Fast Facts
Academic Programs
We offer 50 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs, along with graduate programs in business, nursing, and education.
Calendar
The 2012-2013 school year began August 22, 2012 and spring semester begins January 7, 2013. Florida Southern offers a May Option along with three summer sessions.
See academic calendar for details
Accreditation
Florida Southern College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelors and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Florida Southern College.
Location
Lakeland, Florida is a safe, suburban, and incredibly inviting community between Tampa and Orlando in the heart of Florida’s high-tech corridor.
Our Students
Florida Southern enrolls 2,185 undergraduate and 134 graduate students representing 41 states and 31 foreign countries.
Our Faculty
116 full-time faculty members teach FSC’s undergraduate courses; 85% hold the highest degree in their area of expertise; all are dedicated partners in learning who engage students in relevant, dynamic, and personalized instruction.
Princeton Review's
"Most Beautiful Campus"
With 60 buildings on 100 acres, all situated amidst an orange grove on the north shore of Lake Hollingsworth, our campus offers first-rate resources—including ivy-covered halls, cutting-edge research space, state-of-the-art classrooms, comfortable meeting areas, high-tech computer labs, a comprehensive library, performing arts complex, world-class fitness center, and more.
Residence Halls: 18 unique living options including traditional halls, special interest living/learning communities, and off-campus apartments.
Outdoor Spaces: Offering breathtaking views and wi-fi access, Lynn Garden, Hollis Garden, Babcock Garden, and other outdoor areas are perfect for campus events, recreation, lounging with friends, or completing homework.
Getting Involved
80+ clubs and organizations, including special interest groups, student government, Greek life, academic clubs, professional organizations, performing arts ensembles, campus ministries, varsity and intramural athletics, and service groups.
Learn more about getting involved
Arts & Culture
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—all free of charge to students.
Athletics
19 varsity sports plus water skiing and a full slate of intramurals that involves more than half our students each year.
Want more info? Check out: majors and programs, admissions process and requirements, campus life, tuition and costs or schedule a campus visit.
Mission & Vision
Florida Southern College is a place for doers and dreamers… for the involved and the invested… for those who consistently rise to the expectations set before them… for anyone who takes a risk… for everyone who says, "I'm in."
College Mission
Florida Southern College is committed to educational excellence and is a selective, comprehensive, private United Methodist college with a strong liberal arts core and signature programs. The College enrolls a talented student body and includes an accomplished faculty dedicated to teaching excellence. Outstanding opportunities for engaged learning, student-faculty collaborative research and performance, service learning, study abroad, and honors study are distinctive features of the academic program at Florida Southern. The College also offers exceptional student life programs, including a championship athletic program.
Engaged Learning
Florida Southern is a leader in engaged learning— learning that engages students in their subjects and puts education in action. In every academic discipline, our programs and professors allow students to experience what they’re learning through internships, research, study abroad, community service, performances, presentations, and more. Backed by guaranteed internship and travel study endeavors, our longstanding commitment to engaged learning ensures education that’s practical, dynamic, and fun!
Cornerstone
In all aspects of life, Florida Southern holds everyone on campus to the highest standards. Providing a foundation that ensures a strong and cohesive community, our Cornerstone outlines these standards of behavior— including personal and academic integrity, dignity and human value, kindness, and respect. Unique to Florida Southern, our Cornerstone promotes excellence of character, appreciation for diversity, concern for others, good use of resources, and promise for the future.
Why Choose Florida Southern
At Florida Southern, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind living and learning experience on the nation’s most
beautiful campus.
Need more reasons to choose FSC? Consider these…
Unmatched guarantees. We promise an internship and travel study—plus graduation in four years—for every incoming student.
Engaged learning. Connect with professors through small classes and hands-on experiences that bring learning to life. Research, study abroad, internships, service, performances, exhibitions, and class projects ensure education that’s practical, dynamic, and fun!
Top rankings. U.S. News & World Report ranks Florida Southern in the Top 10 "Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the South." We're also rated a "Best Value," which considers academic quality and the cost of attendance.
Campus community. Enjoy inviting residence halls, a full calendar of activities and events, championship athletics, a thriving arts scene, and a built-in family!
