USF St. Petersburg offers the following Master’s Degree Programs. Contact us for an admissions advising session if you are not sure which program is right for you.
Business Administration
The Master’s in Business Administration program at USFSP is designed to prepare graduates for socially responsible business leadership in the global environment of the 21st Century. The AACSB-accredited program ranks in Beyond Grey Pinstripes in the global 100 for preparing students for leadership roles with an appreciation of sustainability and environmental and social stewardship. Students are from diverse educational, cultural, and business backgrounds. The MBA program at USFSP is the only one in Florida that offers a series of MBA Essentials, an intensive program designed for students who may need some business prerequisite courses or who do not hold a recent undergraduate degree in business. Options include: Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Global MBA, and CPA/MBA. Students can choose to complete their MBA on-campus, online, or a combination of both.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the MBA Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Alison Watkins, Director
awatkins@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4MBA
Digital Journalism and Design
The fully online Master of Arts in Digital Journalism and Design is designed to be completed in one year, or over a fall, a spring and a summer semester. (Working professionals may take longer to complete it). The program will prepare recent graduates or practicing professionals to excel in the exciting field of digital journalism and in other media- or communication-related fields. Applicants to the master’s degree in Digital Journalism and Design stand to gain an immediate professional benefit: a USFSP-Poynter Certificate of Proficiency in Digital Technology for Journalists.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Digital Journalism and Design Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Mark Walters, Director
mjw@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4544
Educational Leadership Development
The M.Ed. program in Educational Leadership Development is designed for teachers and other practicing school professionals who want to earn a master’s degree and Florida K-12 Instructional Leadership certification. The program is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education and its constructivist, standards-based approach to studying school leadership provides a balance between theory and practice. It is structured to build the requisite skills and knowledge needed to successfully complete the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) and enable graduates to be effective leaders in today’s educational settings. Course design and scheduling address the needs of working professionals and candidates.
The program is offered both at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and at Pasco-Hernando Community College.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Educational Leadership Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Olivia Hodges, Graduate Faculty Advisor
ohodges@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4947
Elementary Education/ESOL: Dual Track
If you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education and want to become an elementary school teacher in grades K-6, this Master of Arts degree program is for you. After completing all coursework and an internship, students can earn an initial certification in elementary education and a master’s degree in Elementary Education, with an endorsement to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This program is approved by the Florida Department of Education.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Elementary Ed: Dual Track Web site.
Contact Information
Advisor: Dr. Deanna Michael
Email:dmichael@usfsp.edu
Phone: (727) 873-4577
Fax: (727) 873-4191
Elementary Education: Curriculum and Literacy Emphasis
The Literacy and Curriculum Program is intended for certified, practicing classroom teachers who have a strong interest in teaching literacy in grades K-6. This Master of Arts degree program provides an in-depth view of reading and writing research, theories, and the application of theory to the classroom teaching. In addition, an emphasis is placed on curriculum design in an effort to prepare elementary teachers for leadership roles in their respective schools and districts.
For more information, please visit the Elementary Education: Curriculum and Literacy Emphasis Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Vivian Fueyo, Graduate Faculty Advisor
vfueyo@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4979
Elementary Education: Math and Science Emphasis
This Master of Arts degree program is for certified, practicing elementary classroom teachers who have a strong interest in, and preparation for, teaching K-5 mathematics and science. We prepare elementary teachers for leadership roles in mathematics and science in their respective schools and districts. Although you will indeed gain ideas for exercises and practices that will enhance your classroom techniques, the courses are really designed to give you a strong background in K-8 mathematics and science topics so that you can assume a leadership role beyond the classroom. The courses are therefore a mixture of K-8 content and pedagogy.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Elementary Ed: Math/Science website.
Contact Information
Dr. George Roy, Graduate Faculty Advisor
royg@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4646
English Education
If you are currently in any of the following situations and want to begin graduate studies, the Master of Arts in English Education program may be right for you.
- You are a fully certified middle or high school English teacher and would like to broaden your knowledge of both English content and teaching methodologies.
- You have a temporary teaching certificate for English 6-12 and would like to take certification courses at the graduate level.
- You have a B.A. in English or a related area, have not taken any education courses, but would like to get a temporary teaching certificate to begin teaching English at the secondary level.
- You are a secondary English teacher who would like to take courses to fulfill the Florida Reading Endorsement.
- You would like to teach English at the community college level.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the English Education Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Cynthia Leung, Graduate Faculty Advisor
cleung@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4051
Environmental Science and Policy (M.A.)
Our Master of Arts degree in Environmental Science and Policy provides a balance between Environmental Science and Environmental Policy in a format desired by practicing professionals in environmental fields. Comprising a themed course study in Core Concepts in Science, Core Concepts in Policy and an elective area of your choice, this non-thesis track culminates in a final project that allows you to integrate and apply the knowledge learned in the coursework with a personal relevant area of interest to result in your professional growth. Graduates of our program will be highly skilled and imaginative individuals prepared for leadership roles in local, state, and federal agencies; non-profit organizations working to mitigate environmental concerns; and private scientific, research, environmental and engineering firms.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Environmental Science & Policy Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Barnali Dixon, Graduate Faculty Advisor
bdixon@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4025
Environmental Science and Policy (M.S.)
