Master's Programs
Department of Counseling
The department of Counseling offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a focus in either Clinical Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling focus area meets the educational requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) in Louisiana and prepares students to deliver services in a variety of mental health settings. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling curriculum is comprised of 60 credit hours. The School Counseling focus area meets the educational requirements for certification by the Louisiana Department of Education as a Counselor, K-12 or Ancillary Counselor, K-12. The School Counseling curriculum is comprised of 60 credit hours.
- Counseling, M.S.
Department of Educational Curriculum & Instruction
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate Grades 1-5 or Secondary Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate Grades 6-12 program is designed for persons interested in acquiring initial teaching skills of students with mild/moderate disabilities at the elementary or secondary education levels along the special education continuum of placements.
This program is appropriate only for individuals who have a Bachelor's degree in an area other than education. Students who enroll in this program have the opportunity to become certified in both General Education and Special Education Mild/Moderate at the Elementary or Secondary level. Coursework is available both face-to-face on campus and through partially online, plus extensive field experience in the community.
- Elementary Education & Special Education Mild/Moderate Grades 1-5, M.A.T.
- Secondary Education & Special Education Mild/Moderate Grades 6-12, M.A.T.
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education Grades 1-5 with a concentration in Elementary Education or Elementary French Immersion is designed for aspiring teachers who do not have an undergraduate degree in education to become certified to teach Elementary Education or French immersion in Louisiana schools.
- Elementary Education Grades 1-5, M.A.T., Elementary Education concentration
- Elementary Education Grades 1-5, M.A.T., Elementary French Immersion concentration
The purpose of the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction is to provide candidates with the requisite experience that will position them to refine, reform, or develop curricula and instruction for themselves as well as their pre-service, novice, or veteran peers. Candidates should already be skillful at their craft and should be seeking demonstrative ways to share their expertise beyond their individual classroom.
- Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed., Instructional Specialist concentration
- Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed., Special Education Diagnostics concentration
- Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed., Special Education Mild/Moderate Elementary concentration
- Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed., Special Education Mild/Moderate Secondary concentration
- Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed., Teacher Researcher concentration
The Master of Education in Special Education: Gifted is designed for dedicated elementary and secondary teachers who wish to teach and support students who have gifts and talents, or who have gifted potential. The program provides a variety of experiences to support graduates in gaining an understanding of the unique needs of gifted and talented students. Additionally, the graduates will acquire the necessary skills to address these needs through differentiated curricula designed to aid students in reaching their potential.
Graduates are qualified for state certification to teach the academically gifted at the level(s) and in the subject(s) for which they hold regular certification, as well as in enrichment programs or classes at all levels.
- Special Education: Gifted, M.Ed.
Department of Educational Foundations & Leadership
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership hybrid program provides our graduates with the confidence, content knowledge, and professional leadership skills to become effective leaders who are ready to face the challenges of education in the 21st century. Students in our program benefit from a teaching staff consisting of former K-12 practitioners who connect educational research and theory with actual practice. During every class meeting, the faculty focus on providing students with knowledge and skills that they can apply in their home schools as early as the next day. It is important to note that many of our graduates are currently effectively serving in leadership roles throughout southwest Louisiana. Our program is highly regarded by local school districts and is known for producing graduates with strong leadership knowledge and skills. In addition, our leadership preparation program is nationally recognized by accrediting institutions.
- Educational Leadership, M.Ed.
School of Kinesiology
Our Master of Science in Kinesiology program allows students to choose from one of three concentration areas in Kinesiology. These three concentration areas have unique curriculum and course content. Both degree plans are flexible offering the students both thesis and internship options and a variety of elective courses that can be tailored to the student’s interests.
- Kinesiology, M.S., Exercise and Sport Science concentration
- Kinesiology, M.S., Recreation and Sport Management concentration
- Kinesiology, M.S., Health Promotion and Wellness concentration
The courses in the exercise and sport science concentration focus on understanding the physiological responses to exercise stressors. These stresses affect many different tissues and systems in the human body. The degree plan is flexible offering the students both thesis and internship options and a variety of elective courses that can be tailored to the student’s interests.
The courses in the recreation and sport management concentration focus on management and organization of sport and recreational activities.
- Athletic Training, M.S.