HIGHER EDUCATION
GUIDE TO COLLEGES
NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA, MANATEE-SARASOTA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, SARASOTA-MANATEE CAMPUS
RINGLING SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN
LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
LAKE ERIE COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE
DISCIPLINE KNOWLEDGE
EXPANDING WITH OUR REGION CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Students completing a degree at LECOM will be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge specific to their respective discipline.
PROFESSIONALISM
Students completing a degree at LECOM will be able to demonstrate effective skills and attitudes that represent an understanding of professionalism and ethical practice.
OSTEOPATHIC PHILOSOPHY
Students will adopt a holistic approach to the education and practice of their respective discipline.
“The success of our institution will not be judged by our size or number of locations but will depend upon the accomplishments of our graduates and their appreciation of the great opportunity that has been afforded them in becoming an osteopathic physician. It will depend upon their ability to represent us well in upholding our tradition of a peopleoriented practice of medicine no matter what specialty they choose or area of the country in which they practice.”
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is the nation’s largest medical college and is the only Academic Health Center in the osteopathic profession. Physicians and administrators at the Millcreek Community Hospital saw the growing demand for more physicians and opened LECOM in 1992. With the college and the hospital as the core of a highly innovative medical education system based in Erie, PA., LECOM has strived to add to the quality of life of our neighbors by bringing total health care to the community. The College brought a new concept in medical fitness and wellness to Erie, built a network of physician offices, and is the core of the nation’s only osteopathic academic health center, LECOM Health, a highly innovative, multifaceted health care and education system. LECOM offers innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and dental medicine. From campuses in Erie and Greensburg, PA, Bradenton, FL., and Elmira, NY, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of health care professionals. The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, is to prepare students to become osteopathic physicians, pharmacy practitioners, dentists, and podiatric physicians through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity. Serving as a guiding light and cornerstone in medical education and true to the core principles of its founders, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine has expanded its reach to include exceptional programs in graduate studies designed to provide scholars superlative education in the respective areas of study. The professional programs are dedicated to serve all students through innovative curriculum and the development of postdoctoral education and interprofessional experiences.
John M. Ferretti, DO, LECOM President/CEO
NEW COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
NARRATIVE EVALUATIONS
Instead of traditional letter grades, New College uses narrative evaluations to assess student progress and achievement. Faculty provide detailed written assessments that offer personalized feedback and guidance, allowing students to focus on their growth and development rather than a simple letter or number grade.
INDEPENDENT LEARNING
Every undergraduate student is required to complete tutorials and Independent Study Projects that combine a personalized education with passionate, independent learning. By working independently (alongside peers and faculty sponsors), students develop autonomy.
CAPSTONE HONORS THESIS
Every major requires the completion of a capstone honors thesis. These independent research projects, which often exceed 100 pages, allow students to delve deeply into their Area of Concentration and display their intellectual capabilities and analytical skills.
New College of Florida follows a distinctive model as a public liberal arts honors college. First and foremost, New College offers a rigorous undergraduate education focused on excellence in the liberal arts, including the sciences, emphasizing critical thinking and intellectual curiosity in pursuit of the truth. At New College, students have the opportunity to create their own academic programs and design their own course of study with the guidance of faculty advisors. This individualized approach allows students to pursue their interests, explore interdisciplinary connections, and tailor their education to their unique goals and passions.
“We are setting the standard for modern liberal arts education in America. The ancient Greek mathematician, Archimedes, believed math derived from a single point on a plane, saying ‘Give me a firm place to stand, and I will move the earth.’ New College will be that firm place.”
