List of Questions
General
College of Professional Studies
School of Business and Management
School of Education
General
Why USF?
The University of San Francisco is a nationally and internationally recognized university with a reputation for educational excellence. You will benefit from small seminar-style classes in which your knowledge as a working adult is valued. Attending classes with other working adults is a real benefit as you share real world experience while learning the theory behind the practice. Instructors have strong educational credentials and related work experience to help you apply your learning to your career.
Is USF more expensive than other programs?
USF tuition is competitive among private schools of its size and reputation. Because state schools are heavily taxpayer subsidized, students often experience "sticker shock" when considering private education. Students who ultimately enroll in our accelerated programs reap the benefits of earning their degrees years sooner than those who attended traditional programs part time. In addition, our graduates appreciate the personalized attention they receive at USF.
How do I pay for it?
Payment can be made in-full at the beginning of each term or students can enroll in the four month payment plan which allows payment to be made in four equal installments over the course of the term. To assist with payment, applicants are encouraged to consider financial aid as a resource.
The University offers the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship to applicants admitted with at least a 3.75 grade point average and a minimum of 60 graded transfer units. To be considered for the Scholarship, applicants must submit their application for admission and all required supporting documents to the University's Admission Office by August 1 for a program beginning in the fall semester and by January 1 for a program beginning in the spring semester. Transfer Scholars, who are identified at the time of admission, receive a scholarship in the amount of $1,250 a semester for up to 4 semesters of undergraduate study at USF. To remain eligible for the scholarship, recipients must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.2 for each semester's work at USF.
All students who are citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible to apply for aid from the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Students who enroll with 50 to 60 units of transfer credit may borrow up to $7,500 a year while students with 60 or more units may qualify for $10,500 a year in student loans. In addition to loans, students may apply for aid from the Federal Pell Grant program and the California Student Aid Commission's Cal Grant program.
Students may also receive tuition assistance from their employers and some students bring scholarship assistance from organizations to which they belong. Additionally, there are scholarships available for newly admitted students. Please see the website at: http://www.cps.usfca.edu/prospective/scholarship.html.
Is it worth it?
According to the Occupational Outlook, a federal report that tracks employment data, someone with a Bachelor's degree earns $14,000 a year more than someone with a high school diploma. More education equals higher earnings and lower unemployment so education definitely pays you back for your investment of time and money. Our programs are specifically designed to allow the adult learner to take advantage of this opportunity.
Is USF accredited?
USF's most important accreditation is accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. WASC is a regionally accrediting body that sets standards for participating colleges and universities and visits these institutions every seven years to see that they are meeting these standards. USF has passed its WASC review with flying colors. This means course work taken at USF will transfer to other regionally accredited schools throughout the country. USF also has a number of other accreditations you may want to know about.
Do you have to be Catholic to attend USF?
Only about 30% of USF students are Catholic, even though the university was founded by a Catholic order known as the Jesuits. Students come from all walks of life and diversity is encouraged. You will find the main difference between attending USF and a non-Jesuit school is the emphasis on ethical behavior and service to others. All of our programs require an ethics course and volunteerism is encouraged.
Do you have job placement assistance?
USF students and alumni can use the USF Career Services Centers extensive resources including monthly jobs newsletters and extensive on line job boards. Career Services Center advisors will also make presentations at the regional campuses that are tailored to student requests. Students often find their cohort members to be a great source of networking as well.
What services are available at regional campuses?
Regional campuses have on site librarians to help you with research and on site administration to assist with other concerns. Classrooms are set up in seminar style to encourage discussion and interaction in class. Computers and projectors are available for Microsoft PowerPoint presentations or other demonstrations. All classrooms have VCRs and monitors, overhead projectors and flip charts.
How can I get more information?
Contact us for more information. In addition to the main campus in San Francisco, we have several regional campuses:
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College of Professional Studies
What are the minimum requirements for enrolling in the College of Professional Studies Bachelors degree program?
For the part-time undergraduate evening programs, applicants must have fifty units of transferable semester credit from an accredited school or college with a 2.0 grade point average.
See also what units transfer below.
What are the minimum requirements for enrolling in the College of Professional Studies Graduate degree program?
Please refer to our steps to admissions for detailed information.
What do I need to graduate?
Undergraduate students need 128 semester units to graduate with minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. They must satisfy USF's major and core requirements as part of these units. Units toward graduation will come from your transfer classes, your major courses, a life experience portfolio and any testing or additional classes you elect to do.
Graduate students are required to complete the 36-unit degree program and capstone requirement (if applicable) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
What does it cost?
Undergraduate part-time evening tuition for the Fall 2007-Spring 2008 school year is $735 per unit for the 37 units in the major.
Undergraduate students may earn up to thirty additional units for life experiences that are equivalent to college courses at no additional charge.
Graduate tuition for the Fall 2007-Spring 2008 school year is $815 per unit for the 36 units in the major.
What units transfer?
