Florida Institute of Technology or Florida Tech was founded in 1958 as “Brevard Engineering College.” It all started as an idea in the mind of Jerome P. Keuper, Ph.D., a visionary physicist working at Cape Canaveral (now NASA Kennedy Space Center). As university lore would have it, Dr. Keuper expressed his desire to create a scientific and technological university to a friend over drinks at a local pub. Overhearing the conversation, a fellow patron pushed 37 cents in change across the bar and said, “There’s your first donation, Jerry. Now go and build that college.” So, Dr. Keuper did. And what started with 37 cents as a night school for the early “missile men” of the U.S. space program is now a comprehensive national research university recognized worldwide for excellence in preparing students for careers of the future.
What we are is a private, coeducational, residential, research-intensive, doctoral granting university located in the beautiful City of Melbourne on Florida’s sunny “Space Coast.” But who Florida Tech are is so much more. By building community of researchers, scholars and learners hailing from all around the world. Creating engineers, aviators, innovators, leaders, educators, athletes and astronauts. We have the brains of rocket scientists and the hearts of Panthers.
Florida Institute of Technology’s mission is to provide high-quality education to a culturally diverse student body in order to prepare students for entering the global workforce, seeking higher-education opportunities, and serving within their communities. The university also seeks to expand knowledge through basic and applied research and to serve the diverse economic, cultural, and societal needs of our local, state, national and international constituencies.
There’s a simple reason Florida Tech is known as Florida’s STEM University. To put it simply: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are in our DNA. This makes STEM a driving force behind who we are, what we do, and why we exist.
The university put together the following list to help you explore all of the STEM-related academics, activities, and opportunities available at Florida Tech.
STEM Academics:
- Aldrin Space Institute
- College of Engineering and Science
- Degree Programs
- Discovery Magazine (Faculty Research News)
- Math Advancement Center
- Math and Science Teacher Education
- Sustainability
Location
Melbourne, Florida (USA)
What’s it like to live and learn at Florida Tech? While the answer differs for every student, there are a few things we all pretty much agree on. The people are friendly, open-minded and passionate about their work. For an idea of the place, think “top engineering school meets top vacation spot.” We’re equal parts innovation and sunshine. Florida Tech offers a comprehensive residential college experience, meaning that campus is a place to live, learn, dine, play, explore and grow. From university-wide events and community activities to service opportunities and more than 100 student organizations, there’s always something to do.
Florida Tech hosts countless cultural, educational and entertaining events every year, most of them free to students and open to the greater Brevard County community. Keeping your finger on the pulse of arts and culture is simple at Florida Tech, home to two art museums, a performing arts center and a National Public Radio affiliate station and studio. Part of everyday life on campus is being able to get the help you need, when you need it. We want you to be as healthy, happy and successful as possible with university variety of service – Bookstore, Career Management Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Services, International Student & Scholar Services, Holzer Health Center.
School & Faculty
Florida Tech comprises four distinct academic colleges, each with a strong focus, as well as an interdisciplinary honors college. Explore the colleges to learn more about the schools, departments, research centers, laboratories and programs housed within.
- College of Engineering and Science
- Nathan Bisk College of Business
- College of Aeronautics
- College of Psychology and Liberal Arts
