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. Updated résumé - Letter addressed to Dr. Chad Miller, MSED Graduate Coordinator
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: The University of Southern Mississippi Master of Science in Economic Development Program is focused on improving communities through business attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship development in the context of localities and states in the US. It is different from economics and international development programs which prepare students for doctoral programs.  Explain your purpose in seeking a Master of Science in Economic Development and wanting to start a career in the economic development profession. 
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)