Department of Art and Design

Department Chair: Shawn Dickey

Faculty

Professors: Shawn Dickey, Robert Gibson, Beverly Joyce
Associate Professors: Ian Childers, Alex Stelioes-Wills

Accreditation

Mississippi University for Women is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

General Program Information

The Department of Art and Design offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fine Art (BFA) degree. Students complete course requirements in one of the following studio art emphases: Drawing and Painting; Graphic Design; Printmaking; Ceramics; or Photography. The BFA degree is a more intensive degree in art and design and is intended for professional practice. 

The Department of Art and Design also offers minors in Art History and Studio Art, open only to non-art majors.

Exhibition Requirements:

All freshman, sophomore, and junior art students in any art major are required to enter artwork in the Annual MUW Juried Student Exhibition. In their senior year, all art majors must participate in a final Senior Exhibition. 

Art Core Requirements:

All art students must complete the Art Core  . Note: Some courses taken for the major may also fulfill requirements for the University core curriculum.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Fine Arts Major, BFA

Minor

• •  Art History Minor
• •  Art Minors
• •  Studio Art Minor

Other Programs

• •  Art Core

Department of Communication

Department Chair: Barry P. Smith

Communication Faculty

Professors: Van T. Roberts, Barry P. Smith
Associate Professor: Melissa M. Smith
Instructor: Eric E. Harlan

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Communication Major, BA
• •  Communication Major, BS

Minor

• •  Communication Minor
• •  Film Studies Minor

Department of History, Political Science, and Geography

Department Chair: Erin Kempker

Geography Faculty

Visiting Assistant Professor: Ann Fletchall Frazier

History Faculty

Professor: Thomas Velek
Associate Professors: Amber Handy, Jonathon Hooks, Erin Kempker
Visiting Assistant Professor: Kristi DiClemente
University Archivist: Derek Webb
 

Political Science Faculty

Professors: Brian Anderson
Assistant Professor: Chanley Rainey

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  History Major, BA
• •  History Major, Concentration in Public History, BA
• •  History Major, Secondary Education Certification in History and Social Studies, BA
• •  Interdisciplinary Studies Major, BA
• •  Interdisciplinary Studies Major, BS
• •  Political Sciece Major, Nonprofit Advocacy Concentration, BS
• •  Political Science Major, BS
• •  Political Science Major, Social Studies Concentration, BS

Minor

• •  American Studies Minor
• •  History Minor
• •  Human Geography, Minor
• •  International Studies Minor
• •  Medieval and Renaissance Studies Minor
• •  Nonprofit Advocacy Minor (18 Semester Hours)
• •  Political Science Minor
• •  Pre-Law Minor

Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy

Department Chair: Kendall Dunkelberg

English Faculty

Professors: Nora Corrigan, Kendall Dunkelberg, Amy Pardo, Bridget Smith Pieschel, Thomas C. Richardson, Leslie Stratyner, Kim Whitehead
Associate Professors: Michael Farris Smith
Assistant Professors: Shahara’Tova Dente,Thomas Kris Lee, Allene Nichols, Brandy T. Wilson
Instructors: Todd Bunnell, Janet Woodcock

Foreign Languages Faculty

Assistant Professor: Reyna Vergara
Instructors: Erinn Holloway, Robert Raymond

Philosophy Faculty

Assistant Professors: Joshua Dohmen, Jill Drouillard
 

Programs

Certificate

• •  Applied and Professional Ethics Certificate Program
• •  TESL Certificate Program

Undergraduate Major

• •  English Major, BA
• •  English Major, Concentration in Creative Writing, BA
• •  English Major, Secondary Education Certification, BA
• •  Spanish Major, BA
• •  Spanish Major, Spanish Education K-12 Certification, BA
• •  Women’s Studies Major, BA

Minor

• •  Creative Writing Minor
• •  English Minor
• •  Foreign Languages Minor
• •  Philosophy Minor
• •  Religious Studies Minor
• •  Women’s Studies Minor

Department of Music

Department Chair:  Julia Mortyakova

Music Faculty

Professors: Julia Mortyakova, Carmen Osburn
Associate Professors: Joe Alexander, Valentin Bogdan
Assistant Professor: Susan Hurley, Brandon Robinson
Visiting Instructor of Music: Elizabeth Jones

Music Programs

Accreditation

Mississippi University for Women is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for the Bachelor of Arts in Music, the Bachelor of Music in Music Education, and the Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy. The B.M. in Music Education program is approved by the Mississippi State Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, thereby enabling graduates to satisfy the certification requirements for the State of Mississippi in Music Education. The Music Therapy program is approved by the American Music Therapy Association.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Music Major, BA
• •  Music Major, BM, Music Education Concentration
• •  Music Major, BM, Music Education Concentration (Instrumental)
• •  Music Major, BM, Music Therapy Concentration

Minor

• •  Music Minor

Other Programs

• •  Music Major, Composition Emphasis, BA
• •  Music Major, Performance Emphasis, BA

Department of Psychology and Family Science

Department Chair: Dorothy Berglund

Psychology Faculty

Professor: Holleen Krogh
Assistant Professors: Heather Bliss, Andrew Nguyen
 

Family Science Faculty

Professor: Dorothy Berglund
Associate Professor: Youn Lee
Visiting Assistant Professor: Cecilia Brooks

Accreditation

Mississippi University for Women’s Family Science major is approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) program. Students graduating from this program can apply for provisional certification through an abbreviated process.

