COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Educational Studies and Research at The University of Southern Mississippi is a 36-credit-hour graduate program designed for students interested in educational research, assessment, evaluation, policy analysis, and higher education studies. The program follows a non-licensure pathway and is intended for individuals seeking careers in research-focused educational environments, community colleges, universities, training organizations, and policy-making institutions, while also providing a strong academic foundation for doctoral-level study. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose describing their professional experiences, career goals, and alignment with the mission of the program, along with a current CV or résumé and three letters of recommendation. An interview may also be required during the admission process. The program accepts new students every academic term and strongly encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups. The curriculum emphasizes educational theory, social science research methods, statistics, assessment, and program evaluation to help students build strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Core courses include Foundations of Educational Studies and Research, Educational Research: Interpretation and Applications, Introduction to Educational Statistics, Social Foundations of Education, Assessment of Learning in Higher Education, Survey Research, and Program Evaluation. Students also complete Field Problems in Educational Research, which provides practical research experience and applied learning opportunities, along with advisor-approved elective courses that allow specialization in areas connected to individual interests and career objectives. Through research-focused coursework and applied experiences, students learn how to design studies, analyze educational data, evaluate programs, and interpret research findings to support evidence-based decision-making in educational and organizational settings. The degree also serves as a pathway toward advanced doctoral study, particularly the Education PhD concentration in Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment. Overall, the program prepares graduates for professional and academic success by developing expertise in educational inquiry, assessment strategies, statistical analysis, and research methodologies that can contribute to educational improvement and institutional effectiveness across diverse learning environments.The Master of Arts in English with a creative writing emphasis at The University of Southern Mississippi is a rigorous graduate program designed for students interested in advanced literary study and the development of creative writing skills in fiction or poetry. Applicants for regular admission typically hold a GPA of 3.5 or higher in undergraduate English courses and usually possess a degree in English or significant coursework in the discipline. Admission materials include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose, three recommendation letters from individuals qualified to assess readiness for graduate study, a sample of academic writing between 10 and 20 double-spaced pages, and a creative writing sample in the intended genre of study, either literary fiction or poetry, also between 10 and 20 double-spaced pages. Conditional admission may be available for applicants who do not fully meet standard admission criteria, provided they later satisfy all university and departmental requirements. The program does not require GRE or other standardized examination scores, and applicants from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The 33-hour curriculum combines literary scholarship with intensive creative writing workshops and professional development opportunities. Students complete six thesis hours and produce a substantial creative thesis consisting of either 50–60 pages of poetry or approximately 100 pages of fiction, along with a thesis defense. Coursework includes literature seminars, theory-rich courses, and specialized creative writing workshops such as Seminar in Fiction Writing and Seminar in Poetry Writing. Additional electives allow students to explore poetic forms, fiction and poetry readings, nonfiction writing, publishing, and the teaching of creative writing. Students must also complete a research tool requirement through either foreign language proficiency or graduate coursework in an approved allied field. Graduate assistants with teaching responsibilities must complete Practicum in the Theory and Teaching of Composition. The program maintains high academic standards, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA for graduation while preparing students for careers in writing, publishing, teaching, academic research, and further doctoral study in English and creative writing.