Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Degree Acceleration and Honors Programs



Degree Acceleration and Honors Programs

Florida SouthWestern State College provides multiple pathways for qualified secondary school students to enroll in college courses while still enrolled in secondary school, either through the public, charter, private, or homeschool system. High school students have the opportunity to receive both high school and college credit simultaneously, accelerating a student’s degree program. Students elect they are degree seeking as an Associate Degree or Vocational Certificate, and are able to take corresponding courses that are approved by the Accelerated Learning Articulation Agreement. Courses not included are college preparatory, Applied Music, and health and wellness courses. Accelerated Learning students will work with their high school counselors or designee and the FSW advising to ensure both high school and college requirements are being met. Accelerated Learning students have access to the College’s academic support centers, Honors program, clubs, and activities.

To qualify for Accelerated Learning, all candidates must demonstrate readiness for college-level work. Readiness for college-level work is determined through achievement of the state minimum cutoff scores on the appropriate sections of the PERT, ACT, SAT or AccuPlacer scores and meet the minimum high school GPA requirement, as outlined in the Accelerated Learning Articulation Agreements. Required test scores and grade points averages are found at www.fsw.edu/dualenrollment.

Accelerated Learning students must complete the “Dual Enrollment/Early Admissions Students Application” at www.fsw.edu/apply.  In addition, the student will submit a completed “Accelerated Learning High School Registration Approval Form” listing the courses that they are approved to register for each term. This form must be signed by the high school principal or designee and the applicant. Eligible students are able to enroll in classes on a Florida SouthWestern State College campus, FSW online, or on their high school campus. Some FSW courses require a high school transcript or accelerated test scores (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge AICE) to meet the prerequisite requirement.  Homeschool students must present annually a FSW Dual Enrollment Agreement for Home Education Students, and a Home School Verification Affidavit from the county school district in order to register for courses.

Accelerated Learning students have differing policies from traditional first-time in college students, such as; course selection, withdrawing from courses, and retaking courses. In all processes, school approval must be granted and the corresponding documentation is required. Refer to your school district’s Accelerated Learning Articulation Agreement for more information on these specific processes.

Accelerated Learning students must maintain their required high school grade point average and a Florida SouthWestern State College cumulative GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible. Students who fall below a 2.0 will be on Academic Probation for one semester, and can be removed from the program.

Accelerated Learning students are exempt from application, matriculation and tuition fees. Textbooks and instructional materials for public school students are provided by the school district. Students enrolled in non-public schools or in home school programs must pay for their textbooks and instructional materials. 

Specialized and/or limited-access programs and courses may include costs outside of the Accelerated Learning Program that are the responsibility of the student.  Please refer to the Accelerated Learning Articulation Agreement for more information.

Students who take FSW courses, whether the College’s campuses, online, or concurrently, fall under FSW college policies and Student Code of Conduct. Accelerated students are protected under Federal law that protects the privacy of student education record under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Accelerated Learning students who have an IEP or 504 must complete the self- identification process through the process through the College’s Adaptive Services to receive accommodations pursuant to Titles I and II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment is a part-time college program where student may elect to take college courses on a part-time basis. Students continue to maintain some high school courses in addition to their FSW college coursework. Students may elect to take courses on their high school campus (concurrent), on-campus, or online.

Early Admissions

Early Admission is a full-time college program, available to juniors and seniors, where qualified students enroll in 12-18 credit hours. Early Admission students will not have any high school courses, but may still participate in high school activities at their perspective high school.

Collegiate High School

Florida SouthWestern State College offers two collegiate high schools on our Charlotte and Lee Campuses. Servicing approximately 400 students from grades 9th-12th grade. Students complete an honors 9th and 10th grade curriculum with a unique focus on college-readiness to prepare students for the rigors of a college environment. Students in FSW’s Collegiate High Schools enroll full-time into FSW college courses their 11th and 12th grade year with possible completion of the Associates of Arts degree.

