Economic Development - Master's

• GPA: Have a 3.0 (4.0 scale) grade point average over the last two years of the student's undergraduate studies.
• Letters of recommendation: Provide three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant's readiness for graduate study.
• Statement of purpose: The University of Southern Mississippi Master of Science in Economic Development Program is focused on improving communities through business attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship development in the context of localities and states in the US. It is different from economics and international development programs which prepare students for doctoral programs.  Explain your purpose in seeking a Master of Science in Economic Development and wanting to start a career in the economic development profession. 
• International Students whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency through a TOEFL (560 or more), IELTS, or PTE exam.

More details on the admissions requirements can be found here.

The MSED program is located with the Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, which gives the MSED students hands-on experience doing actual projects that help communities. Examples of these projects include economic fiscal impact studies, strategic plans, feasibility studies, highest & best use studies, and marketing studies. Additionally, the students work on significant sponsored research projects for the US Department of Defense, US Department of Transportation, US Department of Energy and numerous other national and international organizations. To do these projects, the students will learn the most advanced data analytics and mapping tools.

Graduate Assistantship positions, available to Master of Science in Economic Development (MSED) students on a competitive basis, can waive up to the full cost of tuition and provide a monthly stipend for qualifying students. In addition, the MSED program has specific scholarships established by the economic development community to assist worthy full-time students enrolled in the economic development program. These include the Rhodes and Ingram Economic Development Scholarship Endowment, Munro Petroleum Scholarship Endowment, C. Caruthers Sullivan, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, and the Joe Johnson Memorial Endowment in Economic Development.

The Student Economic Development Association (SEDA) is a student organization made up of both graduate and undergraduate students pursuing careers that promote economic development from a local to an international level. The SEDA fosters a community of networking, learning, and leadership, hosting events throughout the year to connect students with scholars and practicing economic developers, many of whom are alumni of our master’s program. Each semester, SEDA members visit economic development organizations in the state, host a football/baseball tailgate, volunteer in the community, and more. The SEDA also sponsors its members to attend Mississippi Economic Development Council events.

International students typically make up 10-15% of each cohort. The MSED differs from Development Economic programs. Our program is designed for students to learn about development in a developed country and does not have a heavy emphasis on mathematics or academic theory while Development Economics prepares students who ultimately seek a Ph.D.

All Immigration and language requirements questions should be directed to International Scholar Services. International applications are approved by the International Scholar Services and the Graduate School before being released to the program for final review and acceptance.