Degree Program Improvement

At Mississippi College, continuous improvement of our academic programs ensures students receive the highest-quality education possible. By regularly evaluating student learning, faculty performance, and program effectiveness, we uphold our commitment to excellence, accountability, and preparing graduates for success in their careers and communities.

Academic Divisions and Units

Mississippi College's academic programs are organized in the following schools and departments:

• School of Business

• School of Christian Studies and the Arts

  • Department of Art
  • Department of Christian Studies
  • Department of Communication
  • Department of Music

• School of Education

  • Department of Kinesiology
  • Department of Counseling
  • Department of Psychology & Social Work
  • Department of Teacher Education & Leadership

• School of the Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Department of English & Philosophy
  • Department of History & Political Science
  • Department of Modern Languages

• School of Law

• School of Mathematics & the Sciences

  • Department of Biological Sciences
  • Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
  • Department of Engineering, Computer Science, & Physics
  • Department of Mathematics
  • Department of Physician Assistant Studies

• School of Nursing

Commitment to Educational Effectiveness

Educational effectiveness at Mississippi College is guided by our Assessment Cycle, which ensures every academic unit aligns its goals and objectives with the University's mission. Goals and objectives are assessed annually using stated criteria. If the criteria are not fully met, the academic unit implements strategies to strengthen its program.

Mississippi College measures its effectiveness with a variety of methods. Each department, college, or school maintains an Institutional Effectiveness Plan for the academic year, June 1 to May 31. Assessment data are analyzed annually, with reports completed each September. Programs measure student learning and mastery of content using multiple methods, then apply findings to enhance curriculum, instruction, and overall program quality.

Since 1998, Mississippi College has cultivated a strong culture of assessment, collecting plans and reports annually to track progress and guide improvements in its educational programs.

Annual Reports and Continuous Improvement

In addition to assessment reports, each academic unit produces an Annual Report that highlights accomplishments and outlines strategies for growth. Reports typically include: 

Faculty accomplishments

• Presentations
• Publications & other scholarly work
• Service-related activities
• Teaching load

Student information

• Number of students expected to graduate
• Student accomplishments  

Assessment of Institutional Effectiveness

• Tables and graphs with assessment results
• Identification of barriers
• Goals for the upcoming year

Through these reports, academic units share assessment results within their areas, ensuring transparency and collaboration. This process allows Mississippi College to continually enhance student learning, strengthen programs, and maintain the highest standards of academic excellence.