Provost's Scholars Program

Provost’s Scholars Program

Beginning Fall 2011 we launched the Provost’s Scholars Program (PSP). This is a program in which qualified students who enter USF directly from high school with 18 or more appropriate credits will be offered the opportunity to complete their undergraduate education in 3 years. Each selected student will be provided preferred registration privileges so that critical courses are not closed when they register. They will be given summer scholarships if they need to take summer classes and will be given scholarships to help them participate in study abroad programs. PSP students will live in the Honors College Living/Learning Community year 1. Students will be offered the assistance of faculty or off campus mentors, depending upon career goals and will be encouraged to use the fourth year for graduate study here at USF. Participants will not need to take larger academic loads and can take advantage of all that USF has to offer.

What is a Provost?

"Provost" is the title given to the senior academic administrator at many universities in the United States and Canada. The Provost is responsible for all academic programs at the institution and is the second-ranking officer in the administrative hierarchy behind the President. In short, the Provost is a very important person in academia and at USF!

Who might apply for the Provost’s Scholars Program (PSP)?

We are looking for students who are goal oriented and who have a good sense of what they want to do after graduation, students who want to have a “leg up” as they seek employment or admission to graduate or professional degree programs. We want students who are motivated to graduate but don’t wish to rush, students who come to USF having gone the extra mile in high school, taking AP, IB, AICE or dual enrollment classes. Students should present a 3.8 weighted high school GPA (as calculated by USF) and a 1200 SAT or 27 ACT score.

What might I do with the year I save?

Students in a variety of fields could complete the PSP and then earn a Master’s degree in that field. What a wonderful credential to present a prospective employer or professional school admissions office! For example, students in Social Work can finish in 3 years, get a year of valuable field experience before going on to an advanced degree. Business students might use the 4th year for a graduate degree or to begin work early. The possibilities for students in qualifying majors are unlimited! There are some majors for which this program is more problematic. For example, science majors must have specific course requirements completed to be considered for this accelerated program. No major in the College of Engineering can be completed in 3 years without Calculus I, Calculus II and Physics I with Calculus.

What are the advantages of the PSP?

• You graduate a year early so you gain time.
• You save a year’s worth of college tuition, room, board and expenses.
• You can start a graduate program early.
• You can spend a year gaining experiences that will enhance your graduate school applications.
• You will be provided excellent scholarships and the opportunity to study abroad.
• You will reside in the PSP learning community with other likeminded students and participate in special activities designed for you.

Interested?