Alcorn State University

Accounting

The undergraduate professional accounting program prepares students for entry-level professional positions in either the public or private sectors, with primary emphasis on preparing graduates for entry into the public accounting profession via graduate education. All programs of the School of Business are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Agribusiness Management

One of the eight areas offered by the Department of Agriculture, this program is tailored to provide a unique combination of lecture and lab courses, seminars, and internship. It prepares students for careers in agriculture, advanced education, and lifelong learning.

Agricultural Economics

Offered by the Department of Agriculture, this program combines lecture and lab courses, seminars and internships with access to the Alcorn Agricultural Experiment Station. It prepares students for careers in the agriculture industry and for graduate and professional schools.

Agricultural Sciences

The Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Sciences degree is offered with emphases in Agricultural Biotechnology, Poultry Science, Animal and Pre-veterinary Science, General Agriculture and Agriculture Education, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Plant, Soil and Horticultural Sciences. Each emphasis provides a unique combination of lecture and lab courses, seminars, and internships supported by a 1,456-acre experiment station, greenhouses and animal farms.

Agriculture

The Master of Science in Agriculture provides fundamental training in basic and applied agricultural sciences, with endorsement options in Agronomy, Agronomy Professional, Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Agricultural Extension Education, and Agricultural Education. Graduates are able to formulate, design, and implement research, interpret data, apply economic theories to real-world agricultural problems, and manage agricultural enterprises.

Applied Science

Offered by the Department of Advanced Technologies, the Applied Science degree permits hybrid customized curricula with multidisciplinary foci to address student needs and aspirations. Students select from concentrations such as Biomedical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, Geospatial Engineering Technology/Homeland Security, Radiation Technology/Health Physics, and Technology Management.

Applied Science and Technology

The Master of Science in Applied Science and Technology provides access to technical graduate work in Southwest Mississippi and the rural counties served, targeting technical undergraduate majors in engineering, technology, applied science, and physical sciences. Both thesis and project options require a minimum of 36 credit hours: 30 course hours and 6 hours of thesis-and-defense or project-and-defense.

Biology

The M.S. in Biology equips students with advanced scientific knowledge and skills necessary to pursue doctoral programs and professional careers in the biological sciences. The degree is available in thesis, non-thesis, and fully online options combining advanced classroom or online instruction with mentored scholarly research.

Biology

The undergraduate curriculum in Biology provides broad-based skills and knowledge of the fundamental concepts of biology and prepares students for scholarship, research, and service in the biological sciences, including the rapidly expanding field of molecular and nanobiology. Students may choose concentrations in Biology, Molecular Biology (Biotechnology), Environmental Biology and Ecology, Health Science, Pre-Professional, or Pre-Physical Therapy. Graduates may advance to the M.S.

Biology Education

This curriculum is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences in collaboration with the School of Education and Psychology. It prepares students to teach biology at the secondary level while providing a foundation in the fundamental concepts of the biological sciences.

Biotechnology

The primary purpose of the master's degree program in biotechnology is to train students in cellular and molecular biology and genetic engineering, providing a firm foundation in the principles of genetics and molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Graduates are prepared to assume government, university, and industry positions or continue training toward advanced degrees.

Business Administration

The Business Administration degree provides a foundation in the major functional areas of business and prepares graduates to enter the technology-driven workplace or continue in graduate or professional school. Concentrations are available in Accounting, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and Supply Chain and Logistics. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Business Administration

The MBA program, offered with a general business emphasis and a concentration in Tourism & Hospitality Management, prepares students for leadership roles in a competitive global business environment. The fully online curriculum comprises an 18-hour graduate business core, 9 hours of electives or concentration courses, and a 3-hour capstone.

Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with concentrations in Chemistry (for students planning advanced study in chemistry), Biochemistry (for students entering medical, dental or related schools), and Chemical Physics (for an integrated course of study among chemistry, physics and mathematics).

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

This certificate is designed to meet the requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor for students who have completed an accredited master's degree in other areas of counseling, typically School Counseling or Guidance Education. Students complete 12 hours of coursework beyond the master's degree and must earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Computer and Information Science

This program serves students who have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science and those with degrees in related fields who want to develop knowledge and skill in computer science. Specialty areas include artificial intelligence, cyber security, database management, and programming languages; candidates complete a minimum of 33 credit hours including at least 15 credit hours of required courses.

Computer Networking and Information Technology

This program spans information systems management, system building, analysis and design, computer aided systems engineering, databases, telecommunication, systems networks and data communication. It prepares students for a lifelong career in computer information technology, placing graduates as systems engineering technicians and applications development experts. A certification exam and a minimum of 100 hours of internship are required prior to graduation.

Computer Science

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers this program to prepare students for leadership, scholarship, and service and to equip them with computational skills for graduate school or professional careers. Graduates work as computer network architects, programmers, systems analysts, database administrators, network administrators, and web developers. A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses and each student must pass an exit exam in the senior year.

