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USM MBA Program Receives Multiple National Rankings

Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:12am | By: Whitney Branch

The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has received impressive recognition in the field of online education by Fortune Education in their prestigious rankings for Online MBA Programs.

USM’s Online MBA program has earned several accolades, solidifying its position as a leader in delivering quality, flexible, and innovative business education.

Fortune’s Best Online MBA Program rankings were based on quantitative and qualitative methodologies via survey data, Fortune research findings, and brand surveys. Through these rigorous evaluation and analysis techniques, the Southern Miss Online MBA program has been placed at the forefront of academic excellence.

“We are thrilled that the Southern Miss Online MBA program has achieved remarkable recognition in Fortune Education's Best MBA Program rankings. These prestigious accolades are a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in online business education,” said Dr. Bret Becton, Dean of the College of Business and Economic Development.

Dean Becton added, “The recognition highlights the dedication of our faculty, the exceptional quality of our curriculum, and the outstanding achievements of our graduates. As we celebrate this achievement, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide a world-class educational experience that empowers future business leaders to thrive in a dynamic and competitive global landscape.”

Dr. Steven Stelk, MBA Program Director, is delighted with the recent ranking releases and optimistically looks to the future of the MBA program at Southern Miss.

“Fortune’s recognition of our MBA program is deeply gratifying. The College of Business and Economic Development faculty and staff have continued to invest in and refine the online MBA program since it was established in 2014. The recent rankings are based on the previous academic year, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate the results of our investments while providing fresh motivation for continuing to refine the program. We are implementing some exciting curriculum changes this Fall while we welcome the second-largest MBA class in the program’s history.”

Dr. Stelk adds, “We are continuing to develop and test new ideas to increase the value of our MBA for students, and I am excited to see what the future holds.”  

USM’s MBA program has indefinitely waived the GRE and GMAT requirements, removing some student barriers. The University will still consider test scores with applications with other required materials – three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, and cover letter. International students must submit TOEFL scores.

Prospective students interested in joining the esteemed ranks of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Online MBA Program can learn more online. Inquiries and discussions on the program, or other Southern Miss Business graduate programs, can be facilitated by calling (601) 266-4659 or emailing.