University of South Florida



Frequently Asked Questions

• Admissions

• Application

• Program

• Finances

• International Students

ADMISSIONS

What are the application requirements?

The application requirements are outlined on the Apply Now link. 

What is the minimum required GPA?

The application process is holistic, but it is recommended applicants have at least an undergraduate 3.0 GPA and/or a graduate 3.5 GPA.

Do I need work experience in order to qualify for admission?

Though many current and past students have work experience, which is advantageous in subsequent field experience and job search and placement, it is not required for admission into this program. Students in this program have varied work backgrounds and different levels of experience. We review the entire portfolio when considering your application.

What does the admissions committee look for?

T

he admissions committee reviews each application for undergraduate transcripts, standardized scores (GMAT/ GRE, TOEFL if necessary), relevant work experience, three letters of recommendation, the statement of purpose essay and relevant extracurricular involvement. We will use your statement of purpose as your writing sample; but you may submit an additional writing sample, if desired (recommended for the developmental disabilities concentration).

Where do I send application materials? Can I send my application information to the department for an evaluation before I apply?

You will submit/include all required application materials in your formal USF application. However, you may also send copies of your recommendation letters, statement of purpose, resume, and unofficial transcripts directly to the academic services administrator. Please note that the academic services administrator and academic director of the program welcome queries but cannot review application materials and 'pre-admit' students to the program before the complete application is submitted to USF and reviewed by the admissions committee. 

Do I need to take the GRE?

It depends. If you apply for the thesis track, then GRE scores will be required. If you apply to the applied/field experience track, GRE scores are optional and not required for admission.

What is the minimum accepted GRE score?

We do not post a minimum GRE score as we evaluate the whole application, not a single score. However, in recent years, most successful applicants have typically had GRE scores above 305.

I took the GRE a few years ago. Will I have to re-take the test?

GRE/GMAT scores are only valid for five years.

Do I need to take the TOEFL? What is the minimum TOEFL score?

The TOEFL is required for students whose first language is not English and/or who graduated from an undergraduate program where instruction was provided in a language other than English. The TOEFL exam may be waived under certain circumstances. Current information can be found at the USF Graduate School language requirements web page and the graduate application requirements page.

What code do I use to send test scores to USF?

The institution code for USF is 5828 and applies to all tests administered by ETS (GRE and TOEFL). More information can be found at the graduate applications requirements page.

Can I defer my admission if necessary?

You can request a deferment of up to one year. To do this, complete the form found on this link and send to Sandra Dwinell. 

Can I transfer from another university's master's program?

Students interested in transferring to USF should apply using the same process as all other graduate applicants. If admitted, the CABH new student coordinator and your assigned faculty advisor will review your transcripts for possible transfer credits. Only courses completed with a B grade or better can be considered. Up to a maximum of 9 credit hours can be transferred into the CABH program.

Can I email the CABH academic services administrator with further questions?

Yes, feel free to contact Sandra Dwinell with additional questions, however we ask that you

• First review this FAQ document completely.

• Follow the links provided through the FAQ section for additional information from other departments at USF.

• Include your full name and U # in the subject area (header) of all email correspondence.

APPLICATION

How does the application process work?

Applications are accepted by the USF Office of Graduate Studies and are sent to the department for evaluation when the required documents (resume, statement of purpose, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and test scores if applicable) have been attached to the online application. You can submit your application even if you do not have all your documents ready. Once the application is complete and the application fee paid it will be sent to the program office and will be scheduled for evaluation by the admissions committee. The Office of Graduate Studies who will contact you with a formal admission decision. This can take several weeks to more than a month, depending on the number of applications received. You can check your application status on the Office of Graduate Studies Status page.

What are the application deadlines?

The deadlines listed below are the university-wide application deadlines. Programs may have priority deadlines and so applicants should check their intended program for that information. Click here for the MSCABH Program Application Deadlines.

Applications received by the priority deadline will receive maximum consideration. Applications received after the priority deadline, but by the Final University Deadline, are considered on a space available basis. Applications must be complete with all required information by the stated deadline. Any application materials received after the deadline may be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Fall

Priority Deadline- February 15

Domestic applicants- June 1

International applicants - June 1

Spring

Domestic applicants- October 15

International applicants - September 15

How do I apply for this program?

Apply using the online graduate application.

What does a strong application look like?

• Strong undergraduate transcript.

• Some relevant work or volunteering experience.

• Strong TOEFL/ IELTS scores (international students only).

• Strong recommendation letters, preferably from major faculty or current field related employer.

• Resumé clearly identifying your technical work experience (with start and end dates, most recent first) and undergraduate major and grades.

• Strong GRE (if applying for the Thesis track).

• Statement of purpose incorporating the following topics:

o What accomplishment (personal or professional) are you most proud of?

o Any special challenges you have overcome?

o Why do you want to enroll in our program?

The statement of purpose is used by the admissions team to learn relevant information that may not be conveyed by your "numbers." Please use this opportunity accordingly.

Are there any special application instructions?

Please send copies of your application materials via email to Sandra Dwinell. Once your application is reviewed by the CABH admissions committee and an admissions decision is made, the USF Office of Graduate Studies will contact you for any required hard copies. If you have questions about the online application process, please contact Graduate Admissions or the CABH Academic Services Administrator, Sandra Dwinell.

How can I check my application status?