Programs

Certificate

• •  Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies Training

Undergraduate Major

• •  Family Science Major, BS
• •  Psychology Major, BA

Minor

• •  Family Science Minor
• •  Gerontology Minor
• •  Psychology Minor

Department of Sciences and Mathematics

Department Chair: Bonnie Oppenheimer

Biological Sciences Faculty

Professors: Ghanshyam Heda, Nicole Welch, Ross Whitwam
Assistant Professors: Travis Hagey, Benjamin Onyeagucha, R.C. Sample, Davida Crossley
Instructors: Thomas Dodson, Bianca Simmons-Diez

Mathematics Faculty

Professors: Dorothy A. Kerzel, Bonnie Oppenheimer, Clifton Wingard
Associate Professor: Joshua Hanes
Assistant Professors: Hwamog Kim

Physical Sciences Faculty

Professors: Dionne Fortenberry, Jiben Roy
Associate Professor: Xiaoxia Li
Instructor: Edward Bruster

The Department of Sciences and Mathematics offers majors in the areas of Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physical Science.

Before a student is allowed to register for upper-level courses (those numbered 300 or above) within the department, the student must:

• Have a 2.0 average for all courses taken within the department (including transfer credit)
• Have completed all prerequisites for upper-level courses with grades of C or better

Exceptions to any of the above requirements require approval of the Chair of the Department of Sciences and Mathematics.

Prerequisite Courses for Professional Programs

For students interested in health-related professional schools, a B.S. degree (typically a biology or chemistry major) at The W allows the students to tailor their course selection to ensure all requirements are met for the professional school of their choice. Such professional schools include: Medical, Pharmacy, Veterinary, Dental, and Optometry.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Biology Major, BS
• •  Biology Major, Secondary Education Certification, BS
• •  Chemistry Major, BS
• •  Mathematics Major, BA
• •  Mathematics Major, BS
• •  Mathematics Major, Secondary Education Certification, BS
• •  Physical Sciences Major, Secondary Education Certification, BS

Minor

• •  Biology Minor
• •  Chemistry Minor
• •  Mathematics Minor

Department of Theatre

Department Chair: David Carter

Theatre Faculty

Professors: David Carter
Associate Professor: Lee Crouse
Instructor: Sarah Shotts

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Theatre Major, BA
• •  Theatre Major, BA, Theatre Education

Minor

• •  Theatre Minor

Department of Business

Interim Department Chair: Dee A. Larson

Business Faculty

Professors: Marty Brock, Kimberly Dorsey, Dee A. Larson, Andrew Luccasen C. Scott Tollison
Assistant Professor: Kristy Alpe, Linda McNeely
Instructors: Hugh Cooper, Thomas Haffey, John Williams, Lestonio Yarbrough

Purpose Statement for Department of Business 

The purpose of the Department of Business at Mississippi University for Women is to provide quality undergraduate business programs in Business Administration for local, regional, national, and international students. Through small class sizes and the implementation of current technologies, the qualified faculty and staff strive to graduate highly qualified and competent individuals who have developed critical thinking skills, leadership and technical skills, high ethical standards, and an awareness and understanding of national and global business issues, cultural diversity, and women’s issues. The Department of Business supports the Mississippi University for Women’s mission of delivering high-quality instruction designed to assist students in attaining their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Business Majors

Mississippi University for Women, through its Department of Business, is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the following business degrees:

The Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in Accounting, General Business, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing

The department also offers the following undergraduate degrees:

The Bachelor of Business Administration with concentrations in Health Care Management, Human Resources Management, Nonprofit Management, and Sports Management

Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration with concentrations in Culinary Management, General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resources Management, Legal Administration, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, and Sports Management

Business Minors

The College of Business and Professional Studies offers the following minors Accounting, General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing

Field Experience (Internship)

Business majors may elect to complete an approved, faculty-supervised internship (BU 400). To be eligible, students must be classified as juniors or seniors in their majors and must possess a 2.5 or higher overall grade point average. During the enrollment  semester, students must complete a minimum of 120 hours of on-site work experience. Students may or may not be compensated for their internship experience. Additional internship requirements include an academic research component and an acceptable evaluation by the internship supervisor. Business majors may earn up to 6 credit hours of internship credit with advisor approval.

