Polk State College: Programs, Opportunities, and Pathways to Success

Polk State College, established in 1964, offers a diverse range of academic programs and opportunities for students seeking higher education and workforce training in Polk County, Florida. With locations in Bartow, Lakeland, Lake Wales, and Winter Haven, the college serves over 14,000 degree-seeking students and 9,000 individuals in workforce training programs annually. Polk State is committed to providing accessible and affordable education, fostering student success, and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Academic Programs: A Wide Array of Choices

Polk State College offers a variety of degrees and certificates to prepare students for future success. These include Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), Bachelor of Science (BS), Associate in Arts (AA), and Associate in Science (AS) degrees, as well as a wide range of certificate and workforce training options. The college also operates three charter high schools.

Bachelor's Degrees: Advanced Training in Polk County

Polk State College offers six bachelor's degrees, providing students with the opportunity to gain advanced training in Polk County. These include:

Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management: This degree is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership roles in various industries. Graduates are prepared to manage teams, oversee projects, and make strategic decisions.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: This program prepares students for a rewarding career as a registered nurse, providing them with the clinical skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality patient care.
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Sciences: This degree program focuses on the science and technology behind aviation and aerospace, preparing students for careers in the aviation industry, including piloting, air traffic control, and aerospace engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education: This program prepares students to work with young children in a variety of settings, including preschools, daycare centers, and elementary schools.
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education: This program prepares students to teach elementary school, providing them with the pedagogical skills and subject matter knowledge necessary to be effective educators.

Associate Degrees: Pathways to Careers and Further Education

Polk State College offers both Associate of Science (AS) and Associate in Arts (AA) degrees. The AS degree is designed for students who seek to enter the workforce immediately after completing their education, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary for specific careers. The AA degree is intended for students who plan to continue their studies at a four-year institution, providing them with a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences.

Associate of Science (AS) Degrees: Career-Focused Training

Polk State College offers a variety of AS degrees in fields such as:

Business Administration, AS: An associate’s degree in business administration makes graduates eligible for a variety of entry-level to middle-management positions at various organizations, including wholesale and retail stores, service organizations, financial agencies, banks, large businesses, and government agencies. Students select one of the following specializations: management, insurance, healthcare administration, and marketing. Salaries vary based on the area of specialization and the industry.
Business Operational Management, AS: This program is designed for graduates of Ridge Technical College and Traviss Technical College who have completed a program of 900 clock hours or more. The program prepares graduates to move into supervisory or management roles in their chosen technical field. Eligible students are awarded 15 credits toward the technical skills portion of the degree. Estimated potential earnings with an associate’s degree in business operational management vary depending upon industry and experience.
Accounting Technology, AS: There is a steady demand for skilled accounting professionals in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Entry-level positions are available in receivables, payables, payroll and auditing in all types of organizations. The program is also of value to the small business owner. Estimated potential earnings with an associate’s degree in accounting technology have a median salary of $45,560.
Hospitality and Tourism Management, AS: Through the Hospitality and Tourism Management program, students are prepared for employment in a managerial position in the hospitality industry. The program can also provide supplemental training for an individual who has been or is currently employed in this field. The sequence of courses provides coherent, in-depth content aligned with the relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare the graduate for further education or an immediate career within various sectors of the Hospitality and Tourism industry. The program curriculum equips students with the skills necessary for jobs in food service, event planning, and hotel/resort management. The program culminates in a capstone course or internship where students can directly apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the program.
Supply Chain Management, AS: The supply chain management program at Polk State College incorporates the newest technology and state-of-the-art equipment in preparing students to work in this exciting career field. Supply chain management graduates work in diverse areas such as strategic sourcing and supply management, project management, purchasing and inventory management, production planning and scheduling, logistics and distribution management, and quality management.

Graduates from the above programs can continue their education with Polk State College’s Bachelor of Applied Science.

Associate of Arts (AA) Degree: Transfer to a Four-Year University

The Associate in Arts (AA) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor's degree. Earning an AA degree at Polk State College provides a solid academic foundation and prepares students for the rigors of university-level coursework. Furthermore, completing lower-level courses at Polk State can be a more affordable option before transferring to a larger university.

Workforce Certificates: Gaining a Competitive Edge

Workforce certificates are also available for those who want to gain new skills, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce. These certificates provide focused training in specific areas, allowing students to quickly acquire the skills and knowledge needed to enter or advance in their chosen field.

Open Admissions Policy and Accessibility

Polk State College maintains an "open-door" policy and welcomes any high school graduate with a qualifying diploma or GED certificate. Test scores and/or GPA are not factors in the admissions decision. The application to Polk State College is available for free on polk.edu. Limited-admissions programs such as Nursing and Health Sciences require additional applications specific to each program. Admissions and Financial Aid preferred deadlines are six weeks prior to the beginning of each term.

The college's commitment to accessibility extends to its tuition costs, which are approximately one-third the cost of universities and private colleges. The total estimated full time costs of $5,167.00 consists of $3,367.00 for Tuition, $1,800.00 for Books and Supplies, and $0.00 for Housing. Financial aid is available to eligible students, and prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Returning students should start early in the admission process.

Read also: Application Process

Distance Learning: Flexibility and Convenience

Distance learning at Polk State College involves initiatives to bring many Polk State College courses to students in such a way that the traditional barriers of time and distance no longer exist. Online classes rely on this technology, allowing students flexibility and convenience in scheduling classes. In many ways the online environment is similar to other formats. The most successful students in online classes are highly motivated and disciplined individuals who are comfortable with technology. Polk State College publishes Distance Learning courses on the FloridaShines Course Catalog.

Student Life: Clubs, Organizations, and Athletics

No matter if you’re into the environment or salsa dancing, there is a Polk State student club or organization for you. The College offers dozens of student life opportunities - all you have to do is join. Don’t see what you’re looking for?

The Polk State Eagles play in the Suncoast Conference, and the College traditionally fields strong teams in men's baseball, women's softball, men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s soccer.

Transfer Pathways: UCF Online Partnership

Polk State College and the University of Central Florida have partnered to offer a pathway for PSC students to transition to an online bachelor’s degree at UCF. If you’re a Polk State Eagle and want to become a UCF Knight, we can get you there. UCF Online’s connect coaches help throughout your transition, putting you on the path to earning your degree without stepping foot on campus. Completing your online degree from UCF is not only convenient, but opens a world of opportunities - from Winter Haven to UCF’s campus and beyond. Your home meets your university starting now. Ready to take the first step? Monique Carter and Johanny Santana are the coaches dedicated to serving students at Polk State College.

Economic Security Report

Pursuant to section 1001.02(w), Florida Statutes (F.S.), Polk State College, is required to provide each student access to the economic security report of employment and earning outcomes prepared by the Department of Economic Opportunity before registration.

Read also: Educators in Polk County

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