To find pricing information, visit our pricing page. For financial aid information, view our financial aid page. For detailed tuition information, visit our business services page.

Students take, on average, four years to complete the degree, but it is truly dependent on the student.

Yes, students are required to write a dissertation based on original research. There is no set minimum or maximum for length of dissertation.

IDV classes are held one night a week, Monday-Friday (depending on the class), at either 5pm-7pm CST or 7pm-9pm CST.

Yes, however, IDV requires qualified students to have completed all coursework and successfully completed the comprehensive examinations.

At the end of all coursework, IDV students must complete a written and oral comprehensive examination covering the information learned in their two areas of concentration.

No, the GRE is no longer required for admission into this program.

The IDV program welcomes new students in both the spring and fall semesters.

No, online students pay resident tuition. For information about pricing, click here.

Visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions, and course enrollment.

Yes. The International Development Doctoral Program can be completed fully online. IDV students are not required to travel to the University at any point during their enrollment, including commencement.

Yes, the IDV program charges a flat rate of $450 per semester for specific books and materials which will be sent to the students by the program.

All IDV students will receive several books from the program. IDV provides a set of reference books on style, etc., as well as books for core and required courses. Students are responsible for purchasing the required and/or suggested books for all elective courses. Students may purchase books from any source they desire, provided they are the same as stipulated by the class syllabus.

The unique nature of the International Development Ph.D. program, along with the research skills learned in the program, make the IDV degree versatile for work in both the public and private sectors. Graduates of the IDV program add value to their current positions and quickly enjoy increasing responsibilities.

No, your degree is held to the same high level of rigor no matter the type of delivery, including online, so there is no label on online students’ degrees.

The student is contacted via email to establish a personalized degree plan and assistance in determining enrollment for the first semester.

The student has 8 years to complete the degree. The vast majority of students need less time, but all are allowed the full 8 years

The IDV program is highly selective in its admissions, maintains a high level of student mentorship. Students are required to present an original research paper at an approved conference, as well as submit an article for publication to a peerreviewed academic journal.

Yes, the majority of IDV students are balancing the demands of their current career responsibilities with their academic pursuits.

Yes. Any use of artificial intelligence is not permitted in IDV courses. Any use of AI tools for work in this program may be considered a violation of the University of Southern Mississippi’s Academic Integrity Policy.

Yes, the University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). For the complete accreditation statement and additional information, please visit www.usm.edu/university/accreditation.php.