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Frequently Asked Questions

Academics

Average class sizes for degree courses are 20-25 students, while general education classes may have more students.

Florida Polytechnic University works closely with industry-leading firms to ensure our curriculum aligns with workforce needs and prepares students for high-tech careers. Industry partners actively engage in joint research, offer valuable internship opportunities, and sponsor senior capstone projects—where interdisciplinary student teams solve real-world challenges facing their organizations. These collaborations provide students with an integrated, hands-on learning experience that connects classroom knowledge to practical application.

The university offers the Student Success Center which provides personalized support through academic coaching, peer tutoring, and skill-building workshops to help students succeed in a challenging STEM environment. Whether it’s improving study strategies, managing time, or adjusting to college life, the center empowers every student to reach their full potential.

Florida Poly’s Campus Store is your go-to spot for exclusive Florida Poly-branded gear, snacks, and essential school supplies. For textbooks and course materials, visit the official online bookstore, where you’ll find everything you need to succeed in class. The bookstore online provider is Follett Higher Education Group. 

True to polytechnic philosophy, Florida Poly offers all students a rigorous education with small class sizes, hands-on learning and unique capstone and internship opportunities, taught by exceptional scholars. Therefore, at this time, the University does not have a separate honors program.

There is a program for hiring student workers; incoming students should check with the Admissions Office for details. Jobs for student workers are listed on the university website. Students also will have internship opportunities with our industry partners. Students should visit the Student Employment page for details.

The university website includes profile pages and biographies for each of our faculty members and key staff members. Please see our university catalog for details on each degree program. You can also view a list of degree programs and concentrations on the Academic Programs page.

At Florida Polytechnic University, students are immersed in their chosen field of study starting in their freshman year, with hands-on lab work beginning as early as sophomore year to build a strong foundation in their major. Unlike many universities where research is reserved for graduate students, Florida Poly offers undergraduates the opportunity to work closely with faculty and engage in meaningful research throughout their academic journey.

Yes. In your senior year, you will participate in capstone research courses where teams of students design, build and test a solution to a real industry problem. The internships and projects you complete in your senior year will demonstrate proficiency in all previous courses.

Florida Poly will grant three degrees of distinction to graduating undergraduate students. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Florida Polytechnic University and have a cumulative GPA as follows:

  • Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.50 to 3.74
  • Magna Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.75 to 3.89
  • Summa Cum Laude for an overall average of 3.90 and above

In addition, the Provost or the Provost’s designee has the option to select based on merit one percent of the college’s graduates or one student per semester to graduate with distinction. For more details, please see the official policy here: FPU-5.0017 AP-Graduation-with-Honors.

Four years for beginning freshmen. and two years for transfer students.

At Florida Poly, career preparation is integrated into every stage of the student journey. Our hands-on STEM curriculum immerses students in their major from the start, helping them build real-world experience earlier than at most universities. The Career Services Center further supports their success with resume and interview coaching, as well as career fairs each fall and spring that draw top high-tech employers from across the country.

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Undergraduate Admissions

Those details are available on the Undergraduate Admissions page.

The Undergraduate Admissions page has detailed information about the application process and important deadlines.

The Undergraduate Admissions page has detailed information about the application process and important deadlines.

Yes. Any college credit that you’ve earned that matches the course requirements for your program of study can be transferred in for credit. This ensures that you will not need to retake any course that you have already earned for college credit. To see exactly how your coursework may transfer in to Florida Poly, visit the Undergraduate Admissions page.

A maximum of 45 semester hours may be granted by combining AP/IB/CLEP/AICE test credit.

Yes. Per Florida regulation, students applying to Florida Poly are required to complete a Level 2 foreign language or American Sign Language Course (e.g. Spanish 2, French 2, etc.). Students who have not met this requirement will be required to complete a Level 2 college-level foreign language course prior to earning their baccalaureate degree.

Yes, we do accept transcripts from international schools. We require transcripts that are translated into English and evaluated for U.S. credit equivalency if the school uses a different grading system and/or if they are not already in English. You can use the Academic Evaluation Services (AES), World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc to perform the official evaluation and translation.* All costs to perform these services are the responsibility of the student, and official sealed copies must be submitted. *If you are submitting international secondary school (high school equivalent) transcripts, you must submit a document-by-document evaluation with a GPA calculation. Post-secondary/university school transcript submissions must have a course-by-course evaluation completed.

Your GPA is recalculated based on the academic core courses (including English, math, science, social studies and foreign language). Florida Poly uses a 4.0 grading scale, and also awards additional quality points for any weighted courses within the academic core. Courses marked as Pre-AP, Pre-IB, Pre-AICE, and Honors are given an additional .5 quality point. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certification of Education (AICE), and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses are given 1 additional quality point.

