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The Master of Arts in Teaching in Community College Education is an interdisciplinary, online degree program designed to prepare professionals for teaching in a community college setting. The degree prepares educators for service in rural community colleges and requires a minimum of 18 hours in the student's teaching field (Ex: Math, History, English, Psychology, etc.).

Program highlights:

  • 30 hours are required to complete the program.
  • Prepares you to teach in a community college
  • Start courses in the spring, summer, or fall semester.
  • All online students pay in-state tuition.

**This program is offered through Mississippi State Online, but is not completely online since some courses in this program of study may only be offered on campus.

What are some potential careers?

The education courses introduce you to the philosophy and culture of the community college and prepare you to teach nontraditional and first generation students in a community college setting.

Who should pursue this degree?

The Master of Arts in Teaching Community College Education degree program welcomes applicants who desire to teach on the community college level.

Note: If you are a K-12 teacher who holds a standard renewable Mississippi Educator license and are interested in the MAT in Community College Education program, this degree program will lead to an upgrade to your license but will not lead to any additional endorsements. Additionally, this degree program does not lead to initial licensure.

Program Structure

The educational objectives of the MATCED program are to prepare future professional educators to:

  • Deal with Educational, Social, & Economic Changes
  • Establish a Work Environment Conducive to Relevant Organizational Changes within Rural Community Colleges
  • Establish a Work Environment Conducive to Relevant Organizational Changes within Rural Community Colleges
  • Be Intelligent Consumers & Users of Data for the purpose of Improving & Implementing Educational Programs within Rural Community Colleges
  • Incorporate the Knowledge of "Best Practices" regarding Teaching Traditional & Non-Traditional Students
  • Appreciate & Capitalize on the Strengths that Diversity of Personnel can provide Rural Communities & Rural Community Colleges
  • Seek Continual Improvement through Reflection
  • Become Better Decision-Makers

The Master of Science in the Master of Art in Teaching Community College Education (MATCED), consists of a minimum of 30 credit hours.

Course Number Course Title Hours
CCL 8113 Community College History/Philosophy 3
CCL 8313 Community College Instructional Assessment 3
CCL 8173 Community College Teaching and Learning 3
CCL 8253 Community College Research Methods 3
Teaching Specialty/Content Area    
Select 18 hours of courses with the same prefix.   18
Total Hours   30

Admissions Process

Please note that your application will not be considered until all forms have been submitted and your application fee has been paid

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission to the program, the applicant must:

  • Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Meet the basic requirements specified for graduate students at Mississippi State University
  • Demonstrate interest in the mission of community colleges
  • Demonstrate academic proficiency based on the following indicators:
    • Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on the last half of the bachelor's degree
    • Three letters of reference
    • Indication of teaching specialty (e.g., history) in the purpose statement

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will select Master of Arts in Teaching / Community College Education as your major and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor.

Required Courses: Community College Leadership

Minimum of 9 Credit Hours

CCL 8113 History and Philosophy of the Community College
Three hours lecture. Objectives of the community college, philosophical/historical bases, changing roles, issues in higher education/workforce development/economic industry.

CCL 8173 Community College Teaching and Learning
Comprehensive preparation for teaching at the community college: teaching strategies centered on outcomes and experiential learning, assessment of learning, and job related responsibilities.

CCL 8313 Community College Instructional Assessment
Three hours lecture. In-depth analysis of community college setting, students, courses planning, and assessment of instruction, including techniques associated with effective teaching and assessment in the community college arena.

Required Research and Statistics Course
Minimum of 3 Credit Hours

CCL 8253 Community College Research Methods
Three hours lecture. Analysis of the research process to include literature review, developing research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting results, with an emphasis on research in community colleges Includes both qualitative and quantitative research designs.

Teaching Specialty/Content Area
Minimum of 18 Credit Hours with same prefix

The degree prepares educators for service in rural community colleges and requires a minimum of 18 credit hours in the student's teaching field.

NOTE: Some content areas are not offered online.

Comprehensive Exam

A written, final comprehensive examination is required of all candidates. The exam is given in March, June, and October in Starkville. Those who cannot come to Starkville can arrange for a proctor (see our online campus proctoring guide). The exam lasts for 4 hours and requires students to respond in writing to questions on the following topics:

  1. History and philosophy of the community college
  2. Educational research
  3. Teaching and assessment (MAT)

The following examination requirements must be met.

  • A student must be enrolled in at least 1 hour in the semester the exam is administered. A student taking a comprehensive examination during the summer semester can be enrolled in any summer term.
  • A student must have a 3.00 or higher GPA when sitting for the examination.
  • The student must be within the last 6 hours or in the terminal semester of coursework.
  • The student must sign and return the CAPP (program of study), committee request form, and announcement of examination to his or her major professor by the deadline given by the major professor.

One negative vote will not constitute failure for a student on a comprehensive examination, but two negative votes will constitute failure. A student who fails the comprehensive exam can apply to schedule another examination after a period of three months has elapsed from the date of the original exam. Two failures result in the student’s removal as a master’s degree candidate.

 


Contact Information

Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Online Education

  • Coordinator
662-325-8876
Stephanie King Headshot

Dr. Stephanie King

Educational Leadership

  • Associate Professor and Advisor
662-325-7066