About USF

Welcome to the University of South Florida, a Preeminent State Research University, located in the heart of Tampa Bay, the University of South Florida is dedicated to empowering students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.

USF is situated in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together these campuses serve more than 50,000 students and offer undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral degrees.

Across our 13 colleges, graduate students choose from over 177 majors and over 250 concentrations, from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health. We are dedicated to empowering our students to prosper and have been recognized nationally for closing the achievement gap regardless of race, background or socioeconomic status.

Over the past five years, USF has been the fastest-rising university in the nation, public or private, on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of best universities. USF ranks as the 46th best public university in America.

Our graduate programs continue to number among the best, according to the U.S. News and World Report, with ten programs ranking in the top 50 in 2021.

High-impact, global research is central to USF’s mission as the State’s only metropolitan Preeminent Research University, as designated by the Florida Board of Governors. USF was awarded a record $525.4 million in research grants in fiscal year 2019, putting USF at the forefront of cutting-edge research of medicine, science, engineering, the arts and more.

Established in 1956, USF is a leader among Golden Age Universities. Our on-campus Technology Incubator has created over 354 jobs, and our Center for Entrepreneurship ranks #3 among all public institutions in the 2020 Princeton Review Best Graduate Entrepreneurship program rankings. We are also leaders internationally, and in 2019-2020, we were #3 in the nation for Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars, with 9 faculty scholars. Our forward-looking, entrepreneurial spirit has helped us cultivate an exceptional environment for our students.

In 2019, USF Tampa earned the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities’ (APLU) Institutional Award for Global Learning, Research & Engagement.  USF received the 2019 American Council on Education/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation, a recognition of USF’s commitment to student success. In addition, USF was the winner of the Institute of International Education’s 2019 Heiskell Award for Access and Equity.

Our belief that every student will succeed if given the opportunity informs everything we do here at USF. We welcome you to explore more about our university – in person and online – and discover how you can prosper at USF.

Campus Locations / Parking

For information about each USF campus, visit Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota-Manatee.

USF Strategic Plan: https://www.usf.edu/system/about/strategic-plans.aspx

Mission

Led by outstanding faculty and professional staff, the University of South Florida conducts innovative scholarship, creative activity and basic and translational research, and delivers a world-class educational experience promoting the success of our talented and diverse undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. As a public metropolitan research university, USF, in partnership with our communities, serves the people of Florida, the nation, and the world by fostering intellectual inquiry and outcomes that positively shape the future - regionally, nationally and globally.

Goals

• To promote the lifelong success of well-educated, highly skilled, and adaptable alumnae/alumni who lead enriched lives, are engaged citizens and thrive in a dynamic global market.

• To conduct high-impact research and innovation to advance frontiers of knowledge, solve global problems and improve lives.

• To be a major social and economic engine creating robust global, national and regional partnerships to build a prosperous and sustainable future for our regional communities and the State of Florida.

• To provide a safe, inclusive and vibrant community for learning, discovery, creative activities and transformative experiences enabled through adaptive design of physical, social and digital environments.

• To practice continuous visionary planning and sound management throughout USF to ensure a strong and sustainable financial base, and to adapt proactively to emerging opportunities in a dynamic environment.

Accreditation

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Florida.

Normal inquiries about the institution, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to the institution and not to the Commission’s Office.

Graduate Degrees Offered by the University

Master’s Degrees:

Additional Accreditation:

The University of South Florida and all colleges, departments and degree programs therein establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted. These requirements concern such things as curricula and courses, majors and minors, and academic residence. Advisors, directors, department chairs, and deans are available to help the student understand and arrange to meet these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. At the end of a student’s course of study, if requirements for graduation have not been satisfied, the degree will not be granted. For this reason, it is important for all students to acquaint themselves with all regulations and to remain currently informed throughout their college careers and to be responsible for completing requirements. Courses, majors, and requirements described in the Catalog may be suspended, deleted, restricted, supplemented, or changed in any other manner at any time at the sole discretion of the University and the USF Board of Trustees.

Majors, Concentrations, Graduate Certificates (Authorized)

As of the date of this publication, the University is authorized to offer over 44 different graduate degrees, with graduate majors authorized as listed here:

• View Graduate Majors (A-Z)  
• View list of Concentrations (with Major/Degree)      
• View Graduate Certificates   

Administration

The University of South Florida is a member of the State University System (SUS) of Florida and is governed by the Florida Board of Governors and the University Board of Trustees.

Florida Board of Governors

For a current list of the Board of Governors (BOG), please refer to their website: http://www.flbog.org/

University Board of Trustees

The USF Board of Trustees is the public body corporate of the university. It sets cost-effective policy for the institution and serves as the legal owner and governing board. The Board of Trustees is responsible for high quality education programs within the laws of the State of Florida and regulations of the Florida Board of Governors. It holds the institution’s resources in trust and is responsible for their efficient and effective use as per Florida Statute 1.001 University Board of Trustees Powers and Duties.

