Dec 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Florida Tech Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Florida Tech Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Institution Overview


Organization Facilities
Accreditation and Memberships Services
Operation and Control Study Abroad
Campus Environment Education Centers

Organization

Florida Institute of Technology is an accredited, coeducational, independently controlled and supported university. It is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research in the sciences, engineering, high-tech fields, business, psychology, liberal arts, aviation and related disciplines, as well as providing the challenges that motivate students to reach their full academic and professional potential. Today students are enrolled in programs on the Melbourne campus, Education Centers, and online. Florida Tech offers programs in science, engineering, aviation, business, education, humanities, psychology and communication. Included are doctoral degrees offered in 27 disciplines and 75 degree programs at the master’s level.

Because of the moderate size of the student body and the university’s dedicated faculty and staff, a student at Florida Tech is recognized as an individual. Acting as individuals or as members of student organizations, students are encouraged to express their opinions on ways in which academic programs and student life might be made better for all. An active student government and student court play a meaningful part in matters affecting student life.

Many students enrolled in graduate programs, as well as undergraduates, take part in sponsored research programs and make significant contributions to project results. Florida Tech houses a number of research institutes and centers that, in collaboration with academic departments, aid in the students’ training.

The university is organized into four academic units: College of Aeronautics, Nathan M. Bisk College of Business, College of Engineering and Science, and College of Psychology and Liberal Arts.

The College of Aeronautics offers associate degrees in air traffic control, aviation management (online), flight operations and dispatch, aeronautical science with flight, aviation management with flight, and aviation meteorology with flight options. Bachelor of Science degrees in aeronautical science, aviation administration (off-site), aviation human factors and safety, aviation management and aviation meteorology, each with flight and nonflight options, and the Bachelor of Arts in aviation management (online). The college offers the Master of Science in Aviation (M.S.A.) in airport development and management and applied aviation safety on the Melbourne campus, and the M.S.A. in aviation management and aviation safety online. There are two master of science programs offered by the college: aviation human factors and human factors in aeronautics (online). The college offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Aviation Sciences in one of twelve aviation-related specializations, and the online Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) for professionals in the aviation industry.

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business offers online associate degrees in accounting, business administration, healthcare management, management and marketing. Bachelor’s degrees on the Melbourne campus are offered in accounting, business administration (variety of specialized areas), business and environmental studies, finance and information systems. Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered online in accounting, business administration (variety of specialized areas), human resources management and management. The Master of Business Administration is offered on-campus, at off-campus sites and online in a variety of specialized areas. The Master of Science in accounting and financial forensics is offered on the main campus, and information technology is offered online in the areas of cybersecurity and database administration. Master of science programs offered through Florida Tech off-site education centers include commercial enterprise in space and management (variety of specialized areas). The college also offers a Doctor of Business Administration.

The College of Engineering and Science includes six research-intensive departments: aerospace, physics and space sciences; biomedical and chemical engineering and sciences; computer engineering and sciences; mechanical and civil engineering; mathematical sciences; and ocean engineering and marine sciences. The college is also home to the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information, the Human-Centered Design Institute, and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (CAMID). Recognized programs include aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, astrobiology, astronomy and astrophysics, biochemistry, biological sciences, biomathematics, biomedical engineering, biomedical science, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer information systems, computer science, conservation technology, construction management, ecology, electrical engineering, engineering management, environmental and informal science education, environmental resource management, environmental science, flight test engineering, genomics and molecular genetics, general biology, human-centered design, information assurance and cybersecurity, interdisciplinary science, marine biology, marine conservation, mathematical sciences, mechanical engineering, meteorology, ocean engineering, oceanography, operations research, physics, planetary science, software engineering, space sciences, space systems, space systems management, STEM education, sustainability studies and systems engineering. All degrees offer leading-edge training and opportunities to participate in world-class research programs. 

