Mission Statement
Our mission is to produce logistics, transportation and supply chain professionals who advance knowledge, drive innovation, and contribute to the resolution of complex business problems to meet the industry and societal needs. We seek to develop leaders for both the public and private sectors and prepare our graduates to operate in the increasingly demanding global economy.
Program Description
The Master of Science in Logistics, Trade, and Transportation (MS-LTT) is designed to empower professionals to meet the growing demands of logistics transportation and supply chain management related careers in the Gulf Coast regions, nationally and internationally. This interdisciplinary program is comprised of 30 total credit hours encompassing logistics, transportation supply chain management, global trade and economic development, business, and other courses. These courses are delivered in several flexible formats including on-line, in-person, and executive/hybrid format to allow practitioners to continue to work while pursuing the degree. The program can be completed in one year and customized to meet career advancement needs.
USM’s Master’s degree in Logisitcs, Trade and Transportation provides its graduates with necessary tools and critical understanding of supply chain management, economics, finances, and the practice of contemporary global air, maritime, and land transportation systems. The core competency of this program includes planning and strategy, operations management, system analysis and modeling, global trade, and economic development. Upon completion of this program, graduate qualify to receive two professional certifications from SOLE and AST&L organizations.
Application and Admission Standards
Admissions data is located on the Graduate School webpage: https://www.usm.edu/graduateschool. Telephone inquiries may be made by calling (601) 266-4895 or 228-214-3237. E-Mail inquiries may be made to MSLTT@usm.edu or directly to graduate program director at md.sarder@usm.edu. Apply online at www.usm.edu/graduate-school/apply-graduate-school.
Limited graduate assistantships are available for the MS-LTT students. Students with good undergraduate records and GRE/GMAT are encouraged to apply at the time they request admission.
The School of Construction will waive the GMAT/GRE test requirement for Masters of Science of Logistics, Trade and Transportation (MSLTT) applicants in the following two instances:
- Applicants who already have earned a Master degree (or higher graduate degree) from accredited institution in the US.
- Applicants with 5 years or more of work experience relevant to Logistics, Trade and Transportation and/or Supply Chain Management
Admission to The University of Southern Mississippi’s M.S. programs is selective. Regular admission is contingent on having graduated from a college or university accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. The graduate admissions committee of the School of Construction recommends admittance only for those applicants whose academic background, work experience, demonstrated leadership, and communication skills meets the challenging demands of graduate programs.
In evaluating applications, the admission committee utilizes the following criteria: undergraduate record, graduate admissions test (GRE or GMAT), Tes of English as a foreign Language (TOEFL), and letters of recommendation.
Undergraduate record
The cumulative grade point average (GPA) from all institutions, the area(s) of concentration, the balance of verbal/communication and quantitative/analytical courses, and the trend of grades are considered. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA in their last 60 hours for regular admission.
Graduate Admission Tests
A candidate should strive to achieve good balanced official scores in all areas of on either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE). For further information regarding taking this test contact Graduate School Admissions office. Waiver of GRE/GMAT is applicable for applicants who meets either of the following conditions.
- Applicants who already have earned a master degree (or higher graduate degree) from accredited institution in the U.S.
- Applicants with 5 years or more of work experience relevant to Logistics, Trade, and Transportation and/or Supply Chain Management areas.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Students whose native language is not English must achieve a TOEFL score of 550 or more or IELTS.
Work Experience
While work experience is not required for admission, two or more years of relevant responsibility strengthens the likelihood of admission to the program. Applicants are encouraged to submit resumes showing job responsibilities and accomplishments.
Letters of Recommendation
The admission committee reviews three (3) letters of recommendation to gain a more personal understanding of the applicant’s leadership ability in terms of communication and interpersonal skills. Each applicant should request three recommendation letters, at least one of which addresses the applicant’s academic preparation. Letters of recommendation should be from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study and should be sent to the department.
Students may enroll in courses reserved exclusively for graduate students if they have regular admission to specific Southern Miss graduate programs and have taken the necessary prerequisites or if they have been admitted to the certificate program. In rare cases, students may be admitted conditionally. To remove Conditional Admission status, masters students must earn a 3.0 on the first nine (9) semester hours of course work numbered 500 or above on all courses taken while completing this nine (9) hour requirement.
Students transferring from other graduate schools must meet the admission requirements stated above. At the time of admission, transfer students may request that up to six (6) semester hours of approval credit be applied toward degree requirements. Once enrolled, transfer of credit for courses taken at other institutions must be approved in advance. See Transfer Credit Policy in this Bulletin.
Academic Policies
Students who receive a grade of “C” in more than nine (9) hours of course work will be dismissed from the program. Students may not apply hours toward a degree for courses in which there is a grade of “D;” students who receive grades of “D” in more than six (6) hours of course work will be dismissed from the program. Students who receive grades of “F” in more than three (3) hours of course work will be dismissed from the program. Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be in good standing.
Upon approval by the graduate committee, students may repeat one and only one course to improve a cumulative grade point average. Students whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation. Students must attain a cumulative 3.0 GPA by the end of the following (probationary) semester or the graduate committee may dismiss them from the program subject to review.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the degree requirements established by the Graduate School (minimum 30 hours with a minimum of 18 hours at the 600 level), students earning the Master of Science in Logistics, Trade and Transportation must satisfy the degree requirements listed below.
- Minimum of total of thirty (30) hours in graduate-level courses.
- Eighteen (18) of the 30 hours must be 600 level or higher.
- Eighteen (18) of the 30 hours must be from the core courses.
- Twelve (12) of the 30 hours must be from the approved elective courses.
- Apply for degree.
- Successful completion of a comprehensive written examination online following the comprehensive exam guidelines.
- Grade point average of 3.0 or above is required for graduation.
- Some students may be required to take few prerequisites/additional courses that do not count towards the minimum thirty (30) hours.
- Continuous Enrollment Requirement and other requirements as specified in the Graduate Bulletin.
- Comply with the Academic Policies located at: Academic Policies.
- Complete the TWO separate parts of the Graduate Exit Survey
Part 1 of 2 - Graduate Exit Survey - Demographic Information
Part 2 of 2 - Graduate Exit Survey - Program Information
12. Complete RCR Training and email the certificate at the end of the form to Gabriela Thornton (Gabriela.Thornton@usm.edu) and to Mrs. Pam Posey (pam.posey@usm.edu)
