The Mississippi State University (MSU) Department of Curriculum and Instruction and Division of Academic Outreach & Continuing Education have collaborated with Northeast Mississippi Community College, East Central Community College, and Mississippi Delta Community College to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education through distance learning. Students complete their freshman and sophomore year requirements at an accredited community college and complete their junior and senior year components at MSU through distance and on-campus learning. Courses are offered on Saturdays through the Mississippi Interactive Video Network (MIVN) and WebCT. Other junior and senior level courses are offered on the MSU campus during Summer School Sessions I and II. Additionally, during the Student Teaching semester, participants intern in public (elementary or middle) schools in the northeast, east central, and Mississippi delta areas. This program is ideal for teacher assistants who desire a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.

Students must come to Mississippi State University’s main campus during the summer ten-week session after their first spring semester enrolled in the program to complete the summer block courses. The purpose for having students come to campus for one summer are (a) block courses are not suitable for online delivery at this time and (b) distance learners have a chance to enjoy the on-campus experience.

Undergraduate Requirements

Participants are required to meet specific qualifications to be admitted to MSU and the Teacher Education Program:

• a minimum GPA of 2.75 in the MSU Core Curriculum (45 hours) and a minimum 2.50 overall GPA.
• pass Praxis I. Passing scores for the Praxis I are as follows: 170 for reading, 172 for writing, and 169 for mathematics. Praxis I computer based scores are as follows:
  • 316 for reading
  • 318 for writing
  • 314 for math
  • If the applicant’s ACT Composite is 21 or higher and all subject area scores are 18 or higher, the applicant is exempt from taking the Praxis I.
• submission of two letters of recommendation (College of Education Undergraduate Handbook Appendix F) mailed to the communtiy college advisor.*
• verification of 40 hours of work experience with children (College of Education Undergraduate Handbook Appendix G) mailed to the communtiy college advisor.*
• completion of the Admission Form for Teacher Education Majors (Phase form).*

Additionally, participants:

• may transfer up to 62 hours of coursework from a community college.**
• may only apply grades of a C or better to the education core classes and the classes used for the academic areas of endorsement
• must take all Professional Education 3000 and 4000 level courses at MSU.
• must maintain continuous enrollment at MSU in order to graduate from the program.
• should not have completed any Professional Education courses to participate in the program.
• must have daily access to computer technology, e-mail and the Internet.
• before graduating from MSU, must complete 21 hours in two of the following Academic Core Endorsement Areas. The courses taken in the Elementary Education Core Curriculum will count towards the endoresment areas. Choices:
  • English -21 hours
  • Social Studies -21 hours
  • Math - 21 hours
  • Science - 21 hours
  • Foreign Language - 21 hours
  • Music - 21 hours.
• must successfully complete a minimum of 134 hours total (includes transfer courses) in order to graduate from MSU.*

* The last 25% of hours must be upper division – 3000/4000 level courses – from MSU.