The College of Psychology and Liberal Arts includes the School of Arts and Communication, the School of Behavior Analysis, the School of Psychology and the military science program (Army ROTC). The college offers bachelor’s degrees in applied behavior analysis, forensic psychology, humanities, humanities-prelaw, multiplatform journalism, psychology and strategic communication. Master’s degrees are offered in applied behavior analysis, global strategic communication, industrial/organizational psychology and organizational behavior management. Doctoral degrees are offered in behavior analysis, clinical psychology and industrial/organizational psychology. All degree programs offer opportunities for practical experience and research with world-class faculty. In addition to the programs offered on campus, the college offers an associate degree in applied psychology, and a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology, Master of Arts degrees in behavior analysis practice and organizational leadership, and graduate certificates in applied behavior analysis.

Launched in fall 2019, the Honors College at Florida Tech provides high-achieving on-campus undergraduate students the opportunity to enroll in interdisciplinary seminars, to advance study in their disciplines, work with faculty on research projects, and participate in social and cultural activities that foster a global mindset, civic engagement, and professional and personal development.

Evans Library is a vital part of university life providing comfortable, engaging spaces and innovative services for students, as well as online access to an extensive array of library resources. The virtual library, accessible at lib.fit.edu, is always available to the university community wherever there is internet access: on campus, off campus and around the world. 

The library is home to the Digital Scholarship Laboratory (DSL) and the Applied Computing Center (ACC), the largest computer lab on campus. The DSL is designed with innovation in mind, offering collaborative work spaces for students to design, build and create projects. The library has a technology lending program to provide students access to devices such as Oculus Go, laptops, iPads, video cameras and gimbals. 

Evans Library subscribes to more than 125 cross-disciplinary databases and over one million e-books to provide the most current scholarly and scientific research. Student research including theses and dissertations are available online through the library’s open-access scholarship repository. 

The mission of Florida Tech Online is to provide a diverse student body access to an elite education, encourage intellectual curiosity, and foster the success and self-fulfillment of adult learners. Florida Tech Online offers an education reflective of current best practices and taught by instructors who are fully qualified academically and by the virtue of professional practice.

Through partnership with Bisk, Florida Tech brings the classroom to the student with instructor-led, interactive programs that offer the same high quality enjoyed by on-campus students. Associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees can be earned anytime, anywhere. The superior interactive delivery allows easy work-life balance with the ability to schedule classes around a busy lifestyle. No attendance in a physical classroom is ever required to receive the same degree as on-campus students, with the option to participate in the Melbourne campus commencement exercises.

Accreditation and Memberships

Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Florida Institute of Technology also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Florida Institute of Technology may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

The commission requests they are contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant noncompliance with a requirement or standard.

The university is approved by the Office of Education of the U.S. Department of Education.

The university is a member of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, the American Council on Education, the College Entrance Examination Board and the American Society for Engineering Education.

The aeronautical science and aviation management programs are accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

The Doctor of Psychology, Clinical Specialization, is accredited by the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (750 First Street NE, Washington, D.C., 20002-4212; phone: 202-336-5979; email: apaacred@apa.org).

The Ph.D. Behavior Analysis and M.S. programs in applied behavior analysis, organizational behavior management, and ABA/OBM are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page. More information about Florida Tech’s accreditation and memberships, please visit the Accreditation and Memberships webpage. The master of business administration-project management degree program is also accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).

The Aerospace Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Programs.

The Biomedical Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Bioengineering, Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Chemical Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Civil Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Computer Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Electrical Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Ocean Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Ocean Engineering, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Software Engineering (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Software and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

The Computer Science (Bachelor of Science) program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs.

Florida Institute of Technology is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, through the Florida Postsecondary Reciprocal Distance Education Coordinating Council.

Operation and Control

Florida Tech was granted a charter as a nonprofit corporation by the State of Florida in December 1958. The corporate charter established the school as an independent institution of higher learning with academic programs leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees. The charter ensures the university will be coeducational in character and admission will be open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Under the corporate charter, control of the university is vested in a self-perpetuating board of trustees. Members of the board are selected based on outstanding ability, integrity and personal interest in the development and preservation of the university.

The university is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Florida Tech is committed to equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in the participation of activities operated and sponsored by the university. Therefore, students with documented disabilities are entitled to reasonable and appropriate educational accommodations. Reasonable accommodations may include adjustments to the classroom or testing setting, and/or housing or living modifications. The Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR) supports students by assisting with accommodations, providing recommended interventions, and engaging in case management services.

