Educational, Multicultural & Exceptional Studies
Educate diverse populations. EMES provides academic and professional training that leads to licensure in Special Education, Social Science Education, and alternate-route Teacher Education — preparing educators who can serve every learner.
Education for all
The Department of Educational, Multicultural, and Exceptional Studies develops candidates who are committed to becoming responsive educational leaders, researchers, and advocates — who embody the content knowledge expertise, pedagogical skills, and professional dispositions to educate diverse populations of students.
The Department also provides rigorous academic study of race, ethnicity, multicultural education, racialization, and cultural responsiveness — especially in American social and educational institutions.
Our degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work in diverse educational settings, particularly those serving students with exceptionalities. The curriculum covers educational psychology, learning and behavior management, exceptionalities, cultural diversity, research methods, ethics, and instructional design.
- Department
- Educational, Multicultural & Exceptional Studies (EMES)
- Interim Chair
- Dr. Dennis Williams
- UG Programs
- 5 (Social Sci Ed, Special Ed tracks)
- Graduate Programs
- 9 (M.S. Ed., M.A.T., Specialist)
- Phone
- (601) 979-2370
- Chair
- (601) 979-2439
- Address
- 1400 John R. Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217–0280
Five undergraduate degree programs
Social Science Education with teacher licensure or ethnic studies non-licensure, plus three Special Education tracks ranging from full teacher licensure to non-teaching disability studies.
Admission criteria & requirements
All Social Science Education and Special Education majors enrolled in teacher preparation programs (educator licensure / certification programs) must complete the following:
Complete a two-semester clinical experience for student teaching. This clinical experience will not increase the number of required completion hours (121-124 hours (about 5 days) for graduation).
Have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher to be admitted to the Center for Teacher Quality — the academic program through which the educator licensure is obtained. For additional information please see the JSU Center for Teacher Quality.
Complete all Teacher Certification Tests (Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators, Principles of Learning and Teaching, Praxis II-Content Knowledge) to enroll for selected restricted courses. (Refer to the Approved Curriculum Map)
Not enroll in EDCI 401 and EDCI 402 during the same semester.
Submit to a criminal background check prior to receiving a clinical internship placement for student teaching. The fee associated with this screening is the responsibility of the teacher candidate.
Special Education majors have the following additional requirement: Pass a Departmental Undergraduate Comprehensive Examination (Contact Faculty Mentor).
Nine graduate degree programs
Master of Science in Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Specialist degrees — in traditional and online delivery modes — covering Special Education and Secondary Education.
Apply for graduate study
Applicants for the master's degree must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and be admitted to JSU's Division of Graduate Studies. Special Education graduate programs have additional departmental requirements.
General Graduate Studies Requirements
Create an Admissions Pro Account and submit an application to the Division of Graduate Studies.
Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Submit three letters of recommendation from university faculty or supervisors familiar with your academic or professional work.
Departmental Requirements (Special Ed)
A letter of application to the M.Ed. Special Education Teaching Program faculty that includes an acceptable personal statement of goals for professional development.
An “A” teaching certificate. Applicants who do not hold the appropriate credentials or who are not eligible for the appropriate certification must meet with program faculty and sign an acknowledgment of understanding form which confirms that they are aware that completion of the Special Education graduate level coursework will not lead to licensure.
All required immunizations — specifically, candidate has had two (2) MMRs (Mumps, Measles, Rubella) in his or her lifetime and a Tetanus/Diphtheria immunization within the past two years. For more information, contact Student Health Services at (601) 979-2260.
Satisfactory completion of an interview with Special Education faculty. Interviews will be held for Fall admission during Spring Semester and Spring semester interviews will be held during Fall Semesters.
A 5-10 page academic writing sample that provides evidence of acquired writing competencies.
A professional portfolio that includes a resume, philosophy of education, samples of lesson/unit plans, etc.
Hands-on educator preparation
In addition to classroom instruction, EMES degree programs provide opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, practicums, and field experiences. These experiences help students develop practical skills and gain real-world experience working with students in various educational settings — including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as in special education and inclusive classrooms.
“Challenging Minds, Changing Lives.”
Jackson State UniversityWhere EMES graduates go
Graduates of educational, multicultural, and exceptional studies degree programs are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in education and related fields — working with diverse populations, particularly those with exceptionalities.
Additional offerings & enrichment
EMES offers additional programs for program enrichment — from alternate-route teacher certification to specialized concentrations and outreach institutes.
Quick links & references
Ready to educate diverse populations?
For more information, please contact us at (601) 979-2370.
Contact the Department
College of Education and Human Development
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217–0280