Programs
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG 030
Tampa, FL 33620
(813) 974-3780
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/index.aspx
Physical Location: The College of Engineering is at the corner of Leroy Collins Blvd. and Alumni Drive.
About the College
The College of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare students for a broad spectrum of professional careers in engineering. Laboratory experiences, as well as real-world participation in technological problem solving, are key aspects of a student’s education. The laboratory and research facilities of the College of Engineering, close collaboration with professional societies and the many industries in the metropolitan Tampa Bay area provide a wide range of experiential learning opportunities for College of Engineering students at the University of South Florida. The college offers undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, and Mechanical Engineering. In addition, the college offers minors in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology. The degree programs of the College are developed with an emphasis on three broad aspects of engineering and technological activity: design, research, and the operation of complex technological systems. The undergraduate degree programs provide a strong, broad-based, fundamental education as preparation for careers in industry and government, or as preparation for advanced studies in professional schools of engineering, technology, science, law, business, and medicine.
At the graduate level, students work in close collaboration with faculty, pursuing advanced topics within their disciplines which will result in advancements in their fields and society at large. Students who are interested in advanced design or research should pursue a traditional or accelerated program leading to a Master of Science degree in the designated discipline. The supervision of the academic programs is the function of the administrative departments together with several coordinators. Each department is responsible for specific professional programs, faculty, laboratories, and student advising.
The Departments and Programs section that follows contains descriptions of the baccalaureate degrees offered by the College. Students interested in particular programs offered by the College of Engineering should direct their inquiries to the College of Engineering’s Office of Student Services. Information is also available on the College’s website: https://www.usf.edu/engineering/.
Mission, Vision, Values
MISSION
To profoundly shape and impact lives through the steadfast pursuit of world-class engineering research, education, and innovation.
VISION
We aspire to be at the forefront of engineering research and education, cultivating knowledgeable, passionate engineers who are dedicated to need-based, solutions-oriented engineering.
VALUES
We share a culture of excellence, characterized by an emphasis on students, research, innovation, partnership, inclusivity, agility, and the future.
Accreditation
The USF Bachelor of Science degree programs in Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org/).
The USF Bachelor of Science degree programs in Computer Science and Cybersecurity are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org/).
Other Information
Professional Registration
Students who have attained senior status, and are in good academic standing in an EAC/ABET-accredited engineering program, are eligible to register for examinations leading to licensure as a professional engineer. The first examination, called the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam, is offered by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers and is usually taken the semester prior to graduation. In addition to the knowledge acquired through the engineering curriculum, many students take advantage of review courses offered in the College of Engineering to prepare for the FE examination. Registering for the FE exam during the senior year is strongly encouraged.
Students in the University Honors College
College of Engineering students participating in the University Honors Program are able to complete their Engineering Bachelor’s degree in four years. Students who qualify for the Honors Program at USF should contact the Honors College or Engineering Student Services to learn about the benefits of this prestigious program.
Army, Air Force and Naval R.O.T.C. for Students
The academic and technological knowledge from a College of Engineering degree grants a distinct advantage to individuals interested in a military appointment or career. This is especially true for those participating in one of the ROTC programs at USF.
Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathway Programs
Well-qualified students who, at the beginning of their senior year, are clearly interested in graduate study are invited to apply to the individual Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways academic programs offered by various departments within the College of Engineering.
Housing
The Engineering Living Learning Community – College of Engineering Housing at the Tampa campus
The Engineering Living Learning Community provides extra support and services for College of Engineering students. Freshmen and continuing residents have a built-in network of peer support, tutoring services, and academic support programs right in the hall. The LLC is open to all first time in college and returning Engineering LLC students declared in the College of Engineering. To learn more and apply, visit https://www.usf.edu/housing/residential-learning/llc-major/engineering.aspx.
The BioLife First Year Interest Group is an academic-based community open to first-year students majoring in Biology at the St. Petersburg campus. This community offers residents the opportunity to learn together about the interdisciplinary nature of biology, engage with faculty in the Biological Sciences program, participate in civic engagement activities with a biology focus, and explore potential career opportunities. For more information, visit: https://www.usfsp.edu/housing/residential-community-programs/.
