SPECIALIST IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Department of Education and Psychology
School of Graduate Studies

The educational specialist degree in elementary education is currently the highest degree offered in teacher education at Alcorn State University.  This degree program will satisfy many desires of educators in the target area of Southwest Mississippi who aspire to receive an advanced degree.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for regular admission to the specialist program, an applicant must possess the following:

(a)   a master’s degree in elementary education

(b)   a grade point average of 3.20 on a scale where an “A” equals 4.0 points

(c)    the approval of the chairperson of the department of education, dean of the school of education and dean of graduate studies

(d)    a valid teacher’s license

An applicant who fails to meet the criteria for regular admission may be considered for conditional admission and must possess the following:

(a)   a master’s degree in elementary

(b)   a valid teacher’s license

(c)    the approval of the chairperson of the department of education, dean of the school of education and dean of graduate studies

Upon completion of this program, graduates should be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

1.      Exceptional effectiveness in instructional techniques

2.      Exceptional knowledge of specialized subject matter

3.      Leadership skills in curriculum development

4.      Knowledge of research techniques

5.      Skills in supervision of instruction

6.      Skills in curriculum evaluation

7.      Involvement in system-wide in-service programs

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Required CORE (12 Hours)

Hours  

3 Learning Theories PH 614
3 *Evaluation and Measurement ED 627
3 *Research Design and Statistics ED 629  
3 Psychological Educational Foundations PH 690

Required Courses (15 Hours)

Hours  

3 Advanced Studies of Methods
and Materials for Teaching in 
the Elementary Schools  
ED 632
3 Psychological Statistics PH 604
3 *Advanced Seminar in Elementary Education ED 695
6 *Thesis ED 699

*Restricted:  To enroll in these courses, the candidate must meet the criteria for regular admission and have completed a minimum of 18 hours in the program with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Select six (6) hours from the following:

Hours  

3 **Psychology for the Exceptional Child PH 625
3 Advanced Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Mathematics ED  624
3 Advanced Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Science ED 626
3 Advanced Studies in the Teaching of Elementary School Social Studies ED 616
3 Advanced Studies in the Teaching of Elementary Reading ED 625

  Select six (6) hours from the following:

Hours

3 Advanced Media Technology/Computer Application ED 637
3 Advanced Studies in Multicultural Education ED 600
3 Behavior Modification ED 652
3 Research in Child Development ED 610
3 Basic Skills in Reading ED 619
3 Advanced Studies in Theory and Historical Development in Early Childhood Education ED 643
3 Models of Teaching Early Childhood Education ED 635
3 Assessing the Young Child ED 636
3 Parenting in a Pluralistic Society ED 649
3 Management Techniques in the Classroom ED 621
3 Advanced Studies of Organization, Principles and Procedures in Early Childhood Education ED 671
3 Supervision of Instruction ED 640
3 ***Systematic Teacher Evaluation ED 677

** Required
*** Must be taken in order to supervise student teachers

THESIS

The thesis research project is required for the specialist degree.  However, if any candidate enrolled in the program wishes to engage in and complete the National Board Certification for Teaching may do so as an option.

 A detailed description of this option (National Board Certification) will be explained verbally and shared in a written contract during the candidate’s initial formal interview with the thesis committee and the specialist program advisor.

  ***The Department of Education and Psychology at Alcorn State University reserves the right to modify this program of study in keeping with the Legislative Guidelines and State Certification Mandates.  

I have read all of the requirements for the completion of the Specialist Degree Program and understand that it is my total responsibility to meet each requirement listed.


Signature of Candidate: ______________________________________