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Graduate Admissions

Next Steps

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If you are a newly admitted graduate student, check out these next steps and find out how to get started at Southern Miss! For even more information, be sure to download our Getting Started brochure (PDF). Additionally, you should take this time to review the Graduate Bulletin and the Graduate School website. You'll want to pay particular attention to all degree requirements, policies, and procedures as outlined in the bulletin and throughout the Graduate School website.

Step 1: Submit Health Records

Once you've been admitted, you'll need to submit a copy of your shot records. The Mississippi IHL Board requires that all enrolled students provide proof of immunization to the measles, mumps, and rubella. You can do this by submitting health records that show two doses of MMR (or comparable vaccine) or positive results from a MMR titer test. You can submit these records electronically using this link, via fax at 601.266.4205, or via postal mail at Southern Miss Student Health Services, 118 College Drive, #5066, Hattiesburg, MS 39406. You will not be eligible to enroll in classes until you have submitted these records, so please submit those records as soon as possible. Immunization records are not required for students enrolled in a fully online program.

Step 2: Get Advised

Next, you will need to speak with your academic advisor to discuss your proposed plan of study and be advised. Academic advisors are assigned by the academic unit, so you should contact the office which houses your major for assistance.

Step 3: Enroll in Classes

Then, after you’ve been advised and submitted your proof of immunization, you can enroll in classes for your first semester here at Southern Miss through the SOAR portal. SOAR tutorials are also available.

Step 4: Submit Final Transcripts

Finally, if you were evaluated for admission based on partial transcripts, you are eligible for to enroll for their first semester of coursework. However, you will not be eligible to enroll in subsequent terms until you have submitted your final, official transcript. Admitted students should submit final transcripts as soon as possible to avoid any complications regarding future enrollment.

All new graduate students are required to complete Graduate Student Orientation.
Students who wish to request a change to their term of admission (to defer or to start earlier), may make their request by completing the deferral request.

How to...

Information regarding your new Southern Miss email account will be emailed to you within 2-3 days of your your official admissions offer. Follow the instructions in the email to activate your account. If you have not received your activation email or need other assistance, contact the Help Desk at 601.266.4357.

You can order textbooks using your student business account through The University of Southern Mississippi's Barnes and Noble website (link). Books can be picked up on campus or can be shipped to your home.

Southern Miss utilizes a fully online parking management system. Visit the Parking and Transit Services website (link), and you can register your car for an electronic parking permit before even coming to campus.

If you'll be taking classes on campus, you'll need to get your student ID card made. These can be obtained at the Image Center in the Thad Cochran Building on the Hattiesburg Campus or in the Student Service One Stop, located in the Gulf Coast Library (GCL), room 101, on the Gulf Park Campus. Visit the Image Center's website (link) for more information about getting your ID card.

Download Getting Started Brochure PDF