Advanced Placement

Florida SouthWestern State College participates in the Advanced Placement Program (AP) offered by the College Board to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for high school students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar an official transcript from the College Board for scores to be considered. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying AP examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee. Acceptance of AP tests and scores is subject to change without notice. Credit by examination may not duplicate credit previously earned through examination or through postsecondary courses in which a grade of “C” or higher has been earned. Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

 

Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

Examination AP Score of 3 AP Score of 4 AP Score of 5
  FSW Course Credits FSW Course Credits FSW Course Credits
Art History ARH 1000 3 ARH 1050, 1051 6 ARH 1050, 1051 6
Biology BSC 1005/1005L or BSC 1005C 4 BSC 1010/1010L 4 BSC 1010/1010L and BSC 1011/1011L

8

Capstone Research IDS Elective 3 IDS Elective 3 IDS Elective 3
Capstone Seminar IDS 1350 3 IDS 1350 3 IDS 1350 3
Calculus AB MAC 2311 4 MAC 2311 4 MAC 2311 4
Calculus BC MAC 2311 4 MAC 2311, 2312 8 MAC 2311, 2312 8
Chemistry CHM 1020C 4 CHM 2045/2045L 4 CHM 2045/2045L & CHM 2046/2046L 8
Chinese Language and Culture FOR 2001 4 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 8 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 8
Computer Science A CGS 1075 3 CGS 1075 3 CGS 1075 3
Computer Science AB CGS 1076 3 CGS 1076 3 CGS 1076 3
Economics: Macro ECO 2013 3 ECO 2013 3 ECO 2013 3
Economics: Micro ECO 2023 3 ECO 2023 3 ECO 2023 3
English Language and Composition ENC 1101 3 ENC 1101, 1102 6 ENC 1101, 1102 6
English Literature and Composition ENC 1101, or 1 course in AML, ENL, or LIT 1005 3 ENC 1101 and either ENC 1102 or LIT 1005 6 ENC 1101 and either ENC 1102 or LIT 1005 6
Environmental Science ISC 1051 3 ISC 1051 3 ISC 1051 3
European History EUH 1000 3 EUH 1000, 1001 6 EUH 1000, 1001 6
Foreign Language and Culture
(Modern  
French
Spanish
German)

FRE 2220

SPN 2220

GER 2220

4 or 5

FRE 2220, 2221

SPN 2220, 2221

GER 2220, 2221

8

FRE 2220, 2221

SPN 2220, 2221

GER 2220, 2221

8

French Literature          (discontinued 2011)

FOR 2001 3 FOR 2001, 2002 6 FOR 2001, 2002 6
Government and Politics: Comparative CPO 2001 3 CPO 2001 3 CPO 2001 3
Government and Politics: United States POS 2041 3 POS 2041 3 POS 2041 3
Human Geography GEO 2400 3 GEO 2400 3 GEO 2400 3
Italian Language & Culture FOR 2001 4 FOR 2001 & FOR 2001 8 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 8
Japanese FOR 2001 4 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 8 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 8
Latin LNW 1321 or LNW 1700 3 LNW 1321 or LNW 1700 3 LNW 1321 or LNW 1700 3
Latin Literature (discontinued 2012) LNW 1700 3 LNW 1700 3 LNW 1700 3
Latin: Vergil (discontinued 2012) LNW 1321 3 LNW 1321 3 LNW 1321 3
Music Theory MUT 1001 (Composite 3 or higher) MUT 1111, MUT 1241 (Both Aural & Non-aural subscores of 3 or higher) 3
6
MUT 1001 (Composite 3 or higher) MUT 1111, MUT 1241 (Both Aural & Non-aural subscores of 3 or higher) 3
6
MUT 1001 (Composite 3 or higher) MUT 1111, MUT 1241 (Both Aural & Non-aural subscores of 3 or higher) 3
6
Physics 1 PHY 2053/2053L 4 PHY 2053/2053L 4 PHY 2053/2053L 4
Physics 2 PHY 2054/2054L 4 PHY 2054/2054L 4 PHY 2054/2054L 4
Physics B (discontinued 2014) PHY 2053/2053L 4 PHY 2053/L & PHY2054/L 8 PHY 2053/L & PHY2054/L 8
Physics C: Electricity/Magnetism PHY 2054/2054L 4 PHY 2049/2049L 4 PHY 2049/2049L 4
Physics C: Mechanics PHY 2053/2053L 4 PHY 2048/2048L 4 PHY 2048/2048L 4
Psychology PSY 2012 3 PSY 2012 3 PSY 2012 3
Research (see Capstone Research)            
Seminar (see Capstone Seminar)            
Spanish Literature FOR 2001 3 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 6 FOR 2001 & FOR 2002 6
Statistics STA 2023 3 STA 2023 3 STA 2023 3
Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio * ART 1300C 3 ART 1300C 3 ART 1300C 3
Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio * ART 1201C 3 ART 1201C 3 ART 1201C 3
Studio Art: 3-D Design Portfolio * ART 1203C 3 ART 1203C 3 ART 1203C 3
United States History AMH 2010 3 AMH 2010, 2020 6 AMH 2010, 2020 6
World History WOH 1023 3 WOH 1023 3 WOH 1023 3
Examination FSW Course Credits FSW Course Credits FSW Course Credits