To qualify for in-state tuition, the state of Florida requires documentation to prove residency. The Residency Classification Application can only be submitted after the tuition deposit has been received.

The deadline to turn in the Residency Classification Application, as well as all required documentation, is prior to the last day of the drop/add period for the term in which resident status is sought.

Yes. Florida Polytechnic University is authorized to issue Form I-20 for accepted students seeking an F-1 Student Visa. The first step for interested students is to visit our web page for International Admissions for a description of our program and contact information. There is information to help you apply to the university. You also can read about the Admissions requirements. Students also should visit www.ice.gov/sevis/students for information on the Student Exchange and Visitor Program and to learn how to successfully navigate the U.S. immigration process.

The awarding of transfer credits for coursework completed at Florida Polytechnic University is at the sole discretion of the recipient institution. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm, in advance of enrollment, if the prospective recipient institution will accept credits earned at Florida Poly. The university does not imply, promise, or guarantee that any credits earned at this university will be transferable or accepted by any other institution.

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Campus Life

Florida Poly has a growing list of clubs and organizations, as well as an active Student Government Association. Students are encouraged to pursue their passions or explore new interests by joining student-led organizations. Student organizations have an important place in campus life, connecting students, promoting social interaction, encouraging teamwork and providing leadership opportunities. If you don’t see a club that interests you, there are plenty of opportunities to get an organization started.

Florida Poly offers a range of university (club-level) teams, including archery, esports, swim, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, soccer, and powerlifting, along with intramural sports and recreation programs. Students have access to a fully equipped fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, an Olympic-style pool, group fitness classes, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball.

Beginning in Fall 2026, Florida Poly will launch its first NAIA Division athletics programs, competing in men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s cross country, baseball, and softball—marking a major expansion of intercollegiate athletics at the university.

Yes. All students who are accepted and intend to enroll into the university and/or reside in the residence halls must furnish immunization information prior to registration. For additional information, please contact immunizations@floridapoly.edu or your admissions counselor.

From home-cooked style meals to cafes and fast-casual options, we offer something for every taste. All locations accept Phoenix Funds, cash, credit, and debit cards. Please see our Meal Plans page for pricing and ordering information.

The university offers three Residence Halls on campus designed with the modern student in mind. Explore the Residence Halls page for more information.

Students who don’t wish to drive on I-4 can get to Florida Poly using the Polk Parkway. It’s a toll road, but automated Sun Passes are readily available and convenient. The university is located directly off of the Exit 23 (Pace Road). See detailed directions on the Campus page.

Parking permits are required if you or your guests plan on parking on campus. For more information on student and guest parking procedures, please see our Parking & Transportation page, which includes the campus parking map.

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Phoenix Shuttle Service

Florida Poly offers convenient shuttle services during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session. The Phoenix Shuttle is available to current students who would like to shop, dine, and explore various areas of Lakeland. Please visit the Parking & Transportation page for the shuttle locations and schedule.

Florida Poly offers convenient shuttle services during the fall and spring semesters when classes are in session. The Campus Cruiser offers stops every 15 minutes to help students and guests get around campus. The shuttle operates Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Please visit the Parking & Transportation page for pick-up locations.

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Federal Aid

Title IV funds are federal student aid funds from federal student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Title IV funds include Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan, Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). It does not include scholarships from the University or other private organizations.

The Department of Education requires that Title IV funds be applied only to specific allowable charges. Qualified charges include: tuition, mandatory fees and room and board contracted by Florida Polytechnic University.

In compliance with federal regulations, we must obtain voluntary permission from the student to apply federal financial aid proceeds to pay for charges other than tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board contracted by Florida Polytechnic University.

No, by signing this document, you are granting the University authorization to retain excess Title IV funds while you are a student at Florida Polytechnic University, including breaks in enrollment. You may rescind your authorization at any time.

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Not necessarily. An excess of Title IV funds means that your federal financial aid exceeds the allowable charges it is permitted to pay. You may login to CAMS to determine if you have a credit balance or an amount due to Florida Polytechnic University.

Yes, in order to be considered for financial aid you must file a FAFSA every year.

Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and gives you access to federal student aid to help assist in tuition costs at Florida Polytechnic University. In addition, it can be used to apply for state grants and money from most colleges and universities.

You should include the parent (and step-parent if the parent has re-married) you lived with for the greater amount of time during the past 12 months. If you didn’t live with either parent, or if you lived with each parent an equal amount of time, then include the parent who provided the greater amount of parental/financial support during the past 12 months.

