Exploring Graduate Programs at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers a diverse range of graduate programs designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen fields. With a strong emphasis on research and innovation, FAU provides a stimulating environment for graduate students to pursue their academic and professional goals. Since opening its doors in 1964, FAU has pushed the boundaries of higher education by building a rich tradition as a teaching university. In addition, FAU is now earning a reputation as a top research institution in areas ranging from biomedicine and biotechnology to ocean engineering and coastline security.

Graduate Programs in Engineering and Computer Science

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at FAU offers a variety of graduate programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry. These programs cover a wide spectrum of disciplines, providing students with opportunities to specialize in areas of their interest.

Artificial Intelligence

The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers innovative programs and training curriculum cover AI theory, methods, and technologies.

Computer Engineering and Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Engineering (PhD CE) and the PhD in Computer Science (PhD CS) programs are designed to prepare students for academic careers in higher education, research scientist positions at high-tech companies and research labs, and senior roles in computer engineering and computer science related fields. Topics of study include software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and cryptography, machine learning and data analytics, spatial database and data mining, computer networking, cloud computing, Internet of Things and more. The department offers thesis and non-thesis options at the master's level.

Electrical Engineering

The PhD in Electrical Engineering (PhD EE) program aims to prepare students for academic careers, research positions, and senior roles in electrical engineering related fields.

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers professional programs designed specifically for working professionals with courses offered in a flexible format that includes evenings, weekends, and online material using Canvas.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in designing and developing machines and systems that produce power. Their work spans a wide range of applications, from home appliances and power tools to air conditioning systems, car engines, planes, and nuclear reactors. The profession of mechanical engineering is responsible for much of the world in which we live.

Ocean Engineering

Ocean engineers focus on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of ships, offshore structures, and ocean technologies. This includes aircraft carriers, submarines, sailboats, tankers, tugboats, yachts, oil rigs, underwater robots, and acoustic sonar. They study the effects of waves, currents, and the saltwater environment on marine vehicles and structures, developing methods and materials to withstand wave forces and protect against corrosion. Recent trends and future needs point to increased demand for ocean engineers, particularly in the oil and gas industries, offshore industry and clean energy sectors.

Civil, Environmental & Geomatics Engineering

The Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatics Engineering offers a Ph.D. program with a focus in Transportation and Environmental Engineering that provides students with the knowledge and skills to address the great civil engineering challenges of our future in areas such as infrastructure, mobility, and environmental/water resources sustainability. Program provides students with advanced technical expertise they need to be successful in research and technical leadership positions in the industry and the public sector.

Biomedical Engineering Certificate

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) offers a graduate Certificate Program in Biomedical Engineering that is associated with the Florida Center for Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology. EECS administers the program in consultation with an Industry-Medical Advisory Board.

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Cyber Security Certificate

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers the Cyber Security Certificate with a track in Computer Science (CS). Cybercrime related issues especially impact the State of Florida because a significant part of the state's economic development comes from tourism, international banking and high-tech industries. The State of Florida, because of its geographic location on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, is especially impacted by corrosion-related issues. However, the number of engineers with special expertise in corrosion or with an advanced degree in corrosion is not on track to satisfy the need for such experts.

Graduate Programs in Science

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science provides graduate students with numerous opportunities for learning, teaching, and research. The programs offer multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary training for careers in research or education in academia, government, or industry. The College actively collaborates with the growing biotechnology cluster in South Florida, including Scripps Florida, the Max Planck Florida Institute, and the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies. The College offers Ph.D. and Masters Degrees in fully accredited programs in Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Neuroscience Graduate Program, Psychology, Geosciences, Mathematics, Environmental Science, and Physics. Many of our graduate students obtain research and teaching assistantships to assist with tuition and living expenses.

Graduate Programs in Education

FAU also offers a range of graduate programs in education, designed to prepare educators for leadership roles and advanced practice. These programs include:

Master of Education in Instructional Technology
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
Master of Education in Special Education
Master of Education in Educational Leadership in School Leaders (IDEAL)
Master of Education in Educational Psychology

These programs are CAEP accredited.

Online Master's in Education

FAU offers 5 online master's in education degree programs, with concentrations in:

Read also: Graduate Fees at CMU

Curriculum and Instruction
Educational Administration and Supervision
Educational Psychology
Educational/Instructional Media Design
Special Education and Teaching

The programs feature 44 credit-granting courses taught by 40 full-time and 36 part-time instructional faculty, all of whom hold a Ph.D. or terminal degree. The faculty have an average of 14 years of experience teaching online courses, and the program fully finances faculty training, requiring 4 hours of initial training and ongoing training. The faculty demographics are: White (49.0%), Black or African American (18.0%), Unknown (14.0%), Asian (9.0%), and Hispanic/Latino (9.0%).

