University Admissions

Admission to the University is based on the University’s Undergraduate Admission Requirements that may be found by clicking on the following urls:

• Freshman: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen/admission-information/requirements-deadlines.aspx

• Transfer: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/transfer/admission-information/index.aspx

• International: https://www.usf.edu/admissions/international/admission-information/index.aspx

For Admission information specific to the College of Arts & Sciences, see the information at College of Arts and Sciences .

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.

• ENC X101 or ENC XXXX – 3 credit hours (Any ENC XXXX equivalent to English Composition I)
• ENC X102 or ENC XXXX – 3 credit hours (Any ENC XXXX equivalent to English Composition II)
• ENC X210 Technical Writing – 3 credit hours
• SPC X608 Public Speaking – 3 credit hours

Required Courses: (36 credit hours)

GPA Requirements

The major GPA is a 2.0.

Grading Requirements

A minimum grade of C- or better is required to meet major course.

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.

Other Requirements

• Students will be required to compile a portfolio of their work throughout the degree program. It is completed and presented during the capstone course.
• The requirements for the Professional and Technical Communication degree allow for open electives of any ENC or ENG course, as well as electives outside the major. Students are encouraged to use these credits to pursue a minor or certificate that will broaden and enrich their major studies. Students may elect to pursue any minor.

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.

Internship Opportunities

It is highly recommended that students take advantage of participating in an internship. The Department of English and the Professional and Technical Communication program have developed a number of long-term relationships with organizations. Talk to your advisor or one of the faculty about these opportunities.

Advising Information

USF students schedule advising appointments online through USF Archivum Platform.   Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester to discuss courses planning, degree progression, and career preparation. 

Tampa Campus Website: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/students/academic-advising/index.aspx
For questions, EnglishAdvise@usf.edu. 

Sarasota/Manatee Campus Website: http://usfsm.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-advising/index.aspx
For questions, email sar-advising@usf.edu.

4 Year Plan of Study - Professional and Technical Communication B.A.

NOTES:

• SCIV - Civics Literacy  needs to be completed prior to graduation. For more information, see https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/students/civics-literacy.aspx or talk with your academic advisor.
• Items that are critical are marked with a ✳️ and are included in the plan for a student to stay on track.

Potential Entry Level Job Titles:

• Technical Writer
• Marketing Manager
• Instructional Designer

Potential Entry Level Salary Range:

• $59,000 - $60,000

2 Year Plan of Study - Professional and Technical Communication B.A.

NOTES:

• SCIV - Civics Literacy  needs to be completed prior to graduation. For more information, see https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/students/civics-literacy.aspx or talk with your academic advisor.
• Items that are critical are marked with a ✳️ and are included in the plan for a student to stay on track.