Undergraduate Handbook

This Undergraduate Handbook is intended to serve as a planning guide and to answer many of the typical questions students have about the College of Education. Diligent use of this undergraduate handbook, along with assistance from academic advisors, should lead students to the satisfactory completion of their academic goals at Mississippi State University.

It is the student’s responsibility to be sure that all the requirements in a particular curriculum are fulfilled before the student applies for a degree. Therefore, it is imperative that each student become familiar with the requirements as outlined in this handbook and in the Bulletin of Mississippi State University (university catalog). This handbook is intended to be used as a supplement to the Bulletin.

The College of Education reserves the right to make programmatic changes. These changes may result from policy decisions, which come from the University, the Institutions of Higher Learning, the Board of Trustees, the Mississippi Department of Education, and/or the Legislature.

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

General Information

• Mississippi State University Vision and Mission
• College of Education Vision and Mission
• Accreditation
• Conceptual Framework
  • Conceptual Framework Program Outcomes for Undergraduates
• Dean's Office Directory
• Academic Departments
• Professional Organizations
• Support Services
  • Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach
  • Office of Student Support Services
  • Disability Support Services (See Student Support Services)
  • The Learning Center
  • The Writing Center
  • The Career Center

MSU Academic Policies

• General Education Core Curriculum
• Transfer from Community College
  • Transfer course equivalents
• Academic Standing (Probation, Suspension, & Dismissal)
• Academic Amnesty policy
  • Form
• Academic Fresh Start policy
  • Form
• Academic Forgiveness/Retake policy
• Add/Drop policy
  • Form
• Withdrawals
  • Process
• Change of Major policy
  • Form
• Incomplete Grade (Grades of I)
• Grade Appeal policy
  • Form
• Request to Take Courses at Another Institution
  • Form
• Student Appeals Information

College of Education Policies

• Professional Dispositions
  • Procedure for Assessment of Dispositions
• Proof of Professional Liability Insurance
• Criminal Background Check
• Praxis Information
• Exceptions to University Policies
  

  Exceptions to program requirements in the College of Education will be granted only for extenuating circumstances. The student's advisor, the department head, and the dean of the college must approve the exception. Any exception to teaching internship policies must also be approved by the director of Clinical Field-Based Instruction. For admission to Teacher Education, no exceptions will be made for failing to make passing scores on Core. All exception requests must be filed in the Dean's Office (309 Allen Hall) before the last day to add a class for the semester.

• Grades of D in Teacher Education programs
  

  For students in teacher education, grades of D will not be accepted in their professional education courses, academic majors, or concentration areas. Teacher education students must also make grades of C or higher in the following university core courses: English Composition I & II and algebra or a higher math. For non-teacher education students, the policy regarding D grades will be determined by each department.

• Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal from Teacher Education programs
• Professional Education Courses
  • Courses that do not require admission to Teacher Education
  • Courses that require admission to Teacher Education (see Phase II)
• Field Experiences and Clinical Practice by program
• Add/Drop, Major Change, and Grade Appeals in the College of Education

Student Advising

• Advisor
  

  Each student is assigned an advisor during his or her first semester on campus. This will be listed on Banner and will be modified when/if advisors change. The primary duty of the advisor is to assist students in selecting appropriate courses. However, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to follow the course of studies outlined for his or her program of study. Therefore, each student should carefully study this handbook, the curriculum sheet for his or her major, and the Bulletin of Mississippi State University as aids to course selection.
  Prior to pre-registration or at the beginning of each semester, students are required to consult with their advisors concerning choice of courses. Students should sign up for an appointment to meet with their advisors during advising week, usually the week preceding pre-registration. Most advisors post appointment times on their office doors.

• Graduation Checklist
• Application for Graduation
  

  Students are responsible for applying for graduation through the Registrar's Office. They must apply before the published deadline (see Bulletin of Mississippi State University or Academic Calendar on the MSU web page

Admission, Retention, and Exit Requirements for Teacher Education Majors

• Phase I (Enrollment)
  

  This pertains to Teacher Education majors in the College of Education only: Phase I identifies teacher candidates who have enrolled in Teacher Education programs prior to official admission into Teacher Education. This early identification will provide the necessary counseling, screening, and advisement for candidates aspiring to become teachers. To enroll in the College of Education, students must be admitted to Mississippi State University; hold an appointment with an assigned advisor in the College of Education, and select a major within a department that has a basic teacher preparation program; and complete the Phase I (Enrollment in the College of Education). Enrollment Form for Teacher Education Majors with their faculty advisor. The faculty advisor is responsible for submitting this form to the office of the Dean of Education, Room 309 Allen Hall.

  • Form
• Phase II (Admission to Teacher Education)
  • Form
• Phase III (Admission to Teaching Internship)
  • Form
• Exit Requirements
  

  To be eligible for graduation, candidates in Teacher Education programs must have completed no more than half of their hours at a community college and satisfied residence requirements (last ¼ of degree), have a C or higher in all professional education courses and all courses in their majors and concentration areas, and have a 2.0 overall GPA at Mississippi State University. Advisors will complete a check of the students CAPP report to make sure all requirements for graduation have been fulfilled.

  • Graduation Checklist
• Summary Table