The university has joined a statewide program that targets adults who have earned some college credits but not a degree.

TAMPA – The University of South Florida has joined a statewide effort to help 2.8 million Florida residents return to college to complete their degrees online.

USF is partnering with Complete Florida, a legislatively funded initiative that eases the transition back to school for working adults with some college credit but no degree.

As part of the program, USF will offer five online bachelor’s degrees in general studies (BGS) with concentrations in criminal justice, information studies, information architecture, information technology, public administration and public health. USF chose these existing degree programs to offer Complete Florida students flexible online degrees in fields that serve Florida’s workforce needs.

To help ensure student success, the program pairs students with a Complete Florida coach, who provides free one-on-one support with everything from navigating admissions and applying for financial aid to registering for classes and ordering textbooks.

Through the new Complete Florida partnership, USF expects to welcome its first group of students for the 2017 spring semester. An estimated 50 – 100 students will enroll in the partnership’s first year, and the university aims to increase enrollment each year.

“Nearly every career field now requires a college degree for advancement, and we are excited to participate in this effort to drive degree completion in Florida,” USF System President Judy Genshaft said. “In partnership with Complete Florida, adults desiring to return to college now have a pathway to earn a USF degree, which will provide long-term benefits in their professional lives and help secure a better future for their families.”

USF established the BGS program in 2008, which allows students returning to school to tailor their degree to their career goals. Concentrations require 24 – 27 credits that include core courses, electives and a capstone. Students must have earned at least 60 credits to qualify for the BGS major.

The degrees from USF are among the more than 90 degrees and certificate programs offered through state colleges and universities as part of Complete Florida, founded by the legislature in 2013. The program is an initiative of the University of West Florida’s Innovation Institute.  Anyone interested in enrolling in the Complete Florida program should go to CompleteFlorida.org or call (855) 814-8240.

For information about USF, go to usf.edu.

University of South Florida | Complete Florida | College Degree | Judy Genshaft | TB Reporter

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