Exceptional value. Our high quality education is also affordable—especially since 97% of undergrads receive financial aid and we award $20 million annually in scholarships. Florida Southern is a long-term investment, but you’ll realize immediate rewards
Successful grads. Soon after graduation, 100% of our grads reported are working in their fields or pursuing advanced degrees. Interested in med school? Our students have a 100% MCAT acceptance rate and similar results in other fields.
Ideal location. About halfway between the thriving cities of Tampa and Orlando, we’re in a perfect place for jobs and internships— plus beaches, recreation, and fun in the sun!
Incredible campus. With scenic views of Lake Hollingsworth and inspiring architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, it’s
no surprise that The Princeton Review rated our campus most beautiful in the nation.
Come see for
yourself!
History
The oldest private college in Florida, Florida Southern College was founded in Orlando in 1883 as South Florida Institute.
Soon afterward, it moved to Leesburg. In 1885, a college curriculum was added and the college was opened to male and female students. In 1901, the college moved to Sutherland, now Palm Harbor, and in 1906, it was renamed Southern College. The college temporarily moved to Clearwater from 1921 to 1922, and in 1922, it moved again to the shores of Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. In 1935, the Trustees adopted the name Florida Southern College.
Despite changes in name and location, the College’s affiliation with the Methodist Church has remained constant, shaping its mission and traditions.
Campus Traditions
Central to the total Florida Southern experience, our rich traditions are among the most cherished memories for FSC students and graduates. Here’s a sampling:
Blast Off
This "fun in the sun" September event showcases Florida Southern's 80+ student organizations along with free food, inflatables, and activities.
Flap Jack Fling
Breakfast is served…at night! Students take a break from Finals Week studies to enjoy late-night breakfast (9–11 p.m.) in Wynee’s Bistro…all served by FSC staff and faculty!
Fair-well Festival
Complete with
"fair food," rides, novelties, and music, this popular campus event is the perfect way for the FSC community to
say "farewell" to the academic year each spring.
Water Dome Splash
Since the Water Dome is a FSC landmark students walk by often, it’s only fitting that graduating seniors join Dr. Kerr for a swim in this campus centerpiece each April.
Founders Ball
This spring tradition invites students to dress up and get down! Along with a formal dance and dinner, the event recognizes Student Government Association officers and announces the Agnes Johnson Rowe and James C. Rogers award recipients.
Southern's Got Talent
This annual production encourages Florida Southern students to showcase unique talents in a campus-wide show.
Snake Pit
Dubbed the "Snake Pit," the
student section at Florida Southern's home athletic events is the very best place to cheer the Mocs on to victory!
Casino Night
Feeling lucky? Try your hand at poker, blackjack, roulette, and other casino games at this popular annual event.
Steak and Shrimp Night
Wynee's Bistro hosts "steak and shrimp nights" each Saturday. What a great way to join your friends for food and fun!
Convocation
Convocation brings the Florida Southern community together for interesting and inspiring programs by nationally recognized speakers, authors, corporate leaders, and visionaries. These presentations spark conversation and connections across campus.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Students,
faculty, alumni, and friends gather to celebrate the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree near
Lake Hollingsworth.
Red Fridays
Florida Southern's campus becomes a sea of red and white each Friday, as members of the FSC community show their Moc pride.
What's your favorite campus tradition?
Josh McKee answered
I can't wait to be a senior and swim in the water dome :)
Melissa Angelo answered
The carnival [Fair-well Festival] at the end of the year! :)
-
Preview Day
Friday, June 7
Tour our beautiful campus, visit with current students and admissions counselors, and learn about the admissions process.
-
Summer Advising Days
Saturday, July 20
A great chance to learn more about Florida Southern, meet faculty members and academic advisors, plan your fall schedule, and even register for classes!
-
Orientation 2013
Saturday, August 17
This four-day program will provide an overview of the extensive range of opportunities available to you on campus.
About Florida Southern
Recognized as one of the nation’s top private colleges, Florida Southern features the most beautiful campus in the country (according to The Princeton Review), distinctive guarantees you won’t find at other schools, and a great location in Lakeland, Florida—less than an hour from Tampa and Orlando. Apply today!
Undergraduate Admissions & Financial Aid
111 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801