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
Launch your future at Florida Tech, a research powerhouse built on innovation and space exploration.
Nestled on Florida's Space Coast, Florida Institute of Technology, or Florida Tech, is a private research university with a legacy deeply intertwined with space exploration and technological advancement. Established in 1958, this "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" institution has consistently pushed the boundaries of discovery, drawing students eager to contribute to the next generation of scientific and engineering breakthroughs.
Florida Tech was founded as Brevard Engineering College by Dr. Jerome P. Keuper with a crucial mission: to provide advanced education for professionals working on the U.S. space program at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. What began in airport buildings swiftly grew, moving to its current Melbourne location in 1961 and officially becoming Florida Institute of Technology in 1966. Its history is marked by a dedication to supporting critical national endeavors, fostering a culture of innovation from its very inception.
Academically, Florida Tech is structured around four robust colleges: Engineering & Science, Aeronautics, Psychology & Liberal Arts, and Business. It's no surprise that approximately half of its students are enrolled in the College of Engineering & Science, reflecting its core strengths. The university offers a dynamic environment for hands-on learning, equipped with facilities like the 32-inch Ortega Telescope, the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research, and the Harris Student Design Center, where students tackle real-world design challenges.
The student experience at Florida Tech is unique, shaped by its prime location near the Melbourne Orlando International Airport and Patrick Space Force Base. The 174-acre residential campus provides an immersive setting for a diverse student body, fostering collaboration and inquiry. With a commitment to research and a rich history of contributing to humanity's reach "Ad Astra Per Scientiam" (To the stars through science), Florida Tech prepares its graduates to make significant impacts across a multitude of fields.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1958 as Brevard Engineering College to support NASA's U.S. space program.
- ✦Classified as an "R2: Doctoral University – High research activity."
- ✦Home to four specialized academic colleges, with approximately half of students in Engineering & Science.
- ✦Features a 32-inch Ortega Telescope and the 11,500 square foot Harris Student Design Center for hands-on projects.
- ✦The university's endowment stands at $106 million as of 2024.
- ✦Seven residence halls are dedicated to the memory of the fallen astronauts of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
- ✦The university broke ground on a new 61,000 square foot Health Sciences Research Center in 2020.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
4 notable schools within Florida Institute of Technology
Nathan M. Bisk College of Business
Originally the College of Business, renamed in 2009, offering diverse business programs.
College of Engineering & Science
A core academic pillar, enrolling approximately half of the university's students with a strong focus on engineering and scientific disciplines.
College of Aeronautics
Created in 1967, this college offers specialized programs in aviation and aerospace, integral to Florida Tech's identity.
College of Psychology & Liberal Arts
One of the university's four academic colleges, providing programs in psychology and liberal arts.
Find Scholarships at Florida Institute of Technology
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search