Department of Art and Design

Department Chair: Alex Stelioes-Wills

Faculty

Professors: Shawn Dickey, Beverly Joyce
Associate Professors: Ian Childers, Alex Stelioes-Wills
Assistant Professor: Stephen Meek                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

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 Art (BFA) degree, an intensive and professional program of study. 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, Graphic Design, and Studio Art.

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 Enlight core curriculum.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Art Major, BFA

Minor

• •  Art History Minor
• •  Graphic Design Minor
• •  Studio Art Minor

Other Programs

• •  Art Core

Department of Communication

Department Chair: Barry P. Smith

Communication Faculty

Professors: Barry P. Smith, Melissa M. Smith
Instructor: Eric E. Harlan

Programs

Undergraduate Major

• •  Communication Major, BA
• •  Communication Major, BS
• •  Communication Major, Documentary Studies Concentration, BA
• •  Communication Major, Documentary Studies Concentration, BS

Minor

• •  Communication Minor
• •  Documentary Studies Minor
• •  Film Studies Minor

Department of History, Political Science, and Geography

Department Chair: Kristi DiClemente

Geography Faculty

Visiting Assistant Professor: Ann Fletchall Frazier

History Faculty

Professor: Erin Kempker, Jonathon Hooks, Thomas Velek
Associate Professor: Kristi DiClemente
Assistant Professor: Kymara Sneed

Political Science Faculty

Professors: Brian Anderson
Associate 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 Science Major, BS
• •  Political Science Major, Criminal Justice Policy Concentration, BS
• •  Political Science Major, Nonprofit Advocacy Concentration, 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
• •  Social Studies Minor

Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy

Department Chair: Kendall Dunkelberg

English Faculty

Professors: Nora Corrigan, Kendall Dunkelberg, Thomas C. Richardson, Kim Whitehead
Associate Professors: Shahara’Tova Dente, Thomas Kris Lee, Mary Miller, Brandy T. Wilson
Assistant Professor: Kristen Figgins
Visiting Assistant Professor: Matthew Moniz
Instructor: Todd Bunnell

Foreign Languages Faculty

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

Philosophy Faculty

Associate Professor: Joshua Dohment
Assistant Professor: Jill Drouillard
 

Programs

Certificate

• •  Applied and Professional Ethics Certificate Program
• •  Certificate of Competencies in Spanish Language and Culture
• •  TESL Certificate Program

Undergraduate Major

• •  English Major, Concentration in African American Literature, BA
• •  English Major, Concentration in Creative Writing, BA
• •  English Major, Concentration in Literature, BA
• •  English Major, Concentration in Professional Writing, BA
• •  English Major, Secondary Education Certification, BA
• •  Spanish Major, BA
• •  Spanish Major, Spanish Education K-12 Certification, BA
• •  Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, BA

Minor

• •  Creative Writing Minor
• •  English Minor
• •  Foreign Languages Minor
• •  Philosophy Minor
• •  Religious Studies Minor
• •  Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Minor

Department of Music

Department Chair:  Julia Mortyakova

Music Faculty

Professors: Valentin Bogdan, Julia Mortyakova, Carmen Osburn
Associate Professor:  Susan Hurley, Douglas Mark
Assistant Professor: Jon Fessenden
Instructor: Zane Lynn, Melissa Reeves

 

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, 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: Ethan Flurry, Andrew Nguyen

Family Science Faculty

Professors: Dorothy Berglund, Youn Mi Lee
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
• •  Psychology Major, BS

Minor

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

Department of Sciences and Mathematics

Department Chair: Bonnie Oppenheimer

Biological Sciences Faculty

Professors: Ghanshyam Heda, Ross Whitwam
Associate Professor: Brian S. Burnes, Davida Crossley, Travis Hagey, R.C. Sample
Assistant Professors:  Michael Dodson, Benjamin Onyeagucha

Mathematics Faculty

Professors: Bonnie Oppenheimer
Associate Professor: Joshua Hanes
Assistant Professor: Hwamog Kim, Sarah Poiani
 

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
Assistant Professor: Kathy Newman
Visiting Assistant Professor: Bronwyn Teague
Instructor: Sarah Shotts

Programs

Undergraduate Major

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

Minor

• •  Theatre Minor

Department of Business

Department Chair: Dee A. Larson

Business Faculty

Professors: Marty Brock, Kimberly Dorsey, Dee A. Larson, Andrew Luccasen, C. Scott Tollison, Kelly Woodford
Associate Professor: Kristy Alpe
Assistant Professor: Lestonio Yarbrough
Instructors: Ragan Jefferys, Thomas Haffey, Jessica McDill

Mission Statement

The Department of Business at Mississippi University for Women provides quality graduate and undergraduate programs in Business Administration for local, regional, and international students.  Through small class sizes, the implementation of current technologies, highly qualified faculty and staff, and service learning opportunities, we strive to graduate the most professional and competent individuals, with advanced critical thinking skills, leadership and technical skills, high ethical standards, and an understanding of national and global business issues, cultural diversity, and leadership development for women.  The Department of Business supports the Mississippi University for Women’s mission of promoting research, scholarship, and creativity to enhance student development and achievement as a platform for lifelong education and growth.

