About USF

Welcome to the University of South Florida. Though a relatively young university, founded in 1956, we have rich traditions – traditions of access and opportunity for students, of academic excellence, of groundbreaking research, of serving our communities.

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 pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist and professional 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. 

USF is the fastest-rising university in America, according to U.S. News and World Report’s (U.S. News) 2022 Best Colleges rankings. Over the past 10 years, USF has risen 67 spots among all universities and 48 spots among public universities, more than any other university in the country.

High-impact global research is central to USF’s mission as one of only three Preeminent Research Universities, as designated by the Florida Board of Governors. The Preeminence program rewards high-achieving universities based on 12 metrics, including graduation rates, student retention rates, research expenditures and the number of patents awarded.

With 123 new U.S. utility patents granted in 2020, USF is eighth among American public research universities and 15th among all universities worldwide in generating new patents. The ranking places USF as a leader among the more than 1,000 academic institutions generating new, novel and useful inventions granted intellectual property protection from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

USF’s innovation and economic development efforts produce tangible benefits across Florida. The University had a total economic impact of $6.02 billion in fiscal 2019-20 and supports 68,704 jobs in the state. Many of the jobs supported by USF are in high-skill, high-wage, knowledge-based industries, such as life sciences, information technology and financial services.

Our scholars and researchers focus on developing transformative solutions to complex issues facing society. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, USF Health has been at the forefront of the Tampa Bay region’s response. Efforts have included working on the frontlines, producing 3D-printed nasal swabs, creating face shields for health care workers, conducting clinical trials and assisting the Florida Department of Health with contact tracing. The university also has awarded funding through a COVID-19 Rapid Response Grants program under the auspices of the USF Pandemic Response Research Network™ — a transdisciplinary initiative organized by university leadership and faculty researchers to quickly respond to current and future pandemics.

An anti-racism website serves as a collective resource and information warehouse for content related to USF’s commitment to anti-racism. Highlights include opportunities for community involvement, training resources for faculty and staff, and tools and links for students to find courses related to anti-racism. Additionally, the Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equity (DARE) Dashboards reflect USF’s commitment to evidence-based actions to address inclusive excellence and racial equity.

Additionally, to advance research on racism in society, the Office of the Provost and USF Research & Innovation committed $500,000 to fund interdisciplinary research projects that explore a wide range of issues in systemic inequality, economic and health disparities, Black history and contemporary challenges for funding.
Like all great universities, USF is guided by the traditional ideals of higher education. But our mission, as an urban-grant university, is so much more than that of the traditional establishments of higher education.

At USF, we believe every student will succeed if given the opportunity. All USF students, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, succeed at the same rate. We invite you to explore more about our university – in person and online – and discover how you can prosper at the country’s fastest-rising university. At USF, excellence and opportunity converge.
 

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

Accreditation

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of South Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

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 SACSCOC office.
 

Graduate Degrees Offered by the University

Master’s Degrees:

Specialized Accreditation

For the most current information, refer to: https://academicplanning.usf.edu/specialized-accreditation/index.php

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 45 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.

2022-2023 Leadership:

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, Equity, and Inclusion

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 designated offices within USF, specifically the Office of Compliance and Ethics (Compliance & Ethics) - (https://www.usf.edu/compliance-ethics/), Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) (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, Compliance & Ethics, 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, Equity, and Inclusion, please visit their website at: https://www.usf.edu/diversity/.  Or visit the office, conveniently located on all three campuses:

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 Title IX Coordinators are:

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

USF Policy 06-026: 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 & Drug 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 https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/student-accessibility/; https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/student-life/resources/student-accessibility-services/; https://smcampus.usf.edu/disability-services/ 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 Disaiblities 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 compliants through informaal 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.  For all offices:  https://www.usf.edu/student-affairs/ombuds/

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