Academics

With a proven track record of commitment to student success, USF offers a path for every student. Our academic programs strive to meet the needs of individual learners and turn knowledge and experience into career preparedness.

Overview

The University of South Florida’s academic programs are designed to cultivate student success for all types of learners. From traditional learners, special needs learners and adults interested in advancing their careers to veterans and distance learners, USF provides a comprehensive, engaging and dynamic academic environment tailored to meet the needs of individual students.

At USF, every student is empowered to forge their path to success. Our undergraduate, graduate and professional programs are globally competitive and are committed to engaging students through positive teaching and learning environments. Within the classroom and beyond, students maximize their potential through interdisciplinary inquiry, intellectual development and skill acquisition.

“At USF a fundamental principle of our student success initiative is the belief that all students, regardless of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, can and will succeed if given the opportunity to do so,” - Vice President for Student Success and Student Affairs Paul Dosal.

Students choose from 180 undergraduate majors and degree programs at the graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The university has 14 colleges falling under the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. From medicine and the arts to marine science and business, each offers an extensive range of degree and specialty programs, many allowing students to focus on a particular discipline while exploring other areas of interest across the university. Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to take advantage of a wide range of research opportunities and study abroad programs.

Our institutional commitment to student success enriches the college experience for each student. From extended library hours and expanded study spaces to Living and Learning Communities and our SMART Lab innovative learning environment, USF has the resources to stimulate student achievement. 

The Judy Genshaft Honors College at USF offers high-achieving, academically motivated students extraordinary opportunities to develop their thinking, reasoning and analytic skills, regardless of major. The program encourages interaction among students and top faculty through small classes and unique on-campus opportunities.

Innovative Education extends the reach of USF's academic programs through continuing education programs, graduate certificates, distance and online learning, workforce development, noncredit education, pre-college programs and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

With these academic resources, our students turn knowledge and experience into real-world preparedness. USF’s graduation and retention rates have skyrocketed, and our post-graduation career placement levels are unmatched by other Florida universities, making USF an internationally renowned institution for overall student success.