University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, with an additional campus at Gulf Park in Long Beach. Founded in 1910, it offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, health professions, the sciences, and the arts. The university is classified among research institutions and supports significant activity in areas such as polymer science, ocean science, and education. It serves students from across Mississippi and beyond, including traditional undergraduates, graduate students, and adult learners seeking flexible and online study options.

The University of Southern Mississippi was founded in 1910 as Mississippi Normal College to train teachers in the southern part of the state. Located in Hattiesburg, the institution opened for classes in 1912 under its first president, William Hall Smith. As enrollment expanded, the school broadened its academic offerings and in 1924 became State Teachers College. In 1940 it was renamed Mississippi Southern College, reflecting a growing liberal arts curriculum and expanding programs beyond teacher education. During the mid-20th century, the university developed additional academic divisions and began offering graduate degrees. In 1962, it adopted the name University of Southern Mississippi, marking its evolution into a comprehensive university. Over time, University of Southern Mississippi expanded to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and strengthened its research profile, shaping its role as a public research institution serving the state and region.