Richard Corcoran, President, New College of Florida
New College recognizes that not all students are the same, and not all classes are the same. The Contract System allows students to work closely with faculty advisors to tailor learning paths to individual students’ interests, goals, and strengths, creating a more customized, meaningful, and adventurous educational experience. More importantly, the Contract System encourages risk, allowing students to explore outside of their competencies. This risk-tolerant academic structure enables students to push themselves into areas of potential failure, which is the equation for growth and innovation. All students at New College must balance the Ancient Greek concepts of Logos and Techne in their educational odyssey. By balancing Logos and Techne, and understanding the relationship between them, students experience a truly holistic education: not only do they face the great intellectual expanse of humanity’s Great Works, but they also gain the tools, techniques, and mindset necessary to create, innovate, and apply knowledge in a tangible and purposeful manner.
Founded in Sarasota in 1960, New College of Florida was named the No. 1 Public Liberal Arts College by Washington Monthly in 2023 and is the Honors College of Florida. New College provides students with limitless, original opportunities for success through a highly individualized education that combines academic excellence, undergraduate research opportunities, and career preparation experiences. New College offers more than 50 undergraduate majors in arts, humanities and sciences; a master’s degree program in applied data science; exceptional STEM opportunities, including a home for world-class marine biology and marine mammal studies; and intercollegiate athletics in the NAIA.
RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CREATIVE PROGRAMS
EXPANDING WITH OUR REGION
BFA programs: Computer Animation, Creative Writing, Entertainment Design, Film, Fine Arts, Game Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Motion Design, Photography and Imaging, and Virtual Reality Development; BA programs: Business of Art and Design, Visual Studies. Ringling’s degree programs are top-ranked among the best in the U.S. and the world.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
INDEX (Industry Experience) is an experiential education program that provides all students the opportunity to gain professional experience prior to graduation by connecting them with leading brands to develop creative solutions to business challenges. INDEX represents the College’s priority and purpose: to focus on students’ futures and to empower them as creative leaders.
CAREER SERVICES
Ringling College of Art and Design is internationally recognized as one of the top art and design colleges, worldwide. Each year, their academic programs are consistently ranked as the best in the country and the world.
The Center for Career Services connects students with 100+ industry recruiters each year. They offer training and career preparation services, such as job search strategies, resume reviewing, interview training, portfolio building, and networking events. Career services are available to students and alumni for life.
“At Ringling College, we prepare students for success in tomorrow’s world, positioning them to emerge as leaders in an economy that relies heavily on creative skills and thinking, especially during this onset of artificial intelligence and automation. We are committed to helping our students turn their creative passions into their professions.”
Dr. Larry R. Thompson President, Ringling College of Art and Design
Since 1931, Ringling College has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specifi c to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. Our teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. Beyond our rigorous curriculum— pairing studio and liberal arts—we excel in propelling students outside of the classroom through client projects, substantive internships, and national competitions, stopping at nothing to shape our students into tomorrow’s leaders of art and design. Ringling College supports diversity in all forms. Our student body comes from 54 countries, 45 United States, and Puerto Rico. An active Student Life program supports multiple clubs and organizations, leadership and volunteerism opportunities, and student support services. Over 80% of our students live on our beautiful, residential campus.
Students are set up for success with access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as seven on-campus galleries. The Ringling College Museum Campus is home to the Sarasota Art Museum, and studio and lifelong learning programs. Ringling College is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE
SCF’s Associate in Arts degree is designed for students, who upon graduation from SCF, plan to transfer to a public or private college/university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their area of study. SCF’s Associate in Science degrees provide practical training and critical thinking skills to help graduates enter the workforce immediately in well-paying jobs.
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
SCF offers seven baccalaureate degrees in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, Health Services Administration, Management and Leadership, Nursing, and Public Safety and Emergency Management.
TECHNICAL AND ADVANCED CERTIFICATES
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF), is shaping the future of higher education and empowering the community through innovation and leadership. SCF partners with the community to expand opportunities, drive workforce development and enhance the region’s economic growth. As an open-access and student- focused institution, SCF provides flexible scheduling, in-person and online learning options and affordable tuition. Success coaches provide academic and career guidance, while scholarships, grants, federal financial aid and payment plans help remove financial barriers to earning a degree.