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History

Yes. We’re in great company and enjoy support and funding from the Governor’s office and the State.

Florida Poly’s inaugural class began on August 25, 2014, marking the first official day of classes at the university.

Yes. Florida Polytechnic University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Additionally, four of its academic programs in computing and engineering—including computer science, electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering—hold ABET accreditation, the global standard for STEM program quality.

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ID Cards

The Florida Poly ID Card is the official identification card of Florida Polytechnic University. It is issued to all members of the university community and is required for identification and access to essential campus services. It also offers a convenient account for making purchases on and off campus. All students, faculty and staff at Florida Poly are currently eligible to receive a Florida Poly ID Card.

Florida Poly ID Cards are issued and distributed from the ID, meal plan and parking office located on the first floor of Residence Hall III. Hours: M-F (8am-5pm) with a valid photo ID.

Immediately report a lost or stolen card to the Auxiliary Department at 863.874.8440. To deactivate your Florida Poly Bucks account, click here or call 888-820-0454. Replacement cards are issued at the ID, meal plan and parking office located on the first floor of Residence Hall III. A $15 fee will be charged to replace your card.

Your Student ID Number is located on the front of your Florida Poly ID Card and begins with “U”. It is not your social security number, but a unique number that is 10 digits in length.

Your 16-digit Florida Poly Bucks number is located on the front of your Florida Poly ID Card and uniquely identifies your prepaid spending account.

Poly Bucks is a declining balance account tied to the Florida Poly Card used to pay for copying and printing at the PaperCut machines located across campus. Students can add funds through Student Link.

Phoenix Funds is a dollar-for-dollar declining balance account that can be spent at all Phoenix Dining locations.

The terms and conditions outline program policies and terms of use for the Florida Poly Bucks account. They are available for review via a link in the footer of every page on this site.

Eligible refunds are processed upon request and will be completed within 4-6 weeks of email request. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to the Florida Poly ID Card Service Center provider by emailing AuxServ@Floridapoly.edu.

Refund To You:

  • You may request a refund of your Florida Poly Bucks account(s) balance when you graduate, withdraw or leave Florida Polytechnic University. Proof of withdrawal or dismissal is required.
  • Refund requests from faculty and staff are accepted at any time but limited to a total of 4 refunds per year.

Refunds are processed when:

  • The accounts balance is $15.01 or more AND
  • A written refund request is submitted
  • A $15.00 refund service fee will be deducted from the refund.
  • No refunds will be issued for amounts less than $15

Refund Methods:

  • Checks: Refund checks will be mailed to Your mailing address on file unless a specific address is provided with the refund request. We are not responsible for lost or misdirected mail, or for Your failure to notify Us of a change of address, or for Your failure to arrange mail forwarding with the United States Postal Service;
  • Credit Card: If a credit card was used to add value to Florida Poly Bucks. The refund can be posted to the same credit card if:
    • the add value was performed within the last 6 months, and
    • refund amount is less than last add value transaction.

Bequest to another Cardholder:

  • You may initiate a bequest when you graduate, withdraw or leave Florida Polytechnic University. Proof of withdrawal or dismissal is required.
  • Bequests from faculty and staff are accepted at any time.

Bequests are processed when:

  • The account balance is $15.01 or more AND
  • A written refund request is submitted. 

Have another question? Email it to mycard@flpolyidcard.com.

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Registration

Please refer to the Academic Calendar.

Detailed instructions on how to register for classes are available on the Office of the University Registrar page.

You can reset your password on the CAMS homepage. If you need additional assistance, you can contact the Help Desk at 863-874-8888.

You can locate your assigned faculty advisor’s name by logging into your CAMS account. The name and contact information of your faculty advisor will be noted in the upper right hand corner of the page.

Faculty offices are locations and office hours will be posted in CAMS.

It is likely your file is missing a required document. This may be an immunization form, official high school transcript, or test scores (ACT/SAT). There also may be a hold on your account for past due parking tickets or other business matters. Contact the Office of Admissions or the Bursar’s Office.

Refer to the Academic Catalog.

Select your College and appropriate concentration. At the top of this page you can select the option to print a degree planner. This planner is used to select the appropriate courses for your major of study. For additional guidance, please meet with your student success coach.

Students using the Inaugural Scholarship are required to register for a full-time load each Fall and Spring semester (12 – 18 credit hours).

Students unable to attempt at least 12 credit hours in a semester must receive approval from the Registrar and Office of Financial Aid to use their Inaugural Scholarship.

Students are required to attempt 30 credit hours in the Academic Award Year (Fall – Summer).