Programs

• •  Accelerated Bachelor’s/MBA Degree Program
• •  Accounting Minor
• •  Business Administration Major, Accounting Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, General Business Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, General Business Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Health Care Management Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Health Care Management Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Human Resource Management Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Human Resource Management Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Legal Administration Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Management Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Management Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Management Information Systems Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Management Information Systems Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Marketing Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Marketing Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Nonprofit Management Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Nonprofit Management Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Administration Major, Sports Management Concentration, BAS
• •  Business Administration Major, Sports Management Concentration, BBA
• •  Business Minor, General
• •  Executive Certificate in General Business
• •  Health Care Management Minor
• •  Human Resource Management Minor
• •  Leadership Studies Minor
• •  Management Information Systems Minor
• •  Management Minor
• •  Marketing Minor
• •  Nonprofit Management Minor
• •  Professional Studies, BPS
• •  Sports Management Minor
• •  University Studies, BUS

Department of Legal Studies

Director: Wesley Garrett

Legal Studies Faculty

Professors: Wesley Garrett, David Smith
Assistant Professor: Elizabeth A. Chisolm
 

Legal Studies

The objectives of the Legal Studies are as follows:

1. To train students as paralegals to assist attorneys in law offices, legal services corporations, banks, corporations, and various government agencies by providing instruction and experience in general education, business, and law.
2. To provide students with a basic understanding of legal concepts and terms of subjects which are vital to practicing paralegals. To provide students with legal writing and research skills to enable graduates to perform as efficient members of a legal team.
3. To support the general principles of ethical legal practices and professional responsibilities and to support the prohibitions against the unauthorized practice of law by lay persons.
4. To provide knowledge of the principles of ethical and professional responsibilities as these relate to lawyers, legal assistants, and clients and to the legal profession.
5. To provide a broad background in general education for the development of a well rounded individual.
6. To constantly improve and adjust the program to meet the needs of the community by seeking input from judges, local attorneys, legal assistants, and students.
7. To maintain equality of opportunity in the education program without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, natural origin, or gender.

MUW’s legal studies program is designed for the education of paralegals. Paralegals shall not provide legal services directly to the public, unless otherwise permitted by law.

Programs

• •  Legal Studies Major, BA
• •  Legal Studies Major, BS
• •  Legal Studies Minor

Culinary Arts Institute

Director: Alexei Harrison

Culinary Arts Institute Faculty

Assistant Professors: Alexei Harrison, Jessica Henry
Chef Instructor: Carol Dowdy, Mary Hawkins, Amanda Thacker
Instructor: Amanda A. Dahl

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the MUW Culinary Arts Institute, established in 1996, is to provide interdisciplinary instruction in culinary arts in order to prepare students for employment and leadership in diverse areas of the food industry. The Culinary Arts Institute supports the University’s mission by providing instruction in a highly interactive environment through which students develop skills in communication, technology, and critical thinking in addition to fundamental culinary skills. The Culinary Arts Institute further supports the University’s mission by offering students a broad perspective on their chosen profession and encouraging leadership and learning activities outside the traditional classroom setting.

The MUW Culinary Arts Institute offers the following:

1. a Bachelor of Science Degree in Culinary Arts;
2. an emphasis in one of five correlate areas-culinary management; food journalism; food art (food styling and photography); nutrition and health; Culinology®
3. a Bachelor of Business Administration, Culinary Arts, BAS
4. a minor in Culinary Arts or Nutrition and Health

Internship Opportunities

Students majoring in culinary arts are required to complete a 6 or 12 credit-hour internship following their junior year. Internship opportunities are offered in locations throughout the U.S. or internationally and include, but are not limited to, hotels and restaurants, catering services, bed and breakfast operations, publishing firms, and food manufacturers. Sites and assignments are based on the individual student’s professional interests and abilities.

Programs

• •  Business Administration Major, Culinary Arts Concentration, BAS
• •  Culinary Arts Major, BS
• •  Culinary Arts Minor
• •  Nutrition and Health Minor

Department of Associate Nursing

Department Chair: Brandy Larmon

Associate of Nursing Faculty

Professor: Brandy Larmon, Karen Nabors, Clara Rustin
Associate Professors: Mary Helen Ruffin, Adrian Sligh
Assistant Professor: Angela Orsburn
Instructors: Tammy Bolton, Allison Caston, Shana Cummings, Magan Evans

Mission Statement/Purpose

The purpose of the Associate of Science in Nursing Program is to prepare nurses to provide care to patients in the community with acute and chronic health care needs where policies and procedures reflect current nursing standards of care and practices. This purpose relates to the Mission of the University by providing general and specialized education for a diverse population of students. The Associate of Science in Nursing Program functions within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences to provide education which is facilitated by a personalized environment for entry level into professional nursing practice. This process prepares the graduates to assume responsibilities of a registered nurse as health needs change and research findings expand.

