The College of Education and Human Development at Jackson State University launched its Freshman to Ph.D. Program in spring 2016 to support undergraduate education majors interested in seeking teacher certification and pursuing graduate study.
The new program is a grant project sponsored by the Kellogg Foundation through a sub-award from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Minority Serving Institutions. The Freshman to Ph.D. Program is a capacity-building award that seeks to deepen students’ understanding of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators Examination. To achieve this goal, the program features an independent study research course that guides students through the process of developing a major educational research project.
Project coordinators Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton and Dr. Jie Ke explained the significance of the Freshman to Ph.D. Program. They say the overarching aim is to motivate and inspire students (future K-12 and higher education teachers) to pursue graduate study and learn to not only produce high-quality research but also use research to guide their educational decision-making.
Some benefits of the program include:
- One-on-one support for teacher education examination prep and research projects
- Free books/material vouchers
- Praxis test preparation and one free Praxis examination
- Personalized mentoring on graduation school preparation
- Opportunity to participate in paid summer research internships
- Paid conference presentation opportunities
- Academic credit for undergraduate research courses focused on education
After completing the first eight weeks of the program some of the registered students explained their reasons for participating and the benefits of the process.
Felicia Thompson, a social science education major, indicated that she was interested in the Freshman to Ph.D. Program because she “felt it would be a great opportunity to get assistance with the Praxis Series Exams.”
After being in the class, however, her ideas expanded: “I also developed a strong interest in writing a research proposal; I believe that this course will help me develop more knowledge about my field of study and apply emphasis on what I think is important as it relates to education. Researching in my field is hard work, but it is well worth it because it allows me time before I enter the workforce to gain knowledge and prepares me for a successful career.”
Nakita Leshay Hicks, also a social science education major, is a non-traditional student working to balance school, work, family and preparation for the Praxis Series.
When asked about her reasons for registering for the class, Nakita replied: “I applied for the Freshman to Ph.D. Program to help properly prepare for the Praxis exam. I think the opportunity to be part of the Freshman to Ph.D. Program has helped me a great deal in terms of building study skills and career development. Through this course, I am gaining the tools for time management, studying and educational research. I think anyone majoring in any form of education should definitely participate.”
For more information about the Freshman to Ph.D. program, visit www.jsums.edu/freshmanphd or contact Dr. Deidre L. Wheaton at deidre.l.wheaton@jsums.edu or Dr. Jie Ke at Jie.ke@jsums.edu.