Exploring Engineering Programs at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering stands as a unique educational and research institution, forging a distinctive path in the landscape of American engineering education. This article delves into the history, academic offerings, research opportunities, and student life aspects of this joint college.
A Unique Partnership: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is the joint college of engineering of Florida A&M University and Florida State University, the only such joint college of its kind in the United States. Established in 1982, this joint college is a collaborative endeavor between Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU), both located in Tallahassee, Florida. The joint nature of the college allows a student to register at either Florida A&M University or Florida State University and receive a degree in any of the college’s degree programs. A student entering the college applies for admission through one of the two universities and must satisfy the admission and general degree requirements of that university. The degree is granted through the College of Engineering by the university where the student is registered while completing upper-division studies.
FAMU, recognized for its distinction as the top institution of origin for African Americans earning doctorates in natural science and engineering, complements FSU, a university renowned for its extensive graduate and research programs. This synergy creates a dynamic environment for students and faculty alike.
Historical Context
In 1959, the physics department at Florida State University (FSU) created the Department of Engineering Science. However, a downturn in engineering jobs nationally, felt especially in the Florida aerospace sector with the downscaling of Project Apollo and the rest of NASA's crewed space program in Central Florida, led to a 1972 decision to disestablish the engineering school at FSU. Undergraduate and postgraduate engineering education in Florida's public state universities was relinquished to the University of Florida, the University of South Florida, and Florida Technological University (later renamed the University of Central Florida), while FSU maintained programs in mathematics, chemistry and physics.
In 1976, Florida A&M University (FAMU) established a new College of Science and Technology with a division of industrial and engineering technology. The university has since reorganized these programs under its School of Architecture and Engineering Technology. In April 1982, the shared FAMU/FSU Institute for Engineering was approved by the Board of Regents, with Dr. Joe Lannutti and Dr. Charles Kidd appointed as co-directors. August 30, 1982, marked the first day of the first semester at the Institute, offering 3 engineering courses at FSU and 2 at FAMU.
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Growth and Development
The 122,159 sq. ft. Phase I Building for the joint college was completed and occupied in 1988. That year, enrollment at the college exceeded 1000. By 1993, the first PhD degree was awarded, and enrollment officially passed 2,000. In 1998, the 98,004 sq. ft. building was added.
Enrollment and Demographics
As of 2024, the school enrolls about 3,050 undergraduates and graduate students, including Master of Science, Master of Engineering, and Ph.D.-seeking students. Approximately 85% of these students attend FSU and 15% attend FAMU, which equates to roughly 23% of the student bodies at both universities. The college prides itself on training people with hard and soft skills that will make them--and their companies--successful.
Academic Programs and Opportunities
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering offers a comprehensive range of programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The College offers professional programs of study leading to the bachelor of science (B.S.), the master of science (M.S.), and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D). in chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering; a bachelor of science in computer engineering; and a master of science and doctor of philosophy in biomedical engineering. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their chosen fields.
Undergraduate Programs
The Florida A&M University (FAMU)-Florida State University (FSU) College of Engineering is home to students from both universities who are seeking their undergraduate degree in one of our six Baccalaureate programs. For FTIC (First Time in College) students, there are no additional admission requirements to be accepted into the College of Engineering then the general admission requirements set by the individual universities. Students who accept admissions into either FAMU or FSU will be coded as a pre-engineering student until they meet the course requirements to move into their selected program of study. Students who are interested in attending Florida A&M University (FAMU) should submit their admissions application online. Students who are interested in attending Florida State University (FSU) should submit their admissions application online.