Philosophy

The Associate of Science in Nursing Program at Mississippi University for Women is cognizant of global health care needs and emphasizes the health needs of rural Mississippi. The program combines general and specialized education for a diverse population of students. The program for the associate degree nurse prepares the graduate for entry level into professional nursing practice, which neither requires nor precludes further education.

The faculty believes that each person is a biological, psycho-social, cultural, spiritual and intellectual being. This holistic nature is in part unique to the individual and in part shared with all humankind. The person’s nature is basically good or neutral, and the individual strives to satisfy basic needs, as well as to work toward self-actualization. Interaction between the individual and the environment occurs throughout the life span, and follows a sequential, orderly pattern of growth and development. The person is of value to self, family, community and the environment as an individual, regardless of any innate abilities or differences. Therefore the individual has the right to health care opportunities that promote health behaviors, create healthy environments, and increase access to high quality health care, which can lead toward the realization of the person’s full potential as a human being.

Nursing is one of many professions providing health care to individuals within society as a whole. In its broadest sense, nursing is the application of arts and sciences in assisting the person to maintain or recover the optimum level of health or to accept death. Nursing’s functions include the performance of those activities that would ordinarily be performed by the self, if the individual had the strength, will or knowledge. The practice of nursing utilizes the nursing process and should be performed in a manner which reduces risk, prevents disease and promotes the patient’s health responsibility, freedom, awareness and dignity as an integral part of society.

Associate degree nursing combines nursing skills with selected principles from the biological, technological, and social sciences. The associate degree nurse utilizes these principles and skills to assess the individual’s level of growth and development and potential assets along the wellness-illness continuum. Therapeutic nursing intervention and instruction are planned and evaluated to assist the person to achieve maximum health or to accept death. The associate degree nurse is prepared to provide care to patients in the community where policies and procedures reflect current nursing standards of care and practice.

Education is a change in individual behavior which evolves from organized learning experiences through the use of critical thinking. It is the process through which a student acquires knowledge, decision-making skills, and understanding of those facts, principles and concepts that underlie a field of endeavor. The student is assisted in integrating the knowledge, communication and psychomotor skills necessary to function effectively in that field of nursing in a complex, dynamic society.

Learning is a continuous and active process manifested by change reflected in behavior. Learning is best achieved when outcomes of learning are behaviorally defined and attainable through a sequential learning process from the simple to the complex. With recognition of the dependent nature of the student body, the learner is encouraged toward progressive independence. The learning process is facilitated by a personalized environment which re-enforces individual strengths through technological instruction, written communication, oral presentations, individual conferences, small group discussions, and specific planned activities reflecting evidence-based practice.

Associate degree nursing is committed to ensuring program effectiveness through strategic planning and collaborative relationships within the community. Through provision of educational opportunities graduates are prepared to meet the Nurse of the Future Core Competencies in a changing and diverse society. The functions and responsibilities of the associate degree nurse will change as health needs within society change and research findings expand. In preparing for this change and expansion, a learning environment which emphasizes leadership, management, individual accountability, and the need for continued professional and cultural growth is provided.

End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

The Associate of Science in Nursing Program prepares individuals to:

1. Utilize the nursing process and Maslow’s hierarchy in providing patient centered care to an individual or to a group of patients with acute and chronic health care needs.
2. Demonstrate leadership in order to provide therapeutic nursing intervention, including patient instruction, which reflects critical thinking, nutrition, pharmacology, communication theory, evidence based research findings, and the assessment of patient needs.
3. Evaluate the interrelatedness between the patient’s needs, family, community and cultural, ethnic, and social environment.
4. Utilize the patient’s level of growth and development and strengths along the wellness-illness continuum in providing care and instruction.
5. Provide safe and effective care where policies and procedures reflect current nursing standards of care and practice utilizing quality improvement processes.
6. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams in the community in managing patient centered care.
7. Demonstrate personal accountability within the ethical and legal framework of nursing practice.
8. Demonstrate the responsibility of maintaining personal, professional, and cultural awareness.
9. Incorporate technology and informatics to plan, provide, and manage effective patient centered care.
10. Demonstrate an awareness of the concept of systems-based practice in providing patient centered care.

Admission Policy

See Undergraduate Admissions  in this Bulletin for information concerning admission.

