Student Advisement Manual
Summary of Types and Limitations of Credit Usage
The following is a summary of the limitations placed on credit usage:
a. 64 semester hours through a combination of credit by examination, independent study, and Armed Forces experiences.
b. 32 semester hours by independent study (including USAFI); nine semester hours in any one field.
c. 30 semester hours credit by examination (including CLEP and AP).
d. 18 semester hours of pass/fail credit.
e. 12 semester hours in the same department through a combination of independent study and pass/fail.
f. 64 semester hours in a senior college are required for a baccalaureate degree. Of this total, 45 must be
in course numbers 300-level or above and 32 must be earned at The University of Southern
Mississippi.
g. The types of credit considered as senior college work are (1) Southern Miss, Hattiesburg; (2)
Southern Miss, Gulf Park; (3) Southern Miss, Jackson County; (4) Southern Miss, Jackson;
(5) Independent Study; (6) USAFI*; and (7) armed forces experiences.*
h. The types of credit not considered senior college work are (1) junior college transfer work; (2) CLEP;
3) USAFI**; (4) armed forces experience.**
*If course number evaluations are 300-level or above
**If course number evaluations are below 300-level
Application for Degree
A student is expected to file an application for a degree one semester before degree requirements are completed, and an application will be accepted no later than the published deadline (see Calendar). This application filed with the Office of the University Registrar will show the work completed by the student and the courses planned for the ensuing semester. Filing in advance of the proposed graduation date will allow time for checking the application and also allow the student time for making up deficiencies found in the degree program.
Each student has the final responsibility to ascertain that he or she has complied with all applicable catalog requirements for graduation. Faculty advisers assist students in developing their programs, but these advisers cannot, of their own accord, waive or vary degree requirements as they appear in the University Bulletin. After the application has been approved by the academic department, it becomes the student’s official degree program.
Students graduating in the Honors College must submit the Honors College Attachment to the application for degree. Application forms may be obtained in the college office of the dean.
Transcripts
An official transcript is the reproduction of a complete, unabridged permanent academic record validated with the university seal, facsimile signature of the registrar, and date of issue. A key to transcript is included which contains a full statement of pertinent definitions. Currently enrolled as well as former undergraduate and graduate students may obtain an official transcript by writing the Office of the University Registrar, 118 College Drive #5006, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001. Transcripts are not released when there is an indebtedness to the university
At Southern Miss, Steve Wiest, a Hattiesburg High graduate who earned a degree in jazz studies at Southern Miss in 1980, took advantage of the many opportunities available to him to perform.