Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) provides a diverse range of career programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful futures. Whether you are aiming for a bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree, or a professional certificate, FSW offers pathways to help you achieve your career aspirations. The college’s programs are structured to meet the demands of today’s job market, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to enter various professional fields.
FSW’s Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees are comprehensive programs requiring 120 credit hours. The curriculum is divided into two main segments: the initial 60 credit hours focus on general education courses and essential degree prerequisites, laying a broad academic foundation. The subsequent 60 credit hours are dedicated to specialized coursework within your chosen major. This structure ensures a balanced education, combining fundamental knowledge with in-depth expertise in your field of study. Similar structures are followed for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees, all emphasizing a strong grounding in general education followed by focused major-specific studies.
For students seeking a quicker route to employment or further education, the Associate in Arts (AA) degree at FSW is a strategic choice. This 60-credit-hour program in Florida is divided into a general education core and bachelor’s degree program prerequisites. The 36-credit-hour general education core, as defined by the Florida Department of Education, covers Communication, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Natural Sciences. The remaining 24 credit hours allow students to tailor their studies with program prerequisites. These should be selected based on the specific entrance requirements of bachelor’s degree programs at FSW or other universities to which students plan to transfer, making it a flexible option for those intending to pursue higher education after their associate degree.
The Associate in Science (AS) degree is specifically designed for students aiming to enter the workforce directly after graduation. To earn an AS degree, students must meet several key requirements. These include achieving the required semester hours for the degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00, completing all necessary non-course requirements, and successfully finishing at least 25% of the degree coursework at FSW. Additionally, students must fulfill all obligations to the college, meet graduation deadlines, and earn a grade of “C” or higher in required English composition and mathematics courses. All Associate in Science degree programs mandate a minimum of fifteen (15) semester hours in general education core curriculum, covering communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, adhering to Florida Department of Education standards.
Certain AS degree programs at FSW have limited admissions due to their specialized nature and high demand. These programs include Dental Hygiene, Nursing, Respiratory Care, Radiologic Technology, Cardiovascular Technology, Opticianry, Physical Therapy Assistant, and Emergency Medical Services Technology. Admission to FSW does not guarantee automatic entry into these programs. Prospective students must apply to both the college and the specific program separately. Application details for these selective programs can be obtained by contacting the college directly, ensuring students have all necessary information to apply for these competitive career paths.
FSW also offers Certificate Programs through the Division of Professional and Technical Studies Course Clusters. These course clusters are designed to provide specific skills and competencies, culminating in a Certificate of Completion. This certificate serves as formal documentation for employers, validating the student’s skills for employment or professional advancement. These programs are ideal for individuals looking to enhance their job skills or gain college credits without committing to a full degree program initially. Courses within these clusters often align with those required for associate degrees or Technical Certificates of Credit, allowing for a pathway to further education. It’s important to note that while these certificate programs offer valuable skills, students pursuing course clusters without declaring a degree-seeking major may not be eligible for federal financial aid. Each certificate program has specific requirements that must be met, including minimum semester hours, GPA, and completion of coursework at FSW.
In partnership with other regionally accredited institutions, FSW extends access to higher education through specific AS degrees and Certificate programs. These partnerships are formalized to broaden educational opportunities within the FSW service area, ensuring students have diverse pathways to achieve their career goals through collaborative programs.
Fsw Career Programs are structured to provide students with accessible and effective routes to professional success. From comprehensive bachelor’s degrees to targeted certificate programs, FSW is committed to offering educational opportunities that align with career ambitions and workforce needs.
