General Information
Applications for admission to a graduate program are submitted using the online application portal (https://www.usm.edu/graduate-admissions/index.php). The decision to admit an applicant to a specific program is made by the school faculty following review of the application. Non-degree seeking applicants are approved by the Graduate School Admissions Office. The Dean of the Graduate School officially notifies an applicant of acceptance into a program.
The application requirements listed here represent the minimal standards set by the Graduate Council. Additional requirements and higher standards may be expected by the school in which the program resides. Applicants should check for such requirements in the school section of the Graduate Bulletin. A holistic review of all applications is 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 graduate programs.
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 of Southern Mississippi. The University reserves the right to cancel the admission or registration of an individual providing false information, documents, or test scores or 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 may not pursue a second undergraduate degree while pursuing a graduate degree.
Required Application Documents:
Official transcripts: All graduate applicants must supply 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).
International applicants must mail official transcripts to:
The University of Southern Mississippi
Office of International Admissions
118 College Drive #5151
Hattiesburg, MS 39406 USA
Standardized Test Scores (required by some programs): The requirement for a standardized test score (i.e. GRE, GMAT) is determined 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 will substitute other rigorous assessment criteria. Prospective international students must provide proof of English proficiency through a TOEFL, IELTS, PTE exam, or a transcript showing a degree earned from an accredited American institution of higher learning.
Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must request letters of recommendation from three individuals with knowledge of the applicant’s prior academic performance and potential for success in graduate-level study. Applicants may contact the school of their major to determine if the school will accept non-academic recommenders.
Statement of Purpose or Interests: Applicants must provide a narrative statement that describes their interests and reason for applying to a graduate program. The Statement of Purpose will be assessed for such attributes as clarity of expression, writing skill, and “fit” within the program.
Other Program-Specific Requirements: Schools may require additional documents for admission to their programs, such as a cover letter, curriculum vitae or résumé, writing sample, or other materials. Applicants may contact the school of their major for additional information regarding these supplemental documents. Some schools may conduct interviews or auditions as part of their application process. Applicants will be contacted if selected to interview or audition.
Deadlines for Graduate Admission Application
Graduate School Admission Deadlines: Deadlines are subject to change. Please check the Graduate School website to confirm deadlines (http://www.usm.edu/graduate-school).
Fall – June 1 (international applicants); August 10 (domestic applicants)
Spring – November 1 (international applicants); January 5 (domestic applicants)
Summer – March 1 (international applicants); May 10 (domestic applicants)
Many programs have priority deadlines which are earlier than these. Applicants should contact the program to ensure deadlines are not missed.
All application materials, including test scores (when required) and transcripts, must be received by Graduate School Admissions by the program deadline. (Official transcripts must be sent directly to Graduate School Admissions.)
Types of Admission to Master’s Programs
Applicants interested in pursuing simultaneous master’s or dual degree programs should review policies articulated in the General Degree Requirements section of this Graduate Bulletin.
Regular Admission
Minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:
The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
The applicant must be eligible to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
The applicant must present evidence, by official transcript, of an acceptable grade point average in one of the following ways:
- At least 2.75 GPA (calculated on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years (60 hours) of undergraduate study. Some schools require a higher undergraduate GPA for regular admission
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) on a minimum of 9 hours of relevant graduate-level coursework
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a previously-awarded graduate degree
The school faculty must be satisfied that the applicant shows promise of completing master’s degree requirements and that the applicant’s interests are an appropriate fit with the school.
A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application.
Conditional Admission
An applicant who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis if the applicant possesses a grade point average of at least 2.0 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework.
A master’s student admitted conditionally must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the first 9 hours of graduate-level 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, the student 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.
Change of Status for Conditionally-Admitted Students: The first semester of enrollment is a probationary semester for conditionally-admitted students. A conditionally-admitted student must earn a 3.0 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate coursework.
- If the GPA requirement is met and school-imposed conditions are met, the Graduate School will change the student’s status to Regular admit.
- If the GPA requirement is not met, the student must ne dismissed from the program.
Types of Admission to Specialist Programs
Regular Admission
Minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:
The applicant must hold a master’s degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency.
The applicant must be eligible to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
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-level coursework. Applicants must submit official transcripts from all other institutions previously attended.
The school faculty must be satisfied that the applicant shows promise of completing specialist degree requirements. A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application.
Conditional Admission
An applicant who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis if the applicant possesses a grade point average of at least 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale) on previous graduate-level coursework.
A specialist student admitted conditionally must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the first 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, the student must achieve a 3.25 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 meet with the school director to review the requirements.
