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.