University of South Florida

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Versatile Degrees at University of South Florida

The University of South Florida appears in our ranking of the 50 Most Affordable Online Degree Programs For In-State Students.

The University of South Florida is the state’s leading research university. It’s dedicated to:

Featured Programs

  • civic culture
  • scientific discovery
  • economic fortification
The university embraces scholarly innovation and artistic engagement to build sustainable partnerships and community collaborations. Students can choose from over 180 undergraduate majors through the 14 colleges. Some of the most popular degrees include:
  • nursing
  • business
  • marine science

Many of the online undergraduate degree programs are only offered partially through distance education because they include:

  • mandatory internships
  • clinical training
  • practicums
The online bachelor of sciences include:
  • information studies
  • public health
  • criminal justice
  • nursing RN to BS
The last one is designed for current RNs who already have an associate’s degree in nursing Online graduate degrees include:
  • education
  • engineering
  • medicine
  • behavioral sciences

The online master’s in engineering management is perfect for working engineers. It’s also for those with strong technical training who want to move into management roles. This program offers an experienced faculty of successful teachers.They provide a customizable curriculum and highly interactive learning environment. The master’s in information management helps working professionals learn the IT, creative and communication skills needed to manage teams and systems. Graduates will know how to develop efficient and effective solutions.

The College of Behavioral and Community Sciences offers degrees in:

  • aging sciences
  • deaf studies
  • social work 
  • behavioral health care
The aging services degree is perfect for health care students who want a gerontology background to help the growing number of older health care clients. Students learn about the social, biological and psychological facts that impact:
  • aging
  • policy
  • development
Sample classes include:
  • Contemporary Issues
  • Psychosocial Aspects of Aging 
  • Long-Term Care Administration

The College of Education offers degrees in Workforce Education as well as Autism Spectrum Disorder & Severe Intellectual. The workforce education degree is designed for business professionals who will help employers train and empower employees. Graduates may find employment in:

  • non-profits
  • social services
  • educational institutions
Possible job titles include:
  • human resources trainer
  • development manager
  • organizational coordinator

About the University of South Florida

The university was founded in 1956 and is a key member of the State University System of Florida. It is located in the middle of Tampa Bay. Every year, they educate around 38,000 undergraduates and 12,000 graduates. The student/faculty ratio is 21:1. The average class size is 33 students. Some of the most important strategic goals include:

  • expanding research support infrastructure
  • promoting international graduate research 
  • implementing a salary enhancement program for faculty

The university has some nationally recognized programs, such as the Florida Center of Excellence for Biomolecular Identification and Targeted Therapeutics. This research center brings together scientists and engineers to apply molecular technology to find medical science solutions. Other notable programs include:

  • the wheelchair-mounted robotic arm
  • the Center of Excellence for Diabetes and Autoimmune Disorders

On the fun side, the university offers international campuses where 43,000 students attend from over 150 countries. There are over 600 student clubs and organizations.There are 20 varsity sports organizations. There are  many recreational opportunities around Tampa, including canoeing and kayaking at the private Riverfront Park. It’s only open to students and faculty. There are many popular beaches nearby for sunbathing and surfing as well as rivers for rafting and tubing.

University of South Florida Accreditation Details

The university has three institutions:

  • Tampa
  • St. Petersburg
  • Sarasota-Manatee
The institutions are individually accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.The Morsani College of Medicine is accredited through the Liaison Committee for Medical Education.

University of South Florida Application Requirements

High schoolers who are applying to be freshmen can start in late fall. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students must fill out an online application and send their official transcripts to the Office of Admissions. Admissions competition is fierce.The average freshman admitted in 2017 had a GPA of at least 3.9 and an ACT score of 27 to 30 or an SAT score of 1230 to 1350.

Every applicant is individually considered by:

  • reviewing their grades
  • curriculum rigor
  • standardized test scores
Extra points are awarded for:
  • Advanced Placement
  • Dual Enrollment
  • International Baccalaureate achievements
High school graduates must have completed at least 18 approved units in five core areas that include:
  • English
  • math
  • natural and social sciences.
Admissions officers consider the applicant’s grade trend, which refers to how grades have progressed during the high school years.

The application deadlines for graduate students depend on the specific degree and program. The graduate applicant must have at least a 3.00 GPA. Certain graduate programs require GRE and GMAT scores, such as the MBA programs and the Master of Science programs in:

  • finance
  • economics
  • management
  • real estate

University of South Florida Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time students from out-of-state will pay around:

  • $17,300 in tuition
  • $11,800 for housing/meals
  • $1,100 for books 
  • $4,100 for other expenses
This totals over $34,000. Full-time graduate students from out-of-state will pay $15,864 for tuition. Financial aid is available through:
  • grants
  • loans
  • scholarships
  • work-study
Some of the most popular grants include:
  • the USF Grant
  • First Generation Matching Grant
  • Florida Student Assistance Grant
  • the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

The federal work-study is only available during the fall and spring semesters. The internal Summer Work-Study program is separately administered and awarded. The regular work-study is only available to undergraduate students. These students must:

  • working on their first degree
  • complete their FAFSA
  • maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
There is also tuition deferment for qualifying students who have scholarships and are enrolled at least half-time.

The University of South Florida offers a lot of educational and research opportunities to students through their three campuses. 

Related Resources:

Top 10 Best Majors for Indecisive Students

Top 10 Highest Paying Business Degrees

30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Nutrition

Top 50 Best Affordable RN to BSN Online Degrees

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