vector art of a lightbulb and speech bubble asking What are Departments at a University

What are the Academic Departments at a University?

by Tara Burcham | Updated on | 2 minute read

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Congratulations on your decision to pursue higher education at Southern Miss! As you embark on this exciting journey, understanding the University’s academic structure will be instrumental in navigating your path to success.

HOW ARE UNIVERSITIES ORGANIZED?

Universities typically structure their academic offerings into colleges, schools, and departments, each focusing on specific disciplines. Recent academic reorganizations at Southern Miss have streamlined this structure to enhance program distinctiveness and sustainability. USM now comprises four primary colleges.

Colleges at Southern Miss:

  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business and Economic Development
  • College of Education and Human Sciences
  • College of Nursing and Health Professions

Each college encompasses various schools that focus on related fields of study. For example:

  • The College of Arts and Sciences includes the School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, the School of Music, and the School of Polymer Science and Engineering, among others.
  • The College of Business and Economic Development houses the School of Accountancy, the School of Finance, the School of Management, and the School of Marketing. 

This organizational framework enhances learning opportunities and ensures efficient resource allocation to support student success across disciplines.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

Navigating university structures can be overwhelming, but understanding your specific department is key to making the most of your education. Academic departments operate within schools, providing degree programs, faculty support, and research opportunities in their respective fields.

Finding Your Academic Department:

  1. Explore the USM Website: Visit usm.edu to explore the ‘Academics’ tab. From there, you can browse undergraduate, graduate, or online programs, each offering detailed information about your academic department.
  2. Utilize the Undergraduate Programs Directory: USM offers a comprehensive Undergraduate Programs Directory where you can search for your major alongside its corresponding school and college.
  3. Contact Your Academic Advisor: Reach out to your advisor for personalized guidance on course selection, academic planning, career advice, or even academic challenges. To find your advisor, log in to your SOAR account (Southern’s Online Accessible Records) and navigate to the ‘Student Center,’ where their name will be listed in the right-hand column.

NAVIGATING ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS AS AN ONLINE STUDENT

Here’s how to stay engaged and informed while earning your degree online:

  • Access Virtual Department Meetings: Many schools and departments hold virtual open houses and Q&A sessions, allowing online students to interact with faculty and peers.
  • Utilize Online Student Support Services: From technical assistance to exam proctoring, USM offers a range of resources to ensure online students receive the same level of support as those on campus.
  • Stay Connected Through Digital Communities: Engage with faculty and peers through online discussion forums, student groups, and professional networking events.

RECENT ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENTS AT SOUTHERN MISS

USM continually evolves to meet the educational needs of its students and the demands of the global job market. Notable recent developments include:

  • New Degree Program: In November 2024, USM launched a fully online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology to flexibly prepare students for high-demand careers in cybersecurity, network administration, software development, and more.
  • Accelerated Law Degree Pathway: In January 2025, USM partnered with Mississippi College School of Law to offer an accelerated law degree program. This initiative enables qualified students to complete both their bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctorate in six years, saving a full year of study.

Understanding organizational structures and staying informed about recent developments at Southern Miss can help you make the most of your college experience. Best wishes to you as you begin this exciting chapter at The University of Southern Mississippi!

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Office of Online Learning

All blog posts are written and maintained by the Office of Online Learning at The University of Southern Mississippi. We provide support to online students, to faculty teaching online courses, and to units seeking to develop, grow, or improve online programs at the University.

For more information, email us at online@usm.edu.