SCF offers over 36 technical and advanced certifi cates that train students in specialized fi elds. Most certificates include credits that translate directly to the requirements for an associate degree, and some can be completed in as little as one year.
“At SCF, success is within reach for students of all ages. Whether you’re just starting your educational journey or returning to build new skills, we provide affordable access and the support you need to achieve your goals. Together, we’ll ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, graduate and thrive.”
Tommy
President of
Gregory, J.D.
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
SCF offers more than 30 workforce degrees, three dozen certificates and seven bachelor’s degrees to provide students opportunities to work in high-demand careers. An array of signature offerings engages students and the community. With early college for high school students, a nationally renowned nursing program and university partnerships, SCF is at the forefront of teaching the skills employers are seeking. In addition to its high standards for educating students, SCF offers the only full college experience in Manatee and Sarasota counties, with intercollegiate athletics, intramural sports, student clubs and fine and performing arts.
Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development provides noncredit continuing education, personal enrichment and select credit-related programs at SCF campuses and community, business and industry locations. These programs provide students with the opportunity to quickly earn new credentials, reenter the workforce, launch a career or advance in their current profession. In the 26West Center, aspiring entrepreneurs can develop their business, while future programmers gain hands-on experience through the SCF Coding Academy. The Center also houses the Business Growth Lab, Digital Collective and Advanced Technology Center fostering innovation and professional growth.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
HERE FOR OUR GROWING COMMUNITY
EXPANDING WITH OUR REGION CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
The College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, the College of Education and the College of Nursing work with the local community to prepare students for careers in education, healthcare, communications sciences and disorders, aging studies, mental health policy, social work, the criminal justice system and other fields.
HERE FOR OUR GROWING MARKETPLACE
The Muma College of Business expanded its School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and The Baldwin Risk Partners School of Risk Management and Insurance. This growth initiative equips graduates with the skills needed to navigate the evolving and complex demands of their industries, fostering innovation and leadership across these sectors.
HERE FOR OUR GROWING FUTURE
USF is the first in Florida—and among the first nationwide—to launch a college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity with the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating AI and cybersecurity into real-world applications, along with AI-driven research for next-generation cybersecurity solutions.
USF Sarasota-Manatee is a hub for innovation and opportunity, offering students a world-class education in a close-knit, dynamic environment. With programs in cybersecurity, hospitality, nursing, and risk management, students develop the skills needed for high-demand careers while gaining hands-on experience in state-of-the-art spaces like the Bloomberg Lab, Nursing Lab, and College of Education Collaboratory.
USF’s reputation for excellence reached new heights in 2023 when it became just the third Florida university invited to join the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), recognizing its leadership in research and innovation.
“With the opening of our new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall, we are fostering a vibrant campus experience built on connection and purpose. USF is advancing groundbreaking discoveries that impact Tampa Bay. When you look at our community, you may not see our campus — but when you look at our campus, you will see our whole community. Through experiential learning and dedicated support, we empower students to thrive and contribute to our future—an achievement our entire community can be proud of.”
Brett Kemker, interim regional chancellor, USF Sarasota-Manatee
A game-changer for campus life, the new 100,000-square-foot Student Center and Atala Residence Hall opened in 2024. The top four floors provide 200 students with a home featuring stunning views of Sarasota Bay and SRQ Airport. The first two floors include a dining hall, book store, offices for USF World, student government, and other activities, and a ballroom available to the community to host events - creating a vibrant hub for connection and growth. We invite you to explore USF Sarasota-Manatee—online or in person—and discover how you can thrive here.
USF Sarasota-Manatee is a campus of the University of South Florida, a high-impact research university dedicated to student success and committed to community engagement. USF is situated in the vibrant Tampa Bay region, with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Together, our campuses serve nearly 50,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist and professional degrees. Across our 14 colleges, undergraduates choose from more than 200 majors, minors and concentrations, from business and engineering to the arts and USF Health.
SARASOTA-MANATEE