Undergraduate level quarter or semester units taken at a regionally accredited college or university are accepted by USF. Generally, any courses accepted by UC or CSU schools are accepted by USF. We have a ten-year forgiveness policy on "Fs." We also accept C.L.E.P. and D.A.N.T.E.S C.L.E.P. units and A.C.E. accredited training units. We grant nine units for two years active military service and nine units for a California Police Officer's Standards and Training certificate. Students may earn additional units for military service schools or training in occupational specialties. Law enforcement officers can earn six units for two years work experience with the P.O.S.T. certificate.
What is a cohort model?
The College of Professional Studies uses a cohort model for its programs. For part-time evening degree programs, twelve to twenty-four students attend one class at a time, typically one evening a week for four hours. Occasionally courses are offered with additional course sessions being taught online or on an alternate day of the week.
We have found that the cohort model enhances the learning process as one course builds upon the knowledge of the previous one. The bonds formed by students in the cohort help support students by building learning and career networks, and often result in lifelong friendships.
Can I take more than one class at a time?
Because courses are designed for working adults, they are accelerated so doubling up of courses is not recommended for part-time students. In addition to class time, students should plan to do 12-15 hours of outside work each week.
Can I waive any of the classes?
Some students may have taken a class or two that are equivalent to courses in our majors. Prospective students can ask to have these courses reviewed to see if they may waive taking these classes. While some classes may be waived, students must take a total of thirty units from USF to receive a USF diploma (this is called a residency requirement and is common to all universities).
Can I take courses online?
USF does not offer degree programs with course content entirely on line. We believe that face-to-face interaction between faculty and students enhances the learning experience. Each program has a course or portion of a course online.
Are there study groups?
USF does not require study groups in addition to class time. Students, at times, are assigned group projects in some of their classes.
What if I miss a class?
Students are allowed to miss one class session per course. They should notify their instructor in advance, whenever possible. They are still responsible for turning in homework on time and for doing any makeup work the instructor requires. Missing more than one class is problematic. Because classes are accelerated, missing two classes means you have missed more than a quarter of the course.
What if I need to withdraw?
Sometimes it is necessary to withdraw from the program due to unanticipated life experiences such as job loss or illness. USF does not want to penalize anyone for circumstances beyond their control. Students can withdraw before a term census date and owe nothing beyond payment for the courses they have already completed. Students can still withdraw after a term census date but they will owe for the term. Students who have a documented reason for withdrawing such as a death in the family, illness, or job loss may request to be excepted from payment if they withdraw after the census date.
I don't have the minimum transfer units necessary for admission to the undergraduate program. What should I do?
You may have more college credit than you realize. Even if you do not have the minimum units to begin a program, you can talk with a USF academic advisor as to what college credit you already have and how to earn more units to enter the program. Our advisors will suggest quick courses at community college, challenge exams such as C.L.E.P., and identify units you may already have from military service or workplace training courses.
What is a life experience portfolio?
USF recognizes that adult students often have acquired academically sound knowledge through nonacademic means such as work and personal experiences. Up to thirty tuition-free units may be earned through a life experience portfolio. Undergraduate students receive full instruction and support for this process. A student will prepare his or her learning portfolio as part of the required course work in INTD 307, Experience and Critical Writing, and INTD 308, Advanced Expository Writing. Revisions and additions to the portfolio may be later made in a required one-unit course, INTD 300, The Critical Thinking Seminar. Students who wish to submit a third set of portfolio essays may do so by registering and paying for the CPS Extended Education course, "America in the 1930's". The portfolio is an excellent way to complete degree requirements without the time and cost of additional courses.
What can I do with my degree?
Many people think of a degree as just a piece of paper and, on one level it is. It is a piece of paper that will show employers and potential employers that you have the educational background many require to move ahead. Many of our students find opportunities open up for them merely by enrolling in their degree program. Employers are impressed by their efforts and by the growth they demonstrate as a result of their learning. In addition, our Career Services Center provides a long list of potential employers for each degree program.
What support does USF offer to adult students?
USF knows that adult students have different needs than traditional age students. You are supported in your program right from the start when you meet with an academic advisor who works with you to create an individualized plan for completing your degree. Your plan is reviewed with an advisor in the College's Student Advising and Support Services unit again after your life experience portfolio has been assessed and also before graduation to be sure you are meeting the requirements for your diploma.
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School of Business and Management
Is there a deadline for Professional MBA admission?
No. Programs begin twice per year: September in San Francisco, and February at the North Bay Campus. We use a rolling admissions process admitting students throughout the year.
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What are the admission requirements?
An Undergraduate degree from an accredited university, GMAT, and a proven track record in business, which in general means a minimum of five years of business experience including two years of supervisory or management experience.
How long is the program?
15 months. Classes meet at the North Bay Campus on Wednesdays evenings 5-9pm and alternate Saturdays 9am-6pm. Eight Executive Topics approximately every 6 weeks are scheduled on Tuesday evenings, a foundation, completion and two, 2 day intensive seminars frame the program.