Progression Policy - A.S.N. Program

Once admitted to the A.S.N. Program:

1. All non-nursing co-requisite courses must be passed with a grade of C or above before proceeding to the next semester. The biological science courses can be failed only once.
2. A grade of C or above is required in each required nursing course (NU 112 , NU 114 , NU 115 , NU 116 , NU 124 , NU 125 , NU 126 , NU 144 , NU 145 , NU 214 , NU 215 , NU 216 , NU 224 , NU 225 , NU 228 , NU 235 ). A student who makes a D or lower in any nursing course is automatically excluded from the A.S.N. program and must petition for readmission. A student may be readmitted only once to the A.S.N. program. If only one course component is failed it is considered as one failure. If more than one course is failed concurrently (in the same semester) it is also considered as one failure. A student who fails to make a C or above in any required nursing course, following readmission is permanently excluded from the A.S.N. program and is ineligible for readmission. See readmission policy for exception. 
3. For each theory nursing course with an accompanying clinical course (NU 114 /NU 115 , NU 124 /NU 125 , NU 144 /NU 145 , NU 214 /NU 215 , NU 224 /NU 225  or NU 235 ) a grade of a C or above is required in the theory course with a grade of C or better in the accompanying clinical course in order to progress. If this does not occur, both the theory and the clinical course must be retaken together. If only one course component (theory or clinical) is failed it is considered as one failure; if both theory and clinical components are failed concurrently it is also considered as one failure.
4. A WF in a nursing course or in a biological science course is considered as a failure in that course.
5. A student who fails a nursing course for unsafe practice, unethical or illegal conduct will be dismissed from the program and will not be eligible for readmission to any program in the Department of Nursing.

Readmission Policy-A.S.N. Program

Students may be readmitted to the A.S.N. Program only once. Students who are ineligible to return to the Department of Nursing due to two nursing failures and who have become Licensed Practical Nurses with a current unencumbered Mississippi license and with at least 2 years work experience as an LPN may be considered for a second readmission into the Associate Degree Program.

1. Students must petition in writing to the A.S.N. Readmission Committee.
2. The Readmission Committee will meet on a date determined by the committee. Petitions for readmission for the summer and fall semesters must be submitted by the 10th of April. Petitions for readmission for the spring semester must be submitted by the 10th of September.
3. Students must obtain an MUW and an overall grade point average of 2.5 prior to readmission to the A.S.N. Program.
4. Students who have been dismissed from the program for unsafe practice, unethical or illegal conduct will be excluded from the A.S.N. Program and will be ineligible for readmission to any program in the Department of Nursing.
5. Generic students who are ineligible for readmission in the B.S.N. nursing program are ineligible for readmission into the Department of Nursing and therefore ineligible for admission into the A.S.N. program.
6. The transcript, clinical record and letter of petition for each student will be reviewed by the Readmission Committee. Within three (3) working days after review, the Committee will make recommendations and notify each student. The Readmission Committee chairperson will then inform the department chair of the committee’s recommendations.
7. Students who are unsuccessful in NU 114 and/or NU 115  (Generic 1st semester) or NU 144 and/or NU 145 (LPN-APO Summer) will have to reapply to the program for the next year and compete for a spot in the program. Students who are unsuccessful in NU 112 and/or NU 116 only will be elligible to return the following fall semester. Readmission to the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th semesters will be conditional on a space available basis according to the number of faculty and availability of clinical facilities.
8. Students will be readmitted under requirements of the current Undergraduate Bulletin.
9. Students petitioning for readmission who have been out of the ASN nursing program for two (2) or more academic years, will be considered for readmission to the ASN program on a case by case basis by the Department Chair.

Programs

• •  Nursing Major, Associate of Science in Nursing Generic Option, ASN
• •  Nursing Major, Associate of Science in Nursing LPN to ASN Advanced Placement Option, ASN

Department of Baccalaureate Nursing

Department Chair: Maria Scott

Baccalaureate Nursing Faculty

Professors: Linda S. Mills, Tammie McCoy
Associate Professors: Donna Williams, Melesia Henry, Maria Scott
Assistant Professor: Sacha Dawkins, Leigh Ann Puckett, Cathy Smith, Terry Todd,
Instructors: Leslie Arnold, Hannah Bascomb, Mike Calvery, Elizabeth Fountain, April Greenway, Lisa Hester, Clara Hurd, Rebecca Kelley, Lindsay Mitchell, Amy Mobley, Gladys Mooneyham, Brett Pickens, Debbie Ricks, Amber Lynn Shaw, Tara Sullivan, Hannah Sumerford, Chris Wright
Emeriti Faculty: Sheila V. Adams, Linda S. Mills, Janice Giallourakis, Deborah Miranda

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in  Nursing Program is to prepare a nurse generalist who is a leader in the promotion and maintenance of health and the improvement of health care outcomes across all settings at the local, state, national, and global levels. This mission relates to the mission of the university by providing strong academic and leadership preparation to both women and men. Utilizing AACN’s The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice, and ANA Standards as guiding standards, the graduate is able to function as a provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care and a member of the profession. Graduates from the Baccalaureate nursing program are prepared with a liberal arts core which contributes to the acquisition of professional knowledge. In-depth preparation in the application of critical thinking skills, communication skills, knowledge acquisition, and standards of professional nursing practice enables the graduate to become a life-long learner..

