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Florida Southern College (often referred to as either Florida Southern or FSC) is a private institution located in Lakeland, Florida and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Established in 1883, Florida Southern is the oldest private college in the state. Situated on a stunning 113-acre campus in the heart of Florida’s high-tech corridor and between the cities of Tampa and Orlando, Florida Southern’s campus has been named among the “Most Beautiful Campuses” by the Princeton Review. The campus sits amidst an orange grove on the north shore of Lake Hollingsworth and features ivy-covered halls, cutting-edge research space, state-of the-art classrooms, high-tech computer labs, comprehensive library, performing arts complex, world-class fitness center, and more.
Academic Programs
Florida Southern College has been accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1935 to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Florida Southern offers more than fifty programs of study including undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs plus a number of graduate-level programs in the areas of Business, Nursing, and Education.One of the unique features of Florida Southern is the school’s guarantee of signature educational opportunities, specifically, the promise that students will: 1) Graduate in Four Years; 2) participate in Incredible Internships; and 3) Study Abroad. FSC’s study abroad guarantee is fulfilled by its Junior Journey program through which every full-time undergraduate student completes an off-campus learning experience in destinations such as Washington, DC, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, England, France, and more. To fulfill its internship promise, students are given opportunities to work with local business and organizations of all kinds throughout the Lakeland and nearby Tampa and Orlando areas. Students also have the option to pursue highly competitive internships that are offered throughout the country. Finally, Florida Southern promises that, by following a few simple guidelines, students will graduate in four years or the college will cover the remaining tuition until they graduate.
Student Life
Florida Southern College has a total enrollment figure of nearly 3,000 – more than 2,400 of which are undergraduate students. Students hail from nearly every state in the Union as well as at least fifty foreign nations. A residential college, Florida Southern offers over a dozen unique living options including traditional halls, special interest living/learning communities, and off-campus apartments. Florida Southern is home to a thriving arts community and the Festival of Fine Arts which presents world-class artists in concerts, plays, ballet, opera, art exhibits and jazz events which students may attend free of charge. The college’s outdoor spaces offer students breathtaking views and students have access to FSC’s several gardens and other outdoor areas which are perfect for campus events, recreation, lounging, or completing homework.More than 80 clubs and organizations exist on campus, including special interest groups, student government, Greek life, academic clubs, professional organizations, performing arts ensembles, campus ministries, and service groups. An NCAA Division II School, Florida Southern sponsors nearly two dozen varsity sports teams plus water skiing and several intramurals which involve more than half of the student population each year.