New This Fall at Southern Miss: Online Undergrad Programs

As we gear up for the upcoming fall semester, we’re excited to introduce four new online undergrad programs at Southern Miss! Whether you’re looking to level up your career, pivot into a new field, or deepen your expertise, these programs are designed to support a wide range of goals and learning journeys.

Expanding our online offerings reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and employers. Bachelor’s degrees remain in high demand across industries. In 2022 alone, 2.02 million undergraduate degrees were conferred, according to the Education Data Initiative. From sustainability and technology to wellness and family sciences — there’s something for every learner in this year’s lineup!

Here’s What’s New for 2025:

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Bachelor of Science in Sustainability Sciences: At the heart of today’s workforce transformation is the green economy. Job postings requiring knowledge of sustainability increased by 22% between 2022 and 2023, according to data from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025. In response to this growing demand, this program’s curriculum trains students to analyze complex environmental issues and contribute to sustainable solutions.

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology: Spanning foundational network knowledge to advanced wireless technology implementation, our Information Technology BS program prepares students to take on the challenges of our modern technological era. Graduates of this degree program can find employment as system administrators, application developers, cybersecurity analysts, and other in-demand IT positions.

• Bachelor of Science in Fitness and Nutrition: With fitness trainer positions projected to grow 14% from 2023 to 2033 and more than 73,000 job openings expected per year, this field presents compelling career prospects for those passionate about health and wellness (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). This program prepares students for competitive roles in the industry with professional certificates through the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the American Council on Exercise.

• Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Sciences (Family Sciences): Focusing on social services, parent education, and nonprofit leadership, this program explores the complex relationships between individuals, families, and communities, preparing students for careers in public policy, mental health, family life education, and more.

As employment trends continue to evolve, The University of Southern Mississippi remains dedicated to providing students with flexible, future-focused programs that align with their personal goals and professional needs. What skills will tomorrow’s professionals need to thrive? Which new undergrad degrees will pave the way for success in emerging fields?

Next up in this series: a closer look at our new online master’s and doctoral degrees! The path is yours to shape, and we’re here to walk it with you. Whenever you’re ready to take the next step, our enrollment coaches are here to help.