Delta State University announced the implementation of a new degree program, a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BSSE). This program is fantastic news for students planning to pursue careers in education, especially following the decision to drop several humanities program offerings due to budget cuts announced during Summer 2024. The new BSSE program was approved by the Mississippi Department of Education in December and announced by Delta State University on Monday, January 27.
The university plans to officially offer the program to students beginning in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. The launch of a Secondary Education degree path maintains Delta State’s long-standing history as a university that produces excellent educators. Originally Delta State Teacher’s College, the university has become renowned for having one of the best education programs across Mississippi. Moreover, the new degree program is set to help address the dire need for skilled secondary educators in Mississippi schools, which have some of the lowest achievement rates in the country.
Dr. Leslie Griffin, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, was quoted as saying, “This fantastic news is the result of the diligent team and leadership that shepherded the process. Under Dr. Merideth Van Namen’s leadership, alongside the contributions of content faculty and the tenacity of Mandy Johnson and Anjanette Powers in navigating licensure processes, the program came together in an effective and timely manner despite many challenges.” Additionally, Delta State University President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis lauded the new program, stating, “This is fantastic news. The BSSE program embodies our dedication to shaping the future of education by producing well-prepared, passionate secondary school teachers.” The launch of the program involved hard work and dedication by several individuals working closely with Delta State University. Unit Assessment Research Director and CAEP Coordinator Mandy Johnson shared, “I hope this will open new doors for students and contribute to educational excellence across Mississippi.” Dr. Merideth Van Namen, Interim Dean of the College of Education, Arts and Humanities, noted, “This approval marks a significant milestone in Delta State’s history, and we’re excited to take the next steps to ensure the program is fully operational and impactful for future students.”
Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss.
The BSSE program offers a variety of specializations for students pursuing jobs in secondary education. Students can declare a focus in a range of areas, such as Biology, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Music. Moreover, students are also able to choose primary and secondary areas of emphasis. The new BSSE program is good news for students coming to Delta State with the goal of pursuing secondary education. This comes after the University announced major department, job, and major offerings cuts during the summer of 2024. These cuts impacted students who were studying secondary education at the time, as the English, Social Studies, Art, Physical, and Music Education programs are no longer offered at the university.
Under the new BSSE program offerings, students will still be able to pursue secondary education, and the hope is that a degree in this area will provide students with a wide range of job opportunities upon graduation. The coursework for the program will also include field experience in the classroom, designed to equip students with the tools necessary to successfully run a classroom upon graduation.