Campus Environment

Florida Tech’s campus is located in Melbourne on Florida’s Space Coast. The area offers a delightful year-round subtropical climate and inviting ocean beaches. The campus is within an hour’s drive from the entertainment areas in Central Florida and is part of the Florida High Tech Corridor.

The university’s location gives it a unique place in the academic world. Corporations whose scientists and engineers are making tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs for the U.S. space program surround the Kennedy Space Center. The space center’s proximity allows for easy interaction between space center personnel and the university community. Moreover, the growing number of innovative high-tech businesses and industries in the Melbourne area help to make Florida’s business environment one of the most promising and exciting in the nation and helps university professors to stay abreast of the latest challenges and developments in the scientific, technical and business worlds. With both the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean nearby, students in the oceanography, environmental science and marine biology programs have ready access to the beaches and waters for a variety of field experiments and research projects. Overall, Florida Tech’s location is ideal for keeping pace with developments in science, technology and business.

Facilities

The Joy and Gordon Patterson Botanical Garden is a lush Florida forest of palm, water oak and tropical vegetation on campus. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks on the pathways through this garden. One path, the Dent Smith Trail, is named in honor of the man who founded the Palm Society and contributed significantly to the university’s palm collection. More than 200 species of palm, some quite rare, are found on the campus.

The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust provided Florida Tech with $1.5 million to fund the operations center for FIT Aviation, to both house its flight training programs and to run its training facility. Located at Melbourne International Airport, the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research includes a 50-seat multipurpose/training room, a lobby with displays to showcase Florida Tech’s aviation achievements, student lounge with airfield viewing, instructors lounge, briefing rooms, weather/flight planning room and general operation offices.

The Center for Aeronautics and Innovation (CAI) features multipurpose conference space with lobby displays to showcase aeronautics at FIT and the Florida Tech Research Park. The center houses the main office for FIT Aviation including the EASA and Air Carrier Training programs, various simulator high bays, and training rooms and classrooms. Offices for the Florida Tech Research Park, external relations and economic development are also located in this building to facilitate outreach to businesses and the community and to promote co-location for high-tech companies. CAI also houses the home office for the NCAA Sunshine State Conference.

The Charles and Ruth Clemente Center for Sports and Recreation, also known as the Clemente Center, is a 3,500-seat indoor sports arena, home to Florida tech’s Panthers basketball and volleyball teams. The arena is also used for concerts, trade shows, conventions, graduation ceremonies and other special events. In addition to the main arena, the Clemente Center also features an intramural gymnasium, two fitness centers, a multipurpose room and a food court known as Center Court. Clemente Center is also home to the administrative offices for Florida Tech’s athletic department.

The Edwin Link Building accommodates the ocean engineering and marine science department.

The seven-story Frederick C. Crawford Building provides space for laboratories, classrooms and faculty offices for the mathematical sciences and the School of Arts and Communication.

The 500-seat W. Lansing Gleason Performing Arts Center is designed for stage plays, musical productions, scientific displays, lectures, seminars, camps and conferences. It is equipped with a complete control booth for professional stage facilities, lighting and sound. The facility is equipped with both C- and KU-band, and digital satellite downlink services that can be incorporated into productions and viewed on a large screen. Situated in the central portion of the campus, the center is a cultural asset to the university and surrounding community.

The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex houses several areas of the College of Engineering and Science, including chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering systems, mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering. This three-story facility includes 26 specialized research and teaching laboratories and the 145-seat Lynn Edward Weaver Auditorium.

The F.W. Olin Life Sciences Building is the home of the biomedical sciences and marine biology programs. This two-story facility contains eight teaching laboratories and 12 research laboratories designed with flex-space for customizing the areas to meet the needs of specific activities.

The F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center houses chemistry, physics and space sciences; a high-bay research area; an observatory dome; and a rooftop deck area that can accommodate up to 15 additional telescopes. An 0.8-m telescope, the largest research telescope in the state of Florida, was installed in the observatory dome in November 2007.