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice program provides students interested in law enforcement, criminal law, corrections and the criminal court system with a broad educational background emphasizing the social sciences while providing basic knowledge in the criminal justice field. The curriculum requires coursework in criminal justice, political science and sociology sequences plus a social science internship. A minimum cumulative average of 2.

Curriculum Instruction

Early Childhood Education

Educational Leadership

Elementary Education

The Master of Science in Education degree in Elementary Education is designed to meet all criteria set forth by the State Department of Education and leads to AA licensure. The department offers endorsements in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Reading, allowing students to explore issues, design curriculum, and learn strategies that make them more effective educators.

Elementary Education

In the Education Specialist Degree program, candidates analyze current issues, educational trends, theories, policies, and practices affecting rural and urban schools and communities and apply research findings through assignments and field experiences. Admission requires a master's degree in elementary education or a related field and a valid AA educator license; traditional and accelerated tracks are available.

Elementary Education

The elementary education curriculum consists of a series of integrated educational experiences for students preparing to teach children in elementary school systems, obtained through core courses, specialized and professional education courses, clinical experiences, and directed teaching. Students may obtain two specific areas of concentration by successfully completing 21 additional hours in each area. An additional 18-hour concentration is required for licensure.

English

The English curricula teach students to appreciate, understand, and interpret the human experience as expressed through the written and spoken word, developing mastery of language, effective writing, and skills in interpreting literature. Students may select either a major in literature, designed for those interested in graduate school, professional writing, and college teaching, or a major in teaching, designed for those interested in secondary school teaching.

Family Nurse Practitioner

The Post-Master's Certificate Option (Family Nurse Practitioner) is a 20-credit hour program that can be completed in three semesters, including one summer, for students who have already completed the 3 Ps (Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and Advanced Physical Assessment with lab). Students who have not completed the 3 Ps follow a 30-40 credit hour plan of study.

Food, Nutrition and Community Health Sciences

This program prepares students to enter the professional 21st century global workforce and/or graduate school in food, nutrition and community health sciences. Through an intense plan of study using diverse pedagogies, evidence-based knowledge, practicum learning, community collaborations and research, students gain the knowledge, technical and leadership abilities to meet nutrition and health related challenges of individuals, families and communities.

General Studies

The General Studies program is designed for non-traditional students with diverse interests, drawing on courses offered across the curriculum and administered through the Department of Education and Psychology. Incoming freshmen cannot choose General Studies as a major unless they meet the requirements for non-traditional student status. Each student completes two different 21-hour concentration areas and must pass the University technology exam and the departmental General Studies Exit Exam.

Gifted Education

The Certification Program in Gifted Education is a 15-hour online program within the Department of Education and Psychology's programs in Special Education. It enables the licensed education professional to obtain skills and training to become highly qualified to teach gifted learners in a P-12 setting.

Global Perspectives

The Global Studies Enhancement, leading to the Certificate of Global Perspectives, is an interdisciplinary program coordinated by the Office of Global Programs that adds value to a student's undergraduate degree by integrating global competence and knowledge into disciplinary training. It encompasses formal coursework, study abroad, language enrichment, and a global studies senior-level capstone.

History

The online Master of Arts in History provides both depth and breadth of study in history. Experiences in the graduate program equip students with the tools and training necessary to produce literary scholarship of professional quality and to participate in ongoing academic discussions of issues and research in the field.

History

The Department of Social Sciences offers courses and majors in History and the teaching of the Social Sciences at the secondary education level, with teaching and non-teaching concentrations. The program prepares History majors for graduate school or related fields of employment and prepares students seeking a standard educator license to teach social sciences at the secondary level. Students must pass the Social Sciences Exit Examination to graduate.

Human Development and Family Science

This program prepares students for employment or graduate school in programs that promote quality of life for individuals, families and communities through interdisciplinary study of human growth and development across the lifespan in the context of family, culture, and society. Graduates are prepared for professional careers in human service oriented agencies serving children, youth, adults, and families. The program is offered in both an on-campus and a fully online format.

Liberal Arts

The Master of Liberal Arts is an interdisciplinary graduate degree in the College of Arts and Sciences offering concentrations in Criminal Justice, English/Literature, History, Mass Communication, Music, and Political Science. Students complete 33 hours of coursework under either a capstone or non-capstone option while maintaining a 3.00 GPA.

Mass Communication

The Mass Communication program offers curriculum guides in Journalism-Radio Television, Public Relations, and Sports Media, with coursework in broadcast news writing, television and radio production, public relations, media law and ethics, publication design, and multimedia reporting. An internship in mass communication is included in the curriculum. All students must earn a C or above in each upper-level Mass Communication course and pass a Senior Exit Examination.

Mathematics

This program prepares students for leadership, scholarship, and service in applied mathematics and equips them with adequate math and computational skills for graduate school or professional careers. A concentration in Data Science is available. A minimum grade of C is required in all major courses and each student must pass an exit exam in the senior year.

Mathematics Education

Offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, this program prepares students to teach mathematics at the secondary level. The BS program in Math Education is accredited by CAEP (formerly NCATE, Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).

Music (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is offered by the Department of Fine Arts as a liberal arts degree in music. Upon completion, graduates may engage in graduate study, perform as an artist, teach music, or pursue other interests related to music.

