USM Forms Partnership with UNT Dallas to Benefit MBA Students

Wed, 06/14/2023 - 09:47am | By: Van Arnold

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has partnered with The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) to provide a unique Master of Business Administration degree program with an Economic Development emphasis. USM officials hope the new program will help elevate the University’s profile in the Lone Star state.

“Texas is a state with a growing demand for economic developers and many alums, including those from our MSED program have been moving to Texas,” said Dr. Chad Miller, Master of Science of Economic Development Program Director at USM. “Texas does not have an established graduate program in the practice of economic development and Southern Miss has the first, and best known, program.”

The joint graduate-level program begins in the Fall 2023 semester and will be taught in a hybrid format. It is a 30-hour program that can be completed in three semesters.

Students who successfully finish the program will earn an MBA with a concentration in economic development from UNT Dallas and a graduate certificate in economic development from USM.

"We are excited about partnering with USM for our new MBA Economic Development Concentration. This program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to foster socioeconomic progress and positively impact their communities," said Dr. Cathy J. Scott, UNT Dallas School of Business associate professor of business accounting and MBA/Master of Management program coordinator.

The two universities complement each other in several ways, making the partnership a perfect fit. UNT Dallas is the only public, four-year university in the city of Dallas and prides itself on deep connections with its diverse local community. USM has an outstanding reputation as one of the nation’s leading graduate programs for educating economic development practitioners. It is accredited by the Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB).

The rigorous curriculum will include concentration courses on economic development theory and research methods, business attraction and retention, real estate and land use planning, and entrepreneurship and technology-based economic development. The MBA core classes include economics, marketing, accounting, finance, leadership, and strategy.  

“Professional connections are crucial for success in business and economic development. Many of these connections are established through connecting in the classroom,” said Miller. “By having joint classes with Texas students, USM students will expand their professional network.”

Both universities have eligibility requirements. Prospective applicants can read the course catalogs of UNT Dallas and USM for details.