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FAQs

For queries not answered below, please email aicybercomputing@usf.edu.

Academic and Curriculum for Current CSE Students

How will current students in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering transition to the new college?
If you are graduating in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025, this change does not affect you. Beginning Fall 2025, students enrolled in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering will automatically transition to the new College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. We fully expect this transfer process to be seamless and not disrupt your studies or delay your graduation date. You’ll see a name change for your college on your student record.

What will happen to my degree program currently in the College of Engineering?
In Fall 2025, all degree programs (undergraduate or graduate) in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering will transition to the college, and all programs remain available to you as they were under the College of Engineering. For the most current program requirements, refer to the USF catalog.

M.S. Cybersecurity, currently part of the Electrical Engineering department, is set to transition to the new college. We fully anticipate that this transfer process will be seamless, ensuring that your studies remain uninterrupted and your graduation date stays on track. Your college name will be updated on your student record.

What college will be listed on my transcript and diploma?
Transcripts do not display a college. Your transcript shows the degree(s), major(s), minor(s), concentration(s) and certificate(s) that you may be pursuing or already earned.

If you are graduating in Fall 2025 and later, your diploma will reflect the new college name, stating “College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing.” For students who were admitted prior to Fall 2025 and wish to keep the “College of Engineering” on their diploma, please notify graduation@usf.edu once you have submitted your graduation application.

Will the curriculum change due to the new college structure?
Proposals have been submitted to the University-level Undergraduate Council to simplify how Upper-Level Degree Progression (ULDP) is granted for the four CSE majors starting in fall 2025. This committee evaluates proposals for changes to the undergraduate catalog. The proposals are currently being processed and have not yet been approved. Nothing is final until it is approved and published in the catalog. Undergraduate Studies is planning for a March release of the fall 2025 catalog, so students are expected to have the information before registration begins for the fall.

Minor adjustments may also be made to streamline the curriculum, and some course prerequisites may be updated to improve course flow. It is important to note that all courses students have already taken toward a degree continue to apply to the degree. Pending the approval of the new catalog for Fall 2025, no student will be required to take additional courses to exceed a 120-hour curriculum.

The transition to the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is expected to have minimal impact on graduate degree programs and majors; your current graduate program requirements remain largely the same. However, we recommend regularly consulting the USF graduate catalog to stay updated on any adjustments.

As a reminder, all classes that students have already taken toward a degree will continue to apply to that degree.

Are there new or revised course requirements for my major with the transition to the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing?
The core requirements of your major will remain largely the same, with only minor updates expected in prerequisites and course structure, which are routine and occur each academic year. Please keep consulting the USF undergraduate and graduate catalogs for the most current information. It is our plan that students are not required to take additional courses.

Over time, the college may also introduce new elective courses, particularly in interdisciplinary fields such as AI and cybersecurity, offering more options to tailor your education. These new electives are expected to enhance your opportunities and will not alter the foundational requirements of your current program.

Will my current credits and completed courses still count toward my degree in the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing?
Yes, all credits you’ve earned will apply toward your degree as they have before. Your academic progress or expected graduation date will not change based on your transition from Engineering to the new college.

What are the implications for international students, especially regarding I-20, due to this move?
The transition to the new College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing will not affect the validity of your I-20, as the names of your programs and majors are not changing. USF World Office of International Services (OIS) will update its records to reflect the new college name starting in Fall 2025. International students can rest assured that their visa status, I-20 documentation, and academic progress will remain unaffected by this administrative change. Should you have any questions or concerns, USF World Office of International Services (OIS) advisors are available to assist.

What new majors will be available in the new college?

Undergraduate

Starting Fall 2025, a new B.S. in Artificial Intelligence major is planned.

The College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing also plans to introduce interdisciplinary computing majors that integrate computing with fields like criminology, sociology, business, and more. These programs aim to offer flexible pathways for students to incorporate AI and cybersecurity skills into diverse career fields. The first set of these majors is expected to launch in Fall 2026, pending approval.

Starting in 2027, the plan is for Computer Engineering students to have two degree options: (i) B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering (offered by the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing). (ii) B.S. in Computer Engineering (offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering). Students currently enrolled in the Computer Engineering program who have not graduated by Fall 2026 could: (i) Continue and complete their degree under the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing under a new degree name: Computer Systems Engineering. (ii) Continue their degree with the name Computer Engineering under the Department of Electrical Engineering. We are working out the details to ensure a smooth transition that does not affect student graduation timelines.

Graduate

There is a plan to start an M.S. in Artificial Intelligence major in Fall 2025. This program is designed for students without a background in computer science or computer engineering. Students with a B.S. in Computer Science or B.S. in Computer Engineering are encouraged to pursue the M.S. in Computer Science, which offers numerous AI-focused courses, or opt for the graduate AI certificate program.

