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How to Apply to Southern Miss

| 3 minute read

A college degree can open a lot of doors for you. Need a raise? Want a promotion? Want to start a career? An advanced degree can help you with these and so much more, and Southern Miss is ready to help you become the best of the best. College is a time of self-realization and personal growth. As you continue to graduation, you’ll be immersed in the environment of your major and you’ll continuously prove what you’re capable of. College is a commitment to excellence, and it all starts with one thing. You’ll need to apply for college. Let’s take a moment to fill out your college application online.

First things first, open this link in a new window or tab so you can keep this page up as a reference. This is where your collegiate career begins: the application page. On this page you’ll see a few links. On the left is the link to the undergraduate application, and on the right- the graduate application. Once you position your cursor on the side of the application you’d like to fill out, you’ll see two links: one for domestic applicants, and one for international applicants. Once you’ve selected your application, you’ll be asked to select the term for which you want to apply. Are you looking for Fall, Spring, or Summer? Take a moment to consider your options. It would be a good idea to check your program page to check the application deadline.

Quick tip: This is a very important first step, so be certain you select the correct links. We don’t want you to start your experience by paying the wrong application fee or having to start over.

Graduate students can skip this next step (see you in the next paragraph). If you’re applying to one of our undergraduate programs, you’ll be taken to a screen where you’ll be asked to answer a simple question. Are you applying as a freshman, or are you a transfer student? Click the link that applies to you, and you’ll be taken to a login screen.

On the next screen, you’ll see two options: log in, or create an account. (If you already have an account, go ahead and log in, and we’ll see you at the next paragraph.) If you haven’t created your account yet, all you need to do is fill out the form on the right of the page. Once you’ve completed the account creation, you can log in.

After you’ve logged in, you’ll be taken to our official application. It starts with the welcome page. Read this page carefully and make note of the contact info just in case you run into an issue (don’t worry, you can always return if you need to). Continue by clicking next at the bottom right of the window.

The pressure is off now, because here is where we want to get to know you. Of course, your name and birthday, and the rest of the basics, but we also want to know what program you want to pursue. This is important so we know which advisor to connect you with for success, and make sure that if you’re applying to one of our online programs, you select “Online” under the Campus dropdown menu.

You’ll continue through the pages rest of the application and then click the next button at the bottom right of each section. You’ll tell us about yourself and the program you want to join. Click the “NEXT” button at the bottom right of each section. Once you complete the application, you’ll be asked to pay the application fee. When the payment is submitted, you’re done. Congratulations! You have completed the first step to becoming a Golden Eagle, and preparing yourself for your new career! 

After your application is complete, you can check the status, ask for recommendation letters from your references, and any materials you need to complete the college admission process. Just sign into your self-service portal. Depending on your degree, the materials could include letters of purpose, test scores, or a writing sample. If you have any questions about your application, feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@usm.edu or by phone at (601) 266-5000. 

Now that you’ve completed your application, be on the lookout for emails regarding your status as a USM student!


Office of Online Learning

All blog posts are written and maintained by the Office of Online Learning at The University of Southern Mississippi. We provide support to online students, to faculty teaching online courses, and to units seeking to develop, grow, or improve online programs at the University.

For more information, email us at online@usm.edu.