Florida Institute of Technology

What is the history of Florida Institute of Technology?

The history of Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) dates back to 1958 when it was founded as Brevard Engineering College by Jerome P. Keuper, Ph.D. The college was established to provide advanced education for professionals working in the space program. The idea for the college was conceived during a conversation between Keuper and a friend at a local pub, where a fellow patron donated 37 cents, kickstarting the establishment of the college.

Initially, the college served as a night school for the early "missilemen" of the U.S. space program. However, it quickly grew and expanded its offerings to include undergraduate degree programs in science, engineering, business, liberal arts, psychology, communication, STEM education, and more. In 1966, the college was renamed Florida Institute of Technology.

The Florida Tech's primary residential campus is located on 130 acres near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Florida Tech comprises four academic colleges: Engineering and Science, Aeronautics, Psychology and Liberal Arts, and Business. More than half of Florida Tech's students are enrolled in the College of Engineering and Science.

Florida Institute of Technology boasts a notable list of alumni, including five Space Shuttle astronauts, the first female four-star general in United States military history, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist in rowing, a two-time major league World Series-winning pitcher, a National Teacher of the Year, and a member of the LPGA tour.

Over the years, Florida Tech has evolved into a comprehensive national, doctoral-granting research university recognized worldwide for excellence in preparing students for careers of the future. The university's core values include research for the benefit of all humankind, education for a lifetime of success, and global citizenship for a better world. Florida Tech's mission is to provide high-quality education to a culturally diverse student body in order to prepare students for entering the global workforce, seeking higher-education opportunities and serving within their communities. The university also seeks to expand knowledge through basic and applied research and to serve the diverse economic, cultural, and societal needs of its local, state, national, and international constituencies.

Florida Tech has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The university has also established various research centers and institutes, including the L3Harris Institute for Assured Information and the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute. Additionally, Florida Tech offers programs for graduate students in person, at off-site locations and online.

What are the faculties and departments at Florida Institute of Technology?

Florida Institute of Technology offers a wide array of faculties and departments to cater to the diverse interests of its students. One such faculty is in the College of Aeronautics, which provides education to students from around the world, helping them earn degrees and certifications in the aviation industry. Another notable faculty is in the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business, which has a global vision to educate and empower students to become exceptional business leaders.

The College of Engineering and Science (COES) is the largest and most research-intensive arm of Florida Tech, earning it the title of Florida's STEM University®. Within the COES, the aerospace, physics and space sciences department aims to guide the next generation of engineers and scientists into careers that will enable them to understand the physics of the universe and drive humanity's future in the air and in space.

The biomedical engineering and sciences department is dedicated to providing undergraduate and graduate students with an outstanding education in both the theoretical development and laboratory application of advanced technologies, with the goal of elevating and advancing the field. Meanwhile, the electrical engineering and computer science department educates and inspires students to solve critical problems, collaboratively innovate and pursue excellence in their fields.

The mathematics and systems engineering department strives to produce students with a strong mathematical foundation that enables them to create new knowledge, solve critical problems, collaboratively innovate and pursue excellence in mathematics and its applications to engineering fields; to nurture integration of ideas and open new avenues for interdisciplinary research in model-based systems engineering that includes adaptive, complex, enterprise, intelligent systems; and to prepare the next generation of students capable of tackling the pressing issues of society.

The mechanical and civil engineering department prepares graduate and undergraduate students to be successful professionals and leaders in global and local environments related to the workplace in industry, research, business and management. The chemistry and chemical engineering department aims to provide a safe working environment in the pursuit of excellence in education, research and innovation in the chemistry and chemical engineering fields. And finally, the ocean engineering and marine sciences department’s mission is to integrate oceanography, marine biology, ocean engineering, environmental science, ecology, meteorology, remote sensing, sustainability and related academic endeavors into an interdisciplinary search for solutions to vital contemporary issues through education, research and service.

The College of Psychology and Liberal Arts offers a diverse array of courses, programs and extracurricular/co-curricular opportunities and is home to three schools: Arts and Communication, Behavior Analysis and Psychology.

What is the location of Florida Institute of Technology?

Florida Tech is situated in the southern city of Melbourne, Florida, at 150 West University Boulevard, with the ZIP Code 32901-6975. The university's main residential campus spans 130 acres and is conveniently located near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international students.

Apart from its primary campus in Melbourne, Florida Institute of Technology also provides specialized graduate degree programs virtually and at off-campus sites in Orlando and Titusville, Florida. This wide range of locations allows prospective students to choose the most suitable option for their academic and personal needs.

What is the mission and vision of Florida Institute of Technology?

Florida Tech is a private research university situated in Melbourne, Florida, with a primary focus on delivering high-quality education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to a diverse student body. The university's mission encompasses preparing students for the global workforce, higher education opportunities, and community service. Florida Tech is dedicated to promoting student development, nurturing an organizational culture that values intellectual curiosity and excellence, and striving for recognition as an innovative, technology-focused educational and research institution.

The vision of Florida Tech is to be a world-class university renowned for its excellence in STEM education, research, and innovation, while addressing the economic and societal needs of the communities it serves. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various STEM disciplines, such as engineering, computer science, aviation, and marine biology. Its research centers and institutes are devoted to areas like cybersecurity, renewable energy and oceanography, aiming to tackle real-world problems and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in STEM fields.

Florida Tech is committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, striving to create an inclusive environment where all students, faculty and staff feel welcome and supported. The university's mission and vision demonstrate its dedication to providing top-notch STEM education, conducting groundbreaking research and promoting diversity and inclusion. By focusing on preparing students for successful careers and leadership roles in STEM fields, Florida Tech aligns with the increasing demand for skilled professionals in these areas.

The university's research endeavors also play a crucial role in advancing knowledge and developing solutions to real-world problems. By realizing its vision, Florida Tech aims to make a positive impact on the world and inspire its students to become leaders in their respective fields and communities.

What is the accreditation of Florida Institute of Technology?

Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees. Furthermore, the Nathan M. Bisk College of Business has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), while the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) accredits the university’s master of business administration-project management degree program.

In addition to these accreditations, Florida Institute of Technology's clinical psychology doctoral program (Psy.D.) has specialized accreditation from the American Psychological Association. The university also boasts programmatic accreditation from ABET for various engineering and computer science programs, ensuring a high standard of education in these fields.