Women Advancing and Rising in Engineering (A.R.E.) Living Learning Community – Housing for Female Engineering Students at the Tampa campus
If you are determined to succeed in a career in engineering, then commit to rising with other students in the Women A.R.E. Living Learning Community. This LLC empowers students to advance in their academic pursuits in the College of Engineering by connecting them to special opportunities for in-hall tutoring, peer mentoring, faculty mentoring, and career readiness workshops. This LLC is located in Poplar Hall and open to all first time in college and returning women students enrolled in the College of Engineering. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.usf.edu/housing/residential-learning/llc-major/women-are.aspx
STEM Living Learning Community – Housing for STEM majors at the Tampa campus
The STEM Living Learning Community (LLC), located in Cypress Hall, is a stimulating living learning environment that was created to meet the needs of STEM students interested in various science, technology, engineering, psychology, and math areas. The goals of the STEM LLC are to assist students in achieving academic and personal success while fostering an understanding of the multiple career pathways available to graduating STEM students. The STEM LLC is open to the following majors: Biomedical Sciences, Biology (all related biology), Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemistry (all related chemistry), Computer Science, Engineering, Geology/Geological Sciences, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology and Statistics. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.usf.edu/housing/index.aspx
College-Level Requirements
Minimum Continuation Requirements
All College of Engineering undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 USF GPA
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 Overall GPA
- Earn a minimum 2.0 semester GPA
- Earn the required grade in math, science and college courses in no more than two (2) registered attempts. Grades of W, IF, U, and R are considered attempts.
Warning
Students who do not meet the required minimum semester GPA are initially given a warning.
Probation
Students will be placed on probation if they have any of the following:
- Two semesters with a term GPA under 2.0 or
- Less than a 2.0 cumulative USF GPA or
- Less than a 2.0 Overall GPA.
Students on probation will be ineligible for further registration in the College. In order to continue, students must obtain individually designed academic plans approved by their academic advisor and will be closely monitored.
Failure to meet the terms of the academic plans will result in the reselection of a major outside the College of Engineering.
Reselect Major
In addition to the conditions outlined above, students who fail to meet the grade requirement in math, science and college courses in no more than two (2) registered attempts must reselect a major outside the College of Engineering. Please keep in mind that the College provides a wide range of services to assist in selecting a new academic and career path.
Academic Dismissal
Students academically dismissed from the University of South Florida, or those who leave on probation, may choose to attend another post-secondary institution, and reapply to USF after their overall GPA meets minimum requirements. The College may consider them for readmission if they meet the minimum College of Engineering admission requirements for transfer students, as well as the program entrance requirements for their intended major as published in the University of South Florida Undergraduate Catalog for their term of readmission.
Other Requirements
Years to Degree
The College of Engineering requires that a student completes the baccalaureate degree within five years after beginning the specialization courses for their major. Specialization courses taken more than five years prior to graduation will not be counted toward the degree. Exceptions may be granted by the academic department.
University, College and Program Requirements
The College requirements described in this section above are in addition to requirements set forth in the University policy and procedures section and the departmental sections of this catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all university, college, program and curricular requirements prior to graduation.
Student Laptop Computer Requirement
All students entering the College of Engineering are required to have a laptop computer that they can use in their major classes and labs.
Disruption of Academic Process and Academic Dishonesty
The College of Engineering will maintain an environment that encourages all to study and conduct engineering research free from undue disruption. Disruption of the Academic Process is a matter the College is obliged to report to Student Judicial Services. Academic dishonesty, in any form, is taken very seriously by the College of Engineering and will result in sanctions. The most serious penalty is dismissal from the University. (See University policies - Academic Integrity of Students)
Admission Requirements
Preparation for Entering the College of Engineering
High school students anticipating a career in engineering or computer science must present a strong academic record that includes four years of advanced high school mathematics (analytical geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus) and science, including chemistry and physics. High school students seeking to matriculate into the Information Technology or Cybersecurity program of study must present a strong academic record that includes at least three years of highly advanced high school mathematics (analytical geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus) and science, including physics. Prospective students who lack sufficient preparation in high school may need additional preparatory coursework.
