Mark Klinedinst has taught economics at the University of Southern Mississippi for over 25 years, serving as department chair from 2003 to 2005. The undergraduate economics program at USM offers both a social science track and a mathematics track, awarding a bachelor's degree upon completion. The social science track focuses on political economy and the interaction of politics and economics, preparing students for fields including public administration. The mathematics track emphasizes statistical analysis and prepares students for economics graduate programs or management roles.

1. By Mark Klinedinst

2.  Mark Klinedinst has conducted research and taught
courses at the University of Southern Mississippi in
Hattiesburg, MS, for over 25 years, serving as
economics department chair from 2003 to 2005. A
former resident of Maryland, Mark Klinedinst joined
USM in 1986 and earned tenure in 1992.
The undergraduate economics program at the
University of Southern Mississippi offers a social
science and a mathematics track, both of which award
a bachelor of arts upon completion. Located at the
Hattiesburg campus, both programs provide rigorous
academic training in economics and teach students to
analyze economic problems.

3.  In the social science or qualitative track, economics majors
focus on “political economy” and study the interactions
between politics and economics. In particular, courses
examine how economics affects legislative outcomes. The
program prepares students for a variety of fields including
public administration, legal studies, and economic
development work.
In the mathematics or quantitative track, students focus more
on the use of data and statistics, learning to obtain and
interpret information to analyze economic and policy
decisions. This track prepares students well for doctoral and
master’s programs in economics as well as high-level
management positions.