Before digging into what makes Florida Southern College online degrees so unique, it may be important to note what others are saying about Florida Southern College online! Check out what educational authorities are saying about FSC.i
- FSC was ranked the No. 20 Regional College in the South by U.S. News and World Report in 2017
- Named a Top Baccalaureate College by Washington Monthly in 2015.
- Listed as one of Princeton Review’s 381 Best Colleges in 2017.
- And, also one of the Best Regional Colleges in the same year!
- Listed in both the Fiske Guide to Colleges 2015 and ...
- Forbes magazine’s 2015 America’s Top Colleges Guide.
Florida Southern College Online: The Basics
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is the oldest private comprehensive college in Florida. When it was originally founded in Orlando, Florida, it was named the South Florida Institute. Since then, the campus has moved throughout southern Florida until finding its current home in Lakeland. Previous campuses have been located in Leesburg, Sutherland, Palm Harbor, and Clearwater, FL. And now you can take Florida Southern College's classes online as well!
The school aims to support its students, both on-campus and online, with the help of the Methodist teachings they’re associated with. Classes, extracurricular activities, and faculty often push students to contribute to their communities before and after graduation. In fact, many campus traditions also hold this value at their core.
Overall, the Florida Southern College is committed to the development of the whole student through vibrant student life programs that prepare graduates to make a positive, consequential effect on society.
How Many Online Students Attend Florida Southern Online Programs?
23% of all undergraduate students were enrolled in some form of distance learning, possibly through a hybrid type of program, while 4% are enrolled 100% online.
Among graduate students, the numbers rise to 13% distance-only students, and 36% of learners participating in a form of distance learning. That means that almost 50% of masters and doctoral students are taking part in Florida Southern's online learning programs.
Online learning may appeal more to graduate students who are likely already working in their chosen field. Online classes may better align with your busy schedule if you are trying to juggle personal responsibilities like job and family with schoolwork and earning your online degree.
Programs Online at Florida Southern University
Florida Southern College offers both undergraduate and graduate programs for students. FSC offers some of the following programs.
- Over 50 different undergraduate concentrations. This includes programs in biology, business, music, political science, religion, and pre-medicine.
- Masters degrees are offered in accounting, business administration, education, and nursing.
- Doctoral programs are offered in the education and educational leadership.
You may see bachelors, masters, and PhD degree programs offered online. Some programs may be hybrid classes, meaning partially online, so always verify this with the school.
Online bachelors degrees may be offered as a:
- Online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
- Online Bachelor of Science in Communication (BS)
- Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BS)
- Online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Eduction (BS)
- Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Online masters degrees may include a:
- Online Master or Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Online Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Online Master of Education in Collaborative Teaching and Learning (MEd)
- Online Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Online doctorate degrees that may be offered include:
- Online Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (EdD)
Note that PhD programs may be more likely to be campus-based programs, but you can always ask the school about their offerings and see how it stacks up against your needs.
Online Business Degree Programs at Florida Southern College Online
Florida Southern College boasts a holistic business program. What does that mean, exactly? While many schools may only focus on business tactics, FSC broadens their scope of study. Their program takes into consideration other sources that might affect your future business dealings. For example, students in the business concentration may also study some of the following topics.
- Politics
- Legal Systems
- Business Systems
Students pursuing a business concentration may also be able to pursue a specialization. These courses highlight a specific aspect of business that may require additional unique skills and knowledge. During your online or campus program, you could possibly flesh out your studies with some of the following.
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Management
- Sports Management
The business concentration is an accredited business program by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This internationally recognized accrediting body recognizes programs that are constantly developing their business curriculum. Through these efforts, schools may strive to enhance their programs to encompass new business methods.
By earning the accreditation, FSC strives to keep its students at the forefront of business education. Business Research Guide named Florida Southern College in the “Top 20 Most Innovative Small College Business Departments.”
Florida Southern College Admissions
Undergraduate students applying to Florida Southern College have options when it comes to admissions. You could choose to either complete the application by either filling out the Common Application or through FSC’s application. Both processes could be completed conveniently online. An undergraduate application fee of $30 is required along with your application.
In addition, FSC may request you to submit an official copy of your high school transcripts. This document might help the admissions department understand your current academic pursuits. It might also assist them when placing you in general courses. For example, they may look at your high school language and math courses to see which level you’re at.
Transcripts also allow Florida Southern College to see your academic standing. In 2015, incoming students had a.median high school GPA of 3.7.
Florida Southern College does require students to submit an SAT or ACT score along with their application. As of 2017, the median SAT and ACT of admitted students were 1138 and 26 respectively.
