University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

The MBA in Management and Operations combines foundation business studies with specialised courses targeting operations, process improvement and managerial decision-making. The programme emphasises applied learning—case studies, team projects and data-driven analysis—to prepare students to manage people, systems and workflows.

• Core MBA modules: typically include Managerial Economics, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Managerial Finance, Organisational Behaviour, Strategic Management and Business Ethics. These provide the broad managerial foundation expected of MBA graduates.
• Operations and management specialism: modules generally cover Operations Management, Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Quality Management and Continuous Improvement (Lean/Six Sigma principles), Project Management and Service Operations.
• Quantitative and analytic tools: coursework commonly includes Business Analytics, Data-driven Decision Making, and Operations Research techniques such as modelling and forecasting to support operational decisions.
• Electives and practicum: students can often choose electives in areas such as Human Resource Management, Technology and Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Sourcing. Many students undertake a capstone project, consultancy project or applied practicum with a local business or public-sector organisation.
• Format and delivery: the programme is typically offered in flexible formats to accommodate working professionals, including evening, part-time and potentially hybrid or online delivery. Course work emphasises team-based assignments, live case studies and practical tools for immediate workplace application.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Typical additional considerations include:

• Relevant professional experience: many applicants have one to several years of work experience; some pathways exist for recent graduates.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating satisfactory undergraduate performance. Applicants with non-business degrees may be asked to complete prerequisite business coursework.
• GMAT or GRE scores: the programme may accept standardised test scores, though waivers are often available for applicants with significant professional experience or a strong academic record.
• Evidence of English proficiency for international applicants, for example TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless exempted by prior study in English.
• Application materials: a completed application form, statement of purpose outlining career goals, and letters of recommendation. Some applicants may be invited to interview.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MBA in Management and Operations are prepared for leadership roles that require both managerial insight and operational expertise. Typical career paths include:

• Operations Manager or Director, overseeing production, service delivery or facility operations.
• Supply Chain Analyst/Manager, responsible for procurement, logistics, inventory and supplier relationships.
• Project Manager, leading cross-functional initiatives, process improvement programmes or implementation projects.
• Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager, applying Lean, Six Sigma or similar methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Consultant in management, operations or process optimisation, working with firms to redesign workflows and improve performance.
• Entrepreneurial and small-business leadership roles where operational competence and strategic planning are essential.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers an MBA programme grounded in practical business education with connections to regional industry and public-sector employers. The university’s business faculty bring applied experience and research in operations, supply chain and management, supporting hands-on learning through projects and community partnerships.

• Applied focus: the curriculum emphasises real-world projects, case work and analytic tools that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
• Flexible delivery: options to study part-time, evenings or through blended formats help working professionals balance study and career responsibilities.
• Career support: career services, employer networking events and local business links help students secure internships, practicum placements and graduate roles across the Gulf South and beyond.
• Regional relevance with broader applicability: while rooted in the region’s economic context, the programme teaches transferable skills in operations and management valued across industries and geographies.