Exploring Majors at Florida Atlantic University: A Comprehensive Guide
Florida Atlantic University (FAU), a public research university with its main campus in Boca Raton, Florida, has been serving the educational needs of South Florida since 1964. Originally offering only upper-division and graduate-level courses, FAU has expanded significantly and now provides a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its multiple campuses. This article delves into the various academic programs available at FAU, highlighting popular majors, unique programs, and opportunities for students.
A Historical Overview of Florida Atlantic University
To understand the breadth of academic offerings at FAU, it's helpful to know a bit about its history. Established on July 15, 1961, by an act of the state legislature, FAU was built on the grounds of the former Boca Raton Army Airfield, a World War II-era training facility. The university opened its doors on September 14, 1964, with 867 students and has since grown to serve over 30,000 students across seven campuses.
FAU's expansion has been driven by the increasing population of South Florida. The university opened its first branch campus in Fort Lauderdale in 1971 and continued to expand with campuses in Dania Beach (1997), Davie (1990), Port St. Lucie (1994), and Jupiter (1999). This geographical distribution allows FAU to serve a diverse population across Palm Beach, Broward, and St. Lucie counties.
Academic Colleges and Degree Programs
FAU offers over 180 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs through its ten colleges:
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
- College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering and Computer Science
- Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
- Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
- Graduate College
Popular Majors at FAU
According to available data, the most popular majors at Florida Atlantic University include:
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- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Health Professions and Related Programs
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
- Psychology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Services
- Social Sciences
- Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, exercise science, geosciences, mathematics, physics, and psychology. The BA programs allow for greater elective breadth, while the BS programs provide more intensive training suitable for graduate work and meet the requirements of professional science organizations.
Highly motivated students in biology and mathematics can pursue an accelerated program to earn both a BS and a Master of Science (MS) degree in just five years. The college also emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to work closely with faculty on various projects.
Pre-Health Professions
FAU does not designate specific "pre-med," "pre-vet," or "pre-dentistry" majors. Instead, students interested in these fields can choose any major, though many undergraduates focus on sciences like Biology, Chemistry, and Neuroscience. Regardless of the chosen major, pre-health students are advised to maintain a strong GPA and complete the necessary prerequisites for their desired health professions program. The Schmidt College of Science's Pre-Health Professions Office provides support and guidance for students interested in careers in the health professions.
College of Business
The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring high-quality business education. All students in the General Business major earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, as well as other traditional majors offered by the College of Business.
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Located on the John D. MacArthur campus in Jupiter, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College offers a unique educational experience with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and small class sizes.
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Unique Programs and Opportunities
FAU provides several unique programs and opportunities for its students, including:
- Combined Programs: Students can take graduate courses during their senior year of undergraduate studies, allowing them to earn a master's degree in a shorter amount of time. More information on combined programs can be found on the FAU Graduate College website.
- Hoot/Wisdom Recordings: Under the university's Commercial Music Program, Hoot/Wisdom Recordings allows students to engage in all creative and business aspects of the music industry.
- Lifelong Learning Society: This program serves the educational interests of senior citizens by providing classes and audit options for regular university courses.
- Research Centers: FAU is home to several research centers, including the Center of Excellence in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology, the Center for Ocean Energy Technology, the Imaging Technology Center, and the NASA Imaging Technology Space Center.
- Research Park: The Research Park at Florida Atlantic University provides outside research facilities for companies, fostering collaboration between the university and the business community.
Campus Locations and Resources
Florida Atlantic University has a widespread geographical presence, with campuses in Boca Raton (main campus), Jupiter (John D. MacArthur Campus), Dania Beach (SeaTech), Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Pierce (Treasure Coast Campus). Each campus offers unique resources and facilities to support student learning and development.
The Boca Raton campus, the largest, houses a wide range of programs and facilities, including labs, classrooms, student housing, a shark tank for aquatic research, a movie theater, athletic facilities, and the Hoot/Wisdom Recordings label. The Davie campus is the second largest by enrollment and features a multi-story student union, a bookstore, a cafeteria, and a student health center.
Student Life and Outcomes
The average freshman retention rate at Florida Atlantic University is 82%, indicating a high level of student satisfaction. The student-faculty ratio is 24:1, and a significant percentage of classes have fewer than 20 students, allowing for more personalized attention.
Enrichment opportunities include internships, hands-on research, study abroad experiences, and a wide variety of clubs and campus organizations.
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Online Programs
Florida Atlantic’s online programs are nationally recognized for affordability and innovation. These top online degrees offer you flexibility to learn from anywhere.
Admission Requirements
The fall 2021 incoming freshmen profile for the middle 50% was a 3.73-4.33 high school GPA, a 23-29 ACT composite score, and a 1100-1270 SAT total score. Additional admission requirements are needed for the Harriet L.
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