Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL
Quick Facts
“Ad Astra Per Scientiam (Latin)”("To the stars through science")
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Florida Institute of Technology
From Space Race to research leadership, Florida Tech rockets careers in science and engineering.
Florida Institute of Technology, often called Florida Tech or FIT, offers an extraordinary launchpad for ambitious students aiming for the stars. Established in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College, its very foundation was intertwined with the burgeoning U.S. space program. Located in Melbourne, Florida, on the vibrant Space Coast, FIT was created to provide advanced education for the brilliant minds working at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. This deep-rooted connection to innovation and exploration continues to define the university's cutting-edge approach to education and research.
As a private research university classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity," Florida Tech is a hub for discovery. The university is organized into four academic colleges: Engineering & Science, Aeronautics, Psychology & Liberal Arts, and Business. With approximately half of its student body enrolled in the College of Engineering & Science, FIT boasts a formidable reputation in STEM fields. Students benefit from an environment where theoretical knowledge meets practical application, preparing them for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.
The 174-acre residential campus in Melbourne offers a dynamic living and learning environment, strategically positioned near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport and Patrick Space Force Base. Florida Tech fosters a strong sense of community, reflected in its modern facilities, including seven residence halls dedicated to the fallen astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. The university continuously invests in resources like the Harris Student Design Center for hands-on projects, state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Health Sciences Research Center, and the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research, ensuring students have access to the tools they need to succeed. With a student body of over 5,100 on-campus and nearly 4,800 online students (as of 2024), Florida Tech provides a comprehensive and engaging educational experience for a diverse range of learners.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1958 to support the U.S. space program at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.
- ✦Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity," signifying a strong research focus.
- ✦Approximately half of its students are enrolled in the prestigious College of Engineering & Science.
- ✦Boasts a substantial endowment of $106 million as of 2024.
- ✦Features a 174-acre residential campus in Melbourne, Florida, near major aerospace hubs.
- ✦Modern facilities include the Harris Student Design Center and a 32-inch Ortega Telescope for astronomical research.
- ✦New residence halls are named in memory of the seven fallen astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within Florida Institute of Technology
Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
One of the university's four academic colleges, focused on business education.
College of Engineering & Science
A major academic division, enrolling approximately half of all students and a hub for STEM fields.
College of Aeronautics
Dedicated to aviation and aerospace studies, initially established as the School of Aeronautics in 1967.
College of Psychology & Liberal Arts
Offers diverse programs in psychology and liberal arts disciplines.
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