A student who has taken a college preparatory curriculum in high school including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physics, and chemistry can complete the requirements for the bachelor of science (BS) degree in four years and one summer with an average load of sixteen (16) hours per semester. A student with superior high school training may take advantage of opportunities for advanced placement through the University’s programs for acceleration. In order to satisfy the State of Florida, Division of Colleges and Universities’ requirement of summer attendance, it is recommended that students enroll in the summer session at the end of the first year. Students who are not prepared to begin with calculus I (MAC 2311) will be required to complete the necessary prerequisite mathematics course. All engineering students must complete the one-hour laboratory (or its equivalent) EGN 1004L. Students who enter the engineering program having completed all of the requirements listed under “Pre-engineering Requirements” except for completion of EGN 1004L may receive a waiver of this requirement if they attend the New Engineering Student Orientation. Students who are pursuing a second baccalaureate degree in engineering may also receive a waiver with permission of the engineering dean. All graduates of the college must master a common body of knowledge in mathematics and basic science. This has been addressed by the adoption of a mathematics and basic science core for all students seeking the BS in engineering. Some of these courses may be completed at a community college. * This is a state common prerequisite. The State of Florida has identified common program prerequisites for this University degree program. Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites, but may not be admitted into the program. Students are strongly encouraged to select required lower division electives that will enhance their general education coursework and that will support their intended baccalaureate degree program. Course requirements for engineering major areas consist of additional mathematics and basic science courses, engineering core courses (e.g. thermodynamics, engineering mechanics, electrical circuit analysis), engineering required courses, and engineering technical courses.
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Graduate Programs
The five departments offer doctorate and master's level degrees, including non-thesis options for industry-oriented students. If you are looking to become a faculty member, you will get a well-rounded experience in both the lab with esteemed faculty and in the classroom with students from diverse backgrounds. This gives you invaluable experience for your future career path. The Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Graduate Programs are designed to train engineers who can embark upon a successful career in areas at the forefront of engineering and science, whether in industry, research or academia. During their training, students will learn the fundamental knowledge and essential skills that will allow them to continue to grow throughout their careers. Our programs emphasize a fundamental approach to engineering and science in which students become skilled at clearly defining problems and then bringing their knowledge of the fundamental principles and techniques to design and implement optimal solutions.
A streamlined path to an advanced degree--apply once and progress seamlessly to Ph.D.! All five engineering departments have B.S. to Ph.D. programs. Students who go straight to Ph.D. are eligible to receive an in-flight M.S. degree, typically one year past successful completion of the preliminary or qualifying exam for doctoral candidacy.
Departments
The college comprises five departments:
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering: Chemical engineers are involved in the manufacturing of products as varied as petrochemicals, plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biochemicals, metals and semiconductors.
- Civil and Environmental Engineering: Civil engineers play a vital role in creating man-made infrastructure and protecting the natural environment. This department also offers an online Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (M.Eng) degree program. This program is especially suited for civil or environmental engineers who are working in the field, as well as recent Bachelor of Science graduates. Professionals can take classes part-time and learn at their own pace or complete the program in four semesters as a full-time student.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering: Electrical engineers develop circuits, systems and networks used for electrical power generation/ distribution, machine and process control, wireless and satellite communications and more.
- Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering: Industrial engineers bring innovation and efficiency to service and manufacturing industries including healthcare, transportation, food and pharmaceuticals.
- Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineers analyze, design and control thermalfluid systems, structural and materials systems or dynamic and mechatronic systems.
