Time to Degree Estimate FAQ

For transfer students, one of the biggest questions you may have is how long it will take to complete your USF degree (also known as your estimated "time to degree"). To facilitate the estimation process, transfer students can participate in advising throughout the spring so we can give you the most accurate information as soon as possible. You will receive information on this process within one week of your admission.

Please review the following information to learn how to get your estimated time to degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All majors within the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Management are eligible. With the exception of Engineering, Undeclared Arts, Undeclared Business, and Undeclared Science.

  • Step 1

    Once you are admitted, you will receive an email inviting you to opt-in to the time to degree process. You will be given two weeks to opt-in via the link in the email invitation.

    Once the process has started, we’ll send your transcripts to a faculty representative in your major, who will review your transcripts and determine what additional syllabi are required for review.

    Step 2

    Upload requested syllabi within two weeks of notification.

    Within 10 business days, you will receive instructions on uploading additional syllabi for review. After uploading the additional syllabi, faculty in your major will review the syllabi to see how those classes may transfer to your desired USF degree. After reviewing the syllabi you provide, you will hear back from us with a revised estimate on your time to degree (in semesters).

    Deadline: You must upload your syllabi within two weeks of getting the email instructions.

  • A syllabus is the document you received from the instructor for a class. This document typically outlines the course objectives, reading lists, assignments, and policies. A description of the course from the catalog does not satisfy the syllabus request requirement. 

  • In order to estimate your time to degree, USF faculty members need to have an understanding of the courses you are transferring into your major and what courses you still need to complete. The syllabi allow faculty to review specific classes and determine how they may be substituted for classes within your major.

  • Due to the number of transfer students we will be advising, we are typically unable to extend deadlines for opting in for degree estimate or for submitting syllabi.

  • Although we will try our best to provide a good faith estimate based on the information you provide, we cannot guarantee your graduation date. The time to degree estimate may vary from your actual graduation date based on course sequencing in your program, satisfactory academic progress, and/or your enrollment in consecutive semesters (e.g. fall to spring or spring to fall) as well as co-curricular programs such as study abroad.