Students can earn the degree entirely online, with credits earned online equal to those earned on campus. The majority of faculty who teach online also teach on campus, and half of the curricula are the same for online and campus students. Classes do not include campus-based students, and there is no collaboration among online and campus students. Students enroll as online students.

The Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is used to attend synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Our LMS is tablet compatible and offers apps. The Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) is used to attend synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Some courses do not have exams. Those courses use authentic assessment in which students work on projects that connect the content to real work situations. Proctored exams are available through several different formats depending on the level of stakes required of the testing situation. All exams can be recorded using webcam technology. The videos can be previewed by the instructor or through a company. For high-stakes testing, we have testing centers on all of our campuses and will make arrangements for the student to take the exam at any testing center in the United States.

Graduation and Retention

The one-year retention rates for new students are:

New student retention rate (2023-2024) - Data appears as written by the school.
New student retention rate (2022-2023) - Data appears as written by the school.
New student retention rate (2021-2022) - Data appears as written by the school.
New student retention rate (2020-2021) - Data appears as written by the school.

In 2024-2025, there were 116 total program graduates. The program requires 36 credits to graduate, and the most frequent duration of time for new students to graduate is 2 years, which is also the program target time and required time to earn the degree. The three-year graduation rate for 2024-2025 was 69%.

Student Composition

The average age of new entrants is 35 years. The racial and ethnic composition of enrolled students is:

Black or African American: 30.1%
American Indian or Alaska Native: 0.3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 0.3%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 0%

9% of enrolled students are veterans or active service members.

Admissions Information

The average undergraduate GPA of entrants is 3.5, with 100% providing their undergraduate GPA. The average GRE score breakdown is 146 verbal, 142 quantitative, and 3.6 analytical writing, with 5% of entrants providing GRE scores. Standardized test policy - GRE not used in admissions.

Requirements include 2 letters of recommendation from professional contacts. There are no education-related work experience, undergraduate degree, or undergraduate course work requirements. A TOEFL iBT Test is required for international students, with a minimum score of 79. A Duolingo English Test is not required. IELTS is not required.

Academic factors considered include undergraduate institution, undergraduate GPA, undergraduate field of study, recommendation(s), and standardized test scores. Non-academic factors considered include application essay, character/personal qualities, first-generation college student status, applicant's interest level. Alumni/alumnae relations and geographical residence are not considered.

The Director of Admissions is Maura Flaschner.

Financial Information

Part-time and full-time tuition (per credit, in-state and out-of-state) is $304. Veterans do not pay in-state tuition. The same tuition is charged for all online programs. 13% of new students are employer sponsored.

College-funded aid (fellowships, assistantships, grants or scholarships) is available, and international students are eligible for college-funded aid. FAU is not a Yellow Ribbon Program member.

The average debt of 2024-2025 graduates who borrowed was $35,194, with 47% of 2024-2025 graduates having debt.

The Financial Aid Director is Tracy Boulukos.

Additional Resources and Opportunities

FAU offers a rich experience beyond the classroom and lab. The stadium has undergone a major overhaul to make it one of the most exciting stops on campus. The Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA), part of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, actively promotes the interests of graduate students by providing academic resources, social programming, and networking opportunities.

FAU offers quality education at a reasonable rate. Compare favorably with other state of Florida schools. Financial Certification Form (International Students). Florida Academic Scholars (FAS) and Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS) earning a baccalaureate degree in seven semesters or fewer (or the equivalent in credit hours) may receive funding for one term of graduate study, not to exceed 15 semester hours, paid at the undergraduate rate.

Many of our graduate students obtain research and teaching assistantships to assist with tuition and living expenses. to graduate students - be sure to indicate your interest in assistantships during the application process.

FAU sets the trends in online learning.

Postgraduate Outcomes

Masters of Education Online students have award winning tutorial support, academic advisors, financial aid counselors, career support, and more! The data appears as written by the school. Alumni on which school collected usable information70%. Alumni who received a raise or promotion since first enrollingN/A. Postgraduate outcomes - The data appears as written by the school.

Visiting FAU

Explore why Florida Atlantic University is the perfect choice for your graduate studies! Experience Florida Atlantic firsthand by scheduling a personalized campus tour. Walk through our beautiful campus, visit key facilities, and get a glimpse of student life while learning about our graduate programs and resources. Unable to visit in person? Take a virtual tour from the comfort of your home! The Graduate College offers monthly information sessions to give you an opportunity to learn more about FAU's many graduate programs. These sessions provide information about the admissions process, along with helpful tips from the testing center, financial aid, and student health services.

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