Online Master's in Economic Development

Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)

Credit Hours:

Cost per Credit Hour:

$556.12

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Completion Time:

1-2 years *pending hours enrolled

Special Requirements:

No GRE/GMAT Required

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Build strong, prosperous communities with a Master’s in Economic Development from The University of Southern Mississippi! In this program, you will learn how to attract and develop thriving businesses, create jobs, and enhance the desirability and livability of your region. What sets this nationally-ranked degree apart is its unique focus on outreach, leveraging cutting-edge data analytics to address real challenges facing your local economy.

Our Master’s in Economic Development boasts 100% job placement for its graduates and is part of an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited College of Business. With 40+ years of experience educating economic developers, we will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a tangible difference.

Alumni Career Outcomes:

Economic and Community Development Manager
Chamber of Commerce Director
Business Development Manager
Director of Corporate Development
Commercial Developer
Project Manager

Check out our other fully online options! Want more info about this degree? Our enrollment coaches are here to help. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!

What can you do with a Master’s in Economic Development?

A Master’s Degree in Economic Development can lead to a career in regional economic development organizations, project management, or chamber of commerce directors.

Course Requirements

Course	Credits
Business Attraction and Retention	3 hrs.
Economic Development Data Analytics and Theory	3 hrs.
Entrepreneurship and Tech-Based Development	3 hrs.
Real Estate and Land Use Planning	3 hrs.
Community Data Analytics	3 hrs.
Economic Development Mentorship	3 hrs.
Thesis	6 hrs.

Elective courses (12 hrs)

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the advisor for this program?

The advisor for this program is Dr. Chad Miller. You can reach Dr. Chad Miller at chad.r.miller@usm.edu.

What are the costs, and how do I find out about financial aid?

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. To view all the funding resources available to graduate students, please visit the Graduate Admissions Funding Resources page.

How long does the program take to complete?

The Master’s in Economic Development can be completed in as little as 1 year, but it is truly dependent on the student.

Is this program a good fit for international students?

Our Master’s in Economic Development is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of local economic development in a developed country, preparing them for careers as economic development practitioners. It is mostly taught in the context of the United States. It does not have a heavy emphasis on mathematical economics, academic theories of development, or public policy analysis.

Is this program good preparation for a Ph.D. program?

This program emphasizes preparing students for careers as practitioners of local economic development and related fields. Although some graduates have proceeded successfully to pursue doctoral studies, that career pathway is not a focus of the MSED curriculum.

Do online students pay out-of-state tuition?

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

What if I am a veteran or service member?

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.

Will my diploma say “online”?

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.

Do you offer Senior Citizen tuition discounts?

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarship Program for Mississippi residents age 62 or older. Legal residents of the State of Mississippi age 62 or older may enroll tuition-free in a maximum of six (6) semester hours for the fall or spring term. Courses on all campuses (Online, Hattiesburg, and Gulf Coast) are available to senior citizens on a space available, first come first serve basis. This scholarship program applies to fall and spring courses only.

To inquire about the availability of this scholarship, contact the registrar’s office.

Is the University of Southern Mississippi accredited?

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.

Admission Requirements

In addition to adhering to the Admission Requirements and Procedures, doctoral program applicants must also meet the following requirements:

GPA: Have a 3.0 (4.0 scale) grade point average over the last two years of the student’s undergraduate studies.
Updated résumé – Letter addressed to Dr. Chad Miller, MSED Graduate Coordinator
Letters of recommendation: Provide three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.
Conditional admission: In exceptional cases, students may be admitted conditionally. Such students must earn a 3.0 on the first nine (9) semester hours of coursework numbered 500 or above or on all coursework taken while completing this nine (9) hour requirement in order to qualify for regular admission.
Prerequisite: Students may be required to take some prerequisite courses in geography or business.
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.
Special Fee: In addition to a $110 per hour course fee that covers books, meals during the in-person, applicable IEDC fees, and special technology needed for the program.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

Completion of the program requires meeting the course requirements of 18 hours of economic development courses and 12 elective hours, and successful completion of a comprehensive exam.

See General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information for other requirements and policies.

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