Starting Fall 2027, the plan is for Computer Engineering students to have two degree options: (i) M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering (offered by the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing). (ii) M.S. in Computer Engineering (offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering). Students currently enrolled in the M.S. Computer Engineering program who have not graduated by Summer 2026 could: (i) Continue and complete their degree under the college with a new name: Computer Science and Engineering. (ii) Continue their degree with the name Computer Engineering under the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Bachelor’s/Master’s Pathway (Accelerated) programs such as B.S. in Computer Science/M.S. in Computer Science, B.S. in Cybersecurity/M.S. in Computer Science, and B.S. in Artificial Intelligence/M.S. in Computer Science are planned for Fall 2025.

Transition and Support

Who will be my new academic advisor, and how will advising work within the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing?
Your academic advising will continue with our experienced advisors. We are hiring several new advisors and another success coach to ensure students receive appropriate guidance throughout their studies to graduate in four years

Will the teaching methods or faculty change for CSE courses?
Faculty familiar with your courses will continue teaching them, and multiple new faculty will be hired to bring new expertise. The College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is expected to enable the adoption of innovative teaching methods and create more opportunities for collaboration across disciplines.

Is support available for students needing assistance navigating the changes
Absolutely. The College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is committed to a smooth transition and has dedicated resources and personnel to help students with any questions they may have. Advisors and administrative staff will be available to provide guidance as the new college structure is implemented.

Facilities and Resources

What new resources or facilities, such as research labs or maker spaces, will be available to students?
Pending funding sources, the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing has plans for state-of-the-art facilities, including new labs focused on AI, cybersecurity, and computing innovation. We expect that students in the new college will be able to continue to use the Mini-Circuits Design for X (DFX) lab in the College of Engineering.

Are there plans for new buildings or spaces specifically for the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, and when will they be accessible?
There are no immediate plans for a new building. You will continue to take courses in existing facilities as College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing expands to other parts of the campus. For instance, starting in Fall 2025, the main office (with advisors, staff, and TAs) will move to the sixth floor of the library.

Will access to labs change?
No, you will continue to have the same access as you currently have, including the Mini-Circuits Design for X (DFX) lab. Your access will expand to new labs as they are created.

Research and Industry Partnerships

How will the transition affect internship or research opportunities in AI and cybersecurity?
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering has an established process for student research and internship opportunities; the college plans to expand these opportunities through enhanced industry partnerships and research collaborations. Over time, students can expect more internship openings, research positions, and hands-on project opportunities in rapidly growing fields such as AI and cybersecurity.

Will College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing have unique partnerships with industries that provide hands-on experience?
The College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing envisions partnering with leading companies and government agencies to provide real-world learning experiences. These relationships may support internships, co-developed courses, and research projects, giving students direct insight into industry practices.

How will College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing support students in securing research funding, scholarships, and industry internships?
We will work with the USF Corporate & Foundation Engagement Office to expand our Computing Partners Program to create additional resources, including dedicated advising for internships and scholarships. Partnerships with companies and agencies also mean more industry-funded internship and project opportunities for students.

Career and Job Placement

What career services or job placement support will the college offer?
The college and the USF Center for Career & Professional Development will work closely to support student career development opportunities, including industry-specific job fairs, career counseling, and resume workshops. Expanding industry partnerships and alumni networks will provide greater access to job placements and mentorship.

Will the college organize events like job fairs or symposiums for students to network with industry professionals?
Yes, working with the USF Center for Career & Professional Development, the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing plans to host an annual industry-academia symposium, job fairs, and networking events to connect students with potential employers and industry leaders. These events will provide valuable networking and career growth opportunities.

Involvement and Extracurricular Opportunities

What clubs or organizations are specific to the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing for student involvement?
All current CSE department student organizations will be invited to partner with the new college. Through them, there will be opportunities to participate in coding competitions, hackathons, and other activities.

Will the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing host hackathons, coding competitions, or cybersecurity challenges?
Working closely with student organizations under the Computer Partners Program structure, the college is committed to providing these opportunities to enhance learning and foster innovation. Regular events may include hackathons, cybersecurity challenges, and programming competitions, offering students practical and collaborative experiences.

Are there mentorship programs with faculty or industry professionals planned for students?
Yes, the college intends to expand the current mentorship programs, allowing students to connect with faculty and industry professionals who are USF alumni. These programs may include opportunities for one-on-one mentoring, group sessions, and networking events, helping students build professional relationships.

Future Growth and Program Expansion

How will the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing support the growth of AI, cybersecurity and computing programs?
The college plans to support program growth through targeted recruitment of faculty experts, expanded research funding, and partnerships with industry and government agencies. The college plans to also collaborate with other units at USF to foster joint interdisciplinary programs and training.

Are there opportunities for interdisciplinary projects involving departments outside the college?
Yes, the College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing intends to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across USF. Students can expect joint projects and courses integrating computing with fields like medicine, business, criminology, and more, giving them a well-rounded, versatile skill set.