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4202 E. Fowler Avenue, LIB 122
Tampa, FL, 33620
https://www.usf.edu/caicc/
Physical location for Main Office:
The main office of the University of South Florida’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is located on the sixth floor of the USF Library, situated on USF Apple Drive.
About the College
Established in 2024, the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is the first of its kind in Florida and one of the pioneers in the nation to bring together the disciplines of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing into a dedicated college. We aim to position Florida as a global leader and economic engine in AI, cybersecurity and computing education and research. We promote interdisciplinary innovation and ethical technology development through strong industry and government partnerships.
We empower our students and faculty to drive responsible, secure technological advancements across all disciplines, contributing to a society that values ethical considerations and trusts in digital transformation.
The college serves as a central hub for advancing foundational knowledge and interdisciplinary collaborations, catalyzing innovation across all academic fields. By integrating AI and cybersecurity expertise into varied disciplines, the college fosters a seamless environment where ethical, secure and responsible computing technologies are developed. This mission-driven approach positions our college to meet the growing demand for computing professionals and aligns with USF’s goal of being a national leader in high-impact, socially responsible technology development.
The college’s structure is both integrative and pioneering, applying a “hub-and-spoke” model to maintain strong ties with colleges across USF while serving as a dedicated focal point for artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing education and research. This cross-cutting approach facilitates agile responses to technological advancements and creates a vibrant space for interdisciplinary research. By anchoring foundational expertise within and promoting collaboration with other units, the college strengthens USF’s capacity to tackle complex societal challenges through cutting-edge research and to provide a comprehensive educational pathway that prepares students for diverse careers in the fast-evolving, technology-driven digital landscape.
For more information or to explore specific degree offerings, visit the Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing’s website: https://www.usf.edu/caicc/.
Vision and Mission
Mission
The mission of the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is to transform the role of computing technologies in society by focusing on three key areas:
Delivering High-Demand Academic Programs: Deliver a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional majors, both disciplinary and interdisciplinary, in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing. The majors are pedagogically effective and designed with high standards to be rigorous, relevant and meet the current and future needs of industry, government and society.
Advancing Research Excellence: Focus on innovative investigations and technological advances to elevate the state of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and computing research. Push the boundaries of knowledge in our fields, facilitating collaboration and innovation across all academic disciplines and fostering an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
Promoting Ethics and Trust: Instill a deep sense of responsibility in our students and faculty, emphasizing the importance of secure and trustworthy technology. Through research, curricula, industry partnerships and community engagement, promote ethically driven policies and practices that protect privacy, ensure security and foster social good.
Accreditation
The Computer Science (B.S.) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.
The Cybersecurity (B.S.) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Cybersecurity and Similarly Named Computing Programs.
Other Information
Students in the University Honors College
Bellini College students participating in the University Honors Program are able to complete their Bachelor’s degree in four years. Students who qualify for the Honors Program at USF should contact the Honors College or the Bellini College advising team 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 Bellini College 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 in the Bellini College.
College-Level Requirements
Minimum Continuation Requirements
All Bellini College undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
- Earn the required grade in all courses in no more than two (2) registered attempts. Grades of W, IF, U, and R are considered attempts.
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 USF GPA
- Maintain a cumulative 2.0 Overall GPA
- Earn a minimum 2.0 semester GPA
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 Bellini College.
Reselect Major
In addition to the conditions outlined above, students who fail to meet the grade requirement in any course in no more than two (2) registered attempts must reselect a major outside the Bellini College. The college provides a 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 Bellini College 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 Bellini College requires that a student complete 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. In rare cases, exceptions may be granted by the college.
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 degree program 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 Bellini College 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 Bellini College will maintain an environment that encourages all to study and conduct 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 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 Bellini College
High school students seeking to matriculate into the Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, or AI programs of study 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 programs 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 encouraged 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. Students who are unable to successfully complete the course may be redirected to another major as stated in the USF Degree Progression policy 10-505.
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 USF Degree Progression policy 10-505.
Admission Requirements for First Year Students
First time in college students are admitted into a Bellini College undergraduate program in fall and spring semesters only. This is to ensure that students can remain on track to a four-year graduation. Student must meet USF admission criteria.
Once admitted, students may need to meet additional program specific requirements. Please refer to the program section in the catalog for details.
Admission Requirements for Transfer Students
Students can transfer into a Bellini College undergraduate program in two cases: 1) as a first-year student at USF in another major, and 2) students transferring into USF with an AA.
