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University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 15,564
  • Tuition Fee From$ 6,614
  • Country Rank#214
  • Batch Strength14,606
  • Global Diversity4%
  • Gender Ratio64:36

Overview

About

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a public research university located in the city of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Founded in 1910, USM is one of the oldest universities in the state of Mississippi and is known for its strong commitment to providing students with high-quality education and opportunities for research and discovery. USM offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes in fields such as nursing, education, business, psychology, engineering, and arts and sciences. With more than 15,000 students enrolled, USM provides a vibrant and diverse learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and personal development.

 

In addition to its academic programmes, USM is also known for its vibrant campus life. The university has over 300 student organisations, including academic clubs, service groups, and sports teams. The Southern Miss Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics, and the university is a member of Conference USA.

 

USM has a strong reputation for research, particularly in areas such as marine science, polymer science, and nursing. The university has several research centres and institutes that are dedicated to advancing knowledge and tackling complex societal challenges. For example, the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory conducts research on marine biology and fisheries, while the Mississippi Polymer Institute develops new materials and technologies for industry.

 

The university also has a strong track record of promoting equity and social justice, and it has been recognised as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly campuses in the country. USM is also home to a number of centres and programmes that promote diversity and intercultural understanding, such as the Centre for Black Studies and the Centre for the Study of the Gulf South.

Ranking

The University of Southern Mississippi has been ranked by many educational publications like US News & World Report and Times Higher Education University Ranking. The university has been consistently ranked in the top 500 universities in the country over the past 5 years. These rankings are based on factors like subjects offered, faculty, staff and facilities, student satisfaction, etc. Below are the highlights of the rankings of the institution 

 

  • US News Global Universities (2023) - #1585
  • US News National University Ranking (2023) - #299-440

 

Course Rankings

Many courses offered at the institution are also ranked by various education publishers. The undergraduate business programme has been consistently ranked by US News. Its rankings have improved from #273 in 2021 to #247 in 2023. This shows that the university has improved in factors that are considered towards the subject ranking methodology. Below are a few course-wise rankings of the university

 

Business Courses

  • US News Graduate Business School (2022) - #102-143
  • US News UG Business (2023) - #247

 

Science Courses

  • THE University Rankings Life Sciences - #501-600
  • THE University Rankings Psychology - #401-500

 

Medicine Courses

  • US News Best Graduate Nursing Schools (2021) - #120

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

#1585

Facilities

The University of Southern Mississippi focuses on innovation and growth. The facilities offered at the university meet the diverse needs of the community and foster a vibrant and dynamic campus culture. Some of these facilities include

 

Academic Buildings: The university has multiple academic buildings across its campuses, including Hattiesburg and Gulf Park. These buildings house classrooms, lecture halls, research laboratories, and faculty offices, providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

 

Libraries: The university library system includes the McCain Library and Archives, which is the main library on the Hattiesburg campus, as well as several branch libraries. The libraries provide access to a vast collection of print and electronic resources, including books, journals, databases, and multimedia materials, to support research and study needs.

 

Student Recreation Centre: The Payne Centre is a state-of-the-art recreational facility that offers a wide range of fitness and wellness options for students, faculty, and staff. It includes a fitness centre with cardio and weight training equipment, an indoor swimming pool, group fitness classes, an indoor track, racquetball courts, and other recreational facilities.

 

Residence Halls: There are a variety of on-campus housing options for students, including traditional residence halls, suite-style residence halls, and apartments. These facilities provide comfortable and convenient living arrangements for students, along with amenities such as study lounges, common areas, laundry facilities, and 24-hour security.

 

Dining Services: There are several dining facilities on its campuses, including residential dining halls, food courts, cafes, and convenience stores. These facilities offer a variety of dining options, including meal plans, catering services, and special dietary accommodations.

