The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) has recently approved a new graduate degree program at Mississippi University for Women, according to a recent report from Magnolia Tribune.
To address the state-wide shortage of elementary school teachers, Mississippi University for Women will establish a master of arts in teaching in elementary education degree. The program will be housed within the university’s School of Education. The institution already has the necessary resources available to create the program through its current course offerings, meaning there will be no cost to launch the new graduate degree. Students who have a bachelor’s degree not based in education can enroll in the program to earn both a K-6 teaching license and a master’s degree.
According to Casey Prestwood, associate commissioner for academic and student affairs at IHL, there are currently 2,775 empty teaching positions across the state of Mississippi, 815 of which are elementary school openings. Dr. Prestwood estimates the new program at Mississippi University for Women will generate more than $800,000 in revenue over the next five years.
Mississippi University for women has been co-educational since 1982. However, women still make up more than three-quarters of the undergraduate student body.