Students who are unable to take 30 credit hours (i.e., 28-29 credit hours) because taking an additional course will put them over 30 credit hours may exercise the following options:

Students may elect to stay at 28-29 credit hours. Florida Poly will cover the credits being taken, and the student will still be eligible for the following year.

**Students who are able to meet exactly 30 credit hours for the Academic Award Year are NOT eligible for additional assistance.**

For additional questions, contact Financial Aid at FinancialAid@floridapoly.edu.

Students should take between 30 and 33 hours annually to graduate in four years. In the Fall and Spring semesters, the maximum number of credit hours in which an undergraduate may enroll is 18. Refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. (See Student Load.)

The University requires that any graduate student wishing to enroll in more than 12 credit hours in a semester obtain written permission from an academic advisor. Refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. (See Student Load.)

Undergraduate students entering a university in the State University System with fewer than 60 semester credit hours must earn at least nine semester hours prior to graduation by attendance at one or more Summer sessions. Refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. (See Summer Enrollment Requirement.)

Summer courses will be offered based on the academic needs of our students; the summer course offerings will be posted prior to summer course registration.

Discuss this with your student success coach.

You can change your major by using the Change of Major form.

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Parking On Campus

The Parking Office contact information is: 863-874-8440 or parking@floridapoly.edu.

Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The office is located on the first floor of Residence Hall III.

A campus map showing designated parking areas for students, faculty and staff, visitors, and vendors is available on the Parking & Transportation page.

Digital permits are tied to your vehicle’s license plate, so there’s no need to display a physical permit or hang tag. To ensure proper enforcement, your license plate must be clearly visible and registered—vehicles may not back into spaces, as plates must face outward for scanning.

Yes, all vehicles parking on campus must register for a Florida Poly digital parking pass.

All vehicles parking on campus must register for a Florida Poly digital parking permit through the online Parking Portal.

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Technology

Florida Poly has a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) philosophy for campus computers. But if you are buying a new or used computer, the following specifications are recommended:

  • Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
  • 8 GB RAM* (upgradeable to 16 GB or more)
  • 250 GB hard disk or larger (7200 RPM) or SSD drive
  • DVD+-RW combo drive

Minimum hardware configuration: If your computer meets these requirements, you should be able to get one to two more years of good use out of it. Of course, this varies with specific requirements your work or studies may require.

Recommendations:

  • Intel Core i3 processor, or later
  • 4 GB RAM*
  • 120 GB hard disk
  • DVD+-RW combo drive
  • Recommended software Microsoft Windows 7 or older
  • Microsoft Office suite 2010 or later (provided by the University)
  • Antivirus software

You can access your Florida Poly email account through Office 365.

Contact the IT helpdesk by email at helpdesk@floridapoly.edu.

  1. Sign-in to MyPoly Portal with your current password.
  2. Once signed in click on the menu icon in the top right corner of the page.
  3. Click My Account from the menu icon’s drop down menu.
  4. On the left side of the page click Reset password.
  5. Enter new password.
  6. Click ok.
  1. Login with your MyPoly Portal credentials
  2. Press ctrl+alt+delete
  3. Click Change a Password
  4. Enter a new password. Your password must meet the following requirements:
    • At least 8 characters long
    • Contain at least one upper-case letter
    • Contain at least one lower-case letter
    • Contain at least one number or special character
    • Cannot contain your first or last name
  5. Click OK.
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Title IX

No, not entirely. Title IX addresses discrimination based on sex/gender. Title IX considers sexual harassment and sexual violence as a form of sex/gender discrimination and it requires that all incidents of sexual misconduct be viewed and worked to be stopped, prevented and provide a remedy.

Sexual misconduct is an umbrella term is used to refer to a broad range of sexually inappropriate behaviors that includes sex discrimination; sexual violence (rape/sexual battery/sexual assault); sexual harassment; intimate partner violence (domestic, violence, dating violence, relationship violence); stalking; sexual exploitation; and other forms of sexually exploitative behavior that can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual Misconduct can be committed by any person and can occur between people of the same or different sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity or gender expression. It is when there is a lack of consent, which cannot be gained by force (against a person’s will) or when a person cannot give consent (under the age of consent, incapacitated, or mentally/physically unable to consent).

  • Get away from the attacker and go to a safe place as soon as possible. Call 911.
  • Call a friend or family member you trust. You also can call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor. Peace River Center Phone: 863-413-2700 24/7 Crisis Line.
  • To preserve evidence do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body. Do not change clothes if possible, so the hospital staff can collect evidence. Do not touch or change anything at the scene of the assault.
  • You may go to your nearest hospital emergency room or Peace River Center as soon as possible. There you can be examined, treated for any injuries, and screened for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. They can do a collection of evidence using a rape kit (SAFE Exam: Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) for fibers, hairs, saliva, semen, or clothing that the attacker may have left behind.
  • The advocates from Peace River Center or the hospital staff can help you make choices about reporting the assault and getting help through counseling and support groups.
  • If you decide you want to file a police report, you or the hospital staff can call the police from the emergency room.

