In January 1999, the Southern Miss Department of Marine Science submitted a proposal for a master of science degree program in hydrographic science to the university for approval. The university approved the proposed degree program and forwarded it to the IHL Board for their review in February 1999. The degree program was approved by the IHL Board in July 1999, and the first class of students were enrolled for the fall 1999 semester.

The Southern Miss academic program in hydrographic science is designed to provide a graduate-level education for students from Mississippi, the Gulf of Mexico coastal region, for the nation as a whole, and internationally. The renewed development of and interest in offshore hydrocarbon exploration in the Gulf of Mexico coastal and offshore waters has placed an increased demand for qualified hydrographers trained in state-of-the-art approaches and techniques. Graduates of this degree program would be in place to enter both the U.S. Navy, coastal zone management, and offshore industry-related employment opportunities in hydrographic science.

In addition to faculty members from the Department of Marine Science, there are a number of faculty members from other departments within Southern Miss with skills, knowledge, and expertise that are integral components of hydrographic science. Each of these faculty members is committed to participate with the Department of Marine Science in the development and delivery of a graduate degree in hydrographic science. A pool of faculty drawn primarily from the Department of Marine Science, including approved adjunct faculty members, delivers the M.S. degree in Hydrographic Science. NAVOCEANO has been a strong partner in the development of the M.S. degree program in hydrographic science. The Navy has recognized that there are limited opportunities for Navy civilian personnel to acquire the appropriate level of knowledge and competency to meet programmatic needs, and their partnership in the Southern Miss degree program helps to address this challenge.