Change of Status for Conditionally-Admitted Students: The first semester of enrollment is a probationary semester for conditionally-admitted students. A conditionally-admitted student must earn a 3.0 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate coursework.
- If the GPA requirement is met and school-imposed conditions are met, the Graduate School will change the student’s status to Regular admit.
- If the GPA requirement is not met, the student must ne dismissed from the program.
Types of Admission to Doctoral Programs
Regular Admission
Minimum standards for regular admission are as follows:
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 program.
The applicant must be eligible to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
The applicant who does not hold a master’s degree must present evidence, by official transcript, of an acceptable grade point average in one of the following ways:
- At least 2.75 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years (60 hours) of undergraduate coursework. Some schools require a higher undergraduate GPA for regular admission
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) on a minimum of 9 hours of relevant graduate-level coursework
- The applicant who holds a master’s degree must present evidence, by official transcript, of having completed the degree with a grade point average at least 3.50 (calculated on a 4.0 scale).
The school faculty must be satisfied that the applicant shows promise of completing doctoral degree requirements.
A non-refundable application fee must accompany each application.
Conditional Admission
An applicant holding a bachelor’s degree who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis, provided the applicant possesses a grade point average of 2.50 (calculated on a 4.0 scale) in their last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. An applicant holding a master’s degree who fails to qualify for regular admission may be admitted on a conditional basis, provided the applicant possesses a grade point average of 3.25 in master’s and/or specialist coursework.
A doctoral applicant admitted conditionally must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the first 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, the student 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 student should meet with the school director to review the requirements.
Change of Status for Conditionally-Admitted Students: The first semester of enrollment is a probationary semester for conditionally-admitted students. A conditionally-admitted student must earn a 3.0 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate coursework.
- If the GPA requirement is met and school-imposed conditions are met, the Graduate School will change the student’s status to Regular admit.
- If the GPA requirement is not met, the student must be dismissed from the degree program.
Readmission to a Graduate Program
Continuing students who were not enrolled for one or more semesters must apply for readmission to the program by completing an application and paying the application fee. Eligibility for readmission will be determined by the Graduate School.
If graduate-level coursework was attempted at another institution during the period of non-enrollment, official transcripts must be submitted with the readmission application.
A doctoral student who completed comprehensive exams is subject to the Continuous Enrollment policy.
Regulations Governing Admission of Non-Degree Graduate Students
Applicants must apply for non-degree status by submitting the online application, proof of undergraduate degree, and application fee.
A prospective student may choose to enroll as a non-degree graduate student for the following reasons:
- The applicant did not meet requirements for regular or conditional admission.
- The applicant is not seeking a degree but wishes to take graduate courses for personal or professional development.
- The applicant is seeking a degree at another university and desires to obtain credit from The University of Southern Mississippi to be transferred to their degree program.
- 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.
Up to 12 hours of coursework taken at USM as a non-degree student may be applied to a graduate degree program with the approval of the graduate committee chair and/or graduate committee if the student is admitted later to a degree program. Non-degree coursework to be used in a degree program is subject to time limits.
Non-degree graduate students are not eligible for financial aid.
Graduate Certificate Programs
Admission Requirements
The applicant must complete the online application form and pay the application fee.
The applicant must hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution approved by a recognized accrediting agency. Some certificate programs require that the applicant holds a master’s degree or be currently enrolled in a graduate degree program.
The applicant must be able to re-enter the last college or university attended in good standing.
The applicant must submit official transcripts from the institution awarding the baccalaureate degree and higher graduate or professional degrees. A decision to admit an applicant to a certificate program is made by the school faculty.
Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Courses
Undergraduate students at USM who meet the GPA requirements for regular admission may request permission from the Graduate School 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 9 semester hours of graduate credit with a total course load not exceeding 12 semester hours or 15 hours with permission of the graduate dean. The student must complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree within the first semester/term in which they register for graduate courses. The student’s application for admission to graduate school will not be given final approval until after they satisfy all requirements for the baccalaureate degree. To apply, the undergraduate student must submit the Undergraduate Out of Career form which requires approval from the instructor of the course, the student’s academic advisor, and Dean of the Graduate School.
Regulations differ for undergraduate students participating in an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree option. Those guidelines and application instructions are located at Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Options .
An undergraduate student from another institution desiring to take graduate courses as described 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), must complete the “Out of Career” form which requires approval from the instructor of the course, the student’s academic advisor, and 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 their status and future plans. Students should contact the Graduate School with questions.
Admission Application Procedures (U.S. citizens)
Application Procedure:
- The applicant must submit a separate online application for each program to which they are applying and pay a fee for each application. The online application can be accessed at www.usm.edu/graduate-school. The fee may be paid by credit or debit card.