As part of this application process, students may be required to obtain one or more academic recommendations. This may be completed using FSC’s official recommendation form or via a typewritten letter. When asking for recommendations, consider teachers who are not only familiar with your work ethic, but your personality as well! Letters commonly focus on some of the following student qualities.
- Academic Ability
- Leadership
- Originality
- Adaptability
Of course, it isn’t just about your academics, but about you! Encourage teachers to talk about your sense of humor, social interactions, and aspirations.
Finally, FSC may require students to submit an essay or personal statement. Essays should examine of a topic of your choosing. Subjects could include anything from books, to sports, to one of your other passions. Personal essays, on the other hand, may enlighten the reader to why you’re applying to a certain program or school.
Graduate applications to Florida Southern College might be more tailored to their specific concentration. For example, students pursuing a masters of education or business might not need to submit the same materials. Generally speaking, students should complete the application on FSC’s official site at flsouthern.edu.
Who Goes to FSC?
Most of the student body, whether campus or online, lives in Florida. 60% of students are Floridians while 40% of all learners are from out-of-state.
Of these students, 60% are male, and 40% of all attendees are female.
Of these students, there is a 80% retention rate.
About the FSC Faculty
When attending a large college, you might run the risk of being lost in a sea of other students. But, a small college like FSC could provide you with an intimate environment to interact with faculty. Florida Southern College has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio.ii
This means the school’s 130 faculty members may be able to work one-on-one with their students. And, 85% of those faculty members hold the highest degree available in their field. FSC faculty does not utilize graduate assistants.
Acceptance Rates & Enrolling in Florida Southern College Online
As of 2016, Florida Southern College had 6,192 applicants for their undergraduate programs. Of those students, 46% were accepted into FSC.iii
After being accepted, students may be required to formally enroll in Florida Southern College. This process could include filling out required forms such as emergency contact information or medical documents. As of the Fall of 2015, there were 2,559 undergraduate students enrolled in FSC and 310 graduate.iv Of those, 89% were full-time students and 11% were part-time. 65% of enrolled students were women and 35% were men.
Financial Aid
Making sure you are able to afford your education might be an important step in your decision-making process. And, FSC is determined to show their support for their students through their financial aid programs.
In 2014-2015, 93% of undergraduates received some form of financial aid for their education.v 66% of students receive some form of federal student loan. Students that received aid were given a median of $18,221 to help fund their studies in 2014-2015.
The Florida Southern University Experience
Florida Southern University is more than the theme parks and beaches that surround it. While those are definite perks, there’s more that goes into making an exciting experience. And, you might not even have to leave campus (or your computer, for those online learners)!
Frank Lloyd Wright on Campus
FSC is home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2012. In fact, Wright’s Usonian-style house is located right on campus!
Besides acting as faculty housing, the house is also open for tourists and students to explore. If you’re ever on campus, this could be a great choice to check out some Wright’s distinctive and organic designs.
Full of Traditions
Like many other schools, Florida Southern College online has created some wacky traditions throughout the years that make it unique. And, fun! Take the Water Dome Splash for example. During the final spring semester, seniors take an (authorized) swim in the Water Dome. Students may have walked by the landmark throughout their tenure on campus. Now it’s time to dive right in!
A School with “Mocsie”
Florida Southern College’s mascot is a fierce (and cuddly) water moccasin named Mocsie. Recently redesigned in 2015, the school-spirited snake could be seen at many FSC sporting events. Devoted student fans are affectionately called the “snake pit” at games. And with 29 NCAA Division II national championships under their belt, they have something to cheer for.
Retention & Graduation at Florida Southern College
FSC retains 80% of their full-time undergraduate students from freshmen to sophomore year. And, retains 75% of their part-time students within the same time frame.vi
Making it through that curriculum (and the fun stuff) might seem like a long journey. But, graduation day might get here sooner than you think! As of 2009, 57% of full-time, first-time FSC students earned an undergraduate degree within 4 years. Following that, 58% of students would go on to complete their degree in 6 years, and 59% in 8 years.
Florida Southern College Online Degrees Are Waiting!
Florida Southern College is a welcoming environment where students of many interests could come to combine their ideas and passions. With so many students with different interests working together, the school becomes a center of holistic academic discussion and instruction.
For more information about tuition rates, department faculty, courses, and other important information, please visit flsouthern.edu.
Certain degree programs may not be available online.
[i] flsouthern.edu/undergraduate/home.aspx | [ii] flsouthern.edu/undergraduate/academics.aspx | [iii] nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/InstitutionProfile.aspx?unitid=acaeafabb2b4 | [iv] nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/InstitutionProfile.aspx?unitid=acaeafabb2b4 | [v] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=florida+southern+college&s=all&id=134079#general | [vi] nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=florida+southern+college&s=all&id=134079#general