Newly admitted first year students are required to take and successfully complete the university’s Math Placement Test (MPT) first two subjects, basic algebra and college algebra. Students who completed pre-calculus or calculus in high school will also take the MPT for pre-calculus/trigonometry. A score of 12 out of 15 on the MPT subject exams is passing. Students who successfully complete all three MPT subjects are encourage to start in Calculus I fall term for degree progression. More information about the MPT is online at http://math.usf.edu/placement/. Exemption for students who have already received credit for calculus I.
All summer admits are required to enroll in a 3-credit math preparatory course during the Summer B session and earn a minimum grade of “S” satisfactory. Students who are unable to successfully complete the course may be redirected to another major as stated in the university Degree Progression policy 10-505.
First year summer admits and conditional admits will participate in at least one College of Engineering academic support program geared toward successful degree progression their first fall/spring semester. Examples of an academic support program include course-based learning communities, weekly academic guidance sessions, and/or weekly tutoring.
Admission Requirements for First Year Students
First time in college students and lower-level transfer students (12-29 credits), who meet the criteria below, are granted entry into the specific College of Engineering program.
Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering:
- Admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree seeking student;
- Meets at least one of the below requirements:
- SATM - a minimum quantitative score of 610 or
- ACTM - a minimum score of 26 or
- Have a minimum High School GPA of 3.6 on the USF adjusted scale.
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, or Information Technology:
- Admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree seeking student;
- Have a minimum High School GPA of 4.0 on the USF adjusted scale and (SATM with a minimum quantitative score of 570 or ACTM with a minimum score of 24).
Biomedical Engineering is a specialized admissions program. Students interested in this program need to refer to the Biomedical Engineering program section in the catalog.
Once admitted, students may need to meet additional program specific requirements for progression to the upper division. Please refer to the program section in the catalog for details.
For the specific state mandated common prerequisite courses for each program within the College of Engineering, please see the section entitled, “State Mandated Common Prerequisites” located under the program section of the catalog.
Admission Requirements for Transfer Students
Lower-level transfer students with 12-29 credits of post-secondary course work will be admitted under the requirements for first year students.
Mid-level transfer students who have completed 30-59 credit hours of post-secondary course work who meet the criteria below and are in compliance with college-level requirements and college graduation requirements are accepted directly into the specific College of Engineering program*.
- Fully admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree-seeking student with at least 30 earned credits.
- Meet one of the following (A or B):
A. Students pursuing a major in engineering or computer science must have successfully completed two of the following four courses and must have earned a minimum grade of B or better (no B-) in at least one of the requirements (maximum two attempts allowed to earn required grade and a withdrawal is considered an attempt):
- Calculus I (MAC X281 or MAC X311 or equivalent)
- Calculus II (MAC X282 or MAC X312 or equivalent)
- Calculus-based Physics I plus lab (PHY X048L or PHY X045L)
- Chemistry I with lab (CHM X045 and CHM X045L) or CHM X045C or (CHS X440 and CHS X440L)
In addition to completing the above requirements, students pursuing a major in computer science or computer engineering must also have completed COP 2510 - Programming Concepts (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of B or better (not B-) (maximum two (2) attempts to earn the required grade and a withdrawal is considered an attempt. Note that computer science majors are not requiredto complete chemistry.
B. Students pursuing a major in information technology or cybersecurity must have successfully completed CGS 1540 - Introduction to Databases for Information Technology (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of B or better (no B-) in at least one of the courses (maximum two attempts allowed to earn required grade and a withdrawal is considered an attempt)
- Introductory Statistics I (STA X023 or STA X122)
- Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry [MAC X147 or (MAC X140 and MAC X114)] or MAC 2233 - Business Calculus
- Any Physics course (PHY 1000 - PHY 2999) - 3 credit hours
Successful completion of courses requires earning the minimum required grade within two attempts. Unless stated otherwise, the minimum required grade is a C (not C-).
Upper-level transfer students with 60 or more credit hours of post-secondary course work, who meet all of the criteria below and are in compliance with college-level requirements and college graduation requirements are accepted directly into the specific College of Engineering program *.
