Admission Requirements and Procedures

Successful applicants are admitted to a specific program following review and approval of application by faculty and the school director in which the applicant intends to study. Non-degree seeking applicants are approved by the Graduate School Admissions Office.

All graduate applicants are required to supply the following documents:

1. Official transcripts from all institutions from which a bachelor’s degree or higher degree was obtained AND official transcripts for all work completed after obtaining the bachelor’s degree, including undergraduate and graduate coursework. Junior/community college transcripts are NOT required. (Applicants who are applying for nursing programs and have earned an Associate of Science-Nursing should include those transcripts.)
2. The requirement for a standardized test score (i.e. GRE, GMAT) as a component of graduate school admission applications is established by each graduate program based on accepted practices for the discipline. If a standardized exam score is required, programs may accept scores from reputable professional school admission exams or professional certification exams in lieu of the GRE or GMAT.  If a standardized exam is not required, programs must substitute other rigorous assessment criteria.  A holistic review of all applications must be the normal practice, with consideration given to a variety of parameters that provide both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the applicant’s readiness for graduate-level study. Admissions criteria can be more rigorous for doctoral programs than lower-level graduate programs.
3. 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic performance. Applicants may contact the school of their major to determine if the school will accept non-academic recommenders.
4. Other supplemental materials as required by schools, such as a résumé, statement of purpose, writing sample, etc. Applicants may contact the school of their major for additional information regarding these supplemental documents.
5. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores

In addition to the above documents, certain schools may conduct interviews or auditions as part of their application process. Applicants will be contacted at a later date if selected to interview or audition. International applicants, please mail official transcripts to:

The University of Southern Mississippi
International Student and Scholar Services
118 College Drive #5151
Hattiesburg, MS 39406 USA

The academic record and character of the applicant must be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the laws of the state of Mississippi, and the policies of the university. The university reserves the right to cancel the admission or registration of an individual whose attendance at the university, in the opinion of the appropriate administrative officer and the President, would not be beneficial to the student and/or to the institution.

Students admitted to a graduate degree program may not pursue a second graduate degree concurrently unless the dual graduate degrees are approved and identified in the Graduate Bulletin. Approved dual graduate degrees require a second application and application fee. Students may not pursue a second undergraduate degree while pursuing a graduate degree.

The admission requirements listed below represent the minimal standards set by the Graduate Council. Additional requirements and higher standards may be stipulated by the various schools. Applicants should check for such requirements in the school section of the Bulletin.

Deadlines for Graduate Admission Application

Graduate School Admission Deadlines:

Fall-August 15

Spring-January 15

Summer-May 15th

Many programs have earlier priority deadlines. Please contact the program of your major regarding earlier deadlines.

All application materials, including test scores and transcripts, must be received by Graduate School Admissions by the school’s deadline. (Official transcripts must be sent directly to Graduate School Admissions).

Types of Admission to Master’s Programs

An applicant may be granted regular or conditional admission to a master’s program. The letter of acceptance from the Dean of the Graduate School is the official letter of admission.

1. Regular Admission
   Minimum Standards for Regular Admission are as follows:
   1. The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
   2. The applicant must be eligible to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
   3. The applicant must present evidence, by official transcript, of a grade point average equivalent to at least 2.75 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years (60 hours) of undergraduate study. Some schools require a higher GPA for regular admission.
   4. The school admissions committee and chair must be satisfied that the applicant shows promise of satisfying master’s degree requirements and that the applicant’s interests are an appropriate fit with the school.
   5. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, unless baccalaureate degree is from an accredited English speaking university.
   6. A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application.
2. Conditional Admission
   An applicant who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis if a student possesses a grade point average of at least 2.0 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) on the last 60 hours of coursework.
   
   A master’s student admitted conditionally must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the first nine (9) hours of coursework at or above the 500 level. If, prior to satisfying the requirements to have the conditional status removed, the student attempts more than 9 hours of coursework at or above the 500 level, he or she must achieve a 3.0 overall grade point average on all coursework. Only USM courses will be applied toward the 9 hours required.
   