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 (BBA) with concentrations in Accounting, General Business, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Management, Management Information Systems, and Marketing, Nonprofit Management, and Sports Management.

The department also offers the following undergraduate degrees:

Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration (BAS) 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, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, and Sports Management.

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
• •  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: Elizabeth A. Chisolm, Wesley Garrett, David Smith

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: Tracee Watkins

Culinary Arts Institute Faculty

Associate Professor: Tracee Watkins
Chef Instructor: Carol Dowdy, Mary Hawkins
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
• •  Culinary Management Minor
• •  Nutrition Minor
• •  Pastry Arts Minor

Department of Associate Nursing

Department Chair: Mary Helen Ruffin

Associate of Nursing Faculty

Professor: Clara Rustin, Adrian Sligh
Assistant Professor: Magan Evans
Instructors: Lynsey Baker, Allison Caston, Shana Lenoir, Tina Long, Amy Shaw, Tiffany Sanders, Lisa Griffin, Kaitlyn Harmon

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 practice. 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 Bill & Jo-Ann Vandergriff College of Nursing and Health Services and the Department of nursing 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 and 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 healthy behaviors, create healthy environments, and increase access to high quality health care, which can lead toward the realization of that 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 their optimum level of health or to accept death.  The practice of nursing utilizes the clinical decision-making 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 practice 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 and clinical reasoning.  It is the process through which a student acquires foundational 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 the 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 practices.

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 clinical judgment, 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. Incorporate clinical decision-making and prioritization to manage patient-centered care to an individual or to a group of patients with acute and chronic healthcare needs.
2. Demonstrate leadership in order to provide therapeutic nursing intervention, including patient instruction, which reflects critical judgment, 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. Integrate 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

Required Nursing Course Failure

1. Students may be readmitted to the Department of Associate Nursing only once due to a nursing course failure (grade D or less including WFs). If a transfer student has failed a nursing course in another nursing program that will count as the student’s failure in terms of eligibility for readmission to the nursing program. Students who are ineligible to return to the Department of Associate Degree Nursing due to two nursing course failures and who have become Licensed Practical Nurses with a current unencumbered Mississippi license and at least 2 years of work experience as an LPN may be considered for readmission into the LPN-RN Advanced Placement Option.
2. A student who makes a D or lower in a required nursing course cannot progress in the Department of Associate Degree of Nursing. In order to be considered for readmission, the student must complete the following:
   1. Obtain an MUW and an overall grade point average of 2.5 prior to readmission.
   2. Successfully complete the nursing retention course with a grade of B or better.
   3. Petition in writing to the Associate Department readmission Committee by April 1^st for a Fall term readmission OR October 1^st for Spring term readmission. The petition letter should include justification for readmission with the following criteria:

Courses(s) failed and reason

Include your personal commitment to success to include your plans moving forward if readmission into the program occurs.

Description of any type of academic or professional counseling (such as treatment for test anxiety or request granted for testing accommodations).

The Readmission committee will meet as needed on a date determined by the committee.

The transcript, clinical record, and letter of petition for each student will be reviewed by the Readmission committee.

The Readmission Committee chairperson will then inform the program chair of the committee’s recommendations.

If the recommendation of the committee is to readmit the student, the readmission will be conditional on a space available to maintain the required student-to-faculty ratio and secure clinical facilities. If the number of students eligible for readmission is higher than the allowed faculty-to-student ratio, the students will be ranked and chosen according to their overall GPA, total nursing GPA, and final grade in the retention course.

Students will be notified via e-mail of their admission status.

3. Students will be readmitted under the requirements of the current bulletin.
4. Students petitioning for readmission who have been out of the ASN nursing program for two or more academic years will be considered for readmission to the ASN program on a case-by-case basis.
5. Students who have been dismissed for unsafe practices or unethical or illegal conduct are ineligible for readmission.
6. Generic students who are ineligible for readmission to the BSN nursing program are ineligible for readmission into the Department of Nursing and therefore ineligible for admission to the ASN Program.
7. Students are required to submit to another criminal background check and drug screen with same conditions as upon entry into the program.

Required Nursing Course “Withdrawal” or “WP”

In order for students to be considered for admission following a “W” or “WP” the student must complete the following:

1. Obtain an MUW and an overall grade point average of 2.5 prior to readmission.
2. Petition in writing to the Associate Department Readmission Committee by April 1^st for a Fall term readmission OR October 1^st for a Spring term readmission. The Petition letter should include justification for readmission with the following criteria:

Course(s) failed and reason

Include your personal commitment to success to include your plans moving forward if readmission into the program occurs.

