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The Master of Science in Secondary Education is an online degree program designed to provide new and veteran classroom teachers with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and vision of education in terms of theory, research and practice.

Program highlights:

  • The program is 30 credit hours
  • Graduates may be eligible to for the Class AA Mississippi Educator License. Check with the state department of education where you plan to teach for licensing requirements as they vary by state.
  • You can start courses in the spring, summer, or fall semester.
  • All online students pay in-state tuition.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $602.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

Who should pursue this degree?

Teachers who want to enhance their teaching skills with advanced training and/or specialize in a certain subject area. If you do not already have a bachelor’s degree in education and are looking to make a career change, the Secondary Teacher Alternate Route program may be just right for you.

The Master of Science in Secondary Education requires 30 semester hours of graduate coursework beyond the bachelor's degree and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. The degree can be completed almost entirely online via distance learning from virtually anywhere in the United States. Students have the option of completing some coursework face-to-face on campus as well as via distance.

We are no longer able to place students in Georgia for an internship.

Program Structure

What kind of license will I receive?

Program graduates may be eligible to be recommended for the Class AA Mississippi Educator License.


What courses will I take?

Students completing the Master of Science in Secondary Education program will complete these courses:

  • EDS 8363 Function and Methods of Research in Secondary Education
  • EDS 8103 Advanced Methodologies in Middle and Secondary Education
  • EDS 8613 Middle and Secondary School Curriculum
  • EDS 6403 Evaluation in Secondary Schools
  • EDS 8623 Principles of Effective Instruction
  • RDG 8653 Teaching Reading in Secondary Schools
  • Four electives approved by advisor 12 hours

What subjects can I teach?

Degree program participants can select a K-12 or 7-12th grade concentration in one of the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • English/Language Arts
  • (K-12) Foreign Language
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • (K-12) Physical Education
  • Reading
  • Social Studies
  • Other (See Advisor)

Admissions Process

To apply for a Master's degree program in secondary education at MSU, you must first have a teaching license in your chosen area of study.

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose 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. Copy of teaching certificate or verification of eligibility for licensure
  6. 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.)
  7. 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
  8. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  9. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor.
YOUR NEXT STEP

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Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit an approved English language proficiency test score. Mississippi State University accepts scores from the TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET). Prospective students should consult the appropriate testing organization for information about test registration and administration.

The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English language test score requirements and additional information regarding English language proficiency.

Comprehensive Exam

The Master’s Written Comprehensive Examination is a graduation requirement and is taken during the last semester of enrollment in the degree program. The Comprehensive Exam requires you to synthesize and apply your learning from courses in the program of study. In general, you should use the readings and professional resources from your courses to prepare for the exam as well as to respond to exam prompts.

You are not expected to do extensive outside research and reading to prepare for the exam; however, you may want to engage in additional reading/research if there are areas on the study guide with which you are unfamiliar. The exam consists of four areas, administered in two sessions of equal time.

Each four-hour session includes two prompts, which should be answered using an extended essay format. The exam is offered once each semester. The CISE Graduate Handbook gives specific information about dates to register for and take the exam.


Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Missy Hopper Headshot

Dr. Missy Hopper

Department of Teacher Education and Leadership

  • Graduate Coordinator, Secondary Education

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mississippi State Online accredited?

Mississippi State Online programs are offered by Mississippi State University, which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Individual programs may also hold specialized accreditation. Learn more on the Mississippi State University accreditation page.

Will my Mississippi State University diploma say "online"?

No. When you earn a degree through Mississippi State Online, your diploma identifies Mississippi State University and does not indicate that you studied online. Online programs meet the same university standards for academic quality and rigor as on-campus programs.

How much does Mississippi State cost?

Mississippi State helps make your education more affordable by offering the applicable in-state tuition rate to online students regardless of where they live. Tuition and required fees are charged per credit hour, and your total cost depends on your program, credit hours, and applicable fees. Textbooks and course materials are additional expenses, and rates are subject to change.

Do out-of-state students pay in-state tuition at Mississippi State Online?

Yes. Mississippi State Online students pay the applicable in-state tuition rate whether they live in Mississippi or elsewhere. You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to receive this rate for your online program. Required fees and other course expenses still apply.

Can Mississippi State Online students receive financial aid or scholarships?

Eligible online students may receive financial aid, and scholarship opportunities are available. Eligibility and award amounts vary; funding is not guaranteed for every student or program. Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student aid, and review scholarship requirements and deadlines.

How do I apply to Mississippi State Online?

Start with the Apply Now page and choose the application that matches your undergraduate or graduate program and applicant status. Select "Online Education" as your campus. Review your program's admission requirements and deadlines, then submit the application, required documents, and any applicable application fee. Requirements vary by program and may differ for new, transfer, returning, and international students.

Do Mississippi State Online programs require campus visits or in-person experiences?

Requirements depend on the program and concentration. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others include internships, field experiences, or coursework that requires in-person participation. Review your program's curriculum and contact its program representative before applying to confirm attendance requirements. Explore programs and their requirements in the Academic Programs directory.

Can I transfer previous college credits to a Mississippi State Online program?

Transfer-credit policies vary by degree level and program. Some programs consider eligible coursework from other institutions, while others do not accept prior credit toward program requirements. Review your program's transfer-credit policy and contact its academic advisor or program coordinator before planning your coursework.

What support is available to Mississippi State Online students?

Mississippi State Online students have access to academic advising, library resources, writing support, technical assistance, and career services. Program coordinators and advisors can help you navigate your studies and connect with university resources.