Philosophy

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing faculty at Mississippi University for Women are committed to the learning process and to the professional development of students by providing programs of academic excellence. In accordance with the mission/purpose of MUW and the Department of Nursing, the faculty have developed a philosophy based on the concepts of person, environment, health, and nursing.

Person

Person constitutes a biopsychosocial, spiritual system constantly interacting with and adapting to the environment to achieve and maintain a homeodynamic state. Person is valuable, holistic and worthy of respect and concern. Person may be defined as an individual, family, community, or society and has varying capabilities for independently meeting universal needs. These capabilities are dynamically influenced by structures, gender, value systems, culture, and environments. Person is responsible for meeting health needs and has the right to make necessary decisions and to receive professional assistance in achieving health goals.

Environment

Environment includes all conditions, circumstances, and influences encountered by and affecting person. Environment may be intrapersonal, interpersonal, or extra-personal in nature. The intrapersonal environment is concerned with forces or interactive influences contained within the person. The interpersonal environment is concerned with forces or interactive influences between persons. The extra-personal environment is concerned with forces or interacting influences existing outside the person. Environment affects the continuous process of becoming, evolving, and changing. Person and environment are complementary systems so that the relationship between the two is reciprocal. Change in one system elicits response in the other.

Health

Health is defined by person in accordance with gender, culture, values, and capabilities. Health is a constantly changing state and exists on an illness to wellness continuum. Promotion and facilitation of optimal health is developed in collaboration with person, when possible, and is based on resources available to both the person and the nurse.

Nursing

Nursing, as a profession, combines concepts from the sciences and liberal arts into an applied science and a creative art which focuses on health needs. The science of nursing is an organized body of knowledge derived through scientific research and theory development and applied through critical thinking skills. The art of nursing is the creative and caring application of this knowledge. The scope of nursing practice deals with diverse populations and includes dependent, independent, and interdependent functioning of the nurse within primary, secondary, and tertiary settings. The faculty believes that the scope of nursing practice changes as health care continually evolves, thus the professional nurse must possess the core competencies and scientific knowledge to provide care across all health care settings. Ascribing to AACN’s The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and ANA Standards, the professional nurse utilizes core knowledge skills to provide quality and safe patient care.

Teaching/Learning

Learning is considered to be a complex lifelong developmental process involving the interaction of the person with the environment. The teacher and learner share in the challenge of creating an atmosphere which stimulates intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and individual creativity. The teaching-learning process is augmented when the learner actively participates in defining outcomes and assumes responsibility for achieving these outcomes. The teacher serves as a facilitator, counselor, and resource person.

Curriculum Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is designed to prepare a nurse generalist:

1. Synthesize knowledge from the humanities, social and natural sciences as a basis for nursing decisions.
2. Utilize organizational and systems leadership, quality improvement, and safety principles to promote high quality and safe patient care.
3. Integrate nursing research and evidence-based practice into professional nursing practice.
4. Utilize information management and patient care technology in professional nursing practice to improve patient care outcomes and create a safe care environment.
5. Apply knowledge of healthcare policies to professional nursing practice.
6. Collaborate with healthcare providers and consumers for the improvement of patient health outcomes.
7. Provide professional nursing care across the lifespan to culturally diverse individuals, families, and communities in a variety of health care settings.
8. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for professional nursing values and role development.
9. Utilize research and theory based knowledge in the roles of provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator of care and member of a profession.

Admission Policy

See Undergraduate Admissions  in this bulletin for information concerning admission.

Progression Policy - B.S.N. Program

Once a student is admitted to the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing:

1. A grade of C or above is required in each nursing course.
   1. Nursing courses may be repeated only once, See “Readmission Policy”.
   2. The student who fails to make a C on a second attempt of a failed nursing course or fails a subsequent nursing course is permanently excluded from the Generic Option of the Baccalaureate Nursing Program.
2. A grade of C or above is required in each non-nursing course prior to graduation.
3. A WF in any course is counted as a failure in that course.
4. For each nursing course with an accompanying clinical course, a grade of C or above is required in both courses in order to progress. If this does not occur, both the theory and the clinical course must be retaken together. If only one course component (Theory or clinical) was failed it is considered as one failure; if both theory and clinical components are failed concurrently it is also considered as one failure.
5. Students may be dismissed from the program for unsafe practice, unethical conduct, or illegal conduct. In such cases a student will receive an automatic F in nursing courses affected by the actions.

