USM Program Receives Notable Rankings from U.S. News & World Report

Tue, 03/12/2024 - 01:14pm | By: Whitney Branch

The College of Business and Economic Development’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has received notable recognition in online graduate education by U.S. News & World Report.

USM’s online MBA program has garnered numerous accolades throughout the years, and this year’s rankings reaffirm Southern Miss Business’ status as a frontrunner in providing top-notch, adaptable, and experiential business education.

• No. 83 in Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans

• No. 137 in Best Online MBA Programs

U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Program rankings are based on five (5) categories: Engagement, Peer Assessment, Faculty Credentials and Training, Student Excellence, and Services and Technologies. These categories are used in the ranking giant’s assessments of selected ranking indicators. U.S. News & World Report only publishes programs that rank in the top 75 percent. USM’s MBA program ranked in the top 40 percent at No. 137 out of 345 ranked universities.

Beyond the Best Online MBA Program ranking and its criteria, U.S. News & World Report also releases sub-categorical rankings, such as Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans. All schools must rank among the top half in the main category to qualify for the subcategory.

Further ranking indicators are included in the subcategory for veterans. The academic institution must be certified for the GI Bill and complement this certification with participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program or by offering in-state tuition to all veterans applying from out of state. The final criterion for this ranking requires a program to have a certain number of enrolled students with military backgrounds. USM’s MBA program ranked No. 83 in Best Online MBA Programs for Veterans, beating some of its reputable peer institutions.

Dr. Bret Becton, Dean of the College of Business and Economic Development, stated, “These rankings shine a bright light on the excellence and opportunity offered by the Southern Miss Business Online MBA.”

Dr. Steven Stelk, MBA Program Director at USM, echoes Dean Becton’s sentiments by explaining, “The online MBA program’s rankings validate our efforts to offer a valuable graduate business program with enough flexibility to accommodate full-time students and working professionals.”

Southern Miss Business has been strategically innovative by bringing more opportunities to its military veterans, service members, and their families. Some programs have begun offering service credit to their military-affiliated students. Dr. Stelk is particularly excited about this acknowledgment.

“I am excited to see more recognition of our efforts to serve members of the military,” said Dr. Stelk. “The program’s content and flexibility make it a good fit for someone working full-time, and The University of Southern Mississippi’s Federal Tuition Assistant (TA) Gap Funding makes the program even more affordable for members of the military. USM is already recognized as a top Military Friendly University, largely due to the efforts of our Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, and this ranking validates our efforts to connect with and serve those who served our country.”

The newest rankings were released following years of numerous rankings for USM’s MBA program and solidified the Dean’s perspective. Dean Becton asserts, “These remarkable achievements are a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering a top-tier education and empowering veterans and professionals alike to excel in the ever-evolving landscape of business.”

USM’s MBA program has removed the GRE and GMAT requirements indefinitely, thus eliminating certain obstacles for prospective students. Nonetheless, Southern Miss Business will still review test scores along with other necessary documents, including three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a cover letter. International applicants are required to provide TOEFL scores.

Individuals interested in joining The University of Southern Mississippi’s esteemed Online MBA Program can find further information online. For inquiries or discussions regarding this program or other graduate programs offered by Southern Miss Business, please contact (601) 266-4659 or email.

Learn more about the 2024 Best Online MBA Program for Veterans and the 2024 Best Online MBA Programs.