Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Gulf Coast University opened in the fall of 1997 and is the newest member of the State University System of Florida. The school is located near Fort Myers, Florida and helps to serve the growing population of southwest Florida. Originally, the plan was for the university to be more of a commuter school that specialized in online learning. However, Florida Gulf Coast University soon developed into a more traditional school that integrated web-based learning much like other colleges and universities. The university started modest, with around 2,000 undergraduates, and remains one of the smaller Florida state universities, but its student population has continued to grow at higher rates than most higher learning institutions in Florida.

Established on the verge of the 21st century, Florida Gulf Coast University infuses the strengths of the traditional public university with innovation and learning-centered spirit, its chief aim being to fulfill the academic, cultural, social, and career expectations of its constituents.

Outstanding faculty uphold challenging academic standards and balance research, scholarly activities, and service expectations with their central responsibilities of teaching and mentoring. Through these efforts, the faculty and University transform students’ lives and the southwest Florida region.

Florida Gulf Coast University continuously pursues academic excellence, practices and promotes environmental sustainability, embraces diversity, nurtures community partnerships, values public service, encourages civic responsibility, cultivates habits of lifelong learning, and keeps the advancement of knowledge and pursuit of truth as noble ideals at the heart of the university’s purpose.

Student success is at the center of all University endeavors. The University is dedicated to the highest quality education that develops the whole person for success in life and work. Learner needs, rather than institutional preferences, determine priorities for academic planning, policies, and programs. Acceleration methods and assessment of prior and current learning are used to reduce time to degree. Quality teaching is demanded, recognized, and rewarded.

Florida Gulf Coast University contains six colleges: College of Arts and Science, College of Health Professions, College of Professional Studies, College of Education, the U.A. Whitaker School of Engineering, and the Lutgert College of Business. The College of Arts and Sciences offers Bachelor’s degrees areas that include environmental science, music (at the Bower School of Music), chemistry, biology and biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics, sociology, anthropology, marine science, English, Spanish, art, theatre, history, psychology, communication, and philosophy. Along with its various undergraduate degrees offered, the college of Education offers several Master’s degrees that include focuses in curriculum, leadership, special education, and counseling.

The College of Health Professions maintains graduate and undergraduate programs in nursing, health sciences, physical therapy, and occupational therapy and community health. The Professional Studies programs at Florida Gulf Coast University also offer Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in disciplines that include Justice Studies, public affairs, hospitality management, and social work. The College of Business offers many programs that can be expected at business school, including a pair of M.B.A. degrees and degrees in economics, finance, marketing, management, and accounting. The college also maintains a half dozen institutes that offer further opportunities for careers and research. The School of Engineering at Florida Gulf Coast University offers undergraduate degrees in multiple engineering fields, including civil, environmental, and bioengineering, and a degree in computer science.