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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of MississippiThe Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAEd) in Elementary Education with a Fine Arts Concentration at the University of Mississippi is designed for students who want to become elementary school teachers while incorporating creative and artistic learning into their teaching practice. The program combines elementary education, child development, curriculum planning, and fine arts study to help future educators create engaging learning experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and the academic development of children.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students develop a foundation in general education, communication, child development, and the principles of teaching and learning. Introductory coursework in English composition, mathematics, and educational foundations helps build the academic and interpersonal skills needed to support elementary learners while preparing students for more specialized education and arts coursework.
Year 2: Students explore how children learn across core elementary subjects while developing their understanding of artistic expression and creative instruction. Coursework in educational psychology, children's literature, and fine arts supports the development of age-appropriate teaching strategies and helps students understand how creative activities can enrich classroom learning.
Year 3: Students strengthen their curriculum-planning and instructional skills while learning to integrate arts-based activities into elementary education. Studies in elementary teaching methods, classroom assessment, and arts-integrated instruction help students design engaging lessons, evaluate student progress, and support different learning styles.
Year 4: Students consolidate their professional preparation through advanced teaching coursework, school-based field experiences, and supervised student teaching as required by the program. These experiences help students apply instructional strategies, manage classrooms, assess learning, and incorporate creative approaches into lessons across the elementary curriculum.
Note: This is a general four-year overview, not a verified year-by-year course sequence. The exact concentration requirements and course titles should be checked against the University of Mississippi's current catalog.
Focus Areas
Elementary education, fine arts, visual arts, music education, arts integration, child development, literacy instruction, mathematics education, curriculum planning, classroom assessment, inclusive education, special education.
Learning Outcomes
Develop effective elementary teaching strategies, understand children's learning and development, integrate creative activities into classroom instruction, plan lessons across core subjects, assess student progress, adapt instruction for diverse learners, manage classroom environments, and promote creativity and critical thinking.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The B.A.Ed. in Elementary Education is approved for Mississippi licensure in Elementary Education (K–6), with a Special Education endorsement in Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K–12), subject to completion of applicable program and state requirements. The University of Mississippi School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) through 2029. The Fine Arts concentration provides additional subject-area knowledge alongside the professional teacher-preparation curriculum.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Mississippi's School of Education combines academic preparation with supervised classroom experience. Students choose two concentration areas, allowing them to develop additional subject expertise alongside elementary teaching skills. A specific program-level employability ranking or graduate employment rate was not verified in the official information reviewed.
Students develop practical teaching skills through classroom observations, lesson planning, field placements, and supervised student teaching. The University of Mississippi combines professional education coursework with fine arts study, helping future teachers explore creative ways to support children's learning across the elementary curriculum. The program includes an 18-credit-hour Fine Arts concentration, and students select two concentration areas to complement their elementary education major.
Practical learning opportunities include:
Art education: ARED 361 introduces students to art education and supports the integration of visual arts into elementary teaching.
Music and arts learning: MUS 329 or EDWP 340 fulfills a specified degree requirement, depending on the student's selected course and applicable curriculum rules.
Elementary teaching methods: Courses such as EDEL 401, EDEL 402, EDEL 403, and EDEL 404 form part of the professional elementary education curriculum.
Literacy development: EDRD 355 and EDRD 414 support preparation in reading instruction and literacy development.
Inclusive education: EDSP 410 helps future teachers develop strategies for inclusive classroom instruction and differentiated learning.
Classroom field experiences: Students undertake placements in educational settings, observe experienced teachers, assist with instruction, and develop lesson-planning skills.
Senior practicum: EDLE 417 – Senior Practicum includes school-based experience during the first semester of the senior year.
Student teaching: Candidates complete a full-time supervised teaching placement for a semester, applying their knowledge in an elementary classroom.
Professional advising: The Student Advising and Field Experience Office coordinates school placements and supports students through the teacher-preparation process.
Graduates can pursue elementary teaching careers that combine strong classroom instruction with creative approaches to learning. Their fine arts concentration can help them incorporate artistic activities into lessons and support children's creative development, while their teacher-preparation coursework develops skills in curriculum planning, assessment, and inclusive instruction.
Potential career opportunities include:
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary Arts Education Teacher
Arts Integration Educator
Curriculum Development Assistant
Students can prepare for professional progression through the following opportunities:
Career support: The university's School of Education provides academic advising, field-placement coordination, and guidance on teacher-preparation requirements.
Employment statistics and salaries: A specific graduate employment rate or salary range for this degree was not verified in the official information reviewed.
Practical professional experience: Classroom placements, senior practicum, and student teaching help students develop teaching skills and gain experience in school environments.
Accreditation value: CAEP accreditation of the School of Education through 2029 reflects its commitment to recognized standards in educator preparation.
Certification value: Mississippi elementary education licensure, together with the applicable special education endorsement, can support eligibility for relevant teaching positions after all requirements are met.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue elementary teaching roles and related educational opportunities, with further experience supporting progression into curriculum coordination, arts education, or school leadership.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education, a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction, or further study in Art Education or another relevant field. Advanced qualifications can help educators specialize in arts-integrated learning, curriculum development, instructional leadership, or educational administration. Admission requirements and professional licensing implications depend on the selected graduate program.
Phase II requires core curriculum completion, a 2.75 GPA, and passing Praxis CORE scores (waived with ACT 21/SAT equivalent or a 3.0 GPA after 60 credit hours). A minimum grade of C is required in all professional education, content, and related courses. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Applicants are generally assessed on their preparation in English, social sciences, research and quantitative reasoning. Statistics may be particularly helpful for Psychology, Education Research, Public Policy and other research-based programs. Volunteering, tutoring, community projects, advocacy, research, student leadership and activities involving communication or social issues may strengthen the application.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Elementary School TeacherFine Arts TeacherArt TeacherMusic TeacherVisual Arts EducatorArts Curriculum DeveloperCreative Arts InstructorElementary Arts Program CoordinatorCommunity Arts EducatorEducation Consultant
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