Description of any type of academic or professional counseling (such as treatment for test anxiety or request granted for testing accommodations).

1. Students who received a “W” or “WP” in any of the following nursing courses: 112, 114, 115, 116, 144, and/or 145 are required to complete an ASN application.
2. Students are highly recommended to complete the ASN retention course.

Students will be notified via-email of their admission status.

3. Students will be admitted under the requirements of the current bulletin.
4. Students who have been out of the ASN nursing program for two or more academic years will be considered for admission to the ASN program on a case-by-case basis.
5. Students are required to submit to another criminal background check and drug screen with same conditions as upon entry into the program.

 

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: Sacha Dawkins, Leigh Anne Puckett, Maria Scott, Terry Todd
Associate Professors: Elizabeth Fountain, Karen George, April Greenway, Lisa Hester, Lindsay Mitchell, Hannah Summerford
Instructors:  Haley Bailey, Katie Brown, Mike Calvery, Jordan Funderburk, Hannah Gray, Bentrice Heard, Rebecca Kelley, Trey Maddox, Amy Mobley, Gladys Mooneyham, Andrea Osbirn, Lindsey Phyfer, Tabitha Pilkington, Tara Sullivan, Robyn Talley, Kaitlynn Wheeler

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in the 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 Enlight 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

• •  Certificate in Care of the Dying
• •  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: Irene T. Pintado

Health and Kinesiology Faculty

Professor: Chad Murphy, Irene T. Pintado
Assistant Professors: Emmanuel Ahua, Candy Grant, Tyler Muddle, Deborah Watson
Instructor:  Christina Chunn, Richard Morgan

Programs

• •  Certificate in Behavioral/Psychological Care
• •  Certificate in Community Care
• •  Certificate in Sexual Health
• •  Certificate in Women’s Care
• •  Exercise Science Minor
• •  Health and Kinesiology Minors
• •  Kinesiology Major, Exercise Science Concentration, BS
• •  Kinesiology Major, Exercise Science Health Professions Concentration
• •  Public Health Education Major, BAS
• •  Public Health Education Major, BS
• •  Public Health Education Major, Healthcare Navigator Concentration, BAS
• •  Public Health Education Major, Healthcare Navigator Concentration, BS
• •  Public Health Education Minor

Department of Speech-Language Pathology

Interim Department Chair: Catherine Cotton, Ph.D. CCC-SLP

Speech-Language Pathology Faculty

Professor: Hunter Manasco Ph.D. CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor: Catherine Cotton, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, Jianwen Crump Ed.D. CCC-SLP
Full-Time Instructors: Laurel Jones M.S. CCC-SLP, Jennifer Pounders M.S. CCC-SLP, 
Part-Time Instructor: Lynn McConnell M.S. CCC-SLP
Adjunct Instructorss: Janie New M.S. CCC-SLP, Rachel Huber Ph.D. CCC-AUD, Julia Ellerston SLP.D. CCC-SLP

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 Turner Hall, The W Speech and Hearing Center, and various clinical sites in health care facilities and schools.

Programs

• •  Speech-Language Pathology Major, BS

Department of Education

Department Chair: Bob Fuller

Education Faculty

Associate Professors: Chrystal Hodges, Kelly Ballard
Assistant Professors: Christy Adams, Alison Buehler, Hope Durst, Rose Ford
Instructor: Georgia Graham
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 EPP 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 Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) 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 Watermark Account: *

1. Application for admission to Teacher Education.
2. Tentative Program of Study.
3. All undergraduate students: Minimum grade of B in ED 302.
4. Minimum grade of C in all other education courses and other core required courses prior to application.
5. Minimum GPA for admission to Teacher Education is 2.50.
6. Satisfactory score on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) Subtests (Reading, Writing, and Math) OR minimum ACT scores, composite of 21 OR cumulative GPA of 3.0 when applying to the teacher education program. 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 Watermark in order to be admitted to Teacher Internship. The Teacher Internship application is made available in Watermark during the fall and spring advising periods. Submit all parts of the Teacher Internship application in Watermark by the published deadline. Secondary and K-12 majors must submit verification of experience with school-age children and/or youth (75 hours). Please review requirements and due dates published in Watermark.

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

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. As required by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and under the supervision of the Director of Field Experiences, all teacher education students including those enrolled in secondary education programs not under the School of Education will be required to complete a criminal background check when enrolled in ED 302 and prior to beginning any field experience.  The Professional Semester is the final semester of the senior year when students complete the Teacher Internship. Elementary Education students enroll in ED 452 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 ED 406: 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. **Note: While not a requirement for degree completion, students are encouraged to complete all required MDE licensure exams prior to graduation in order to be recommended for a Mississippi Educator’s license immediately following graduation.

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 EPP Teacher Education Handbook, the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Educator Licensure’s website, the Director of Field Experiences, and with her or his academic advisor to ensure 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 Endorsements  

Elementary Education Major, BS