Questions & Answers

Question: Do you have minimum requirements for applying to the Principal Corps?

Answer: YES. The Mississippi Principal Corps is a full time graduate program. Individuals who are interested in the program should meet the following basic requirements:
1. Hold a current Mississippi Teachers License
2. Have a minimum of 3 years teaching experience in K – 12 education
3. Teach in a Mississippi School District
4. Have a 3.0 or higher GPA in last academic program
5. Have taken the GRE in the last 5 years and submitted competitive scores to The UM Graduate School
6. Receive the endorsement of current school superintendent
7. Complete an application to The University of Mississippi Graduate School and an on-line Principal Corps application.

Question: If I already have a Master’s degree, but I have not taken the GRE, do I still have to take the GRE?

Answer: YES. All candidates must take the GRE and submit scores that are no more than 5 years old to The UM Graduate School. Because the PC is a competitive scholarship program, we consider GRE scores along with other relevant data.

Question: If accepted into the program, will I continue teaching or at least conduct my internship in my current school.

Answer: NO. The PC is a full time graduate program that consists of a full time administrative internship placement. This placement is typically outside a candidate’s current school district which means you would not continue teaching; rather, you would be placed in another school to work with and learn from a proven building level leader. We work with the candidate's school superintendent to determine this appropriate placement. We also consider geographical location and family situation of the candidate when making placements. Due to the structure of the program it is vital that the Superintendent supports the candidate's application to the program. Once someone is selected from a district, we work with the superintendent to help secure funds to cover the cost of your internship. However, we do not assume responsibility for your continued salary.

Question: When does the program begin and how long does it last?

Answer: The Principal Corps program is a 13-month program consisting of 36 credit hours. Each new PC Cohort begins the first week in June with all candidates reporting to the UM campus. Candidates participate in a 6-hour class and attend several workshops for five weeks. Candidates receive their internship placements in June, and they report to their assigned school one week prior to the beginning of school. During the fall and spring semesters, candidates take 9 hours of course work each semester while completing the internship. The courses are a combination of on-line, podcast, and face-to-face meetings on campus. Candidates stay on campus monthly for the face-to-face class meetings. During the second summer term, candidates take their final 6-hour class in June.

Question: What does the course rotation look like?

Answer:
• Summer I – one 6-hour class and workshops for five weeks beginning the first week in June on The UM campus.
• Fall – 9 hours of course work. One 6-hour class and one 3-hour class.
• Spring– 9 hours of course work. One 6-hour class and one 3-hour class.
• Summer II - one 6-hour class for four weeks beginning the first week in June on The UM campus.
• Internship – 6 hours course credit

Question: Do I arrange for my own lodging during the summer terms and the monthly meetings?

Answer: NO. The PC scholarship provides for your summer and monthly lodging. All arrangements are made for you in advance.

Question: Will I return to my current school when I complete the program?

Answer: YES. Once you complete the program, you will return to your school district.

Question: What happens if I receive a position as a Vice Principal or Principal after completing the program?

Answer: For candidates who become Vice Principals or Principals in a Mississippi School District within two years of completing the program, you will receive a $10,000 signing bonus from the Barksdale Foundation.