What is the curriculum structure?
The curriculum structure is:
- One foundation module
- One completion module
- Twenty-one course modules
- Two 2-day intensive modules
- Personalization options exist in Finance, Marketing, International Business, Entrepreneurship or Telecommunication
The academic coursework is segmented into four phases. Modules of various duration run throughout the 15-months. The first two phases build the necessary skills and provide a toolkit that the emerging manager can use within their scope of current responsibilities. The last two phases of the program provide the student with the strategic focus necessary to help them lead an organization. A balance of individual and group projects helps students expand their knowledge of other industries. Foundation, Intensives, Completion
The program is framed by a foundation and completion module. The foundation module is a benchmarking experience to help the student exhibit areas of strength and assess areas for improvement and further growth. The completion module requires that the student demonstrate his/her ability to apply and integrate what they have learned from all of the academic streams. This is done by identifying an important problem, issue, or opportunity in their firm, and then designing and carrying out a practical project related to that problem, issue, or opportunity.
The two intensive learning experiences in the program helps provide a setting where students apply their learning through active role-playing using carefully planned case simulations.
How much does it cost?
For 04/05 academic year the cost is $56,000, all inclusive (tuition/books).
What are the benefits of this Professional MBA program?
Cohort of not more than 25 students, integrated curriculum with business problem-solving focus, real-world application and implementation, taught by full time faculty.
Is there financial aid available?
Yes. With MBA LOANS you can finance the entire cost of your graduate business education by combining a Federal Stafford Loan with the private Business Education Loan SM.
How do I apply for admissions?
Apply on line at: http://www.usfca.edu/sobam/epmba/apps/applynow.html
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School of Education
Are region-based programs similar to the MFT program on the main campus?
Yes, they are the same 2 year, 48 unit program using a cohort model in which students stay together throughout the program. The size of the cohort ranges between 10-20 students per group.
What course work will I take?
When does the next program start?
Programs start once or twice per year, depending on the campus. The Sacramento Campus has two starts per year, one in August and the other in the beginning of February. The Santa Rosa and Cupertino campuses start programs once a year.
When should I apply?
Off-campus programs are more flexible, but applicants should adhere to the following dates: for the August start, apply by July 1st, and for the February start, apply by December 1st. Application details may be found at this web site.
When is class scheduled?
Groups meet from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, or from 3:55 pm to 10:10 pm. You should check with the regional office or the regional field coordinator to know on which day of the week the next group will start.
Are there other days that the group will meet?
Yes, there are occasional Saturday sessions, usually from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Approximately one Saturday per course is scheduled. Other scheduling times do occur, but these are exceptions, and students are given two to three month?s notice when such exceptions are made.
Are there classes during the summer?
Yes. Classes are scheduled for six consecutive semesters. You can check the USF Academic Calendar to see when the breaks are likely to take place, usually between mid-December to after New Years, mid-May to the end of May, and mid-August to the end of August. We schedule classes from the earliest date a class could start to the last date within each semester on the USF Academic Calendar.
What if I have to be absent?
We expect that students will want to be in class, but we understand that circumstances may arise that will require a student to miss an occasional class session. In that case the student will discuss the matter with the instructor for that course as soon as possible, and an alternative assignment may be given to the student.
How much homework is there?
Students will do a variety of assignments including reading books and articles, writing papers and treatment plans, preparing for tests or quizzes, and preparing for in-class presentations, demonstrations, and role plays. Most students do about 4 to 6 hours of preparation per week. Some weeks may require more and other weeks less. Each person is different. If you read quickly and can write quickly then it may take less time. If it takes you a little longer, then you can expect 6 to 10 hours per week of homework.
If I am slow at processing, can I get extra help?
Yes, the University's Disability Related Services and Learning Disability Services can review your situation with you and make appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations to assist you.
What does the program cost?
The program costs $760 per unit, or $36,480 over the two-year program. This is a fixed cost. Tuition will not increase while a student is continually enrolled in the program.
How do I pay for the program?
Most students elect to use low interest student loans to pay for their education. Loan rates for 2004-2005 are 2.77% and may be repaid over 10 years. Loan payments are deferred while the student is enrolled in the program. Graduate level students are eligible for $18,500 in loans per year, regardless of income or credit rating provided the student has not defaulted on a previous student loan. The financial aid year for USF runs from June 1 to May 31. Contact USF?s Financial Aid Office for more information at (415) 422-6303 or by e-mail at finaid@usfca.edu.
How can I find out more about the Master's in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy?
There are regular information meetings held each Regional Campus by the field coordinator. The meetings last about 90 minutes and are held nearly every month. Contact the Regional Campus to find out when the next information meetings will be held or check the following link: http://www.soe.usfca.edu/events/index.html. The field coordinator will also be happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns that you may have about this program. Please call the regional campus for his or her contact information. Regional campus information is available at http://www.usfca.edu/regions.
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