Florida Poly boosts graduate opportunities with higher stipends, program enhancements

Florida Polytechnic University is aiming to attract the brightest STEM graduate school candidates in the state through recent enhancements to its graduate program.

The updated program increases the graduate assistantship stipend amount for thesis-track students from $2,400 to $4,000 per semester.

“With this change, our graduate programs now offer some of the most competitive stipend packages in the state,” said Emily Lowers, graduate program coordinator.

The students also have their graduate tuition waived. With about half of the graduate population pursuing a thesis, Florida Poly has also set aside funds to send students to attend relevant conferences.

Another important change was formalizing and publicizing the priority admission status the University gives to graduating Florida Poly students, program officials said. This includes waiving the required letters of recommendation and transcripts. These undergraduate students need only to submit an application and statement of purpose summarizing their research interests and goals, easing the sometimes-arduous process.

“From an admission standpoint, the University is really focused on streamlining the process,” said Ryan Sullivan, associate director of graduate and transfer admissions.

Each incoming graduate student is assigned a faculty advisor, who works directly with the student throughout the course of their program and directs them through degree completion.

“Especially for students who are at the academic level needed for the thesis pathway, having a faculty advisor who helps hone their research skills and provides feedback to strengthen their work can be invaluable,” Sullivan said.

Graduate program applications are currently being accepted.

For the most recent University news, visit Florida Poly News.

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.