Eckerd College: A Liberal Arts Education for an Uncertain Future

Eckerd College, a liberal arts institution located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers a distinctive educational experience designed to prepare students for success in an ever-changing world. With a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and lifelong learning, Eckerd provides a broad and comprehensive curriculum that encourages students to explore their interests and develop the skills necessary to thrive in any field.

A Foundation in the Liberal Arts

Eckerd College embraces the philosophy that a "liberal" education is the best preparation for an uncertain future. Every student, regardless of their chosen major, completes four years of coursework across a wide variety of disciplines, including art, literature, the natural and social sciences. These General Education courses cultivate essential skills such as critical thought, complex decision-making, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Academic Programs and Majors

Eckerd College offers a diverse range of academic programs, with 42 majors available to students. The ten most popular majors for 2024 graduates include:

Biological and Biomedical Sciences (41%)
Natural Resources and Conservation (13%)
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (10%)
Visual and Performing Arts (6%)
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs (3%)
English Language and Literature/Letters (2%)
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (2%)

Eckerd also offers combined-degree programs, such as the 3-2 Engineering/Applied Science programs with Columbia University and Washington University in St. Louis.

Dual Degree Engineering Programs

For students interested in engineering and applied science, Eckerd offers 3-2 or 3-3 Dual Degree programs in partnership with McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and Columbia University. These programs provide students with a unique opportunity to combine the benefits of a small liberal arts college with the specialized resources of a large engineering school.

Read also: Academics at Eckerd

During the first three years at Eckerd, students benefit from small classes and personalized attention from professors. They have the opportunity to explore various disciplines, such as engineering, physics, chemistry, marine science, pre-medical or pre-veterinary studies, mathematics, and computer science, before choosing a specific area of focus.

After completing their studies at Eckerd, students transfer to either Washington University or Columbia University for their final two or three years of specialized engineering coursework. This allows them to gain a strong foundation in the liberal arts while also developing expertise in their chosen engineering field.

MakerSpace: An Engineering Playground

Eckerd College features a MakerSpace equipped with a variety of tools and equipment, including a 3D printer, CNC router, blacksmithing station, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, button maker, and woodworking tools. The MakerSpace is run by students, many of whom are engineering majors, who provide training and support to other students.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Eckerd College emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with numerous opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

Off-Campus Study

Eckerd College is recognized as the #1 baccalaureate college in the nation for short-term study abroad programs. Students can embark on faculty-led study abroad adventures to various countries or spend a semester at Eckerd's study center in London. These experiences provide students with a global perspective and enhance their understanding of different cultures.

Read also: Eckerd Admission Requirements

Research

Research opportunities are available for students to delve deeper into their areas of interest. For example, one recent student assisted her professors in developing upper-level lab experiments and conducting computational work on plasma engines for Hall thrusters.

Service Learning

All Eckerd students are required to complete 20 hours of service before graduation. The "Engineering a STEM Exhibit" course, for example, involves volunteering at the St. Petersburg Science Festival, working with middle school students on CAD projects, and hosting introductory electronics events for middle schoolers.

Preparing Students for the Future

Eckerd College is committed to preparing students for success in their careers and beyond. The college emphasizes the development of essential skills, such as problem-solving, analytics, and teamwork, which are highly valued by employers.

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, problem-solving skills are the most sought-after by businesses when hiring. Analytics and the ability to work as part of a team are also highly valued. Eckerd's liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning provide students with ample opportunities to develop these skills.

A Vibrant Campus Community

Eckerd College offers a vibrant and supportive campus community. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and over half of the classes have fewer than 20 students, allowing for personalized attention and close interaction with professors.

The college is located on a beautiful waterfront campus on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with easy access to some of the world’s best beaches. Residence halls offer ocean views, and most are pet-friendly. St. Petersburg, where Eckerd is located, is known as one of the happiest places to live in the country and is a growing hub for tech jobs.

Mentoring Program

Eckerd's mentor program fosters strong relationships between students and faculty, providing guidance and support throughout their academic journey. Mentors help students tailor their academic programs to their interests and encourage them to explore different perspectives across various disciplines.

A Welcoming Environment for Undecided Students

Eckerd College provides a welcoming environment for students who are undecided about their major. A large number of first-year and transfer students come to Eckerd without a declared major, and the college offers resources and support to help them explore their interests and find the right path.

The college's liberal arts curriculum allows students to draw from a variety of theoretical, methodological, and philosophical frameworks to inform their educational journey. Students are encouraged to explore different disciplines and discover their passions.

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