Curriculum and Requirements
Engineering is a demanding discipline, and students majoring in engineering must follow a required sequence of courses and achieve a high level of proficiency. These requirements have been established to ensure that program graduates receive a quality education, while making progress toward satisfying engineering major degree requirements. Students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or better and achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better, from any institution attended, in First Year Engineering Laboratory, Calculus I, Calculus II, General Chemistry I and General Physics I to be admitted to an engineering major. Intended chemical engineering students shall replace General Physics I with General Chemistry II. A single repeated attempt in only one of the five (5) courses listed above with no more than one grade of “C-” is allowed. Transfer students may receive an exemption from First-Year Engineering Laboratory if they have completed all of the other courses listed above prior to their matriculation to the college. Any student who needs two repeated attempts to complete the five courses or has two or more grades of ‘C-” may be considered for continuation in engineering if additional grade and coursework requirements are satisfied. Any student who needs more than two repeated attempts to complete the five courses listed above does not satisfy this requirement and will not be allowed to continue in the engineering program. There are NO exceptions. Pre-engineering students are strongly encouraged to contact an academic advisor prior to enrolling in any of the five retention courses to ensure they have completed the proper course prerequisites. Engineering majors must earn a grade of “C” or better in all engineering courses that apply toward the degree. A student who is failing a course cannot receive a grade of Incomplete (I). The College of Engineering does not allow students to use “Grade Forgiveness.” Students transferring to the College from another major may be required to relinquish grade forgiveness prior to the transfer. A student who fails to earn a grade of “C” or better after a second attempt in the same engineering course or who has an excessive number of repeated engineering course attempts may be transferred from his/her current engineering major to the pre-engineering major. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the prerequisites of an engineering course prior to enrollment in that course. A student may contact the engineering dean or department chair for additional information concerning course prerequisites and this policy.
Course Withdrawal Policy
For accreditation reasons, the Course Withdrawal policy at the College of Engineering is different from the policy used at Florida A&M University. Undergraduate engineering students may withdraw from or “drop” any course in the current semester for any reason up to and including the 7th week of classes. There may be financial aid and other implications withdrawing from a course, so you should always contact with your academic advisor before withdrawing. The time period between weeks 7 and 10 of each semester is considered the Engineering “Late Drop” Period. The late drop deadline varies each semester, but generally occurs at the 10th week of classes. These restrictions are as follows: (a) all pre-engineering students are limited to a total of two (2) “late drops” during their tenure in the pre-engineering program. Students who reach their “two late drops” limit will NOT be permitted another late drop until they enter their intended engineering major. No course drops for any engineering student will be permitted after the late drop deadline of classes except in documented cases of administrative error, death in the immediate family, personal illness, or a military service obligation.
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Transfer Students
Students who plan to enroll in another institution for the first two years and then transfer into the College of Engineering should use great care in selecting freshman and sophomore course work. To be admitted to an engineering major, transfer students must have satisfied the same set of pre-engineering requirements as students who take all their course work at FAMU. Additionally, transfer students who will earn an AA or have 60 or more hours of transfer credit prior to enrollment must have successfully completed Calculus I and at least one other pre-engineering course (excluding First-Year Engineering Laboratory). We prefer that AA transfer students have the majority of the pre-engineering courses completed prior to enrollment. Students are advised to consult with the college as early as possible concerning their first two years of study. Students who transfer out of the engineering program and then desire to transfer back may be subject to additional academic requirements before their request to transfer is considered.
Research Opportunities
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is committed to providing undergraduate research opportunities because we know that the next generation of engineering researchers are just now learning the science. Undergrads who work in engineering research labs at our college are more likely to make better grades, discover their engineering “passion area” sooner and even to go on to graduate school. Our facilities are world-renowned for research in aerospace, power systems, advanced materials, additive manufacturing, climate change and innovative infrastructure materials, to name a few. Our faculty are invested in nurturing undergraduate potential and interest in research-and we have many ways for bachelor’s students to be involved.
Cutting-Edge Engineering Research at Nationally-Recognized Labs
Our five departments offer doctorate and master's level degrees, including non-thesis options for industry-oriented students. If you are looking to become a faculty member, you will get a well-rounded experience in both the lab with esteemed faculty and in the classroom with students from diverse backgrounds. This gives you invaluable experience for your future career path.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University is the largest and highest-powered magnet laboratory in the world, capable of producing a magnetic field 1 million times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. Along with our other closely-associated high-performance laboratories, you will find your place in research and develop your own sense of engineering passion.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Thanks to the donations from industry partners, educational programs, and private donors, the College of Engineering is able to offer a limited number of scholarships to qualified engineering students. Many graduate students in the College of Engineering are being supported through teaching or research assistantships. Fellowships are available for exceptionally qualified students.
