College of Engineering

About the College Accelerated Programs Admission Requirements Advising Information Baccalaureate-Level Degree Programs Bachelor of Science

Certificates College-Level Requirements Graduation Requirements Minors Other Information

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 professional engineer’s education. The laboratory and research facilities of the College of Engineering, close collaboration with engineering professional societies and the many industries in the metropolitan Tampa Bay area provide a wide range of experiential learning opportunities for engineering students at the University of South Florida. The College of Engineering 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 engineering programs of the College have been developed with an emphasis on three broad aspects of engineering activity: design, research, and the operation of complex technological systems. The undergraduate degree programs provide a strong, broad-based, fundamental engineering education as preparation for careers in industry and government, or as preparation for advanced studies in professional schools of engineering, 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 (5-Year) 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/.

Engineering Today and Tomorrow

The College of Engineering recognizes that modern engineering solutions draw on knowledge of several branches of engineering. It also recognizes that future technological and societal developments will lead to shifting the relative emphasis on various branches of engineering, triggered by new needs or a reassessment of national goals. For this reason, the College’s programs include a strong engineering foundation, designed to equip the graduating engineer with a broad base of fundamental technical knowledge and specialization course work in sufficient depth to embark upon a successful professional career.

The Bachelor of Science degrees offered in the various engineering disciplines provide the student a broad education with sufficient technical background to contribute effectively in many phases of engineering not requiring the depth of knowledge needed for advanced design or research. The baccalaureate degree is considered the minimum educational credential in the engineering profession. Students interested in design and in research are strongly encouraged to pursue advanced work beyond the baccalaureate at this or other institutions. Today’s engineering and technology professionals value and participate in post baccalaureate study to obtain the information and training necessary to effectively meet tomorrow’s technological challenges. In order to keep abreast of evolving technologies continuing education is available through formal graduate study, seminars, special institutes, memberships in professional organizations and other structured educational opportunities.

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 program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET (http://www.abet.org/). 

Other Information

Preliminary Coursework for Engineering Students

The Engineering Bachelor of Science programs are founded on a set of coursework that is designed to give each student a thorough foundation of knowledge on which specialization studies and a professional career can be based. Emphasis is placed on three key elements: development of communication skills, familiarity with the social sciences and humanities and a solid base in science and mathematics. Students selecting an Engineering major should be aware of specific requirements. Students may consult the College’s Advising Office for detailed information.

Professional Registration

Students who have attained senior status, and are in good academic standing in an 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 Fundamentals of Engineering Examination. Registering for the FE exam during the senior year is strongly encouraged.

Engineering Students in the University Honors College

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 an engineering degree provides 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.

Preparation for Engineering

The high school student anticipating a career in engineering must present a strong academic record including four years of advanced high school mathematics (analytical geometry, trigonometry, precalculus, calculus) and science including chemistry and physics. Prospective students who lack sufficient preparation in high school may need additional preparatory coursework at the University of South Florida.

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 considered 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.

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.

Accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s Program

Well-qualified students who, at the beginning of their senior year, are clearly interested in graduate study are invited to apply to the individual accelerated academic programs offered by various departments within the College of Engineering.

College-Level Requirements

Minimum Requirements

All undergraduate students with a student classification of engineering and students who have been 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:

1. Overall Undergraduate GPA
2. USF GPA
3. Math and Science courses (best attempt)
4. Engineering Courses
5. Prerequisite courses for the major
6. Courses within the major

Note: In no case will the minimum GPA for a category be less than 2.0.

Students who do not meet the required minimum GPA in each category are ineligible for further registration in the College unless individually designed academic plans to correct their GPA deficiencies are recommended by their academic advisor. Approved plans must include a strategy to eliminate the deficiency in two semesters or less by meeting specific goals. Students who are afforded this opportunity will be closely monitored. Those who, for any reason, fail to meet the terms of their academic plans will be ineligible to declare or continue to declare a major, or intended major, in the College of Engineering and will be ineligible to register for courses that are restricted to College of Engineering students. All undergraduate students admitted to the College of Engineering must earn the required grade in math, science, and engineering courses in no more than two (2) registered attempts. Grades of W, I, IF, U, R, and M are considered attempts. Those who, for any reason, fail to meet this requirement will be ineligible to declare or continue to declare a major, or intended major, in the College of Engineering and will be ineligible to register for courses that are restricted to college students. 

Students who are ineligible for further registration in the College of Engineering will be provided with a wide range of services to assist them in selecting a new career path. Students who have been academically dismissed from the University of South Florida, or leave on probation, may choose to attend another institution of higher learning and reapply to USF after improving their overall GPA. These returning students will be considered for readmission to the College if they meet the minimum College of Engineering admission requirements for transfer students and the program entrance requirements for their intended major as published in the University of South Florida Undergraduate Catalog in effect during the term of return.

Years to Degree
The College of Engineering requires that a student complete the baccalaureate degree within five years after beginning engineering specialization courses. 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 engineering 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

Admission Requirements for First Time in College Students for all Engineering Majors and for the Computer Science Major

(Excludes Admission Requirements for the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Majors – see below)

First time in college students and lower division students with 30 credits or less, who meet the criteria below, are granted direct entry into the College of Engineering:

1. Admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree seeking student;
2. Test Scores:
   • SATM - a minimum quantitative score of 570 or
   • ACTM - a minimum score of 24 or
   • Completed College Algebra with a grade of C or better (not C-) or
   • Take College Algebra at USF before the first fall semester and get a grade of C or better (not C-).