   Additional requirements may be imposed by the school. The student should consult the graduate coordinator or school director to review the requirements.
   
   When academic conditions are met, the school director may petition the Graduate School to reclassify the student as a regularly admitted student. A student achieving the required grade point average or otherwise failing to satisfy any additional requirements will be dismissed from the program.

Types of Admission to Specialist’s Programs

Advanced graduate programs leading to the specialist’s degree are available to qualified students. An applicant may be granted regular or conditional admission to these programs. The letter of acceptance from the Dean of the Graduate School is the official letter of admission.

1. Regular Admission
   Minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:
   1. The applicant must hold a master’s degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
   2. The applicant must be eligible to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
   3. The applicant must present evidence, by official transcript, of a grade point average no lower than 3.25 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) on previous graduate work. Applicants must also submit official transcripts from all other institutions previously attended.
   4. The appropriate school director, college dean, and the Dean of the Graduate School must be satisfied that the applicant shows promise of satisfying specialist’s degree requirements. The school admissions coordinator and chair will review all application materials and decide whether or not the applicant should be admitted.
   5. International students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, unless baccalaureate or master’s degree is from an accredited English speaking university.
   6. A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application.
2. Conditional Admission
   Student who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis; if a student possesses a grade point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale) on previous graduate coursework.
   
   A specialist’s student admitted conditionally must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 on the first nine (9) hours of coursework at or above the 600 level. If, prior to satisfying the requirements to have the conditional status removed, the student attempts more than 9 hours of coursework at or above the 600 level, he or she must achieve a 3.25 overall grade point average on all course work. Only USM courses will be applied toward the 9 hours required.
   
   Additional requirements may be imposed by the school. The student should meet with the school director to review the requirements.
   
   All requirements must be met or the student will not be allowed to continue to seek a specialist’s degree. Upon the recommendation of the school director and with the approval of the dean, the student will be reclassified as a regularly admitted student. A student not obtaining the required grade point average or otherwise failing to satisfy any additional requirements will be dismissed from the program.

Types of Admission to Doctoral Programs

Advanced graduate programs leading to the doctoral degree are available to qualified students. An applicant may be granted regular or conditional admission to these programs. The letter of acceptance from the Dean of the Graduate School is the official letter of admission.

1. Regular Admission
   Minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:
   1. The applicant must hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency. The degree required for admission into a doctoral program varies by department.
   2. The applicant must be eligible to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
   3. The applicant who does not hold a master’s degree must present evidence, by official transcript, of a grade point average equivalent to at least 2.75 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate study and a grade point average of at least 3.0 on undergraduate courses in the field of proposed graduate study.
   4. The applicant who holds a master’s degree must present evidence, by official transcript, of a grade point average no lower than 3.50 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) on previous graduate coursework.
   5. The appropriate school director, college dean, and the dean of the Graduate School must be satisfied that the applicant shows promise of satisfying doctoral degree requirements.
   6. A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application.
2. Conditional Admission
   An applicant holding a bachelor’s degree who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis; provided such an applicant possesses a grade point average of 2.50 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) in his/her last 60 hrs. An applicant holding a master’s degree who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis, provided however, such an applicant possesses a grade point average of 3.25 in master’s and/or specialist’s coursework.
   
   A doctoral applicant admitted conditionally must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5 on the first nine (9) hours of coursework at or above the 600 level. If, prior to satisfying the requirements to have the conditional status removed, the student attempts more than 9 hours of coursework at or above the 600 level, he or she must achieve a 3.5 overall grade point average. Only USM courses will be applied toward the 9 hours required.
   
   Additional requirements may be imposed by the school. The applicant should meet with the school director to review the requirements.
   
   Upon the recommendation of the school director and with the approval of the dean, the student will be reclassified as a regularly admitted student. A student not maintaining the required grade point average or otherwise failing to satisfy any additional requirements will be dismissed from the program.

Regulations Governing Admission of Non-Degree Graduate Students

Applicants must apply for non-degree status by submitting the online application, proof of degree, and application fee.