Readmission Policy - B.S.N. Program (Generic)

1. Students may be admitted to the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing only once after a nursing course failure. (Multiple course failures in one semester count as one failure.) Students who are ineligible to return to the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing due to two nursing course failures and who have become Registered Nurses may be considered for readmission in the RN/BSN Advanced Placement Option.
2. If the recommendation of the committee is to readmit the student. This readmission will be conditional on a space available basis according to the number of faculty and availability of clinical facilities. Students eligible for readmission will be ranked and chosen according to their overall GPA, total nursing GPA, and final grade in retention course.
3. A student who makes a D or lower in a nursing course is automatically excluded from the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing and must:
   1. successfully complete a retention course with a grade of B or better.
   2. petition in writing to the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing Readmission Committee following successful completion of the retention program.
   3. submit to another criminal background check and drug screen with same conditions as upon entry into the program.
4. The student must have obtained an MUW and an overall grade point average of 2.5 prior to readmission.
5. Students will be readmitted under requirements of the current bulletin.
6. Students who have been dismissed for unsafe practice, unethical conduct, or illegal conduct will not be eligible for readmission.

Readmission Policy - B.S.N. Program (Advanced Placement Option)

1. If the recommendation of the committee is to readmit the student. This readmission will be conditional on a space available basis according to the number of faculty and availability of clinical facilities. Students eligible for readmission will be ranked and chosen according to their overall GPA, total nursing GPA, and final grade in retention course.
2. A student who makes a D or lower in a nursing course is automatically excluded from the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing and must:
   1. successfully complete a retention course with a grade of B or better.
   2. petition in writing to the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing Readmission Committee following successful completion of the retention program.
   3. submit to another criminal background check and drug screen with same conditions as upon entry into the program.
3. The student must have obtained an MUW and an overall grade point average of 2.0 prior to readmission.
4. Students will be readmitted under requirements of the current bulletin.
5. Students who have been dismissed for unsafe practice, unethical conduct, or illegal conduct will not be eligible for readmission.

Application to Junior Level

The number of students admitted to the nursing program depends upon the available resources. Any student who expects to enroll in the generic nursing option must complete an application for the nursing program. This application will normally be completed during the fall semester of the Sophomore year (November). Please see “Undergraduate Admission ” in this bulletin for additional information on admission to the junior level. Admission decisions for the generic option are made in January and all required documents must be in the BSN program office by 5 pm on January 20th of each year.

General Degree Requirements

1. A minimum of 128 semester hours earned. 
2. Satisfaction of University core with a C or better (62 hours).
3. Satisfaction of Nursing courses with a C or better (66 hours).
4. Transfer students of regionally accredited community/junior colleges that transfer to MUW will be required to earn at least 50% of the semester hours required for a specific degree at a senior institution (including 25% of the semester hours at MUW) before becoming eligible for any degree.

Programs

• •  Nursing Major, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Generic Option, BSN
• •  Nursing Major, Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Advanced Placement Option, BSN

Department of Health and Kinesiology

Department Chair: Mark Bean

Health and Kinesiology Faculty

Professor: Mark Bean, K. Randell Foxworth
Associate Professors: Irene T. Pintado
Assistant Professors: Chad Murphy, Caroline Payne-Purvis, Ashley White
Instructor: Kathrynmay Malone

Programs

• •  Certificate of Sexual Health for Public Health Education Majors
• •  Exercise Science Minor
• •  Health and Kinesiology Minors
• •  Kinesiology Major, Exercise Science Concentration, BS
• •  Kinesiology Major, Exercise Science Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration, BS
• •  Kinesiology Major, Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration, BS
• •  Public Health Education Major, BAS
• •  Public Health Education Major, BS
• •  Public Health Education Minor
• •  Sexual Health Minor

Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Department Chair: Kathy Shapley

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty

Professor: Kathy Shapley
Associate Professor: Hunter Manasco
Assistant Professor: Rachel Huber
Instructors: Lynn M. Hanson, Stephanie Kelley

Purpose Statement

The purpose of the speech-language pathology undergraduate program is to provide students with a basic understanding of normal and disordered communication as preparation for entrance into graduate school. The program requires majors to have a scientific knowledge base for good decision making skills.

Accreditation

The Master’s education program in Speech-Language Pathology at Mississippi University for Women is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville Maryland 20850. 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

Facilities

The programs are taught in Cromwell Communication Center, the MUW Speech and Hearing Center, and various clinical sites in health care facilities and schools.

Programs

• •  Speech-Language Pathology Major, BS

Department of Education

Interim Department Chair: Shelley Bock

Education Faculty

Professor: Twila Alpe
Associate Professor: Chrystal Hodges
Assistant Professors: Kelly Bennett, Alina M. Harges
Visiting Assistant Professor: Leigh Todd
Instructors: Rose Ford, Linda Mahoney
Visiting Instructor: Deana Pendley

Purpose Statement for the Department of Education

The “Educator as Reflective Decision Maker” is the model for the conceptual framework for the educator preparation programs at Mississippi University for Women. The programs have adopted the Core Standards of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as goals for teacher candidates, the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders for school administrator candidates, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for early childhood educators. Further explanations of requirements and expectations for undergraduate teacher candidates are in the Teacher Education Handbook published by the Office of Field Experiences, and available through the MUW website.