Those students who do not meet the above criteria can be admitted to the College after satisfactorily completing Calculus I and II and Physics I with lab, all with a minimum grade of C or better (no C-) in no more than two (2) attempts per course while at USF. Two attempts includes withdrawal from a course.

Additional requirements must be met prior to admission to specific degree programs.

Admission Requirements for Transfer Students for all Engineering Majors and for the Computer Science Major

(Excludes Admission Requirements for the Information Technology and Cybersecurity Majors – see below)

1. Fully admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree-seeking student with more than 30 earned credits.
2. Transfer students must complete all of the following courses with a grade of C or better (no C-) in each course (maximum two {2} 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), and
   • Calculus-based Physics I plus lab (PHY X048L or PHY X045L)

If a student does not meet these admissions requirements, the student can attempt to meet these transfer admission requirements in no more than two (2) attempts per course while at USF. If a grade of C is not attained in each of these courses in two or less attempts, the student will be redirected to another major.

For the specific state mandated common prerequisite courses for each major within the College of Engineering, please see the section entitled, “State Mandated Common Prerequisites” located in each department’s section of the catalog.

1. Florida College System transfer students who have met the minimum criteria above and have completed the prerequisites required for their major with the minimum grades and GPA required by the academic department are accepted directly into the College of Engineering and into the specific program/major.

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 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 College’s Office of Student Services at (813) 974-2684 to request an assessment.

Admission Requirements for First Time in College Students applying to the Information Technology Major or Cybersecurity Major

Admitted to the University of South Florida as a degree-seeking student. Please note: These admission requirements do not apply to any other College of Engineering undergraduate major.

Transfer Admission Requirements for the Information Technology Major or Cybersecurity Major

For the specific state mandated common prerequisite courses for the Information Technology major or Cybersecurity major, please see the section entitled, “State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites” located in the respective major.

Graduation Requirements

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.

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 (BSBE)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/bme/

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.

Chemical Engineering (BSCH)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/chbme/

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 Engineering (BSCE)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/cee/#&slider1=3

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.

Computer Engineering (BSCP)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/cse/

Learn how to apply engineering principles to the design of computer hardware and software. The program devotes additional time to computer architecture and hardware design, including extensive laboratory work.

Computer Science (BSCS)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/cse/

Learn design, development, and application of software systems and the theory of computation

Cybersecurity (BSCYS)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/cse/

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.

Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/ee/

The program offers study in all areas fundamental to electrical engineering and the electrical sciences - circuit analysis and design, electronics, communications, electromagnetics, controls, solid state, system analysis, MEMS, bioelectrical devices, and power engineering.

Industrial Engineering (BSIE)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/

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.

Information Technology (BSIT)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/cse/

Learn how to apply computing technologies and fundamental computing knowledge to solve business problems. Some BSIT specialization courses are offered online. A transfer student (who has all GenEd and pre-reqs covered) can complete the BSIT degree partially online.

Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/me/

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.

Accelerated Programs

• 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.C.E. in Civil Engineering
• B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering
• B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.E.V.E. in Environmental Engineering
• B.S.C.E. in Civil Engineering/M.S.E.V. in Environmental Engineering
• B.S.C.S. In Computer Science/M.S.C.S. in Computer Science
• B.S.C.S. in Computer Science/M.S.C.P. in Computer Science
• B.S.C.S. in Computer Science/M.S.I.T. in Computer Science
• B.S.C.S. in Computer Science and M.S.C.P. in Computer Engineering
• B.S.C.S. in Computer Science and M.S.I.T. in Information Technology
• B.S.C.P. in Computer Engineering/M.S.C.P. in Computer Engineering
• B.S.C.P. in Computer Engineering/M.S.C.S. in Computer Science
• B.S.C.P. in Computer Engineering/M.S.I.T. in Computer Engineering
• B.S.E.E. in Electrical Engineering and M.S.E.E in Electrical Engineering
• B.S.I.E. in Industrial Engineering/M.S.B.E. in Biomedical Engineering
• B.S.I.E. in Industrial Engineering/M.S.E.M. in Engineering Management
• B.S.I.T. in Information Technology/M.S.I.T. in Information Technology
• B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering/M.S.B.E. in Biomedical Engineering
• B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering/M.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering
• B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering/M.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering
• B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering/M.S.E.M. in Engineering Management
• B.S.M.E. in Mechanical Engineering/M.S.M.E. in Materials Science and Engineering

Minors

Biomedical Engineering
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/documents/minor-bme.pdf

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/student-services/documents/minor-cs.pdf

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/student-services/documents/minor-it.pdf

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. 

Certificate

Foundations of Cyber Security
https://www.usf.edu/engineering/cse/undergraduate/index.aspx

Undergraduate Advising Information

Effective pursuit of engineering and engineering related studies requires careful attention to both the sequence and the type of courses taken. The engineering 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 Engineering 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 Engineering 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 

 Back to Top | Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)