Music (Bachelor of Music)

The Department of Fine Arts offers the Bachelor of Music degree with majors in Music Education and Music Performance in instrumental, vocal, and piano areas. The curriculum is designed to provide the music major with basic skills, techniques, pedagogical concepts, and perspectives requisite to success in the field of music. Auditions, entrance examinations, proficiency examinations, juries and recitals are required of music majors.

NCAA Compliance and Academic Progress Reporting

This post-baccalaureate fifteen-hour online certificate program provides a knowledge base regarding NCAA compliance and Academic Progress Rate reporting for professionals in intercollegiate athletics and those seeking a career change. The certificate awarded is in NCAA Compliance and APR Reporting.

Nurse Educator

The Post-Master's Certificate Option (Nurse Educator) is a 13-credit hour program that can be completed in four semesters of part-time study. Students must have previously taken Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacotherapeutics, and Advanced Health Assessment; clinical placement can be arranged in the student's community.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares the student for a multi-faceted role as an entry-level registered nurse, building on knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences to develop core nursing competencies. The curriculum offers two program options, Generic and RN to BSN, and requires 60 hours of prerequisite coursework plus 60 hours of nursing coursework. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Nursing

The Associate of Science in Nursing curriculum is designed to prepare graduates who are competent to function as entry-level registered nurses, proficient in client-centered care, professionalism, leadership, systems-based practice, informatics and technology, communication, teamwork and collaboration, safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice.

Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing offers two options for baccalaureate-prepared nurses: the Family Nurse Practitioner option, completed in five semesters with 49 semester credit hours and 750 direct patient care hours, and the Nurse Educator option, completed in three semesters with 35 semester hours. Graduates are eligible to sit for national certification examinations.

Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practice-focused doctoral nursing degree for the certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse seeking careers in advanced clinical nursing practice with a focus on leadership. The 36-credit hour curriculum is delivered in five semesters of continuous study and requires a DNP Project and clinical practicum hours.

Nursing Practice

Political Science

The Political Science curriculum serves students who wish to acquire an organized body of knowledge about government and politics before entering fields such as government service, law, teaching, mass media, and private enterprise. A pre-law concentration is available within the major. Students must pass the departmental Exit Examination covering government, American history and world civilizations, general sociology, and economics.

Psychology

The Department of Education and Psychology offers a non-teaching degree in Psychology designed for students intending to pursue advanced studies in psychology and related fields. The curriculum focuses on the application of psychological principles of behavior, learning, and personality.

Recreation

The Recreation degree program provides majors with extensive theoretical, practical, and research opportunities, enabling them to acquire competencies in recreation through knowledge, experiential growth, and professional development. Graduates are equipped to provide persons with knowledge and skills in recreational, leisure time, and lifelong activities. An endorsement in Physical Education or Health may be pursued alongside the degree.

Robotics and Automation Technology

This program is designed to place graduates into positions as managers of technology in industry and government, preparing them as technical managers able to change technical occupations over a lifelong career. Students attain knowledge of modern computerized and automated systems used in industry, transport and government, backed by laboratories in electronics, computer integrated systems and automation.

Secondary Education

The Master of Science in Education degree in Secondary Education offers endorsements in eleven areas for the practicing licensed educator and prepares graduates for advanced service as teachers in various educational capacities. The curriculum includes 12 hours of core education courses plus 21 hours in the field of endorsement and electives.

Social Work

The Department of Social Work prepares students for entry-level social work positions as generalist practitioners as well as for graduate programs. The curriculum consists of 44 hours of general education core requirements plus a professional curriculum covering social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations-at-risk, human behavior in the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, and research.

Sociology

The Sociology program prepares students for a wide range of occupations in different institutional settings, including researcher, child-care worker, juvenile delinquency counselor, probation officer, substance abuse counselor, mental health worker, and group home worker. Students must complete all major courses with a grade of C or better and complete an internship.

Sport Management

The Sport Management degree program engages majors in a comprehensive study of the knowledge bases underlying sport management, developing competencies in problem solving, organizing, planning, collaborating, delegating and leading, budget data interpretation and analysis, and technological software application. The program stresses commitment, diversity, integrity, service, accreditation, and professionalism, and prepares graduates for leadership of athletic and sport programs at any level.

STEM

STEM Business Administration

The STEM MBA reengineers the general MBA program by incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics dimensions, combining traditional business curriculum with specialized STEM-focused coursework. Offered fully online, it requires an 18-hour core, 9 hours of concentration courses, and a 3-hour capstone.

Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching is designed for students who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education and who are not eligible for teacher licensure, meeting Mississippi teacher licensure requirements at the graduate level. Endorsement areas are offered in Elementary Education and Secondary Education, including online options.

University Studies (C2C)

Workforce Education Leadership

Offered jointly by Alcorn State University and Mississippi State University, this program prepares graduates to become facilitators of workforce, industry, and community change. The main objective is to train students for workforce education leadership positions at rural community colleges, with each institution's name appearing on the diploma.