U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs

University of Southern Mississippi, U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs History

University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a public, coeducational institution. The 840-acre campus is located in an urban area 100 miles northeast of New Orleans, Louisiana. A second campus is located in Long Beach Mississippi.Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 16,000. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs was founded in 1964 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Joseph A. Greene Hall. Courses also are offered at Long Beach (MBA/GC), Stennis Space Center (MBA/Stennis), and Gautier (MBA/Jackson). The basic educational approach is to instill a generalist managerial perspective in students, while providing limited opportunity to emphasize a functional area of business. The case method is stressed, along with a substantial mixture of theory and concepts and their application.

University of Southern Mississippi, U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs Academics

The Graduate Business Programs offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) as well as joint degrees in public health (MBA/Master of Public Health) and sport management (MBA/MSM). Other programs include cross-registration with other schools, cooperative programs, work-study, and joint research. The strongest areas of study and the most popular courses are in accounting, finance, and marketing. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus, including the Boardman Speaker Series and the Business Advisory Council.

Thirty total credits are required to complete the MBA, including 9 elective credits. Required courses include:

• Ethics * Problems in Marketing * Analytical Decision * Information Technology in Modern Organizations
• Global Business Strategy
• Managerial Finance
• Communication Skills

Required courses for the MPA include:

• Current Accounting Theory and Research
• Advanced Auditing
• Advanced Cost/Managerial Accounting
• Tax Seminar I
• Tax Seminar II
• Communication Skills for Managers
• Problems in Corporate Finance
• Controllership

Students may eliminate or substitute requirements with courses that satisfy 500 level classwork.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 1 year; maximum, 2 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 2 years; maximum, 6 years.

In a recent year, there were 27 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 96% held a doctorate; there was 1 part-time faculty member, who held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated well below average for Category I institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 3; average business class size is 13.

University of Southern Mississippi, U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 1.3 million volumes, 4.8 million microform items, and 19,082 audio/video tapes/CDs, and subscribes to 19,759 periodicals. The business library is particularly strong in taxation. Students have access to such databases and networks as Compustat. Other opportunities for research consist of the Center for Business Development and Research.

Computers

Graduate business students need not have their own PCs. The business school has its own computer facilities, consisting of 2 computer labs with 55 PCs.

Career and Job Placement

In a recent spring, 27 companies recruited on campus. Thirty-five percent were national corporations. Majors most in demand were the MBA and MPA. Placement services are extensive. Placement services for alumni include career counseling, job seeking, training, resume referral, and on-campus interviews. Placement is available through the College of Business and the university placement office.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of immunization for measles and rubella, and proof of adequate funds to cover at least 1 year of study. Financial aid is available for these students and consists of assistantships. Check with the school for the current application.

Calendar

The school operates on a traditional semester basis. Semesters are 17 weeks long; summer sessions, 10 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

University of Southern Mississippi, U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 2.75. The formula for using the GPA and GMAT scores is last 60 hours GPA x 200) + GMAT + work experience. Most important admissions factors are GMAT results, grades in upper-level courses, and difficulty of undergraduate major. A strong mathematics background is required.

The number of applicants for a recent class was 170; 114 were accepted; 91 enrolled. The average GPA was 3.33; average GMAT score was 504. Transfers are accepted. Minority students are actively recruited.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall, spring, and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a nonrefundable application fee of $25, 3 letters of recommendation, a cover letter, a resume, and a personal essay. Check with the school for current application deadlines. Students are notified within 6 weeks of completing the application of the admissions decision. The latest acceptable test date for fall entry is July 1. Once accepted, students may defer admission for up to 1 year.

University of Southern Mississippi, U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs Financial Aid

In a recent year, about 23% of graduate business school students received financial aid from scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships, for a total maximum of $7626. The FFS and the school’s own financial statement are required. The application deadline is March 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $255 per credit. Nonresidents pay $355 per credit. On-campus room and board costs approximately $6000; books and supplies, $1560; personal expenses, $4000. Graduate student housing consists of dormitory-style residence halls and married-student housing. Apartments and other facilities are available off campus. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

University of Southern Mississippi, U.S.M. Graduate Business Programs Students

Thirty-six percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time; 81% had full-time work experience prior to entering graduate school. The greatest percentage of students were from Mississippi (84%). Thirty-four percent were women, 18% were minorities, and 5% were foreign nationals. The average age at entrance was 30; ages ranged from 19 to 50. Nineteen percent enter ed directly from undergraduate school; 3% already had a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 62%, business; 12%, math and science; 10%, engineering; 8%, social sciences; and 4%, liberal arts. About 12% of entering students leave by the end of the first year due to academic or personal reasons; 88% remain to receive their degree. In a recent year, 62 graduate business degrees were awarded.