Yes, applicants may review admissions status online. Note that if your status reads that your application has been 'referred' to the department, this just means it has left the Office of Graduate Studies. It is reviewed by several other departments before a final admission decision is made. The Office of Graduate Studies will contact you with the final decision.

I have questions about the online application, who should I contact?

Below are some common application questions. If you have other queries concerning the online application and required documents, please contact the CABH Academic Services Administrator, Sandra Dwinell.

• What should I do if my GPA is not scored out of 4.0 points? Just estimate your GPA. We look at your transcripts for your grades.

• My credits are calculated differently, as I am an international student - what should I enter? Just estimate! Your GPA will be determined once your formal academic transcript evaluation is received. Remember that if you are submitting a foreign transcript you must accompany it by a formal evaluation. This will be your responsibility. Please visit this link for a list of approved, accredited transcript evaluation agencies.

• The application asks about a certification, do I need this? This refers to College of Education graduate students only. Our program does not require a certification.

• The Office of Graduate Studies websites mention sending hard copies. Should I do this? Again, please attach all required documents to your online application. Do not send any hard copies until an admissions decision has been made, except for official transcripts.

• How many letters of recommendation do I need to send? Three letters are sufficient and they can be from supervisors at your place of employment or professors.

• Do I need to submit a statement of purpose as well as an essay / writing sample? We will use your statement of purpose as your writing sample; but you may submit a separate writing sample, if desired.

I just got admitted. What do I do next?

The new student coordinator, Laura Rodríguez López, will provide you with registration instructions once admissions has been finalized. In the meantime, you should complete any other requirements that are outstanding with the university.

Do I need to submit immunization records?

Since immunization records are not required for persons enrolled in online programs the immunization hold reflected on your account will be bypassed when you register for your online courses.

PROGRAM

How long will it take to complete my degree requirements? Can I complete the program in two years?

The program requires 39 credit hours of coursework and may be taken either full-time or part-time. Our courses are scheduled such that interested full-time students can complete the program in two calendar years (fall, spring and summer). Part-time students take approximately three years.

Can I complete the program online?

Yes. This program is offered 100% online.

What courses are included in the CABH program?

Program information can be found at our program page.

How many classes do students take each semester?

We recommend that full-time students take three courses (9 credit hours) during the Spring and Fall semesters and one to two courses (3-6 credit hours) during the summer semester. Part-time students usually take two courses (6 credit hours) during the Spring and Fall semesters and zero to one courses (0-3 credit hours) during the summer semester. Please note that the CABH program has an uneven number of credit hours, so it may not be possible to hold a full-time or part-time load every semester you are enrolled in the program. The new student coordinator will work with you in creating a plan of study that suits your enrollment needs.

Is there a program orientation I need to complete?

The CABH program offers an online orientation to admitted students. It is recommended that this orientation be completed before the first day of class. This orientation is offered free of charge and carries no credit hours, but it is mandatory. Once admitted, the new student coordinator, Laura Rodríguez López, will provide you with access instructions to the orientation.

Can I participate in field experience if I am located outside of Florida?

In most cases, yes. Please contact Amy Green and/or Sandra Dwinell for information about field placement for out-of-state students.

Can I switch from the applied track to the research track or vice versa?

Ideally, you will select and apply for your desired track during the initial application process. However, if you wish to change tracks after you are already enrolled in the program you can make a special request. This request will be accompanied by a formal statement and need to be approved by your faculty advisor. The request will be submitted to the Academic Services Administrator, Sandra Dwinell, who will present it for consideration at the next available admissions review committee. If the committee accepts your request then you will be permitted to switch tracks. NOTE: If you apply to switch from the applied track to the research track and you did not submit GRE scores during the initial application process, you will be required to submit valid GRE scores prior to your request being considered.

Can I change Concentrations after I begin the CABH degree program?

Ideally, you will select and apply for your desired concentration during the initial application process. However, if you wish to change concentrations after you are already enrolled in the program you can make a special request. This request will be accompanied by a formal statement and needs to be approved by your faculty advisor and concentration director. The request will be submitted to the Academic Services Administrator, Sandra Dwinell, who will present it for consideration at the next available admissions review committee. If the committee accepts your request then you will be permitted to switch concentrations.

FINANCES

How much will the program cost?

Florida has one of the lowest costs nationwide for completing an academic degree. Total estimated program costs can be found at the USF Scholarships & Financial Aid Services page. As of July 2018, total estimated tuition & fees cost for two semesters (18 credit hours) ranged from $7,840 for Florida residents to $15,864 for out-of-state students.

Are there any scholarships or graduate assistant positions available?

Scholarship information can be found at the Office of Graduate Studies scholarship web page.

The CABH program does not currently offer any graduate assistant positions.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Where can I find information about required TOEFL / IELTS scores?

The Office of Graduate Studies has a webpage with this information. If you still have questions after reviewing this, please contact the Office of Graduate Studies directly at admissions@grad.usf.edu

Where can I have my academic transcripts evaluated?

The CABH program requires that you submit a foreign transcript evaluation as your transcript. This will be your responsibility and your application will not be reviewed without it. Please visit this link for a list of approved, accredited transcript evaluation agencies.

I'm an international student, where can I get help on the documents needed to attend USF?

Because the CABH program is an online program you will not be able to obtain an I-20 form to apply for a student visa from USF to attend campus. You can complete the program online from your home country.

Can I get practical training while in the program?

Please contact Amy Green and/or Sandra Dwinell for information about field placement for international students abroad.

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