Economic Development, M.S.

Chad Miller, Ph.D.
Program Director

The goal of the Economic Development program is to assist students in acquiring professional competency in the concepts, skills, working tools, and creative approaches essential to those involved in the field of economic development, whether at the community, state, regional, national, or international level.

Admission Requirements:

1. Have a 3.0 (4.0 scale) grade point average over the last two years of the student’s undergraduate studies.
2. Submit official GRE scores (all sections). The official Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) may be submitted in place of the GRE. Students whose native language is not English must achieve an official TOEFL score of 560 or more.
3. Provide three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.
4. 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. Students may be required to take some prerequisite courses in geography or business.
6. Submit statement of purpose and goals, and resume.

Plan of Study. Students must submit their signed, official Plan of Study Form to the Graduate School by the end of the second semester they are enrolled. The Plan of Study Forms are available at www.usm.edu/graduateschool/planofstudy.php - click on the “Plans of Study” link.

Responsible Conduct of Research Training

All faculty holding Regular or Associate graduate faculty status, must complete RCR training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments. All graduate students must complete the RCR training modules required by the Graduate School and their departments the first semester there are enrolled in graduate school. The RCR policy and training information are found on the Graduate School web page – www.usm.edu/graduateschool. Contact the Dean of the Graduate School if you have any questions regarding the policy of training information.

Degree Requirements:

1. Successful completion of a minimum of thirty (30) hours in graduate-level courses (18 hours 600 level or higher) as follows:
   1. Minimum of twenty (20) hours with the prefix ED.
   2. Demonstrated proficiency (through coursework and/or the comprehensive exam) in economic development research, finance, and marketing.
   3. At least three (3) hours of apprenticeship (ED 791 ).
2. Successful completion of a comprehensive written or oral examination.
3. Completion of one of two curriculum options as follows:
   1. Thesis option
      1. ED 698  (3 hours)
      2. Acceptance of valid thesis topic
      3. Formation of thesis committee prior to last semester of study
   2. Non-Thesis option
      1. ED 789  (3 hours)
4. A 3.0 GPA is required for graduation.

Continuous Enrollment Requirement: Students must meet the requirement specified in the front section of this Bulletin.