University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in core business areas followed by specialised coursework and experiential learning. Typical core subjects include principles of management, introductory and managerial accounting, business finance, micro- and macroeconomics, business statistics, business law and principles of marketing. Students then move into intermediate and advanced modules such as organisational behaviour, operations and supply chain management, strategic management, consumer behaviour, digital and integrated marketing communications, human resource management, and international business.

Many students complete a capstone or strategic management seminar in their final year and have access to electives or concentrations that allow deeper study in areas such as marketing, management, entrepreneurship, finance or supply chain. The programme emphasises applied skills through case studies, group projects, marketing plans, analytics assignments and opportunities for internships or field placements with regional employers.

Typical modules and learning activities

• Principles of Management and Organisational Behaviour
• Principles of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour
• Financial and Managerial Accounting
• Business Finance and Corporate Finance fundamentals
• Business Statistics and Quantitative Methods
• Operations Management and Supply Chain
• Business Law and Ethics
• Strategic Management (capstone)
• Digital Marketing, Social Media and Marketing Analytics
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a high school diploma or equivalent with a record of college-preparatory coursework. Admissions decisions consider high-school GPA and academic preparation; standardised test scores (ACT/SAT) may be optional depending on current University policy. Transfer applicants must present college transcripts with satisfactory college-level coursework and a minimum transferable GPA.

International applicants must meet English proficiency requirements through recognised tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS) or through approved alternative pathways. Mature students or those with non-traditional backgrounds may be considered with supporting evidence of readiness for collegiate study. Specific programme or departmental prerequisites (for example, introductory maths or economics) may apply before advancing to certain upper-division courses.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across industry, public sector and non-profit organisations. Common entry-level positions include management trainee, marketing coordinator, sales representative, business analyst, operations or supply chain assistant, and human resources generalist. With experience, alumni move into roles such as marketing manager, operations manager, product manager, account manager, or business development manager.

The degree is also a suitable foundation for starting a business or pursuing professional qualifications and postgraduate study (for example, an MBA or specialised master’s in marketing, finance or supply chain management). The programme’s emphasis on internships, regional employer connections and applied projects helps graduates build practical experience valued by employers.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a business education designed to combine solid academic foundations with practical, real-world experiences. The College of Business engages students with experiential learning opportunities, faculty who are active in teaching and applied research, and connections to regional industry across the Gulf Coast and Southeast. Students can access career services, internship placement support and student organisations that align with business interests, including marketing and entrepreneurship clubs.

Based in Hattiesburg, the University provides a campus environment where students benefit from smaller classes, opportunities for personalised advising, and pathways to hands-on projects or internships with local employers. These elements help prepare graduates to move directly into the workplace or to continue their studies at the graduate level.