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Florida SouthWestern State College participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar an official transcript from the Educational Testing Service for scores to be considered. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for qualifying CLEP examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education and the Articulation Coordinating Committee.

Acceptance of CLEP tests and scores is subject to change without notice. Credit by examination may not duplicate credit previously earned through examination or through postsecondary courses in which a grade of “C” or higher has been earned. Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria. In some instances, courses that are currently inactive at Florida SouthWestern State College must be used; those inactive courses will be designated with an asterisk (*). For additional information, contact the Testing Services area on your local campus.

CLEP Examination

Score
Credit Award
BUSINESS
   
Business Law, Introduction to 50 BUL 2241 (3)
Financial Accounting 50 ACG 1001 (3)
Information Systems and Computer Applications 50 CGS 1077 (3)
Management, Principles of 50 MAN 2021 (3)
Marketing, Principles of 50 MAR 2011 (3)
     
COMPOSITION AND LITERATURE
   
American Literature 50 AML 1000 (3)
College Composition 50 ENC 1101 (3), 1102 (3)
College Composition Modular (essay must be passed) 50 ENC 1101 (3), 1102
English Literature 50 ENL 1000 (3)
     
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
   
French Language Level 1 50 FRE 1120 (4)
French Language Level 2 59 FRE 1120 (4), 1121 (4)
German Language Level 1 50 GER 1120 (4)
German Language Level 2 60 GER 1120 (4), 1121 (4)
Spanish Language Level 1 50 SPN 1120 (4)
Spanish Language Level 2 63 SPN 1120 (4), 1121 (4)
     
HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
   
American Government 50 POS 2041 (3)
Educational Psychology, Introduction to 50 EDP 2002 (3)
History of the United States I 50 AMH 2010 (3)
History of the United States II 50 AMH 2020 (3)
Human Growth and Development 50 DEP 2004 (3)
Humanities 50 HUM 2235 (3)
Macroeconomics, Principles of 50 ECO 2013 (3)
Microeconomics, Principles of 50 ECO 2023 (3)
Psychology, Introductory 50 PSY 2012 (3)
Sociology, Introductory 50 SYG 1000 (3)
Western Civilization I 50 EUH 1000 * (3)
Western Civilization II 50 EUH 1001 *(3)
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
   
Algebra, College 50 MAC 1105 (3)
Biology 50 BSC 1005 (3) no lab credit
Calculus 50 MAC 2233 (4)
Chemistry, General 50 CHM 2025 (3) no lab credit
Mathematics, College 50 MGF 1106 (3) or MGF 1107 (3)
Precalculus 50 MAC 1140 (3)
Trigonometry 50 MAC 1114 (3)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

Florida SouthWestern State College accepts the International Baccalaureate (IB) offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for high school students to proceed with their education. Students must submit to the Office of the Registrar an official transcript from the International Baccalaureate Organization for scores to be considered. Florida SouthWestern State College awards college credit for IB examination scores based on standards recommended by the Florida Department of Education and the Articulation Coordinating Committee. Acceptance of IB tests and scores is subject to change without notice. IB credit may not duplicate credit previously earned through examination or through postsecondary courses in which a grade of “C” or higher has been earned.  Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

 

.