The F.W. Olin Sports Complex provides state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields, a soccer field, and an intramural field for all students. The 12,600-sq.-ft. Anthony J. Catanese Varsity Training Center is located in the F.W. Olin Sports Complex. It includes a large meeting room, locker room, laundry and equipment facilities, athletics training room and a weight training room.

George M. Skurla Hall houses the College of Aeronautics. It is a modern two-story building that includes faculty offices, classrooms, laboratories in air traffic control, advanced systems and computers, and a 125-seat auditorium. The flight training department is located nearby at the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research.

The Gordon L. Nelson Health Sciences building provides state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, augmented and virtual reality teaching tools, facilities for orthopedics, tissue studies and advanced computation simulations. The over 20,000 square feet for classroom and training space houses biomedical engineering and sciences.

A $5 million gift from Community Foundation of Brevard and L3Harris Corporation funded the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information housed in the 29,000-sq.-ft. L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering, which also accommodates faculty from the marine biology program, and an aquarium facility. 

The L3Harris Commons Building houses several administrative offices including: Admissions, Registrar’s Office, Student Financial Services, Financial Aid, and Military and Veteran Student Services.

The L3Harris Student Design Center is a result of a $1 million gift from the Community Foundation of Brevard and L3Harris Corporation. The 11,500-sq.-ft. structure serves the College of Engineering and Science students completing capstone design projects.

The Nathan M. Bisk College of Business building is located north of the campus on Babcock Street, and houses offices for business faculty and administrators, and a Student Resource Center.

The Panther Aquatic Center is located between the Clemente Center and the Panther Dining Hall. The 32,000-sq.-ft. facility features a competition pool and a recreation pool. The competition pool includes nine 25-yard lanes complete with one- and three-meter diving boards. The depth ranges from 5.5 to 13 feet. The recreation pool varies in depth from three to six feet and includes three 25-yard lanes, stair entry and wading benches. Both pools are equipped with geothermal heating and cooling systems. Varsity locker rooms and a public changing room are located on-site. Covered seating is available adjacent to the competition pool.

The Scott Center for Autism Treatment is dedicated to providing the highest quality treatment, training and applied research to enhance the functioning and improve the quality of life of children with autism and related disabilities in Central Florida. The center provides empirically supported behavioral and allied health care diagnoses, assessments and treatments for children and their families; intensive training and supervision in treatment for autism and related disabilities to students enrolled in campus Florida Tech behavior analysis graduate programs and to other professionals and paraprofessionals who will be working with this population; and an ongoing program of research directed toward improving clinical and behavioral outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developing technological treatments and teaching aides for this population. Community Psychological Services on the second floor provides psychological evaluations and treatment.

The Shephard Building is the home of the education and interdisciplinary studies programs in sustainability, general science (nondegree), interdisciplinary science and athletics coaching.

University residence halls provide a variety of accommodations including single-sex and coed halls, with community, private or shared bathrooms. All residence hall rooms and apartments are equipped with two Ethernet connections to the university’s fiber-optic network. Southgate Village Apartments offer studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for upper-division students. Located on the edge of the Botanical Garden, Columbia Village offers fully furnished four-bedroom suites with efficiency kitchens. The Columbia Village commons building features a meeting room, laundry facilities, resident assistant office and a resident director’s apartment. L3Harris Village Suites offer one-, two- and four-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, and laundry and recreation areas. Priority for all housing is given to undergraduate students. Mary Star of the Sea–Newman Hall is an all faith-based residence hall with apartment-style living for 146 students. The furnished one-, two- or four-bedroom apartments encourage students to grow in their faith while pursuing academic excellence. Panther Bay Apartments feature five-bedroom apartments with private bathrooms, fully appointed kitchens, living and dining areas, and a laundry room. The complex also features a clubhouse with meeting space, a computer lab, swimming pool, and basketball and volleyball courts.

Services

The Student Success and Support Center (SSSC) provides peer tutoring services and writing assistance for Florida Tech students. Tutors assist with a wide range of subjects and courses offered at the university. The SSSC also provides examination proctoring for students eligible for services through the Office of Accessibility Resources or through an arrangement with the Dean of Students

The All Faiths Center is located on the southern end of campus. It houses the Catholic Campus Ministry and the Protestant Campus Ministry. These ministries offer free dinners, daily Mass, Bible studies, community service, social activities, retreats and pastoral care.

