Teacher education programs (or School Counseling, Social Work, etc.) at The University of Southern Mississippi meet the professional competency standards for licensure in Mississippi. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that their program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For more information and guidance on out-of-state licensure, please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosures page.

This program is not ideal for students outside the United States. Degree candidates must be living and working as Teacher Assistants in the state of Mississippi.

A Teacher Assistant enrolled in an inclusion, resource, Learning Strategies, or Study Skills room may be allowed to remain in the current classroom with approval of the principal, district office, and Educational Field Experiences. However, if the district or the principal require the TA to move from the current position, that is the district’s prerogative. A Teacher Assistant enrolled in Special Education who is employed in a SPED classroom with students who have a SCD (significant cognitive disability), ruling may not remain in the current classroom.

For additional information and guidance on out-of-state professional licensure, please visit the Professional Licensure Disclosures page.

Additional fees may apply for the online elementary education degree. Fees range between $20 – $60.

The Online Elementary Education Degree courses must be taken in the order of the curriculum design of study. Each course builds on the previous classes. We have designed the online elementary education degree program so teacher assistants can take 12 hours each semester and still finish their degree requirements including student teaching in two years.

Click here for more information: Student Teaching Information (PDF)

To find pricing information, visit our pricing page. For financial aid information, view our financial aid page. For detailed tuition information, visit our business services page.

Cohorts will start every fall and every semester that meets enrollment numbers.

No. Student teaching requires your full attention so all coursework for the Online Elementary Education Degree must be completed before you begin your student teaching experience.

The student teaching packet includes forms that you filled out on TK20 showing all your coursework, endorsement areas, and educational philosophy. You must fill this out the semester before you plan to student teach: in the spring for fall student teaching, in the fall for spring student teaching. Your senior block instructors will assist you in this process.

Before student teaching, it is also required that you complete a First Weeks of School (FWOS) assignment that can be found on TK20. Student teachers may be required to attend face to face professional development meetings during the semester of their student teaching.

The graduation application must be filled out on SOAR the semester before you intend to graduate: spring for fall graduation, fall for spring graduation. You cannot register for student teaching until this is completed. Your senior block instructors will help you with this process.

Other classes that aren’t listed may count towards your online elementary education degree once your transcript has been evaluated and posted.

No, online students pay resident tuition.

If yes, visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions and course enrollment.

Yes, the online elementary education degree program is available totally online. Students are not required to visit campus for an in-class chat session; however, an online lecture may be required by your instructor.

Please visit our programs page here: https://online.usm.edu/programs/

If you still have questions, please visit our FAQ page, or take a moment to fill out our form at the bottom of the screen, and we will reach out to you!