Florida State University

In the heart of Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, Florida State University (FSU) is not only a public research university—it's where tradition and innovation meet. Established in the 19th century and characterized by a vibrant community of students, faculty, and alumni, FSU is one of the top institutions in the United States. From groundbreaking research to championship athletics, FSU has consistently demonstrated itself committed to academic excellence, student success, and engagement around the world.

A Rich Historical Foundation

The history of Florida State University begins in 1851, and it is among the oldest higher education institutions in Florida. It was initially founded as the West Florida Seminary and has since experienced numerous name changes before it officially became Florida State University in 1947.

In its early years, FSU had a profound effect on the educational system of Florida. It initially was a coeducational university but later on became the Florida State College for Women in the early part of the 20th century. Following World War II, the university returned to coeducation as an attempt to accommodate the wave of returning veterans who were clamoring for college education.

Such age-old history has made FSU a tradition-affirming institution, yet still embracing change and progress.

Academic Excellence

FSU is now a center of academic excellence. It offers over 360 degree programs, undergraduates, graduates, and professional degrees across 16 colleges. Some of its very distinguished programs include:

- Business (within the College of Business, one of the best public business schools in the nation)

- Law (FSU College of Law has a reputation for its environmental law and international law programs)

- Fine Arts (home to one of the top-ranked dance and film schools in the country)

- Criminology and Criminal Justice

- Engineering (in collaboration with Florida A&M University)

The university is also classified as an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This prestigious classification reflects FSU's dedication to research, innovation, and academic excellence.

In recent years, FSU has made significant gains in national rankings. U.S. News & World Report has annually placed FSU among the Top 20 public universities in the nation—a testament to the university's continued dedication to student success and academic excellence.

A Vibrant Student Life

FSU college life is nothing short of refreshing. With over 700 student organizations, there is something for everyone—Greek, academic, cultural, or community service organizations, to say the least.

The university also emphasizes leadership and individual development through programs like The Center for Leadership & Social Change and its part in developing students to be socially responsible leaders.

Campus traditions are a part of the FSU experience. Students take pride in attending events such as:

- Homecoming Week

- The Torch Lighting Ceremony

- Dance Marathon, a student-led fundraising event raising millions for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

FSU's open and diverse campus community offers students from all walks of life the opportunity to excel, learn new things, and form lifelong friendships.

Seminole Spirit: Athletics at FSU

One cannot talk about FSU without mentioning its iconic athletics program. The Florida State Seminoles are powerhouse competitors in NCAA Division I athletics, especially in football, baseball, and track and field.

The FSU football team, in particular, has a legacy of greatness. The Seminoles have captured numerous national championships and produced dozens of NFL greats under legendary coaches like Bobby Bowden. Doak Campbell Stadium, home of the football team, is one of the largest stadiums in college football and a point of school pride.

FSU's commitment to athletic excellence is matched by its support for student-athletes, ensuring their success on and off the field.