Economic Development MS

Overview

The mission of The University of Southern Mississippi Master of Science in Economic Development is to be the leading graduate program in the nation for educating US-based local/regional economic development practitioners who can wisely manage public-private investment collaborations to facilitate sustainable growth in the economy. Students should be prepared on the first day of work to add value to an economic development organization.

Admission Requirements

In addition to adhering to the Admission Requirements and Procedures , doctoral program applicants must also meet the following requirements:

1. GPA: Have a 3.0 (4.0 scale) grade point average over the last two years of the student’s undergraduate studies.
2. GRE/GMAT: Submit GRE scores (all sections). The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) may be submitted in place of the GRE. The GMAT or the GRE is required to be considered for admission to the program and maybe waived for applicants with a master’s degree or higher from accredited U.S. institutions of higher education.
   An applicant may request waiver consideration from the GRE/GMAT requirement if s/he can demonstrate 5 years or more of progressively responsible work experience managing people and processes. This waiver request will need to be approved by the College of Business Graduate Programs Academic Council. Applicants must have already submitted an application to the program and must submit the following to chad.r.miller@usm.edu at least 6 weeks before the application deadline:
   • Updated résumé
   • Letter addressed to Dr. Chad Miller, MSED Graduate Coordinator, requesting test score waiver consideration
3. Letters of recommendation: Provide three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.
4. Conditional admission: In exceptional cases, students may be admitted conditionally. Such students must earn a 3.0 on the first nine (9) semester hours of coursework numbered 500 or above or on all coursework taken while completing this nine (9) hour requirement in order to qualify for regular admission.
5. Prerequisite: Students may be required to take some prerequisite courses in geography or business.
6. Statement of purpose: Submit statement of purpose and goals including desire for a graduate assistantship and resume.
7. International Students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency through a TOEFL(560 or more), IELTS, or PTE exam.
8. Special Fee: In addition to a $110 per hour course fee that covers books, meals during the in-person, applicable IEDC fees, and special technology needed for the program.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

Completion of the program requires meeting the course requirements of 18 hours of economic development courses and 12 elective hours and successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

See General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information  for other requirements and policies.

Course Requirements (30 hours)

• ED 646 - Business Attraction and Retention 3 hrs.
• ED 722 - Economic Development Data Analytics and Theory 3 hrs.
• ED 725 - Entrepreneurship and Tech-Based Development 3 hrs.
• ED 736 - Real Estate and Land Use Planning 3 hrs.
• ED 789 - Community Data Analytics 3 hrs.
• ED 791 - Economic Development Mentorship 1-3 hrs.

• or

• ED 698 - Thesis 1-3 hrs. for a total of 6 hours.
• Elective courses (12 hrs)