 

Health and Wellness Services: The Moffitt Health Centre provides medical and wellness services to students, including general medical care, women's health, immunisations, mental health services, and health education programmes. The university also has a counselling centre that offers counselling and psychological services to support the mental health and well-being of students.

 

Sports Facilities: The university has a range of sports facilities to support its athletic programmes, including M.M. Roberts Stadium (also known as "The Rock"), Reed Green Coliseum, Pete Taylor Park, and other outdoor and indoor sports facilities. 

 

Research Centres and Laboratories: The university has several research centres and laboratories that support research and innovation in various fields, including science, engineering, arts, social sciences, and health sciences. These facilities provide resources and expertise for faculty and students to engage in cutting-edge research and creative activities.

 

Technology Resources: Students are offered access to a variety of technology resources, including computer labs, high-speed internet, online learning platforms, research computing resources, and technology support services.

 

Campus Transportation: There are transportation services for students, faculty, and staff, including shuttle services that operate on-campus and off-campus routes, as well as car rental options for university-related travel.

Notable Alumni

Brett Favre
Brett Favre
American Football Quarterback
Cat Cora
Cat Cora
American Chef
Ray Guy
Ray Guy
American Football Player

Courses

Admission

University of Southern Mississippi Entry Requirements

The entry requirements at the University of Southern Mississippi vary depending on the programme selected. The student has to complete the number of activities listed under the College Preparatory Curriculum. This tests communication skills, understanding skills, knowledge of mathematics and such. Students will also have to pay an application fee of $40. Below are the basic requirements for admission - 

 

  • Completed application form
  • Transcript from the institution where the student has obtained the degree. It is important that the institution is regionally accredited.
  • GRE/GMAT scores - 510/290
  • SAT/ACT scores - 1190/26
  • Strong letters of recommendation to study in the US
  • Resume

 

Accepted English proficiency test scores

  • TOEFL (iBT) - 71
  • TOEFL (pBT) - 525
  • IELTS - 6.0
  • iTEP - 4.0

 

University of Southern Mississippi Fees

The institution offers several programmes at different levels. Listed below are the fees based on various courses

 

  • Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] - $12,516 /Year
  • Master of Science [M.S] Computer Science - $12,516 /Year
  • Master of Science [M.S] Counseling Psychology - $20,691 /Year
  • PhD in Computer Science and Engineering - $6,614 /Year
  • Master of Science [M.S] Instructional Technology - $12,516 /Year

 

Placements

The career services office at the University of Southern Mississippi provides students and alumni with resources and guidance to help them explore career options, develop job search strategies, and prepare for job interviews. The university maintains an online job board where students and alumni can search for job and internship opportunities. Employers can also post job openings on the job board to recruit Southern Mississippi talent.

 

The career services office also hosts career fairs and other networking events to connect students and alumni with employers in various industries. These events provide opportunities to learn about potential careers, meet with recruiters, and apply for job openings. The office also provides mock interviews and interview coaching to help students and alumni feel confident and prepared for job interviews. According to the school's report, the median starting salary of university graduates is around $43,000.

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the University of Southern Mississippi through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:

 

  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Country-specific scholarships

  • College-specific scholarships

  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Southern Mississippi. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the University of Southern Mississippi. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Hattiesburg is a city in southern Mississippi and is home to the University of Southern Mississippi which has a vibrant student life. The city offers a mix of academic, social, and cultural experiences that can help you grow as a person and have a fulfilling college experience. The overall cost of living in Hattiesburg is 12% lower than the national average. Major expenses like housing and utilities cost 32% and 7% cheaper respectively. This makes the city a great option for students planning to study in the USA. Below is a list of the expenses that prospective students should keep in mind -

 

Items

Cost

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$533

On-Campus Accommodation

$1,040

Transportation

$80

Food Cost

$423

Utility Cost

$98

Entertainment

$93

Groceries

$93

Clothes

$75

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation 

$1,475

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation 

$1,982

Annual Cost of Living

$23,782

FAQs