- All credentials required in the application must be submitted to Graduate School Admissions via the online application by the deadline published on the Graduate School website or by specific school deadlines, whichever comes first.
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded into the application portal by the recommender.
- If multiple applications are submitted, each application must include all required documents.
- Official transcripts must be sent by the university, and official test scores must be sent by the testing agency.
- After all credentials are received, Graduate School Admissions staff will compute the applicant’s grade point average and will forward the application, transcripts, and any other program-required documents to the appropriate school.
- Following review of the application and a decision by the school, the decision will be reviewed by the Graduate School. If the decision complies with graduate admissions policies, the applicant will receive official notification of acceptance from the Dean of the Graduate School.
An applicant’s admission status is good for a maximum of 2 consecutive admitting semesters, including the original semester of admission. (Fall admits may defer until the following spring; spring admits may defer until the following summer or fall. Students accepted to programs that offer admission once per year [fall, spring, or summer] may defer to the next admitting semester). Some schools require a new application if the applicant does not enroll the semester they are admitted. Applicants must secure school approval to change their admission date. Once an applicant’s admission window closes, the applicant must reapply for admission (not readmission).
Immunization Requirements:
All students must comply with immunization requirements. Information on immunization requirements is located on the Graduate School website and below.
Procedures for Applying for Admission (Non-U.S. citizens/International)
Office of International Admissions
The University of Southern Mississippi
118 College Drive #5135
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
U.S.A.
(601) 266-5645
email: intladmissions@usm.edu
The Office of International Admissions processes all international applications, evaluates foreign academic credentials, and issues the appropriate immigration documents for non-immigrant foreign students.
The Office of International Admissions disseminates USM information to foreign schools, U.S. embassies/consulates abroad, and non-profit international organizations (such as the Institute for International Education).
Application Procedure:
- The applicant must submit a separate online application for each program to which they are applying and pay a fee for each application. The online application can be accessed at www.usm.edu/graduate-school. The fee may be paid by credit or debit card.
- All credentials and supporting documents (an official transcript sent by each institution attended, certified English translations, and other documents) must be submitted to International Admissions. Test scores must be submitted by the testing agency.
- The application and supporting documents must be received by the deadlines published on the Graduate School website or by specific school deadlines, whichever comes first.
- Letters of recommendation must be uploaded into the application portal by the recommender. If applying to more than one program, applicants must submit separate applications and include all materials.
- Application materials submitted to the University will not be returned.
- After all credentials are received, admissions staff will compute the applicant’s grade point average and will forward the application and transcripts to the appropriate school. Following review of the application and a decision by the school, the decision will be reviewed by the Graduate School. If the decision complies with graduate admissions policies, the applicant will receive official notification of acceptance from the Dean of the Graduate School.
An applicant’s admission status is good for a maximum of 2 consecutive admitting semesters, including the original semester of admission. (Fall admits may defer until the following spring; spring admits may defer until the following summer or fall. Students accepted to programs that offer admission once per year [fall, spring, or summer] may defer to the next admitting semester). Some schools require a new application if the applicant does not enroll the semester they are admitted. Applicants must secure school approval to change their admission date. Once an applicant’s admission window closes, the applicant must reapply for admission (not readmission).
English Proficiency Exams:
Applicants whose native language is not English and have recently come to the United States are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, iTep, or PTE exam to demonstrate English proficiency. Exceptions may be made if the applicant has earned a degree from an accredited U.S. university or an English-speaking university. More information can be found at https://www.usm.edu/graduate-admissions/international-admissions/index.php.
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 they have sufficient funds to cover the first year of study. In addition, students must demonstrate financial solvency for future years of study to establish that they 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.
Certificate of Eligibility:
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:
International students must comply with immunization requirements. Information on immunization requirements is located on the Graduate School website and below.
Immunization Requirements
All students (excluding fully online) entering USM for the first time and enrolling for academic credit must document proof of immunization for measles and rubella.
Proof of immunization may be documented in the following manner:
- Certificate of Compliance with Immunization (Form No. 121-C), obtained 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
- Documentation (month and year) of immunization that was received after the first birthday
- Positive measles and rubella serology titer with date
- Physician-documented history of having had measles with date of disease. History of rubella is not acceptable.
Temporary exceptions - one semester:
- Pregnant women
- Women suspecting pregnancy
- Women anticipating pregnancy within three months
Permanent exceptions:
- Medical disease that will cause a permanent contraindication to immunization
- All persons born prior to 1957
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