Mississippi Colleges, Universities,
and Schools
Mississippi is an interesting
place to go to school. Colleges and universities in Mississippi have often been in
the spotlight of world news. Higher education in Mississippi is often in the news
for innovative programs such as the recent BA acceleration project. That program
lowers the number of credits required for earning a degree in order to streamline
the process. The university campuses in Mississippi are also often the stages on
which great intellectual debates over topics such as evolution versus creationism
are being acted out. Every four years international eyes focus on Mississippi as
the UNESCO sponsored International Ballet Competition brings young dancers from around
the world to the state's capital, Jackson. What they find there is a blending of
old and new as gold medals are given to the emerging stars of ballet. Out on the
streets they can enjoy the tranquility of Jackson, a city in which architecture and
attitudes can go unchanged for decades at a time. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating
on the Mississippi River, hiking and camping. History buffs can visit the many monuments
such as the Vicksburg National Military Park commemorating the battles fought by
Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War.
A good high school education, followed by a college degree, is essential for career
advancement these days. Competition for jobs is fierce and even most manual jobs
now require a certification providing skill and experience.
Jobs requiring an associate degree are projected to grow 32 percent over the 2000-10
period; jobs requiring a post-secondary vocational award should grow 24.1 percent
(U.S. Department of Labor). Today, college graduates earn an average of 98% more
income than non-college-graduates. And the gap is widening. (Source: U.S. Department
of Commerce). Bachelor's and master's degrees, combined with experience, provide
the best route to success.
Mississippi's Department of Education has a motto: "Quality education for every
child...every child a reader." The State Board of Education has identified several
key priorities for advancing student achievement in Mississippi. These priorities
are: reading, early literacy, student achievement, teachers/teaching, leadership/principals,
safe and orderly schools, parent relations/community involvement, and technology.
Building on the good work of the secondary schools, Mississippi has sixteen community
colleges, nine private colleges and eleven public universities, all offering a wealth
of educational and social opportunities for the student. The huge range of museums,
theaters, festivals and art galleries in its counties reflects Mississippi's rich
cultural and musical heritage. Hunting, fishing and golf are popular leisure activities
in this fascinating state.
Agriculture is Mississippi's number one industry, employing approximately 30% of
the state's work force either directly or indirectly. There are approximately 43,000
farms in the state covering 11 million acres. Technology plays an increasing role
in this area, and the need for skilled technology professionals is increasing.
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