Graduates of the Master’s of Science in Environmental Science and Policy program at USF St. Petersburg will be highly skilled and imaginative individuals, prepared for leadership roles in local, state, and federal agencies; non-profit organizations working to ameliorate environmental concerns; and private scientific, research, environmental and engineering firms. Our graduates will have the analytical skills to understand and impact the socio-cultural and political context in which environmental problems are created and ameliorated, and the scientific expertise to fully explore and analyze the consequences of ongoing environmental change and interaction.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Environmental Science & Policy Web site.
Contact Information
Dr. Barnali Dixon, Graduate Faculty Advisor
bdixon@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4025
Exceptional Student Education (M.A.)
The Masters of Arts in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) provides an in-depth view of research, theories, and the application of theory to classroom teaching in Exceptional Student Education. This unique graduate program offers students a flexible program of study based on the applicant’s previous degree, areas of interest, and experiences in the area of Exceptional Student Education. The program requires 36 credit hours and will vary depending on the selection of track or endorsement areas. Coursework is provided through online classes, on campus classes, and a blended model of online coursework and in class sessions.
The Master’s of Arts in Exceptional Student Education offers a selection of tracks and/or endorsements as a part of the graduate degree in Exceptional Student Education.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the http://www1.usfsp.edu/coe/Graduate-ExceptionalStudentEducationMA.htm website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Kim Stoddard, Graduate Faculty Advisor
stoddard@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4573
Exceptional Student Education (M.A.T.)
The Masters of Arts in Teaching Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is specifically designed for individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees in a field other than Education. This program can be adjusted to allow students who are enrolled in elementary or secondary education to complete the degree and will lead to a Master’s of Arts degree in Exceptional Student Education as well as certification in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The program credit requirement varies from 36 hours to 51 hours depending on the area of specialization of a student’s bachelor’s degree. This program is specifically designed for those individuals who do not hold a professional certificate in teaching. Elementary and secondary education majors with an interest in special education are also encouraged to apply.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Exceptional Student Education website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Kim Stoddard, Graduate Faculty Advisor
stoddard@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4573
Florida Studies
For everyone who lives, works, or studies in Florida, the best way to understand our state and the issues we face is to put them in the context of our history and distinctive regional culture. The Master of Liberal Arts in Florida Studies Program brings together faculty from history, economics, geography, political science, anthropology, and other disciplines to create an integrated, in-depth exploration of our state’s changing identity as a part of the American South as well as a bridge to the Caribbean Basin.
From environmental policy and resource management to political challenges and immigration reform, Florida presents distinctive issues that merit close attention. Students from any discipline can benefit from Florida Studies courses as they prepare for careers ranging from urban planning to social work, from historic preservation to international business. For anyone who is interested in how our state fits into matters of regional and global significance, this program presents the ideal opportunity to use the State of Florida as a teaching and research laboratory.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the MLA: Florida Studies website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Christopher Meindl, Graduate Faculty Advisor
cmeindl@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4961
Journalism and Media Studies
With a focus on ethics, social responsibility and theory, students learn how to report, present and interpret news in today’s environment as well as understand news production and related issues. In addition to required coursework, students work directly with advisors and faculty to select a general or focused area of study such as effective news practices, science reporting, visual communication and media influences and criticism. Graduates of the Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies move into various careers, including news media and teaching.
Students may take classes part time or full time. They may also sample the program by taking courses as a non-degree seeking student. Up to 12 hours of graduate credit will count toward the degree once admitted. However, the department encourages students to apply soon after completing their first course as a non-degree seeking student. The full program is offered at USF St. Petersburg; however students may choose electives, with their advisor’s approval, in any department at any USF campus.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Journalism and Media Studies website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Paul Wang, Graduate Faculty Advisor
wang@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4856
Liberal Arts: Focused or Interdisciplinary Studies
The Master of Liberal Arts in Liberal Studies graduate program provides students with an avenue to either teach at the community college/undergraduate level, pursue a doctoral degree, or tailor a program to a particular professional arena or personal interest through interdisciplinary study. This 33 credit hour program is comprised of two tracks, the Focused Track and Interdisciplinary Track and affords both thesis and project options.
The MLA in Liberal Studies offers two “build-your own” tracks.
In the Focused Studies track, students explore a particular subject from within the larger perspective of the liberal arts, earning 18 of the 33 required hours in a specific discipline. As part of their core requirements, students may take courses in pedagogy and education, theory, or research methods, which would enable them to teach at the community college level (with the 18 hours), continue on to doctoral study, or work in areas related to their chosen field of study.
