• Year Established: 1956
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Number of Campuses: One 1,913-acre main campus
• Classification: Public Research University
• Total Number of Enrollees: 42,660*

*Source: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2005 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System IPEDS, Spring 2006

A Brief Look into the History of University of South Florida

"Truth and wisdom" is the motto of the University of South Florida. The university was founded in 1956 – but it was not until a couple of years later that the courses officially began being offered. Back when the university was formed there were many colorful monikers proposed for the state of Florida. This included Sunshine State University, Citrus State University, Flamerica University and the Ponce de Leon University.

Later, the University became established as a premier research university in the early 1980's, under the leadership of then president John Lott Brown.

How the Educational System Works

University is located in Tampa; however, it is part of the USF Tampa system so it has branch centers in Lakeland, Sarasota and an autonomous campus in St. Petersburg.

The university has more than 18 institutions offering undergraduate degrees; these include:

1. College of Arts & Sciences
2. College of Business
3. College of Education
4. College of Engineering
5. College of Health Sciences
6. Honors College
7. College of Marine Science
8. College of Medicine
9. College of Nursing
10. College of Public Health
11. College of Visual & Performing Arts
12. School of Accountancy
13. School of Architecture and Community Design
14. School of Art and Art History
15. School of Library and Information Science
16. School of Music
17. School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
18. School of Theatre and Dance Arts
19. The Louis de la Parte Institute

Program Listings

As of the school year 2009, University of South Florida offers 219 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, specialty and doctoral levels – including the doctor of medicine degree.

They also offer non-degree credits, non-credit continuing education courses and teacher certification.

Here is a list of some of the courses offered per college:

• College of Arts & Sciences
- Africana Studies
- American Studies and Humanities
- Anthropology
- Biology & Microbiology
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Environmental Science and Policy
- Foreign Languages
- Government and International Affairs
- Interdisciplinary Classical Civilizations
- International Studies
- Liberal Studies

• College of Business
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- General Business
- International Business
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing

• College of Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Industrial & Management Systems Engineering
- Information Systems
- Mechanical Engineering

Visit the official site of the University of South Florida for the complete listing of the graduate, undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs offered.

Advantages of Enrolling at the University of South Florida

This university is among the top three research universities in Florida. Nationwide, it is ranked as the largest public university.

The University of South Florida has a tier 3 ranking in the "Best Colleges" category of national universities, as rated by the US News & World Report. It also has a number 45 ranking in education from the same report.

Meanwhile, when you check on Student's Review, the overall grade of this university is a B-, with only 56% of the student respondents saying that they would choose to return here.

A Glimpse at the Weather at the School Location

The University of South Florida is located on the west coast of the state of Florida. It has a sub-tropic climate – with the warmest months in August reaching up to 90 degrees! Expect the coldest months in January to hit an average of 52 degrees. On average, though, the climate year-round is just excellent.

Is There Any Downside to Enrolling at University of South Florida?

When you look at the online reviews for this institution, you will find very few negative reviews of this university – most are very favorable with the majority of students happy with their choice in a college. In reading through the reviews, there does seem to be a general consensus the social life at the university could be better. Apparently, many of the students tend to go home on the weekends leaving the school rather quiet. So, if you are simply looking for a good education, then maybe quiet weekends work for you and this is the ideal place to get your higher education degree.

A Final Word about the Quality of Education Offered

Studying in one of Florida's top three research universities does have its perks. At University of South Florida, you will enjoy great value for your money, a student-centered environment, a high-quality of education, and options for extracurricular activities. What more can you ask for when studying in Tampa, where there's a combination of great weather, functional campus, nice college atmosphere and an excellent faculty?