LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University is expanding its educational offerings this fall with the addition of two new, industry-driven master’s degrees: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.
“Introducing two master’s degrees in these critical fields shows Florida Poly’s commitment to providing students with the specialized STEM education they need to thrive in high-wage, high-demand careers,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, the University’s president. “These degrees offer a powerful new pathway to both personal fulfillment and economic success, positioning graduates at the forefront of innovation.”
This expansion of the graduate program is a key element of Florida Poly’s broader growth strategy, driven by the increasing demand for the institution’s offerings.
“We are excited to strategically expand our curriculum in alignment with the growth of our campus,” said Dr. Brad Thiessen, Florida Poly’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. “This change further fuels our University to become the state’s top source of talented engineers.”
The new graduate program options replace a master’s degree in engineering that offered specialization tracks in each of the disciplines.
Ryan Sullivan, associate director of graduate and transfer admissions, said the new mechanical and electrical engineering degrees support the state’s priority of developing Programs of Strategic Emphasis in alignment with economic and workforce needs.
“These degrees will be more in line with the marketplace and what the industry demands from students graduating from these fields,” said Ryan Sullivan, associate director of graduate and transfer admissions.
The first cohorts of students began their programs this fall semester. Those already pursuing the previous engineering degree have the option to transition to the updated curriculum.
Both new degrees will be available to students who would like to pursue either a coursework or thesis path. Additionally, they are available as part of the University’s popular 4+1 degree program, which enables students to earn graduate credit while completing their undergraduate education, thereby accelerating their path to a master’s degree.
The new graduate degrees are part of ongoing academic development at the University. They join bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and industrial engineering that were added in 2023, and master’s degrees in data science and engineering management in 2022. In all, Florida Poly now offers five master’s and 12 bachelor’s programs, as well as the 4+1 degree program.
“This new electrical engineering degree can make you more marketable and will add to the strong success our graduates experience,” said Dr. Muhammad Rashid, Florida Poly’s interim chair of electrical, computer and cybersecurity engineering. “All the students so far who graduated from the master’s program found a job right away, and now it will be even easier for those who have a master’s degree in these specific engineering fields.”
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About Florida Polytechnic University: Florida Polytechnic University is ranked the number one public college in the Southeast Region for three years in a row and a top 20 public engineering program without a Ph.D. in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and a member of the State University System of Florida. Florida Poly is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and offers ABET-accredited degrees. Florida Poly is a powerful economic engine within the state of Florida, blending applied research with industry partnerships to give students an academically rigorous education with real-world relevance. Florida Poly’s iconic Innovation, Science, and Technology Building, designed by world-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, has won more than 20 global awards and was named one of the 16 most breathtaking buildings in the world. Connect with Florida Poly.