The Campus Services Office provides services related to student housing, meal plan administration, and panther cash. 

Florida Tech Campus Dining is committed to providing the campus community with quality food and services in a clean, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Services include traditional all-you-can-eat and á la carte locations, catered affairs, pizza delivery, grocery store and a food court featuring national known restaurants. All locations accept the meal plan, checks and major credit cards. For more information, visit the Campus Dining webpage. Campus dining locations are:

Center Court: At the Clemente Center features a Starbucks Coffee Shop and Twisted Bliss Smoothies.

Panther Dining Hall: Open daily featuring all-you-care-to-eat service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Panther Dining is located near the Aquatic Center on the south side of campus.

Panther Grocery: Located next to the Dining Hall; features made to order and grab & go meals and a full-service grocery store. 

Rathskeller: At Evan’s Hall, open for lunch, dinner and late night serving up fresh pizza and wings, sub sandwiches and a convenience store. Delivery to your residence hall is available every evening. 

Pizza & Sub Delivery: Available from the Rathskeller every evening from 6:00 until midnight; enjoy food and beverages delivered directly to your campus residence.

Panther Food CourtLocated in the Denius Student Center, features Einstein Bros Bagels, Firehouse Subs and Cosmic Creamery Ice Cream.

The Career Services Office provides career and job-search services to Florida Tech students to assist in the development of career plans and professional skills. Assistance is provided in finding part-time jobs, internships and co-op opportunities as well as permanent professional positions upon graduation. Services include individual career advising appointments, a comprehensive job resource database, career development workshops, on-campus interviews and employer events including several career expos. 

Students are provided various opportunities to gain major-related experience while at Florida Tech including hands-on classroom projects, access to work with faculty on research and participation in internships with employer partners. The Office of Career Services assists students in finding internships to gain professional experience and provides opportunities to develop professional skills and connect with employers. The office administers the Cooperative Education (Co-op)/Internship program, which allows undergraduate students the opportunity to gain academic credit for their internship or major-related work experience.

The Co-op/Internship program at Florida Tech is designed to prepare students for professional careers through work experiences in fields related to their career goals. Participation in the Co-op/Internship program gives students the opportunity to integrate theory with practice by challenging them to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. At Florida Tech, Co-op/Internship credit is an option for students of all majors who wish to gain demonstrative experience in their sought-after career field. With the additional benefit of earning academic elective credit, the option to register for Co-op/Internship credit encourages undergraduates to go above and beyond by seeking first-hand experience outside of the classroom.

Students participating in the Florida Tech Co-op/Internship program (CWE 1001 Co-op Education/Internship Experience 1 , CWE 2001 Co-op Education/Internship Experience 2 , CWE 3001 Co-op Education/Internship Experience 3  and CWE 4001 Co-op Education/Internship Experience 4 ) generally receive free elective credits for the experience and the number of credits at the undergraduate level is determined by the number of hours worked during the semester. College of Engineering and Science students may be eligible to receive technical elective for approved internship experiences when registered in CWE 3003 Engineering Co-op/Internship Experience . Graduate and doctoral students may register for the Graduate Co-op/Internship course (CWE 5000 Graduate Co-op/Internship Experience ) but are not eligible to receive credit. All participating students are classified as full-time students when working full time.

The Evans Library is a vital part of university life providing comfortable, engaging spaces and innovative services for students, as well as online access to an extensive array of library resources. The virtual library, accessible at lib.fit.edu, is always available to the university community wherever there is internet access: on campus, off campus and around the world. The library subscribes to more than 125 cross-disciplinary databases and over one million e-books to provide the most current scholarly and scientific research. Student research including theses and dissertations are available online through the library’s open-access scholarship repository. The library is also home to the Digital Scholarship Laboratory (DSL) and the Applied Computing Center (ACC), the largest computer lab on campus.

