College of Science and Technology

David T. Hayhurst, Ph.D., Dean
Mohamed Elasri, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Douglas Masterson, Ph.D., Associate Dean
Jennifer Walker, Ph.D., Associate Dean
118 College Drive #5165
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-4883

The College of Science and Technology offers degrees as outlined below. Please check each department/school section for specific admission, course, and graduation requirements as well as for descriptions of areas of specialization. In addition, present and prospective students should consult earlier sections of this Bulletin for the general Graduate School requirements and regulations that apply to all graduate programs and degrees.

The Center for Science and Mathematics Education, in cooperation with the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science and Statistics, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy offers the M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in science and mathematics education with areas of specialization as indicated in the college’s graduate degrees listing. These units also cooperate with the College of Education and Psychology to offer the coursework to support the M.Ed. and Ed.D. in secondary education with various science and mathematics specialization areas.

The college offers the Ph.D. in Computational Science with emphases in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics and an interdisciplinary minor in environmental science. Interested students may obtain a listing of the available courses from the chair of their department or graduate committee.

The faculty members of the College of Science and Technology have organized numerous specialized centers and institutes, several of which address interdisciplinary issues. Brief descriptions of the principal ones follow.

Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs is home to the Department of Coastal Sciences, the Center for Fisheries Research and Development, The Marine Education Center and the Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center. More than 200 faculty, researchers, technicians, graduate students, and support personnel work at this teaching and research site. Research emphases include aquaculture, biodiversity, fisheries, pathology, and toxicology. The GCRL Summer Field Program has offered courses in the marine sciences every summer since 1947.

Stennis Space Center

The Stennis Space Center (SSC) is home to more oceanographers than any other location in the world. Students, staff, and faculty have the opportunity to interact with more than 1,000 scientists, engineers, and technical personnel working at this site located near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. Collaborations are possible with personnel at the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Oceanographic Office, the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Data Buoy Center and National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program, the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration laboratories, and other agencies. SSC is home to the Department of Marine Science, Center for Trace Analysis (CETA), Central Gulf Ocean Observing System (CENGOOS), and Hydrographic Science Research Center.

Innovation for Construction and Engineering Enhancement (ICEE) Center

Tulio Sulbaran, Ph.D., Director
118 College Drive #5137
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-6419

The Innovation for Construction and Engineering Enhancement (ICEE) Center is a multi-disciplinary industrial, educational and research hub housed at The University of Southern Mississippi within the School of Engineering Technology. The mission of ICEE is twofold:

1. develop, implement and assess the latest educational technology for the architecture/engineering/construction community; and
2. enhance the economic development of the construction industry through the use of the latest technologies and management tools.

Individuals with background and/or interest in education, information technology or architecture/engineering/construction are encouraged to contact the center to explore possible opportunities.

Institute for Formulation Science

Robert Y. Lochhead, Ph.D., Director
118 College Drive #10076
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-4868

The Institute for Formulation Science supports and coordinates research in formulation science. The institute is an integral part of the College of Science and Technology and functions in concert with the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials.

Institute for Justice Systems, Management, Research, and Training

Lisa S. Nored, J.D, Ph.D., Director
118 College Drive #5127
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-4509

The Institute provides consultation services for a wide variety of county jails, legal organizations, and law enforcement agencies.

Mississippi Polymer Institute

Robert Thompson, Interim Director
118 College Drive #10003
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
(601) 266-4607

The Mississippi Polymer Institute was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature in 1983. The purpose of the institute is to conduct research designed to support the rapidly growing polymer industry in Mississippi by building the infrastructure and providing technical assistance. The institute is an integral part of the College of Science and Technology and functions in concert with the School of Polymers and High Performance Materials.

Jack and Patti Phillips Workplace Learning and Performance Institute

Cyndi H. Gaudet, Ph.D., Director
730 E. Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, MS 39560
(228) 214-3517

Jack and Patti Phillips Workplace Learning and Performance Institute (WLPI) is the only state organization, public or private sector, with the broad-based conceptual workplace learning and performance experience and expertise needed to help build a sustainable human capital development infrastructure for Mississippi. The WPLI is a research and outreach service of the Department of Human Capital Development and assists organizations with strategic planning and evaluation of projects and initiatives. For more information, visit www.usm.edu/hcd.