In 2006, the Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-10.024 and the Board of Governors established that the credit granting recommendations below award equal course credit for diploma and non-diploma holders exam scores.

Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

IB Examination Score of 4 Course Score of 5 - 7 Course
Biology BSC 1005C BSC 1005C, BSC 1010/1010L
Business and Management GEB 1011 GEB 1011, MAN 2021
Chemistry CHM 1020C CHM 1020C, CHM 2045/2045L
Computer Science CGS 1100 CGS 1100, COP 1000
Design Technology ETD 1320 ETD 1320, ETD 1102
Economics ECO 1000 ECO 2013, 2023
Ecosystems & Societies EVR 1017 EVR 1017, Science Elective
English A1    
English Language A: Language and Literature ENC 1101 ENC 1101, ENC 1102
English Language A: Literature LIT 2000 LIT 2000, ENC 1141
Environmental Studies ISC 1050 ISC 1050, Science Elective
Film Studies FIL 2001 FIL 2001, FIL 2002
French: Language B FRE 1121 FRE 1121, 2220
Further Mathematics (Advanced Math) MHF 2202 MHF 2202, 2209
Geography GEA 2000 GEO 2200, 2400
German: Language B GER 1121 GER 1121, 2220
History WOH 1030 WOH 1030, History Elective
Information and Technology for a Global Society Elective Credit (3) Elective Credit (6)
Islamic History Elective Credit (3) Elective Credit (6)
Italian: Language B FOR 1001 FOR 1001, 1002
Latin FOR 1001 FOR 1001, 1002
Marine Science OCB 1000C or OCB 2010/2010L OCB 1000C, OCB 2010/2010L
Math Methods MAC 1105 MAC 1105, 1140
Math Studies MAT 1033 MAT 1033, MGF 1106
Mathematics MAC 1147 MAC 1147, 2233
Music MUL 1010 MUL 1010, MUT 1001
Philosophy PHI 2010 PHI 2010, PHI Elective
Physics PHY 1020C PHY 1020C, PHY 2053/2053L
Psychology PSY 2012 PSY 2012, PSY Elective
Social Anthropology ANT 1410 ANT 1410, 1511
Spanish SPN 1121 SPN 1121, 2220
Theater Arts THE 1000 THE 1000, THE Elective
Visual Arts ART 1012 ART 1012, ART Elective (2)

Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE)

The AICE program is an international, advanced secondary curriculum and assessment program equivalent to the British system of “A-Levels.” Florida SouthWestern State College follows the recommendations of the Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee. Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria. Grades are not based on the American “A” - “F” grading scale.

