USI Board of Trustees approves two new master’s degrees, nine certificates and microcredentials, hears update from Presidential Search Committee Chair

At its regular meeting on Thursday, November 7, the University of Southern Indiana Board of Trustees approved two online Master of Science in Education degrees—one in Mathematics Leadership and one in Special Education. 

The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Elementary Mathematics Leadership degree program is designed to prepare graduates for Elementary Mathematics Specialist (EMS) licensure (pending licensure approval from the Indiana Department of Education). EMSs may serve as math-focused teachers, interventionists, coaches or district leaders, directly supporting USI’s mission to develop engaged, skilled educators. 

This 30-credit program, taught by current faculty, offers accelerated seven-week courses to support working professionals. Part-time students can finish in under two years, while full-time students may complete the degree in one year. 

The new MSE degree program in Special Education is aimed at current and aspiring special education teachers. The program offers courses on essential topics like literacy, behavioral support, assessment and special education law, with a supervised practicum in students' own school settings. Upon completing the program and passing Indiana's licensure exam, graduates may qualify for a Mild Interventions P-12 license. 

This fully online, 30-credit-hour program can be completed in 18 months on a standard track or expedited to one year. With similar programs offered at Ball State, Purdue and other universities in the state, USI’s MSE track stands out as an accessible and affordable choice for Indiana educators looking to advance their skills in supporting students with diverse needs. 

The University also approved nine certificates and microcredentials. They are as follows:  

Undergraduate 

• Childhood Health and Well-being Microcredential 

• Public and Nonprofit Leadership Microcredential 

• State and Local Government Microcredential 

Graduate 

• Elementary Math Leadership Certificate 

• Teacher License Addition for English Learners Certificate 

• Nonprofit Professional Microcredential 

• Policy Making Microcredential 

• Program Evaluation Microcredential 

• Fundraising Microcredential 

All degrees, certificates and microcredentials will next be reviewed by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. 

The Board also heard an update from Christina Ryan, Board First Vice Chair and Chair of the USI Presidential Search Committee. The Presidential Search Committee is preparing for the public launch of the search. A dedicated webpage features key details like the Search Committee membership, timeline and application process. 

In other business, the Trustees approved the conferral of degrees to candidates for 2024 Fall Commencement Exercises. 

The Board also heard reports on student financial assistance and campus construction projects.