Master of Liberal Arts in 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 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.

Students admitted to the program take graduate classes toward the pursuit of a Master of Liberal Arts in Florida Studies. Limited graduate assistantships are available to both new and continuing students.

Program Description

The Florida Studies track of the Master of Liberal Arts Program allows students to sample a broad array of interdisciplinary classes. Students take Florida-based classes in the fields of History, English, Geography, Political Science, Journalism and Media Studies, and Anthropology.

Students will work closely with the program faculty who will approve courses and give advice on theses and publications.

Program Requirements

Total required hours: 33

Required courses in the Florida Studies Program include 1.) Intro to Florida and Regional Studies, 2.) Early Florida History, 3.) Modern Florida History, 4.)Geography of Florida (or approved environmental course that has Florida content), and 5.) Any approved Literature, Writing or Media course with Florida content.

The remainder of each student’s program of study will be worked out with his or her advisor. Each semester, the program circulates a list of approved courses. If students identify courses they wish to include that are not on this list (including a limited number of graduate courses at other campuses), they may seek approval from the Program Director.

Each student must pass a comprehensive oral examination and written examination covering three fields or concentrations.

Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option. Candidates will select topics with the approval of a faculty advisor.

Admission Requirements

Candidates must have a baccalaureate degree and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Please submit a writing sample (an undergraduate term paper, book review, or essay) or evidence of artistic work. We also ask that you submit two letters of recommendation.

The College of Arts & Sciences is USF St. Petersburg’s largest college, offering a wide range of academic programs. The College has a legacy of providing programs of excellence in a student-centered atmosphere. World-class research and creative activities are carried out in one of the most beautiful metropolitan campuses in the U.S. Take some time to explore our offerings, where “the world will recognize your degree and your professors will know your name.”

College of Arts and Sciences Mission

To embody the principles and activities of a research-intensive liberal arts college, where our graduates will be well trained within their disciplines, and thus prepared for a graduate or professional schools. Our students will have the critical skills, broad outlook, and civic awareness that will make them engaged and productive citizens. In short, our students will be recognized as citizen-scholars.

Unit Goals/Strategies

1. Make significant and meaningful contributions to ongoing dialogues in our academic fields; 2. Expect our undergraduates and graduate students to engage in research – where feasible, in collaboration with faculty; 3. Cultivate a vigorous liberal arts culture by recruiting talented and diverse faculty and students, maintaining small class sizes, and mentoring those students we have; 4. Encourage free discussions, foster critical thinking, demand that our students write, and when possible, to work across disciplines; 5. Initiate and expand graduate programs and develop formal academic ties to other graduate programs within the University of South Florida system; 6. Introduce, as part of the mosaic of learning experiences at USFSP, civic engagement, service learning, and experiential learning into classes, when appropriate.

Dean Biafora's Welcome

Welcome and thank you for your interest in our graduate offerings at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP). As a dynamic research-active institution, USFSP College of Arts & Sciences offers world-class academics and personalized real-world experience in a culturally vibrant, urban, waterfront community. Our student body is diverse; reflecting the demographics of the region, the state, and the nation. Our distinguished faculty is recognized locally, nationally and around the world for their excellence in research and scholarship. Our flexible programs are designed to meet the needs of the students–from the fully online degree in Digital Journalism and Media Studies to the hands-on research focused Psychology graduate program. I encourage you to reach out to the Graduate Program Director of the program of your interest to learn more. Our story at USFSP continues to be written and we are excited to invite you to be a part of our future. Join us in the exploration that is graduate education and research at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.