Student Opportunities with the CMSE
Get help pursuing your dreams with an undergraduate or graduate research assistantship.
Get Involved with CMSE
The Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE) at the University of Mississippi currently offers assistantships to undergraduate students who are in good academic standing and making progress toward his/her degree. Preference may be given to those who are Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) majors and who are considering teaching as a career.
The CMSE also offers graduate assistantships to students pursuing a masters or doctorate in mathematics education, science education, or elementary education.
Graduate Students
Graduate Student Opportunities
The CMSE offers graduate assistantships to students pursuing a masters or doctorate in mathematics education, science education, or elementary education.
One assistantship is reserved for a student pursuing a master's degree in mathematics and has an interest in mathematics teacher education at the college level. These are competitive opportunities in which professionals with exemplary skills as a mathematics or science teacher and a passion for teaching and learning are recruited.
Graduate Assistantships with CMSE
Everything you need to know about Graduate Assistantships with CMSE. Find out how to qualify for the assistantship, how to apply, and more.
Fellows receive the following benefits, valued at approximately $35,000
- Full-time graduate tuition
- Competitive stipend with student health insurance
- Travel budget to attend state, regional and/or national conferences
- A professional library
To qualify for the Graduate Research assistant, students must:
Be a U.S. Citizen
Be enrolled full-time in masters or doctorate degree in mathematics education, science education, or elementary education (with an emphasis in math or science). One fellowship opportunity is reserved for a student pursuing a masters degree in mathematics and has an interest in mathematics education at the college level.
Demonstrate a passion for teaching and learning.
To remain in good standing, students awarded a Graduate Assistantship must:
- Be enrolled full-time (at least 9 hours) in a masters or doctorate program in mathematics, mathematics education, science education, or elementary education (with an emphasis in math or science).
- Maintain successful progress toward that degree
- Work with the CMSE to provide outreach, facilitate professional development, instruct undergraduates, and engage in research aimed at improving the quality of mathematics/science teaching and learning in the state of Mississippi.
The CMSE accepts applications for Graduate Assistants each year. The number of awards is dependent upon available funding. The process for recruitment is outlined below.
- Submit application using the link below.
- Upload cover letter, resume, and transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- CMSE Administration reviews application and uploaded documents.
- Qualified applicants will be invited to interview.
CMSE Administration will notify applicants if an assistantship is being offered. If one is offered, a deadline to accept will be included in the offer.
CMSE Assistantships typically begin in summer or fall.
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate Student Opportunities
Through volunteer opportunities and part-time employment, students have made valuable contributions to our mission. We encourage students with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to explore the variety of ways to get involved with our programs.
If you have further questions, please contact our Assistant Director of Professional Learning, Dr. Julie James at jjames1@olemiss.edu.
Student Volunteer Opportunities
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MS FIRST® Tech Challenge Robotics
FIRST® Tech Challenge teams design, build, and program robots to compete for awards (performance and outreach-based) on a 12′ X 12′ field, in an alliance format, against other teams. Teams, including coaches, mentors, and students, develop strategies and build robots based from a reusable metal platform powered by Android technology, on sound engineering principles.
Explore more about the FIRST® Tech Challenge -
Mobile Planetarium Program
The Mobile Planetarium Program is an innovative and unique opportunity provided by the CMSE. The best part is that this amazing experience happens without students ever having to leave school! Once your program is scheduled, the CMSE will bring the portable planetarium to your school for sessions of stargazing.
Discover more about the mobile planetarium -
STEM Explorations (K-8)
The CMSE offers K-8 teachers an easy and convenient way for students to experience and explore the STEM fields! During a STEM Exploration, students travel to the University of Mississippi and are broken into groups to participate in 3 or 4 station rotations. The stations include hands-on activities designed around current grade-level curriculum and are specifically rich in the elementary-level science content. Students will have the opportunity to learn by asking questions, observing demonstrations, completing experiments, and engaging in exciting group projects.
Learn more about the STEM Explorations and hands-on activities offered. -
STEM Excursions (7-12)
The CMSE invites teachers to plan a STEM Excursion field trip to Ole Miss! These field trips to the University of Mississippi in Oxford can provide lasting impressions and valuable learning experiences. The CMSE will help teachers fill the day with wonderful STEM opportunities while getting the most from the visit to campus.
Learn more about our STEM Excursion opportunities. -
STEM Experts (K-12)
The CMSE can help bring STEM faculty and/or ambassadors to your classroom for engaging lessons, dynamic demonstrations, and intriguing lectures. The CMSE serves as a liaison between the STEM faculty member and the teacher.
Learn how UM STEM Experts can help you level up your classroom. -
Academic Competitions
The CMSE hosts academic competitions such as MATHCOUNTS®. The MATHCOUNTS® Competition Program is a nationally recognized program designed to excite and challenge middle school students (6th, 7th, and 8th graders) through fun and challenging levels of mathematics competition. The CMSE hosts the Northeast, Northwest, Tombigbee, and Delta Chapter Competitions.
Learn more about MATHCOUNTS®
Undergraduate Courses
As part of our mission to improve STEM education, the CMSE partners with the UM Department of Mathematics to coordinate courses for education majors. These courses are taught by Dr. E. Paige Gillentine with collaboration with Dr. Alice Steimle, Dr. Julie James, and CMSE Graduate Fellows. These courses include:
- MATH 245 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I
- MATH 246 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers II
- MATH 390 – Techniques in Teaching Secondary Level Math