LAKELAND – Following months of research and discussions with academic consultants, Florida Polytechnic University’s Strategic Planning Committee has recommended five degree programs in the College of Innovation and Technology and the College of Engineering.
“After an extremely thorough market investigation, these programs were identified as meeting the real-time response to employer needs, and are in-line with the recommendations of the Board of Governor’s Commission on Higher Education Access & Attainment,” said Dr. Ghazi Darkazalli, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Florida Poly. “The introduction of these programs and academic goals is the culmination of extensive efforts that have taken place over the last several months.”
Within each of the proposed degree programs, there are opportunities for students to specialize in certain fields of concentration. Here is the college and degree program breakdown:
PROPOSED DEGREE PROGRAMS
College of Innovation and Technology |
|
| Degree | Fields |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s of Advanced Technology | Cloud Virtualization & Big Data Analytics |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science | Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s of Computer Science and Information Technology | Cyber Gaming, Information Assurance and Cyber Security |
College of Engineering |
|
| Degree | Fields |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering | Control Systems, Magnetics, Digital Systems, Electrodynamics, Semiconductors |
| Bachelor’s and Master’s in Industrial Engineering | Multifunctional Materials Development, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Motion Control |
In addition to the strong focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses, the proposed degrees incorporate mandatory leadership, finance and management training into all programs.
“Our goal is to produce students who not only are capable of meeting the demands of STEM-related employers, but who are also capable of creating that demand themselves,” said Board Chairman Rob Gidel. “We want our graduates to have the tools to manage the business of STEM.”
Florida Poly’s first students are expected to begin courses as early as August 2014, and the student recruitment strategy is already underway.
The Committee proposed agreements with STEM charter and magnet schools to serve as feeders to Florida Poly. The University will also collaborate with state colleges to implement feeder programs for students looking to transition to Florida Poly after obtaining an associate’s degree.
Other strategies include employing a summer studies program for youth modeled after Duke’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) and recruiting international students from South America and Asia.
“I am extremely pleased with the work of the Strategic Planning Committee and Dr. Darkazalli and his team,” said Chief Operating Officer Ava Parker. “They have developed exceptional degree programs that are responsive to Florida’s economic needs. And they have established a solid student recruitment model to attract the best and brightest to Florida Poly.”
Florida Polytechnic University’s Board of Trustees will meet on April 2, 2013.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Debbie Angleton
Phone: 863.583.9057
