Anticipation and Excitement on Campus as Florida Tech Prepares for Fall Term

More than 4,700 Students Enrolled in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, FLA. —Proud parents. Panther pride. Anticipation and excitement.

All are in abundance at Florida Institute of Technology as the start of the fall semester approaches.

An estimated 4,762 undergraduate and graduate students will begin their classes on Florida Tech’s Melbourne campus on Monday, Aug. 17, a total representing a 3.1 percent increase from the same time one year ago.

These students will enjoy the hallmarks of a Florida Tech education – small classes, top-flight faculty, the latest equipment, unprecedented, hands-on experiences – but the semester will also bring new opportunities to learn – and celebrate.

• Harris Student Design Center: Powered by a $1 million gift from Harris Corporation, the newest building on campus will offer College of Engineering and College of Science seniors completing capstone design projects an unparalleled work space. The 11,500-square-foot structure, located on the south side of campus, will offer students high bays, welding stations, a 2.5-ton overheard crane and more as they fabricate and assemble the remarkable variety of projects featured in the university’s annual Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase.
• Doctor of Business Administration: The fall term marks the start of Florida Tech’s DBA degree, the first time the program has been offered at the main Melbourne campus. This is a three-year cohort program designed for next-level business leaders looking to enhance their skills through extensive case-study analysis. Its curriculum is focused on research, strategic management, entrepreneurship and critical thinking for decision-makers. After two years, DBA students spend their third and final year completing a dissertation based on original quantitative and/or qualitative research.
• Florida Tech Panther Stadium: As the Florida Tech Panthers prepare for their third football season, the university and Brevard Public Schools announced plans to rename Palm Bay Magnet High School’s stadium Florida Tech Panther Stadium. The agreement will mean new stadium signage behind the west stands, on the front of the press box located at the top of the west stands and on the turf at midfield, which will bear a ‘P’ for both the Panthers and the high school Pirates. The Panthers’ football program has played at the school since its inaugural 2013 season. And this spring, the men’s lacrosse team and the first-year women’s lacrosse team played all their home games at the 4,980-seat facility. The football team’s home opener is Sept. 5 against Newberry.

To schedule a visit to campus or for additional information, contact University News Bureau Chief Adam Lowenstein at adam@fit.edu or 321-674-8964.

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