Peace River Center Phone: (863) 413-2700 24/7 Crisis Line or (863) 413-2708 Office Line

BayCare’s Student Assistance Program Phone: 1-800-878-5470

Employee Assistance Program Phone 1-844-208-7067

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224 (TDD)

National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Phone: 1-800-273-8255

Sexual Misconduct should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator, Michelle Disson.

Online: floridapoly.edu/report
Phone: 863-874-8484
Email: mdisson@floridapoly.edu or titleixcoordinator@floridapoly.edu

Sexual misconduct can be a potential crime but they also are violations of Title IX and university policy. Sometimes, specific conduct may not constitute a crime, but may violate Title IX and university policy. The university is committed to addressing and preventing sexual misconduct, regardless of whether such activity constitutes a crime.

The University has resources, options for reporting and investigating, and interim measures that may be available to a person who has experiences the misconduct and/or are going through the process of an investigation.

Going to the police and/or the University are two different reporting avenues that are different in nature.

  • University Administrative Process includes interviews with all parties and witnesses. There is a formal and informal resolution process available. The Title IX Coordinator will go over all options available when an in-person meeting occurs. The standard used for these processes is a preponderance of the evidence
  • Police Department is another reporting options for people that want to pursue a criminal complaint. This may include interviews and court proceedings. The standard used is beyond a reasonable doubt.

Your privacy is a priority. In some cases, limited information may be disclosed to allow for an investigation to move forward. Please discuss your concerns about privacy and confidentiality with the Title IX coordinator. If you disclose to a Responsible Employee (all faculty, staff, university police, Resident Assistants, and any other staff not labeled Confidential) they are required to report to the Title IX Coordinator. However, the Responsible Employee will only notify the Title IX Coordinator and maintain privacy to the person who experienced the misconduct by not disclosing it to others.

The Title IX Coordinator is the university official responsible for ensuring that the university complies with Title IX, including responding to and investigating all complaints of gender discrimination and sexual misconduct.

Please reach out to the University Title IX Coordinator:

Title IX Coordinator
Michelle Disson

4700 Research Way
Lakeland, FL 33805
863-874-8484

mdisson@floridapoly.edu
TitleIXCoordinator@floridapoly.edu

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University Police

Contact the police department by dialing 863.874.8472. If you are near a blue emergency phone, simply press the red button and you will automatically be connected to an answering service that contacts the Lakeland Police Department and Florida Polytechnic University Police. In an emergency, dial 911 from any phone. You can also report a crime anonymously.

Once connected, please:

  • State the nature of the emergency or your call
  • Clearly identify yourself
  • Give your exact location
  • Describe any suspects as accurately as possible

Call the police. Describe what you have seen so that we can decide the proper course of action. If you are unsure, call anyway. You may remain anonymous if you wish.

Yes. Call 863-874-8472 or pick up one of the blue emergency phones for assistance. An officer will arrive as soon as he or she is available.

No. Auxiliary Services handles all permit purchases, replacements, payments for citations and appeals. Auxiliary Services is located on the first floor of the Residence Hall III. Their phone number is 863.874.8433.

Drop the item off at the Florida Polytechnic University Police located at 4545 Polytechnic Circle (Campus Control Center) or call 863.874.8472 and a member of the University Police will retrieve the item.

Yes, simply call 863-874-8472.

The following are some simple precautions to reduce your possibility of becoming a crime victim:

  • Do not leave valuables in plain view inside your vehicle.
  • Always lock your car doors.
  • Do not leave valuables unattended at any time (this includes textbooks).
  • Do not share your password with anyone.
  • Immediately report any suspicious incidents or persons to the security office.
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Graduate Program

Florida Poly offers a variety of graduate programs. Visit the Graduate Programs page for a listing of degree programs.

Detailed instructions are available on the Graduate Admissions page.

New students are admitted once a year beginning in the fall.

Yes! We typically host tours five days a week and some Saturdays. More information on visiting Florida Poly can be found on our Visit Campus page.

Applicants can log in to their online application to view the most up-to-date information available regarding their application status. If you have additional questions please reach out to your graduate admissions counselor.

The Graduate Program enrolls students for Fall terms only. The deadline for the admission application and all supporting documents is March 15th. No decision will be given until after the March 15th deadline.

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