Welcome to the College of Arts & Sciences at USFSP. The College is home to a broad range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and minors. Founded on a citizen scholar model, our students can expect an exceptional learning experience in and out of the classroom, personalized instruction and regular contact with our distinguished and published faculty scholars.

All first and second year students can expect to fulfill their general education requirements through the Arts and Sciences curriculum. Additionally, the College supports the University Honors Program, a rigorous program of study available to academically gifted, highly motivated students, covering all disciplines. Honors students study and learn in small seminar-style classes and engage in challenging course work that supports and cultivates independent, critical thinking.

As a College, we place a high value on student research as well as civic engagement as key ingredients of a comprehensive educational experience. Students regularly collaborate with faculty members on research projects, and many of our students have published their results and creative projects in scientific journals, books, in exhibits and other media. Still many others take the opportunity to present their innovative findings at one of many available professional conferences throughout the year. In terms of civic engagement, students are provided with many exciting opportunities to immerse themselves in local community organizations and agencies to improve the quality of life for others while at the same time earning course credit.

In the College of Arts and Sciences, students can expect to “become their dreams”. During the past year, for example –

• Environmental Science majors explored the Everglades and the Mississippi Delta to survey and collect samples for scientific analysis and documentation;
• English majors read major works of nature writing, canoed the lazy rivers of Central Florida, and wrote their own creative reflections;
• Political Science majors traveled to New Hampshire to participate in the democratic process through direct involvement in the presidential primaries;
• Florida Studies students participated in a week-long bus tour through the historic Deep-South to relive and reflect on the experiences of the Freedom Riders of the 1960s;
• Anthropology students participated in archaeological digs in Ethiopian Highlands to better understand the formation of Caste Systems;
• Graphic Design majors created the winning design for the new welcome signs for the City of Port Richey.

While our faculty is highly committed to excellence in the classroom, they are also devoted to advancing their respective fields through research and scholarly pursuits. Our faculty are graduates of distinguished universities, are widely published, and several support students through funded research grants.

I encourage you to view our Mission Statement which further outlines our values and our goals. At the core of our mission is to provide the highest quality education coupled with unique life experiences that foster success at USFSP and beyond. I also invite you to visit the College, take a tour, and meet our faculty and staff. Our doors are always open and we look forward to showing you in person why USF St. Petersburg is the best educational value in the State today.

Sincerely,

Frank A. Biafora
Dean