In the Interdisciplinary Studies track, students build their own unique degree from various disciplines (e.g., culture and the environment, ethics and the workplace, social justice and engagement, etc.) and related core requirements, preparing them for future study or professional careers in related areas, including work for non-profits and other businesses.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the MLA: Focused or Interdisciplinary website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Lisa Starks-Estes, Graduate Faculty Advisor
starks@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4158
The Master of Arts in Psychology
The Master of Arts in Psychology provides study of biological, social-developmental, and cognitive bases of health and human behavior, with concentrated emphasis on how adjustment in these realms serves as the platform for later health and chronic disease outcomes. The program also cultivates advanced competence in research methodology required to interpret and evaluate applied research data. For students in both thesis and non-thesis options, elective courses in the domains of experimental and applied psychology, health psychology, infant-family mental health, cultural competence, and other basic and applied areas round out coursework requirements for the degree. Students on the thesis track also complete an empirical master’s thesis.
Specialized Concentration in Risk, Resilience, and Prevention (RRP)
Our program also has a unique concentration in Risk, Resilience, and Prevention (RRP). With the competencies promoted in this concentration, we seek to reinvigorate the workforce with professionals who are able to promote human capital and reduce risk of both untoward health outcomes and behavioral and community problems like school dropout rates and youth aggression and violence. Prevention and early intervention are key; instead of waiting for undesired behaviors to occur and then reacting (with accompanying costs) investments are made proactively to cultivate protective social, academic, and health-promoting behaviors and skills required for success in school and life.
Our state is in critical need of professionals with these skills. To see more on the state of Florida, see the article “Report says recession hurts more Florida children.”
http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2012/07/25/report-says-recession-hurts-more-florida-children/
Our program is designed to advance your study of Psychology, whether or not your undergraduate major was in a field other than psychology and you seek re-specialization coursework or you were a strong undergraduate major in Psychology or a related field. Our graduates will demonstrate a conceptual understanding of advanced psychology and contribute intellectually to the field.
As a program graduate of the M.A. in Psychology from USF St. Petersburg (USFSP), you will be:
- positioned to assume human service and clinical health research positions demanding advanced competencies in research methodology; data tracking, collection, and analysis; and grant writing associated with graduate training;
- eligible for teaching positions at high schools and at 2- and 4-year colleges or universities at (1000/2000 level coursework) with the required 18 hours of graduate coursework in psychology; and/or
- competitive for admission to top doctoral programs through the receipt of the foundational content and research courses built into the first year of the M.A. curriculum coupled with a thesis option that will provide intensive experience in a nationally-recognized program of faculty research as job prospects in Psychology will always remain best for people holding doctoral degrees in applied specialties such as counseling or health.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Graduate Program Director: Dr. Mark Pezzo
Email: pezzo@usfsp.edu
Phone: 727-873-4020
Graduate Recruiter: Jasmine James
Email: jjames7@usfsp.edu
Phone: 727-873-4770
Middle Grades STEM
The Master of Science Degree in Middle Grades STEM Education:
- cultivates and trains teachers in STEM programs (science, technology, engineering and math) to both create STEM-related experiences that excite and interest students of all backgrounds and to support states and school districts in their efforts to transform schools into vibrant STEM learning environments;
- engages middle school science and mathematics teachers in ways that improve their content knowledge and enhance their pedagogical skills in teaching mathematics and scince and prepares middle grades mathematics and science teachers for roles as teacher leaders; and,
- prepares middle school STEM teachers to inspire and teach students to be successful in STEM education, thereby increasing the number of individuals capable of filling critically important STEM-related career positions.
Admissions requirements:
- Two years of middle grades (5-9) teaching experience in math and/or science;
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a STEM-related field from a regionally accredited university and teacher certification in an appropriate area;
- Grades of ‘C’ or better in all core undergraduate science and mathematics courses
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or greater for a Bachelor’s degree
- Grade point average of 3.0 or greater earned while enrolled in the upper two years’ coursework of a bachelor’s degree OR A score of 1000 or greater on the combined verbal and quantitative portion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE); OR a graduate degree from a reginally accredited university, with grades of ‘B’ of better in all science and mathematics graduate level coursework.
- State of Florida ESOLrequirement for middle grades content teachers. Note: If this requirement is not met prior to starting the program, the student will be required to take an additional course in the program – FLE 5345: Teaching English Langugae Learners K-12 prior to graduation.
For more information, please contact the USFSP College of Education: (727) 873- 4155.
Reading Education
Students in the Master of Arts in Reading Education program include teachers, clinicians, supervisors, directors, and coordinators of reading for school systems. Students pursue one of three reading education tracks and, after completing five courses, earn the State Reading Endorsement.
For more information and admissions requirements, please visit the Reading Education website.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Jan Blake, Graduate Faculty Advisor
jblake4@usfsp.edu
(727) 873-4531