Fast Facts

Academic Programs

We offer 50 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs, along with graduate programs in business, nursing, and education.

Explore your degree options

Calendar

The 2013-2014 school year began August 21, 2013 and spring semester begins January 7, 2014. Florida Southern offers a May Option along with three summer sessions.

See academic calendar for details

Accreditation

Florida Southern College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral 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.

Learn more about our accreditations

Location

Lakeland, Florida is a safe, suburban, and incredibly inviting community between Tampa and Orlando in the heart of Florida’s high-tech corridor.

Explore Lakeland, FL

Our Students

Florida Southern enrolls 2,185 undergraduate and 134 graduate students representing 44 states and 50 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.

Take a virtual tour

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.

Learn more about athletics

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

The mission of Florida Southern College is to prepare students through dynamic engaged learning to make a positive and consequential impact on society.

College Vision

Florida Southern College will achieve national recognition for providing a transformational education for students through its distinctive synthesis of liberal arts and professional programs, and focus on student development through co-curricular and service learning programs. It will become a national model for engaged learning in order to achieve the learning outcomes students need to thrive in a global society. As a result of its pragmatic approach to liberal learning, the global perspective of its academic programs, effective engaged learning pedagogy, and distinctive learning outcomes in all disciplines, Florida Southern will ascend to the top 25 comprehensive colleges/universities in its Carnegie classification. Maintaining its affiliation with the United Methodist Church, Florida Southern will serve as the preeminent mid-size institution within the denomination, always striving to foster students’ spiritual growth.

Learn More About Our College Leadership

President's Message

Florida Southern is a remarkable institution characterized by unparalleled commitment to students and exceptional learning experiences.

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!

More about Engaged Learning

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.

Read the Cornerstone

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.

Here's what guidebooks have to say

Campus community. Enjoy inviting residence halls, a full calendar of activities and events, championship athletics, a thriving arts scene, and a built-in family!

Take a Closer Look

FSC is the perfect fit for you!

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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

Fairwell 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

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! :)

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