculty, staff, and candidates within the Professional Education Unit at The University of Southern Mississippi collaborate to generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Unit faculty members prepare candidates to become creative, bold, and determined educational leaders who possess the characteristics embodied within the following four core themes: the power of knowledge to inform, the power to inspire, the power to transform lives, and to empower a community of learners.

The Professional Education Unit’s conceptual framework is consistent with the University’s historical roots as a normal college, its mission, and its future.  The University, since its founding in 1910, has been committed to the exemplary preparation of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel.  In accordance with this history and the present vision and mission of the University, the Unit is committed to improving the educational attainment of the citizens of Mississippi, and in turn, the economic development of our state.  Therefore, the mission of the Unit is fivefold:  a) prepare high quality teachers and education leaders for our state; b) conduct innovative, relevant research that informs decision-making in education; c) establish strong relationships with local school districts and the Mississippi Department of Education to improve education in our state; d) promote a healthier populace; and e) enhance cultural understanding among our citizens.  

Financial Aid

Substantial scholarships and loans are available for teacher education programs, and students are encouraged to apply.

*Students enrolled in a certificate only program are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

Professional Education Faculty

Our professional education faculty have extensive expertise in the classroom and are actively engaged in research that informs professional practice.  Nothing is more important to our professional education faculty than investing in our teacher education students.  They are committed to providing students with an exciting and engaging professional education experience that prepares candidates for a successful and rewarding career as a teacher, teacher leader, or school administrator.

Memberships

The Professional Education Unit is a member of:

Identifying Information

  • ETS Institutional ID: 1479
  • AACTE Institutional ID: 4330
  • CAEP Institutional ID: 11956

Accreditation

The Professional Education Unit at The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through Fall 2026. This accreditation covers initial licensure educator preparation programs and advanced licensure educator preparation programs on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campus. The University of Southern Mississippi was a charter member of NCATE and has been continuously accredited since 1954.

The mission of CAEP is accountability and improvement of educator preparation. The accreditation process establishes rigorous standards for educator preparation programs and holds accredited institutions accountable for providing continuous evidence of meeting these standards.

Many educator preparation programs are also nationally recognized by their applicable Specialized Professional Association (SPA); see list of recognitions here.

Contact Information:

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

1140 19th Street, NW

Suite 400                

Washington, DC 20036

Telephone: (202) 223-0077

Fax: (202) 296-6620

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The programs are also accredited through the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) following the Mississippi Educator Preparation Program Accreditation (MEPPA) Review. 

Contact Information:

Mississippi Department of Education

Office of Educator Licensure

Central High School Building

359 North West Street

P. O. Box 771

Jackson, MS 39205-0771

601-359-3513

Contact Us

College of Education and Human Sciences

127 Joseph Greene Hall (JGH) 
118 College Dr. #5023
Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Campus Hattiesburg

Campus Map

Phone
601.266.4568