USF students with less than 29 credit hours of post-secondary course work are consider as lower-level transfer students and may be admitted under the requirements for first year students. To ensure students are able to meet degree progression standards per USF Degree Progression policy 10-505, the Bellini College advising staff will review student records before processing declaration or change of major requests. Prerequisite grades as specified in USF Course Inventory must be met in all cases.
Transfer students with an AA degree must have completed all state-mandated prerequisites for their intended major to be admitted. Prerequisite grades as specified in USF Course Inventory must be met in all cases. For the specific state mandated common prerequisite courses for each program within the Bellini College, please see the section entitled, “State Mandated Common Prerequisites” located under the program section of the catalog.
Students who are not fully admitted to the college are ineligible to enroll in college restricted courses notably including COP 2510 - Programming Concepts and CGS 1540 - Introduction to Databases .
Transfer credit will be accepted 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 Bellini College. Transfer students should be prepared to submit detailed course syllabi from the previous institution if requested. In no cases can a lower-level courses be accepted for an upper-level course.
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 Bellini College coursework as specified by the degree program must be taken at USF to receive the Baccalaureate degree.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum Graduation Requirements
All undergraduate students admitted to any academic program in the Bellini College 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 (specialization)
As stated in USF Degree Progression policy 10-055, students not meeting minimum GPA requirements for graduation may be redirected to another major.
Graduation Application Procedures
Each student in the Bellini College is required to complete an application for graduation and a graduation checklist. Students should meet with their program advisor to review graduation qualifications and obtain approval well in advance of the Bellini College graduation application deadline. The graduation application deadline for the college is set prior to the university deadline. The graduation application and checklist are due the semester before the graduating term.
Baccalaureate-Level Degree Programs
Computer Science (BSCS)
The Computer Science program focuses on the design, development, and application of software systems. Additional course work in algorithms, discrete structures, object-oriented design and data structures, operating systems, digital logic design, computer architecture, operating systems, software engineering, secure computing and a wide range of advanced electives including artificial intelligence topics extend and supplement the core.
Computer Engineering (BSCP)
The Computer Engineering program focuses on the design, development, and application of computer hardware and software systems. The program devotes significant time to topics in computing circuits, digital logic design, computer architecture, hardware design, and design automation, including extensive laboratory work. Additional course work in algorithms, discrete structures, object-oriented design and data structures, operating systems, and a wide range of advanced electives including quantum computing and artificial intelligence topics extend and supplement the core.
Artificial Intelligence (BSAI)
The Artificial Intelligence program emphasizes the principles, techniques, and applications of artificial intelligence systems. Core coursework includes machine learning, neural networks, algorithms, operating systems, software engineering, and secure computing. To further broaden and deepen their expertise, students can choose from a wide range of advanced electives in areas such as data mining, deep learning, reinforcement learning, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and other topics.
Cybersecurity (BSCYS)
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.
Information Technology (BSIT)
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 a combination of fundamental knowledge and practical expertise to solve computing technology problems and meet user needs.
Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathways
- B.S. in Computer Science (B.S.C.S)/M.S. in Computer Science (M.S.C.S)
Minors
Computer Science
The Computer Science minor covers key topics in the discipline. It is a 15-credit hour program that is expected to be attractive to students in Engineering and to students in Mathematics and the Sciences (including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). The Computer Science minor is open to all students who meet the prerequisites, except for students in the Bellini College.
Information Technology
The Information Technology minor covers key topics in the discipline. It a 21-credit hour program that is attractive to students in Engineering and to students in Mathematics and the Sciences (including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) who have no background in software development. The Information Technology minor is open to all students who meet the prerequisites, except for students in the Bellini College.
Undergraduate Advising Information
Effective pursuit of studies within the Bellini College 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 Bellini College provide individualized academic planning and guidance. New students must attend the university’s Orientation program. They will be introduced to their 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 Bellini College’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.
Contact Information:
University of South Florida
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, LIB 122
Tampa, FL, 33620
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/
Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm
Physical location for Main Office: The main office of the University of South Florida’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is located on the sixth floor of the USF Library, situated on USF Apple Drive.
To schedule an advising appointment:
Prospective or current students with an active UID can schedule an appointment online through Archivum or the Office of Engineering Student Services website.
Students who are inactive (e.g., dismissed or not enrolled for 3 consecutive terms) can schedule an appointment online through Archivum or the Office of Engineering Student Services website.
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