The Department of Education aligns with the School of Education’s goal to advance innovation in life-long learning from preschool to post-graduation in alignment with and support of the Mississippi University of Women’s mission of delivering high-quality instruction designed to assist students in attaining their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Education Majors

All undergraduate Education students are admitted into the Early Childhood Development program. Students interested in Elementary Education remain admitted as Early Childhood Development students until they meet the qualifications to be accepted into the Elementary Education program and are admitted into Teacher Education as candidates for licensure.

Mississippi University for Women, through its Department of Education, is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) to offer the following undergraduate education teacher preparation education degree:

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Teacher preparation programs are covered by the Mississippi Institution of Higher Learning Quality Assurance Policy. The university warrants the quality of our graduates for a period of two years immediately following graduation. Certain guidelines do apply. Contact the MUW Department of Education for more information.

The department also offers the following undergraduate degree:

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development.

 

Admission to Teacher Education

Students seeking admission to Teacher Education must submit documentation of the following to the Department of Education through a Mississippi University for Women TaskStream Account: *

1. Application for admission to Teacher Education.
2. Tentative Program of Study.
3. All undergraduate students beginning August 2020: Minimum grade of B in ED 302, ED 361, ED 362, and ED 366. **
4. Minimum grade of C in all other education courses and other core required courses prior to application.
5. Overall 2.75 GPA on all semester hours completed prior to application.
6. Satisfactory score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) Subtests (Reading, Writing, and Math) OR minimum ACT scores, composite of 21. Official score reports must be on file with the MUW Department of Education. ***
7. Verification of completed criminal background check through the MUW Department of Education’s approved vendor.
8. Students typically complete a minimum of one semester of coursework following admission to Teacher Education and must meet all published requirements published in TaskStream in order to be admitted to Teacher Internship. The Teacher Internship application is made available in TaskStream during the fall and spring advising periods. Submit all parts of the Teacher Internship application in TaskStream by the published deadline. Secondary and K-12 majors mist submit verification of experience with school-age children and/or youth (75 hours). Please review requirements and due dates published in TaskStream.

* Guidelines for this submission are reviewed in the course ED 302 Art and Science of Teaching.

** Students who earned a grade of C in ED 361, ED 362, and ED 366 prior to August 2020 will not have to repeat these courses.

*** Exception for 2020-2021: Due to disruption in testing as a result of COVID-19, all state licensure exam requirements are suspended now through December 31, 2021.

Note to Transfer Students:

Before registering, students transferring to MUW during the junior or senior year who intend to apply for a teaching license should contact the Department of Education for guidance.

Professional Field Experiences

All undergraduate education students are required to complete field-based experiences aligned with education courses. Education students should plan their schedules to allow additional field experience hours per week in related field based activities as outlined by the requirements of their program of study. Elementary education majors will complete their hours of field experience within the residency courses. These field experiences are assigned and coordinated through the Office of Field Experiences in the Department of Education. Students in field experiences will be required to complete a criminal background check through the MUW Office of Field Experiences. The Professional Semester is the final semester of the senior year when students complete the Teacher Internship. Elementary Education students enroll in ED 351 Educational Measurement along with their Internship during their Professional Semester. No other coursework may be taken during the Professional Semester without the approval of the Department Chair.

Recommendation for Licensure

The student will be eligible for the recommendation by the institution for a Mississippi Educator’s license on completion of all degree requirements and approved teacher education program requirements, to include a minimum grade of “C” in Teacher Internship. Students must have an official score report for the Praxis Series and MS Reading Foundations Exam (Elementary Education only) forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensure. **

** Exception for 2020-2021: Due to disruption in testing as a result of COVID-19, all state licensure exam requirements are suspended now through December 31, 2021.

Notice Regarding Licensure

Requirements governing licensure in the State of Mississippi are continually revised. As a result, requirements for degrees leading to licensure are subject to change from those published in this Bulletin. The student is advised to refer to the current online version of the Teacher Education Handbook and the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure and to consult with her or his academic advisor to insure that both degree requirements and license requirements are met.

Notice Regarding Repeat Coursework

Beginning August 2020, each undergraduate education student may repeat an education course or core required course once. Students who do not achieve required minimum grades after two attempts, beginning August 2020, will not qualify to continue in the respective program(s) depending upon each program’s minimum grade requirement. This restriction applies to all current and new undergraduate education students either in the Early Childhood Development Major, BS or the Elementary Education Major, BS.

Programs

Early Childhood Development Major, BS  

Education, Add-on Certifications  

Elementary Education Major, BS