The Applied Computing Center (ACC) offers computers on the first and third floors of Evans Library featuring more than 80 Dell Precision 3430 i7 computer systems with 16GB of RAM and plenty of hard disk space that host more than 50 software programs for students such as PTC Creo, R, AutoCAD®, MATLAB®, ANSYS®, and many more. The lab provides an integrated computing environment with work-table space for both collaborative and individual work, and the Library offers technology-equipped study rooms on each floor of the Library for group projects.

Part of the Evans Library, the Digital Scholarship Laboratory (https://lib.fit.edu/dsl) provides innovative technology and an interdisciplinary collaborative space open to the campus community. The DSL has software for developing and utilizing virtual reality applications, data analysis and visualization (including ArcGIS) and 3D design, rendering and 3D printing. It is home to a full multimedia video and podcast studio, Macs for media production and a large video display wall.

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program is a federally funded program providing students with part-time, on-campus employment. Only students who receive financial aid are eligible for this program. Work-study awards are made by the Office of Financial Aid based on need and dependent on available funds, so it is highly recommended that a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be submitted early. Students receiving FWS employment can find and apply for jobs in Workday, under the career icon. There is a wide variety of jobs, and they are labeled “FWS” in the title.

The FWS Community Service program exists within the Federal Work-Study program. It provides off-campus part-time jobs to eligible students in nonprofit community organizations. Available positions vary each semester and may be major-related or clerical and are also listed in WorkDay.

The College Roll program provides on-campus employment for all currently enrolled students. Positions are temporary, part-time jobs and are not based on student financial needs. Students can find and apply for jobs in Workday under the career icon.

The Student Counseling Center provides a variety of mental health and wellness services to assist students with their overall health, so they can successfully reach their own personal, academic, and career goals. Additional information about available services/support, as well as other resources can be found by visiting the center’s website.

The Office of Student Advising assists undergraduate students on the Melbourne campus by providing advising and programming that is geared toward student success. Advisors work in collaboration with academic units and faculty to develop academic plans for students and evaluate their progress by providing accurate information about Florida Tech policies, processes and resources from admission to completion of their undergraduate degree.

Student advisors assist students in reviewing degree requirements, course selection, adding and dropping classes, handling registration issues and identifying appropriate campus resources as well as providing them with guidance to meet their academic, professional and career goals. In addition, the office coordinates the first-year seminar (FYE 1000 University Experience ).

Holzer Health Center is operated by Premier Urgent Care, a private medical provider. Registered Melbourne campus students can see a health care provider with no out-of-pocket charge for a general office visit. Patients are financially responsible for any additional diagnostic testing, procedures, or medications. These include, but are not limited to clinical procedures, x-rays, laboratory services, medical equipment, medications, vaccinations, injections, and specialty visits. When charges occur, students can choose to use their health insurance coverage or pay out-of-pocket. Appointments are required and students will be asked to provide their health insurance card and Florida Tech ID at the time of service.

The Holzer Health Center provides medical services covering a wide range of health care needs including acute illness and injury, women’s health services, laboratory blood draws with provider order, first aid and more. Specialty appointments for psychiatric services are available for patient convenience and will be charged to insurance. The health center will assist students with referrals to local specialists when medical conditions necessitate such treatment.

Prior to initial class registration, all main campus students born after 1/1/1957 are required to submit immunization records to the immunization verification site and provide either proof of two MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines, or proof of immunity by titers. All main campus students must complete a tuberculosis screening questionnaire on their Med+Proctor account. If the questionnaire indicates tuberculosis risk, the student will be required to provide proof of negative tuberculosis test no sooner than six months prior to the start of classes. Any student that tests positive for tuberculosis will be required to upload proof of a negative chest x-ray. Students living on campus are also required to provide proof of Hepatitis B series (3 - doses) and Meningitis ACWY vaccine (1 - dose after the age of 16) or sign a waiver indicating they have read the information provided regarding meningitis and Hepatitis B and understand the risks. 

Additional information about the Holzer Health Center services and other medical resources are available on the Holzer Health Center webpage. 

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is dedicated to advancing Florida Tech’s focus on student success and quality educational experiences by representing the needs and interests of its international community and providing a wide range of services and programs for international students, faculty, scholars, staff and their dependents.