The Board of Trustees is comprised of thirteen members, six whom are appointed by the Florida Governor and five whom are appointed by the Florida Board of Governors and confirmed by the Florida Senate for a term of five years. The elected Faculty Senate President and Student Government President also serve as trustees.

Office of Graduate Studies Administration

Reference USF Policy 11-001 - https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy11-001

USF Graduate Liaisons

College Deans

College Graduate Associate Deans (EGAD)

- http://www.grad.usf.edu/graduate-coordinators.php

USF Graduate Council

Graduate Council is an official body of the USF Faculty Senate and works closely with the USF Office of Graduate Studies. Per the Bylaws to the Constitution of the Faculty of the University of South Florida, the USF Graduate Council (GC) advises the Provost and the Senior Vice President for USF Health or their designees on principles, policies, and procedures affecting graduate education at USF.

2021-2022 Leadership:

Chair: Ray Miltenberger
Vice-Chair: Vrushank Dave
Secretary: TBA
Policy/Fellowship Committee Chair: Joshua Rayman
Curriculum Committee Chair: Marcia Johansson
Graduate Studies Liaison: Carol Hines-Cobb

For the most current list members, please refer to the website https://www.usf.edu/graduate-studies/faculty-and-staff/graduate-council/council-members.aspx

USF Policies and Resources

Diversity and Equal Opportunity Policy

Reference: USF Policy 0-007 Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Discrimination and Harassment - https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-007

The University of South Florida is a diverse community that values and expects respect and fair treatment of all people. USF strives to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information, as provided by law. USF protects its faculty, staff, and students from discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, as well as gender identity and expression. USF is also committed to the employment and advancement of qualified veterans with disabilities and veterans protected under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended (VEVRAA). As part of the effort to maintain an environment that is comfortable for all people and to ensure consistency with state and federal laws, the USF establishes this policy.

Protected Class discrimination, harassment and retaliation are prohibited within USF, and complaints of such conduct are to be filed with one of the two designated offices within the USF, specifically the Office of Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Opportunity (DIEO) (https://www.usf.edu/diversity/) or the Student Conduct and Ethical Development Office (SCED) (https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-conduct-ethical-development/index.aspx​). The designated office will review such complaints and provide appropriate response including counseling, mediation, and/or referral for disciplinary action, up to and including termination from employment and/or expulsion from USF.

In addition, DIEO and SCED will, as part of their internal processes, report any conduct that may be criminal in nature, such as bias-motivated crimes, to the appropriate law enforcement entities as set forth in section [IV.B] of the policy.

Additionally, discriminatory conduct in the form of sexual misconduct/sexual harassment is also prohibited. Please see USF Policy 0-004, Sexual Misconduct/Sexual Harassment (Including Battery).

Students and staff can get more information on filing a complaint in the Diversity and Equal Opportunity: Discrimination and Harassment Policy 0-007.

For more information on the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity, please visit their website at: https://www.usf.edu/diversity/.  Or visit the office, conveniently located on all three campuses:

Tampa Campus:

http://www.usf.edu/diversity/

Reasonable Academic Accommodations and Services for Students
Ms. Deborah McCarthy, Director
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, Student Services Building (SVC) 1133, Tampa, FL 33620- 6500
(813) 974-4309 (Voice), Email Contact: dmccarthy@usf.edu,
Web Contact: http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-disabilities-services/

Title IX Policy

The University of South Florida community is most successful when it is based on respect and fair treatment of all people. USF strives to provide a work and study environment for faculty, staff and students that is free of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence. As part of the effort to maintain an environment that is comfortable for all people, USF establishes this Policy.

Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is prohibited within USF, and complaints of such conduct are to be filed with the Office of Title IX & VAWA Compliance. The designated office will review such complaints and provide appropriate response including providing supportive measurses and referrals to services such as counseling and Victim Advocacy, mediation (in limited circumstances), or formal investigation, which may result in termination from employment and/or expulsion from USF.

Pursuant to Title IX, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities that it operates. Such protection extends to both employees and students. Any questions or inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator. The most up-to-date information regarding Title IX at USF can be found on the Title IX website: www.usf.edu/title-ix.

The Interim Title IX Coordinator is:

Maggie Denney, M.Ed., LMHC
USF Title IX Office
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ALN 172
Tampa, Florida 33620
(813) 974-8616
denney1@usf.edu

Discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, marital status, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or veteran status are also prohibited. (Please see USF Policy Number 0-007, Diversity & Equal Opportunity: Discrimination & Harassment https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy0-007).