Student Life and Resources
Student involvement outside of the classroom contributes to important learning gains and a well-rounded college experience that prepares students for life after graduation. With around 30 student organizations at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering campus, there's something to interest everyone. Mentors can play a great role in the success of engineering students and can have a lifelong impact. Freshmen and transfer students are encouraged to join the Peer Mentorship Program.
Career Services
The College provides a Career Center Office for students to obtain career related services. In addition, the University maintains a satellite office in the College Career Center to assist students in career and employment advising, including resume, cover letter and personal statement writing, internship/co-op opportunities and permanent job searches nationwide. We are proud of our graduation rate for students earning a bachelor’s in engineering and the resources we offer to help all students succeed. In addition to two universities’ worth of research facilities, professors and resources, we also nurture beginning engineering careers through our stellar Engineering Career Services office, which harnesses the power of FAMU and FSU employer resources to help you find the right job right away.
Engineering firms value student experience working in teams of individuals who look, sound and think in different ways. At FAMU-FSU Engineering, our students benefit from classroom learning, collaborative teamwork and giving back through the engineering student organizations that are meaningful and offer experience beyond the textbook for resume-building and networking.
Facilities and Resources
The college occupies over 200,000 square feet of classroom, offices, and laboratory space in a building complex especially designed for engineering education. It is located off the main campus of each university in an area adjacent to Innovation Park, which also houses the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), the Center for Advanced Power Systems, and other university, public, and private organizations engaged in research, development, and clean industry operations. The college operates for the common use of all programs a computing facility, a library and reading room, and a machine shop. In addition, each department in the college operates specialized laboratories for teaching and research. The main book and journal collections for FAMU engineering students are housed in the Coleman Library at Florida A&M University.
Computing Resources
Students have access to many and various computing resources at the College of Engineering. The college has over 2800 computing devices connected to its local network, managed by the college’s Communication and Multimedia Services (CMS) unit. CMS continues to evaluate and upgrade computer workstation hardware as the computational needs grow. Computers connect to the college’s gigabit fiber-optic backbone via 100Mbps Ethernet connections. One of the computer labs is open 24 hours a day when classes are in session; the other three are used as classrooms. The college also provides computing facilities in the public areas that are available to students 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Instructional Classrooms
The college has state-of-the-art instructional classrooms. The multimedia equipment in every classroom generally includes LCD projector, overhead projector and/or document camera, VCR, and sound system. The ceiling-mounted LCD projector is used for large-scale projection, linked to the PC at the instructor’s console. Multiple rooms are used for distance learning and the Florida Engineering Education Delivery System (FEEDS).
Location
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is located at 2525 Pottsdamer Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32310. Tallahassee is a vibrant community full of natural beauty and a thriving culture. With its rolling hills and canopy roads, Tallahassee is unique and different from what most people imagine when they think of Florida. Nestled among massive southern live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, our beautiful college town is simultaneously a respite from the hectic big cities and a lively community full of creativity. All of this and within an hour’s drive of the nation’s best beaches! Make reservations well in advance during football weekends and legislative session as hotels fill up quickly.
Tallahassee: A Gem Amongst the Oaks
Named Florida's capital in 1824, Tallahassee is midway between the then-largest cities in the state, St. Augustine and Pensacola. Florida's Capitol is at its busiest each spring during the legislative session when lawmakers meet and determine the state's business agenda and budget. Nestled in the Red Hills bio-region of the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is one of the most biologically-diverse regions in the United States. Tallahassee's canopy roads, originally Indian trails, now offer scenic drives with moss-draped live oaks, hickory, gum and other trees spanning the roads. Nine designated canopy roads cover 78 miles in Tallahassee. Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU) is the nation's largest historically black universities by enrollment. Florida State University is an electric campus boasting a medical school, acclaimed film school, and more. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is at the nexus of these rich traditions and research.
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