College of Business and Economic Development
College of Business and Economic Development
Preparing for the Future of Work
The world of work is constantly changing. Advancements such as automation, artificial intelligence, regulatory changes, and remote work arrangements, will result in the elimination of some jobs, the creation of new jobs, and changes to almost all jobs. As a result, business students not only need foundational business knowledge, they must also develop the skills and abilities needed to excel in an ever evolving business environment - the ability to adapt, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, utilize digital technology, and collaborate and lead across demographic and geographic boundaries.
With a degree from the College of Business and Economic Development, you will be prepared to adapt and thrive in the future of work. Our programs prepare you to be successful in the business world by offering leading-edge coursework as we partner with thriving businesses, allowing students to obtain experiences to better prepare them for what is to come after graduation. Whether you are learning online, in-person or in a hybrid format, you will acquire skills and competencies necessary to be a leader in the classroom and the workplace.
The College of Business and Economic Development is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). As an AACSB-accredited school, we maintain the highest standard for business schools in the world.
In the News
Southern Miss Business Rankings
#61 Best MBA Programs, Fortune 2025
#12 Best Online MBA Programs in the South, Fortune 2024
#19 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs, Fortune 2024
#31 Best Online MBA Programs, Fortune 2024
#44 Best Online Bachelor's Program in Business, 2023 U.S. News & World Report
#83 Best Online MBA Program for Veterans, 2023 U.S. News & World Report
Our Programs
Whether you are pursuing your undergraduate or graduate degree from any of our five schools, (Accountancy, Finance, Leadership, Management, or Marketing), our engaged faculty and unique opportunities will set you above all others.
- Accounting
- Applied Technology
- Business Administration (Entrepreneurship)
- Business Administration (General Business)
- Finance
- Healthcare Marketing
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Human Resources Management
- Industrial Engineering Technology
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Merchandising
- Organizational Leadership
- Sport Management
Undergraduate Certificate Programs
- Professional Selling (Undergraduate)
- Marketing Analytics (Undergraduate)
- Business Management (Undergraduate)
- Casino and Resort Management and Marketing (Undergraduate)
- Supply Chain Management (Undergraduate)
- Personal Finance (Undergraduate)
- Business Essentials for non-business majors (Undergraduate)
Graduate Certificate Programs
- Economic Development (Graduate)
- Business Foundations (Graduate)
- Sport Security Management (Graduate)
- Instructional Technology and Design (Graduate)
Find out more about our certificate programs here.
The Hatchery serves as a hub to help align and connect the wealth of entrepreneurship-related resources, knowledge, and vision at The University of Southern Mississippi.
By facilitating entrepreneurial experiences, The Hatchery helps increase student opportunities to make their skillsets more relevant, dynamic, adaptable, marketable, and consequentially more valuable in today’s rapidly changing labor market.
The Office of Student Success is your go-to resource for academic support, guidance, and planning your path to graduation. Our dedicated academic advisors are here to help with course selection, degree planning, academic standing concerns, and any challenges that may impact your success. We'll also connect you with university resources for financial aid, career services, and personal support—ensuring you have everything you need to thrive at Southern Miss Business.
Our Research
in external funding awarded in 2018 for Mississippi Defense Diversification Initiatives
received competitive internal research grants and/or college research awards in 2018
for the 5-year period 2013-2018
What sets us apart:
- Faculty publications have been featured in premier/significant and A* refereed journals.
- Student research mentorship occurs through the University's Honors College and undergraduate research symposium.
- Faculty are active in garnering grant funding and forming industry partnerships to enhance the relevancy of our research and promote active learning experiences for our students.
We promote a balanced portfolio of teaching and scholarship. Our faculty pride themselves in researching unique and creative topics that have an impact on business and industry. Faculty also devote time to mentoring the next generation of scholars among our students.
