The University of South Florida Polytechnic is the newest of four campuses in the University of South Florida system.

Located in Lakeland, Florida, USF Polytechnic is the state's only polytechnic university and provides upper level undergraduate and graduate students with an extraordinary opportunity to experience applied learning and research in a personalized setting: small class sizes, convenient locations, innovative programs and flexible formats.

USFP serves students from throughout west central Florida. Faculty members (link to faculty listing) hold degrees from a variety of prestigious institutions, and many also have a wealth of professional experience outside of the classroom. Their commitment is to excellent teaching and practical research that will make a difference in the real world.

The polytechnic model emerged as a result of intense community engagement and was formalized in USFP's strategic plan, adopted in 2007. USFP students pursue degrees and certificates in over 20 degree programs and certificate programs and have learned to expect a multi-disciplinary focus, hands-on learning, real-world application, and a supportive campus community.

Since 1988, USFP has occupied a Joint Use campus in Lakeland with Polk Community College and is now engaged in the process of building a new campus at the eastern intersection of I-4 and the Polk Parkway, between Lakeland and Auburndale at the heart of Florida's High Tech Corridor.

USFP's current campus is located within 20 minutes of the downtown districts of Lakeland, Winter Haven and Bartow and within an hour of international airports in Tampa and Orlando. Area residents enjoy easy access to metropolitan amenities such as world class entertainment, professional sports (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL franchises, as well as a host of minor league teams), Big East athletics, varied shopping and dining options, and a superb quality of life.

Polk County was recently named an "All-America County," the only county so designated in 2007.