State Mandated Common Course Prerequisites
Students wishing to transfer to USF should complete an A.A. degree at a Florida College System institution. Some courses required for the major may also meet General Education requirements thereby transferring maximum hours to the university.
If a student wishes to transfer without an A.A. degree and has fewer than 60 semester hours of acceptable credit, the student must meet the university’s entering freshman requirements including ACT or SAT test scores, GPA, and course requirements.
Transfer students are also required to comply with the immunization, foreign language, and continuous enrollment policies of the university.
Students should complete the following prerequisite courses at the lower level prior to entering the university. If these courses are not taken at a Florida College System institution, they must be completed before the degree is granted.
Unless stated otherwise, a grade of C is the minimum acceptable grade in prerequisite courses.
- (CHM X045 and CHM X045L) or (CHM X040 and CHM X041)or CHM X045C - 4-6 credit hours
- (CHM X046 and CHM X046L) or CHM X046C - 4 credit hours
- MAC X311 or MAC X281 - 4 credit hours
- GLY X010C or (GLY X010 and GLY X010L) - 4 credit hours
- (PHY X048C and PHY X049C)* or [(PHY X048 PHY X048L) and (PHY X049 and PHY X049L) or (PHY X053C and PHY X054C) - 8 credit hours
FOR ALL MAJORS: Students are strongly encouraged to select required lower division electives that will enhance their general education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area.
*The choice of Physics sequence depends on the area of Geology specialization.
Historical Geology STRONGLY recommended.
Grading Requirements
A C- or better to meet major course requirements unless specified elsewhere. Will vary by area.
Note: Some USF courses have higher grade criteria to meet prerequisite knowledge necessary for progression into higher level courses.
Residency Requirements
Department and College of Arts & Sciences Major Academic Residency Requirement - 50% of major must be completed at USF.
USF Academic Residency Requirement - 30 of the last 60 hours earned must be from USF.
Research Opportunities
Undergraduate students in any degree program are able to participate in undergraduate research. Several options exist to show mentored undergraduate research activity on a student’s official transcript. Those who wish to enroll in an undergraduate research course should consult with their academic advisor to understand how the credit will apply towards the degree requirements. If no credit is needed, students may be eligible to enroll in the 0-credit IDS 4914 course. This course will not impact degree credits or GPA but will show on an official transcript and document the experience. The Office of Undergraduate Research is able to assist with further inquiries.