ISSS provides advising and interpretation of U.S. government regulations; serves as liaison with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, sponsoring agencies, community cultural organizations and foreign embassies. Along with other campus offices, the ISSS Office provides orientation and informational programs, and promotes intercultural exchange programs between international students and the university community. (See “Admission Guidelines” for international students in the General Academic Information (All Students)  section.)

ISSS has a close working relationship with numerous international student cultural organizations on campus that assist with welcoming new students and fostering cross-cultural appreciation. ISSS also works with Florida Tech departments to facilitate the hiring of international faculty and staff, process H-1B employment visas and advise on permanent residence sponsorship policy.

It is mandatory that all students who are in F1 or J1 nonimmigrant status (without legal permanent residence) check in with their immigration documents at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services on their arrival. New vocational flight students in M1 status should check in at FIT Aviation.

The Military Science program has coordinators available to assist any qualified student to achieve a Senior Army ROTC scholarship. More information about the Florida Tech military science program can be found under the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts .

The Office of Military and Veteran Student Services is located in L3Harris Commons and has counselors to assist active-duty service members, veterans and their dependents with using military and VA benefits. Students can contact the office at mvss@fit.edu and review information on the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services website.

Study Abroad

Several study abroad opportunities are available to students at Florida Tech through the Office of Study Abroad. Some of these diverse programs are discipline-specific and target undergraduate or graduate students.

A short-term summer program is also available for students interested in studying at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. The Florida Tech Oxford Study Abroad Program offers numerous core curriculum courses and is open to all student levels and majors. Students earn 6 to 8 credit hours while studying at Oxford University. Reduced tuition and financial aid are available. Consult the Study Abroad page for an overview of available international programs.

Education Centers

Orlando, Florida

Florida Tech at Orlando conducts evening, graduate-level programs for students in the Orlando area with classes regularly scheduled on-site at the Orlando Graduate Center - Baldwin Park location and at Florida Tech at Orlando-Lockheed Martin. 

Students may also take courses online.

The program provides the working person the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in two years or less.

The active learning environment provides an extensive exchange of ideas and viewpoints among representatives of education, industry and U.S. government military and civilians. Curricula are taught by terminally degreed, scholarly practitioner faculty who deliver a blend of theory and practice and focus on application-based research in their fields.

Library facilities for the students are provided by agreement with the University of Central Florida and through online access or interlibrary loan with the main campus library.

Program approval has been awarded by the Florida State Approving Agency for payment of veteran’s education benefits to qualified students.

Additional information and location may be found on the Education Centers webpage.

Florida Tech at Spaceport, Florida

Since 1981, Florida Tech at Spaceport education center has provided individuals with the opportunity to conveniently pursue their graduate education without career interruption and improve their professional and technical competence to enhance their career development. Degree programs at Florida Tech at Spaceport are open to all qualified applicants who meet the requirements of the university. The site is located at the Space Coast Business Center near Kennedy Space Center.

Graduate degree and certificate programs at Florida Tech at Spaceport are broadly based to assist students with their career and professional development. Degree programs may be completed in two years (or less) or at the student’s own pace and there are various choices of electives in most programs.

Classes are offered in the classroom. Because of the center’s proximity to the main campus, Florida Tech at Spaceport students may take classes on the main campus, in addition to having access to Evans Library there. 

Additional information and location may be found on the Spaceport Education Center page.

Virtual Education Center

The purpose of the Virtual Education Center is to extend the educational opportunity to pursue graduate studies to individuals and groups who are unable to access traditional resident-based graduate programs.

The center offers master’s degree programs online. There is no requirement for U.S. residency.

Some graduate credit certificate programs are also available online.

Admission is open to all individuals who possess an undergraduate degree from a university or college that is accredited in the United States. Individuals who earned a degree from other than a U.S. college or university may be admitted subject to requirements for international student enrollments.

Additional information may be found on the Virtual Education Center webpage.

Library Resources and Services

Students have access to all of the electronic resources and virtual services the library offers via lib.fit.edu. The library provides real-time chat with librarians, email, zoom and phone reference as well as access to hundreds of databases, full-text articles and print materials.