- Fully admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree-seeking student;
- Meet one of the following (A or B):
- Students pursuing a major in engineering or computer science must have successfully completed all of the following courses and must have earned a minimum grade of B or better (no B-) in at least one of the requirements (maximum two attempts allowed to earn required grade and a withdrawal is considered an attempt).
- Calculus I (MAC X281 or MAC X311 or equivalent)
- Calculus II (MAC X282 or MAC X312 or equivalent)
- Calculus-based Physics I plus lab (PHY X048L or PHY X045L)
In addition to completing the above requirements, students pursuing a major in computer science or computer engineering must also have successfully completed COP 2510 - Programming Concepts (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of B or better (no B-) (maximum two attempts to earn required grade and a withdrawal is considered an attempt)
B. Students pursuing a major in information technology or cybersecurity must have successfully completed CGS 1540 - Introduction to Databases for Information Technology (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of B or better (not B-) and have completed all of the following courses with a minimum grade of B or better (not B-) in at least one of the courses (maximum two (2) attempts allowed to earn required grade and a withdrawal is considered an attempt).
- Introductory Statistics I (STA X023 or STA X122)
- Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry [MAC X147 or (MAC X140 and MAC X114)] or MAC 2233 - Business Calculus
- Any Physics course (PHY 1000 - PHY 2999) - 3 credit hours
Successful completion of courses requires earning the minimum required grade within two (2) attempts. Unless stated otherwise, the minimum required grade is a C (not C-).
*Biomedical Engineering is a limited access program. Students interested in this program need to refer to the Biomedical Engineering program section in the catalog for details.
Students who are not admissible to the college are ineligible to enroll in college restricted courses. Once admitted, students may need to meet additional program specific requirements for progression to the upper division. Please refer to the program section in the catalog for details.
For the specific state-mandated common prerequisite courses for each program within the College of Engineering, please see the section entitled, “State Mandated Common Prerequisites” located under the program section of the catalog.
The USF College of Engineering will accept transfer credit from non-Florida Statewide Common Course Numbering System courses when appropriate if the transferred course has been passed with a grade of C or better, and it is determined to be equivalent in both content and quality. In some cases, credit for a course may be granted, but the hours accepted may be less than the hours earned at another school. In general, engineering and technology courses taken at technical schools, or as part of professional or military training, are not applicable to the degree programs of the College of Engineering. Transfer students should be prepared to submit detailed course syllabi from the previous institution if requested.
While credit for work from other institutions may be granted subject to the conditions of the previous paragraph, at least 30 credit hours including a minimum number of semester hours of engineering coursework, specified by the degree-granting department, must be taken at USF to receive the Baccalaureate degree. Prospective transfer students may contact the Office of Engineering Student Services at (813) 974-2684 to request an assessment.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum Graduation Requirements
All undergraduate students admitted to any academic program in the College of Engineering must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in each of the following categories:
- Overall Undergraduate GPA
- USF GPA
- Math and Science courses (best attempt)
- Engineering Courses
- Courses within the major
As stated in USF Policy 10-505, students not meeting minimum GPA requirements for graduation may be redirected to another major.
Graduation Application Procedures
Each College of Engineering student is required to complete an application for graduation and graduation checklist. Students should meet with their program advisor to review graduation qualifications and obtain approval well in advance of the College graduation application deadline. The graduation application deadline for the college is set prior to the university deadline and is posted on the College of Engineering Student Services website or department website.
Note: Applications are generally due before the beginning of the graduating term. Individual academic departments may have a graduation application deadline that precedes the college one.
Baccalaureate-Level Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science
Biomedical Engineering is the confluence of engineering, biology and medicine. Main application areas are the development and testing of new medical devices, systems and drugs/medications to prevent or cure illnesses and medical conditions.
Students take course work in advanced chemistry, thermodynamics, fluids, heat and mass transfer, separation processes, and reaction systems. The program prepares students upon graduation to pursue careers in industry or with government organizations.
Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage systems. Students can focus on these specialties: structures, water resources, environmental, transportation, and geotechnical.
The Computer Engineering program emphasizes the application of engineering principles to the design of computer hardware and software, and devotes additional time to computer architecture and advanced topics in hardware design, including extensive laboratory work. Students in this program also acquire a background in engineering topics through related coursework in the College.