When appropriate, the University will take steps to prevent the recurrence of harassment, including sexual violence, and to correct any discriminatory effects of harassment on the complainant and others.

Drug-Free Workplace / Drug-Free Schools Policy

Tobacco and Smoke Free University

USFSP 0-607SP: https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy6-026

USF is committed to providing a safe, healthy and enjoyable learning, living and working environment. All USF campuses are tobacco and smoke free. Smoking and use of tobacco products are not allowed in any indoor or outdoor area, including parking garages, grounds, sidewalks or recreational areas. This policy also includes the use of e-cigarettes.

Campus Alcoholic Beverages Policy

USF Policy 30-023 Alcohol Policy - https://usf.app.box.com/v/usfpolicy30-023

As an open public university, the USF does not prohibit the legal consumption of alcohol on its campuses. We recognize that as part of a well-planned and structured program, the serving and consumption of alcohol may take place. Therefore, the intent of this Policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for the legal and responsible use of alcohol at USF campus events. The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the USF community is at all times subject to the applicable alcoholic beverages laws and ordinances of the State of Florida, and the city and county of each USF campus location. No person may sell, furnish or give alcohol to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).

Student Accessibility Services

In accordance with Section 504 0f the Rehabilitation Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act and The ADA Amendments Act, the University of South Florida provides reasonable classroom accommodations for otherwise qualified students who have documented disabilities. Students seeking accommodations must register with the Student Accessibility Services Office. See http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-disabilities-services/; https://www.usfsp.edu/disability/; http://www.usfsm.edu/campus-life/campus-resources/disability-services/index.aspx; for a list of common accommodations and more information on the accommodations process. Admissions: Students with disabilities apply under the same guidelines as all students through the Office of Admissions.
Course Substitution: Students with disabilities requesting substitution of coursework for General Education, or Foreign language requirements should contact Students Accessibility Services on the USF campus where the course is being taught. Students with declared majors requesting substitution of departmental graduation requirements will need to contact the chair of their department. In either case, students will be requested to submit documentation to SDS to support their request for an exception.

Parking: Students with state parking privileges need only supply their state card as documentation for eligibility to Parking and Transportation Services. Students without state privileges need medical documentation to be considered for on-campus parking. For more information: http://www.usf.edu/administrative-services/parking/ Housing: Accessible on-campus residence hall housing is available for students with special needs. Specific information is available through Housing and Residential Education. For more information: http://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/housing/

If you are interested in applying for accommodation at the University of South Florida, we suggest that you visit the U.S. Department of Education website:  Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.

Student Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Offices at USF are confidential, impartial, independent and informal resource for students who wish to convey their experiences at USF to explore alternatives for resolving problems or complaints through informal means. The mission of the Ombuds Office is to facilitate fair and equitable resolution processes that promote student success. The Ombuds Offices are not official offices of notice for the University of South Florida. Rather, the Student Ombuds, as a neutral facilitators, will listen to concerns and help students develop a range of options in an informal attempt to achieve resolution. The Ombuds may also refer students to appropriate individuals and offices and to clarify University policies and procedures. All information disclosed in the Ombuds Offices will be held confidential unless otherwise authorized by the student or otherwise required by applicable law, including Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

For convenience, offices are located on all three campuses:

Center for Victim Advocacy and Violence Protection

The Center for Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention (part of the Division of Student Affairs) provides free and confidential services to students, faculty, and staff of all gender identities who have experienced crime, violence, or abuse for incidents occurring on or off campus, recently or in the past. Services are provided by professional Victims Services Practitioners and may include: crisis intervention, emotional support, personal and systems advocacy, court accompaniment, victim helpline, safety planning, and assistance filing for injunctions (protective orders) and crime victim’s compensation claims. We also provide prevention and education presentations, programs and events.

Appointments are available in our office or other safe locations on campus. Walk-ins are welcome, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours, weekends and holidays, an advocate is available for victims of violent crimes through the Victim Helpline.

For convenience, offices are located on all three campuses:
 

Office of Veteran Success / Military and Veterans Success Center

The primary mission of this office is to provide a seamless transition for our nation’s veterans from military to collegiate life by enhancing personal development and academic success.

USF is approved for the education of veterans, eligible dependents/spouses, members of the selected reserve, and active-duty personnel who are eligible for benefits under public laws now in effect. All majors currently offered at USF are approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Students who may be eligible for benefits are urged to contact the Office of Veteran Success/Military and Veterans Success, conveniently located on all three campuses:

Career Services

Career Services provides USF students with comprehensive career planning and job search services. A staff of experienced professionals is available to help students choose a career; gain career-related work experience and plan their job search. Career Services also provides information on employment opportunities and creates venues where students can network and interview with local, state, national and international employers. For convenience, offices are located on all three campuses:

USF Libraries