A prospective student may choose to enroll as a non-degree graduate student for the following reasons:

1. The applicant did not meet requirements for conditional or regular admission.
2. The applicant is not seeking a degree but is taking courses for personal level update.
3. The applicant is enrolled in another university and desires to obtain credit from The University of Southern Mississippi to be transferred to the university from which he or she is seeking a degree.
4. The applicant did not meet the application deadline for a degree program.

Enrollment as a non-degree graduate student does not signify admission to any school or to any degree program. A non-degree graduate student must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Non-degree graduate students are not eligible for financial aid.

Up to twelve (12) hours of coursework taken as a non-degree student may be applied to a graduate program of study with the approval of the graduate committee chair and/or graduate committee if the student is admitted later to a degree program.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Credit Hours

Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours and the completion of discipline-specific requirements.

Admission Requirements

1. The applicant must complete the online application form and pay the application fee.

2. The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency. Some certificate programs require the applicant hold a master’s degree or be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.

3. The applicant must submit official transcripts from the institution awarding the baccalaureate degree and higher graduate or professional degrees (if appropriate). The applicant must be able to re-enter in good standing the last college or university attended.

4. A decision to admit an applicant to a certificate program is based on school review and approval by the school director. 

Credit Hour Limitations

No more than twelve (12) semester hours of work from the certificate program may be used toward a master’s, specialist, or a doctoral degree, with the approval of the graduate committee chair and/or graduate committee.

Permission for Undergraduate Students to Register for Graduate Credit as a Non-Degree Student

Undergraduate students at The University of Southern Mississippi who meet the GPA requirements for regular admission may apply to The Graduate School for permission to take coursework for graduate credit if within 12 semester hours of meeting bachelor’s degree requirements as certified by the university registrar. If approved, the student may then register for graduate courses up to a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate credit with a total course load not exceeding 12 semester hours or 15 hours with Graduate Dean permission. The student must complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree within the first semester/term in which he or she registers for graduate courses. The student’s application for admission to graduate school will not be given final approval until after he or she satisfies all requirements for the baccalaureate degree. To apply, the undergraduate student must submit the Undergraduate Request to Enroll in Graduate Courses form, which requires approval from the instructor of the course, the student’s academic advisor, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

An undergraduate student from another institution desiring to take graduate courses as listed above should file a graduate application, have a transcript sent to graduate school admissions, and receive permission from the school director and dean of the Graduate School to take a graduate class.

Graduate Students Taking Undergraduate Courses

Graduate students enrolled in undergraduate courses as required by their Degree Progress Report (DPR) of Study must complete the “Out of Career” permission form available on the Graduate School website and receive permission from their school director and the Dean of the Graduate School. Graduate students taking undergraduate courses should be aware that such courses are considered “out of career” and do not count toward eligibility for financial assistance or the calculation of full-time status. Although graduate students taking undergraduate courses will receive a grade for the coursework, they will not receive quality points; the absence of quality points may negatively impact the ability of the student to count the course(s) for credit when seeking licensure or certification. It is the responsibility of the student to determine how the course will affect his/her status and future plans. Students should contact The Graduate School with questions. Students may not earn an undergraduate degree while earning a graduate degree.

Procedures for Applying for Admission (U.S. citizens)

1. The applicant must submit a new application for each program and/or degree sought: certificate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral.
2. All credentials (application, an official transcript from each institution attended, and official report of standardized test scores) must be submitted to Graduate School Admissions via the online application by the deadline published on the Graduate School Web page. Letters of recommendation and other required materials should be submitted online (see online application). If applying to more than one department, students should submit two applications and all materials. Send official transcripts and official test scores to Graduate School Admissions.
3. All applicants must pay an application fee for each application submitted. Application fees must be paid by credit or debit card when application is submitted.
4. After all credentials are received, graduate school admissions staff will compute the applicant’s grade point average and will forward the application and transcripts to the appropriate department chair. As soon as the application has been processed by the school director, and the Dean of the Graduate School, the Graduate School will notify the applicant of the university’s decision on the request for admission. The letter of acceptance from the Dean of the Graduate School is the official letter of admission.
5. An applicant’s admission status is good for a maximum of 2 semesters (excluding summer). However, some schools require a new application if the applicant does not enroll the semester he/she is admitted. Applicants must secure school approval to change their admission date. Once a student’s admission window closes, all paperwork (transcripts, etc.) is shredded, and a student must again apply for admission (not readmission).
6. Applicants whose native language is not English and have recently come to the United States are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS or PTE exam to demonstrate English proficiency. Exceptions may be made if the applicant has earned a degree from a U.S. accredited university or an English speaking university.
7. If born after 1956, a Certificate of Compliance with Immunization is required.