The Computer Science program focuses on the design, development, and application of software systems. Additional course work in algorithms, discrete structures, object-oriented design, data structures, operating systems, digital logic design, computer architecture, and a wide range of advanced electives extend and supplement the core.
The Cybersecurity program focuses on technology, people, information, and processes to enable assured cyber operations in the context of adversaries. The program is built on a technical foundation of computing and information technology. Students in this program acquire a background in cybersecurity related to information, software, systems, users, and organizations including aspects of policy, human factors, risk management, ethics, and impact on society.
The program offers study in all areas fundamental to electrical engineering and the electrical sciences - circuit analysis and design, bioelectrical systems, mechatronics and robotics, embedded systems, wireless circuits and systems, communication systems, power and energy, MEMS, and nano- and micro- devices and systems.
The program offers study to solve complex problems, supporting human and environmental needs while mitigating adverse environmental, health, and economic impacts associated with human activities. The degree is an interdisciplinary engineering program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of Environmental Engineering.
Industrial engineering is ideal for individuals interested in formulating mathematical, statistical, and computer simulation models of complex systems in manufacturing, logistics, information, healthcare, transportation, financial, utilities, entertainment, and service. IE’s analyze model results to make engineering decisions for improving system performance and developing public policies.
The Information Technology program focuses on programming, databases, networking, human-computer interaction, web systems, and cybersecurity to meet the technology requirements of business, government, healthcare, education, and other organizations. Students in this program acquire the right combination of fundamental knowledge and practical expertise to solve computing technology problems and meet user needs.
Mechanical engineering is a discipline that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the design, production, and operation of machines and tools. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines.
Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways
- B.S.C.H. in Chemical Engineering/M.S.B.E. in Biomedical Engineering
- B.S.C.H. in Chemical Engineering/M.S.C.H. in Chemical Engineering
- B.S.C.H. in Chemical Engineering/M.S.E.M. in Engineering Management
- B.S.C.H. in Chemical Engineering/M.S.M.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering
- B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering
- B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.S.E.M. in Engineering Management
- B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.E.M.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering
- B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.S.E.V. in Environmental Engineering
- B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and M.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering
- B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and M.S.M.S.E.in Materials Science and Engineering
- B.S.I.T. in Information Technology/M.S.I.T. in Information Technology
Minors
Biomedical Engineering
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/undergraduate/
This 15 credit hour program is open to all engineering majors (except Biomedical Engineering) and other students that meet the prerequisites
Computer Science
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/undergraduate/
This 18 credit hour program is open to all students except for department majors. The minor is particularly attractive to students in other engineering majors, and students in the maths and sciences.
Information Technology
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/undergraduate/
The Information Technology minor covers key topics in the discipline - a 21-credit hour program that is attractive to students in other engineering depts. and students in mathematics and the sciences (physics, chemistry, biology) who have no background in software development. The IT minor is open to all students, except students majoring in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology, who meet the prerequisites.
Undergraduate Advising Information
Effective pursuit of studies within the College of Engineering requires careful attention to both the sequence and the type of courses taken. The college curriculum differs in key respects from the study plans of other majors even in the first year. Professional advisors in the College of Engineering provide individualized academic planning and guidance. New students must attend the University’s Orientation program. They will be introduced to the college advisors during this program and receive advisement for their first semester. The student and advisors jointly work out a plan of study that meets both the student’s career objectives and the College of Engineering’s degree requirements. While the College provides advising services to assist students with academic planning, the student is responsible for knowing and meeting all performance standards and graduation requirements.
All majors are initially advised in the Office of Engineering Student Services. Please visit https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/academic-advising/index.aspx for a list of advisors and their contact information.
Contact Information
University of South Florida
Engineering Student Services
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, ENG030
Tampa, FL 33620-5350
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm
Office Location: ENC 1302, Engineering Building III room 1302
Main Phone: 813-974-2684
To schedule an advising appointment:
Department of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering
Major
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Major
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Major
Minor
Department of Electrical Engineering
Major
Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering
Major
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Major
Department of Medical Engineering
Major
Minor