Undergraduate College of Professional Studies

Established in 1975, the College of Professional Studies awards undergraduate degrees in Applied Economics, Information Systems, Organizational Behavior and Leadership, and Public Administration. In addition, the Bachelor of Public Administration program offers optional emphases in Nonprofit Administration and Law Enforcement Leadership. The College fosters the integration of classroom and experiential learning by providing an educational environment that focuses on seminar discussion and interaction between student and instructor. The curricula emphasize practical application of the theoretical foundations within each major. Additionally, students can earn up to 30 units of college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom through the portfolio process. These are tuition-free units that may be applied toward degree requirements. The programs are designed to prepare students both for career advancement and for continued academic study. USF's College of Professional Studies has more than 19,000 alumni.

Programs and courses offered through the College are designed to meet the special needs of a student population of working adults. In recognition of these needs, the University provides a professional academic advising staff experienced in assisting students to prepare for an intensive college program. Courses are scheduled throughout the year and generally follow the traditional academic calendar. Typically taught in four-hour sessions held once a week (although some courses are offered on the weekend or in an on-line format), the length of study for undergraduate degree programs varies from 15 to 23 months depending on the major requirements. Students attend classes in San Francisco and at four regional campuses in Northern California. Classes are small, providing individual attention and an emphasis on personal and professional growth. Instructors use a variety of teaching methods including case studies, problem-solving presentations, group discussions, lectures, field observations, online learning and independent study. In addition to class time, students can expect to devote an average of 15-20 hours per week to class preparation.

Purpose and Goals

• To demonstrate a commitment to the mission and goals of Jesuit education, including the promotion of lifelong learning.
• To provide an educational experience that emphasizes and fosters leadership, ethical responsibility, and service to the community.
• To create a participatory learning environment that integrates, in a seminar format, classroom and experiential learning.
• To provide academic advising and planning that facilitates students' successful achievement of their academic and career goals.
• To provide and maintain administrative support services consistent with the special needs of adult learners.

Admissions Requirements

The typical College of Professional Studies student is a working adult who is pursuing a USF degree to enhance professional skills, promotional opportunities, or career changes and to prepare for graduate or professional school. In recognition of the special needs and concerns of this population, the University provides comprehensive academic advising services to these undergraduate and graduate applicants.

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

See "Transfer Admission".

To learn more:

• Please see USF Regional Campuses.
• Please see Bachelor of Public Administration.
• Please see Bachelor of Public Administration with an emphasis in Law Enforcement Leadership.
• Please see Bachelor of Public Administration with an emphasis in Nonprofit Administration.
• Please see Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics.
• Please see Bachelor of Science in Information Systems.
• Please see Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior and Leadership.
• Please see Interdisciplinary Studies.
• Request Information