MSU's new ONLINE master's in Industrial Technology has an $115k median salary. In-state tuition. No relocation.

[TinaVV]

I don't know why nobody is talking about this.

IHL JUST APPROVED TWO NEW MSU MASTER'S PROGRAMS (Jan 22, 2026) .

If you're an undergrad stressing about what comes next, or a working professional trying to level up, read this.

1. Master of Applied Science in Industrial Technology

• 30 hours. Fully online.
• Specializations: Industrial Management, Community College Leadership (for technical programs), Instructional Design (for technical programs).
• You learn: Data science, business analytics, smart manufacturing, systems integration, predictive maintenance.
• Median salary: $115,000.
• Projected job growth: 8% (2022–2032).
• Regional monopoly: This is the ONLY program of its kind in the entire South (MS, AL, AR, LA) .

2. Master of Science in One Health

• 30 hours. Flexible: in-person, online, or asynchronous online (yes, you can literally never show up and still get the degree).
• Housed in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Covers: Public health, epidemiology, environmental health, animal health, consumer safety, R&D.
• Target audience: Pre-vet, pre-med, public health workers, environmental scientists .

Why this matters:
MSU is clearly listening to the "brain drain" report. These aren't random degrees. These are high-wage, high-demand, Mississippi-relevant programs. Industrial tech feeds into manufacturing (which we have). One Health feeds into agriculture and public health (which we have).

 

[Waylon]

For anyone who doesn't know: "One Health" is the concept that human health, animal health, and environmental health are all connected. It's been a buzzword in public health for years, but actual DEGREE programs are rare.

This program is perfect for:

• Pre-vet students who don't get into vet school (real talk, it happens)
• Public health workers who want to specialize
• Environmental science grads who need a master's
• Ag professionals dealing with zoonotic diseases
• Literally anyone who wants to work at the intersection of humans, animals, and the planet

And the delivery options?? In-person, online, OR asynchronous online?? That's unheard of. You can literally never set foot in Starkville and still get an MSU degree. That's ACCESS.

Also "College of Veterinary Medicine" housing it means the faculty are actual experts, not just adjuncts reading slides.

MSU really did something here. Two programs that actually match Mississippi's economy. Wild concept but apparently it works.