USM Gulf Park and MGCCC partner to help degree-seekers stay local
By Toni Miles
MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham and USM President Dr. Joe Paul are pictured at USM’s Gulf Park Campus, where they announced the schools’ intent to expand degree pathways at the USM Gulf Park Campus, allowing MGCCC to offer all freshman and sophomore classes at that location.
South Mississippians seeking college degrees now have more opportunity and options, thanks to a recent agreement with University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) Gulf Park campus in Long Beach and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC).
In early April, leaders from USM and MGCCC announced the new agreement, which will allow MGCCC to offer select freshman- and sophomore-level courses on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus, creating a seamless pathway for students to complete course requirements for select associate and bachelor’s degrees.
The agreement is designed to expand four-year degree opportunities for MGCCC students on the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus while increasing access to instructional locations in the Gulfport, Pass Christian and Long Beach areas. Through the partnership, students will be able to complete their MGCCC associate degree and Southern Miss bachelor’s degree consecutively at the Gulf Park campus.
Students at the USM Gulf Park Campus will have an option to complete both their MGCCC associate’s degree and USM’s bachelor’s degree together on the same campus in Long Beach. (Photo credit Toni Miles)
Officials say the initiative will simplify the transition from community college to university. Under the partnership, students can begin their coursework through MGCCC and then seamlessly continue into upper-level classes through Southern Miss.
Education leaders say the collaboration reflects a shared focus on accessibility and student success. By coordinating course offerings and advising, the two institutions aim to reduce barriers that often delay graduation, including transfer complications and travel between campuses.
The program also guarantees admission to Southern Miss for students who complete an associate’s degree with qualifying academic performance, further strengthening the pipeline from a two-year to a four-year degree.
USM’S Gulf Park campus in Long Beach and MGCCC recently announced a new agreement which will now offer MGCCC the opportunity to take freshman and sophomore classes at the USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. (Photo credit Toni Miles)
Beyond convenience, the partnership is expected to have a broader regional impact. By expanding access to higher education along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, leaders hope to support workforce development and encourage more students to remain in the area to complete their degrees and begin their careers.
For students on the Coast, earning a college degree just got a little closer to home—and a lot more connected.
