The University of Southern Mississippi features the highly recognized College of Business and Economic Development. This reputable business school is composed of the School of Accountancy, School of Finance, School of Management, and School of Marketing. This premier business school holds dual accreditation in business and accounting from the AACSB and is devoted to forward-thinking research practices. In fact, the business school was awarded $3.2 million in external funding for research initiatives in 2018, and USM is designated as a Carnegie R1 Research Institution. The Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education provides Economics, Entrepreneurship, and Financial Literacy education to K-12th students and educators through workshops and the Southern Entrepreneurship Program youth initiative. USM is ranked the highest university in Mississippi by Washington Monthly. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report names USM among the Most Popular Universities. A significant percentage of the growing student body chooses to study business.
Education
There’s a business degree sure to suit your needs, whether you are eager to enter the field of business or are a seasoned professional. Undergraduate programs include Accounting, Business Administration (Entrepreneurship), Business Administration (General Business), Finance, Healthcare Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Merchandising, and Sport Management. Healthcare marketing is a growing career field, and students in this program are highly sought out by recruiters, with 100% employed post-graduation. Students studying Hospitality and Tourism can complete an online certificate for Casino Management. International business students have the opportunity to learn up to three languages. Sports Management students will complete a minimum of 120 field hours prior to graduation.
Student Life
There are many student organizations on campus, including a plethora of business clubs. After classes let out for the day, business students can be found developing their leadership skills in meetings for the Accounting Society, American Marketing Association, Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Organization, Business Student Advisory Council, Economics Club, and the Student Economic Development Association. Ambitious students who desire to start their own business can get support with the start-up process from the Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization. Students who are curious to see what business practices look like in different parts of the world can participate in study abroad programs in 20 different countries. The Dale Distinguished Lecture Series hosts events featuring many notable leaders in the business community.
Online Programs
Graduate students can pursue a graduate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Economic Development, or Sport Management. Sport Management graduate students are required to complete 150 hours of field experience in this top growing career field. Students in the MBA program can also select an emphasis in Sport Event Security Management. All graduate programs can either be completed in a hybrid or online format, helping students create a balance between work, study, and family commitments.