Procedures for Applying for Admission (Non-U.S. citizens/International)

International Admissions
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5135
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
U.S.A.
(601) 266-4841
fax (601) 266-4898
isss@usm.edu
 

International Admissions processes all international applications, evaluates foreign academic credentials, and issues the appropriate immigration documents for non-immigrant foreign students.

International Admissions disseminates Southern Miss information to foreign schools, U.S. embassies/consulates abroad, and non-profit international organizations (such as the Institute for International Education). This office also provides information to and immigration documents for research scholars invited by Southern Miss to participate in research opportunities.

Admission Procedure:

1. The applicant must submit a new online application for each program and/or degree sought: certificate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral at www.usm.edu/graduate-school. The application and supporting documents must be received by March 1 for summer admission, June 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission, or by specific school deadlines, whichever comes first.
2. All credentials (an official transcript from each institution attended, certified English translations and official report of standardized test scores) must be submitted to International Admissions. Letters of recommendation and other required materials should be submitted online (see online application). If applying to more than one school, students should submit two applications and all materials. Test scores should be submitted via the testing agency.
3. Application materials submitted to the university will not be returned.
4. All applicants must pay an application fee for each application submitted. Application fees must be paid by credit or debit card when application is submitted.
5. After all credentials are received, graduate school admissions staff will compute the applicant’s grade point average and will forward the application and transcripts to the appropriate department chair. As soon as the application has been processed by the department chair, the college dean, and the Dean of the Graduate School, the Graduate School will notify the applicant of the university’s decision on the request for admission. The letter from the Dean of the Graduate School is the official letter of admission.
6. An applicant’s admission status is good for a maximum of 2 semesters (excluding summer). However, some schools require a new application if the applicant does not enroll the semester he/she is admitted. Applicants must secure school approval to change their admission date. Once a student’s admission window closes, all paperwork (transcripts, etc.) is shredded, and a student must again apply for admission (not readmission).
7. Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exam to demonstrate English proficiency. Exceptions may be made if the applicant has earned a degree from a U.S. accredited university or an English speaking university.
8. Financial Resources: To meet requirements for entry into the United States for study, applicants are required by federal law to demonstrate sufficient financial resources. Students must be prepared to provide proof that he/she has sufficient funds to cover the first year of study. In addition, students must demonstrate financial solvency for future years of study to establish that he/she will not become a public charge. Applicants must provide documented evidence of their financial resources for university study since the university has no special fund for financial assistance to international students.

A Certificate of Eligibility for exchange Visitor Status (Form DS-2019 for a J-1 visa) or a Certificate of Eligibility for Student Status (Form I-20 for an F-1 visa) is issued only to those applicants who have been officially admitted to the university.

Immunization Requirements

All students (including transfer and online) entering the university for the first time and enrolling for academic credit must document proof of immunization for measles and rubella.

1. Proof of immunization may be documented in the following manner:
   1. Obtain a Certificate of Compliance with Immunization (Form No. 121-C) from a local Mississippi State Board of Health office, if a resident of the state of Mississippi. Two doses of measles vaccine are required. All international students must have a chest X-ray to screen for tuberculosis;
   2. Documentation (month and year) of immunization that was received after the first birthday;
   3. Positive measles and rubella serology titer with date;
   4. Physician-documented history of having had measles with date of disease. History of rubella is not acceptable.
2. Temporary exceptions - one semester:
   1. Pregnant women
   2. Women suspecting pregnancy
   3. Women anticipating pregnancy within three months
3. Permanent exceptions:
   1. Medical disease that will cause a permanent contraindication to immunization
   2. All persons born prior to 1957