Exam Level Passing Score of “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”
Accounting AS ACG 1001 (minimum 3 credits)
Accounting A ACG 1001 and ACG elective (minimum 6 credits)
Applied ICT - Info/Comm/Tech AS CGS 1100 (minimum 3 credits)
Applied ICT - Info/Comm/Tech A CGS 1100 and Elective Credit (minimum 6 credits)
Art and Design AS Elective (minimum 3 credits)
Art and Design A Elective (minimum 6 credits)
Biology AS BSC 1005C (minimum 4 credits)
Biology A BSC 1010/1010L and 3 science elective credits (minimum 7 credits)
Business Studies AS GEB 1011 (minimum 3 credits)
Business Studies A GEB 1011 and GEB elective (minimum 6 credits)
Chemistry AS CHM 2025/2025L (minimum 4 credits)
Chemistry A CHM 2025/2025L and CHM 2045/2045L (minimum 8 credits)
Classical Studies AS CLA 1010 (minimum 3 credits)
Computing AS CGS 1073 (minimum 3 credits)
Computing A CGS 1073 and CGS 1074 (minimum 6 credits)
Design and Technology AS ETI X482C (minimum 3 credits)
Design and Technology A ETI X482C and Engineering Tech elective (minimum 6 credits)
Economics AS ECO 1000 (minimum 3 credits)
Economics A ECO 2013 and ECO 2023 (minimum 6 credits)
English - English Language or Language & Literature AS ENC 1101 (minimum 3 credits)
English A ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 or LIT 2000 (minimum 6 credits)
English - Literature in English AS ENC 1101 or ENC 1102 (minimum 3 credits)
English - Literature in English A ENC 1101 and ENC 1102 or ENC 1102 and LIT 1001 (minimum 6 credits)
Environmental Management AS EVR 1001C (minimum 3 credits)
French Language AS FRE 2220 (minimum 3 credits)
French Literature AS Foreign Language elective (minimum 3 credits)
French A FRE 2220, FRE 2221 (minimum 6 credits)
Further Mathematics A MAC 2311 and MAC 2312 or STA 2023 (minimum 6 credits)
General Paper AS IDS 2110 (minimum 3 credits)
Geography AS GEA 2000 (minimum 3 credits)
Geography A GEA 2200 and GEA 2400 (minimum 6 credits)
German Language AS Intermediate foreign language (minimum 4 credits)
German Language A Intermediate foreign language (minimum 8 credits)
Global Perspectives AS ISS 1011 (minimum3 credits)
Global Perspectives Pre-U Independent Research II A or Pre-U ISS 1011 and ISS 1012 (minimum 6 credits)
History - The History of the USA, c 1840-1968   AMH 2042 (minimum 3 credits)(discontinued 2014/revised 2015)
History - Modern European History, 1789-1939   EUH 1002 (minimum 3 credits)(discontinued 2014/revised 2015)
History - International History, 1945-1991   HIS 2206 (minimum 3 credits)(discontinued 2014/revised 2015)
History, US History, c.1840-1941 AS AMH 2029 (minimum 3 credits
History, US History, c.1840-1990 A AMH 2029, AMH 2020 (minimum 6 credits)
History, European History, c.1789-1917 AS EUH 1030 (minimum 3 credits)
History, European History, c.1789-1941 A EUH 1031, EUH elective (minimum 6 credits)
History, International Relations/History, c.1871-1945 AS WOH 1040 (minimum 3 credits)
History, International Relations/History, c.1871-1991 A WOH 1040, WOH 1043 (minimum 6 credits)
Latin AS FOR 1001 (minimum 3 credits)
Marine Science AS OCE 1001 (minimum 3 credits)
Marine Science A OCE 1001 and OCB 1000 (minimum 6 credits)
Mathematics AS MAC 1147 (minimum 4 credits)
Mathematics A MAC 2311 and Math elective (minimum 6 credits)
Media Studies AS DIG 1000 (minimum 3 credits)
Media Studies A DIG 1000 and DIG 1001 (minimum 6 credits)
Music AS MUH 1001 (minimum 3 credits)
Music A MUH 1001 and MUH 1011 (minimum 6 credits)
Physics AS PHY 1020C (minimum 3 credits)
Physics A PHY 2053/2053L and PHY 2054/2054L (minimum 8 credits )
Psychology AS PSY 2012 (minimum 3 credits)
Psychology A PSY 2012 and Psych elective (minimum 6 credits)
Sociology AS SYG 1000 (minimum 3 credits)
Sociology A SYG 1000 (minimum 3 credits)
Spanish Language AS SPN 2220 (minimum 3 credits)
Spanish Language A SPN 2220, SPN 2221 (minimum 6 credits)
Spanish Literature AS FOR 2001 (minimum 3 credits)
Thinking Skills AS PHI 2103 or PHI 1401 (minimum 3 credits)
Thinking Skills A PHI 2103 or PHI 1401 and PHI elective (minimum 6 credits)
Travel and Tourism AS HFT 1000 (minimum 3 credits)
Travel and Tourism A HFT 1000 and HFT elective (minimum 6 credits)

Career Pathways and Articulation

Lee, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Glades District Schools and Florida SouthWestern State College are partners in the Career Pathways philosophy which offers students the opportunity to focus on technical high school electives that will help train them for high-skill, high-wage occupations. While in high school preparing for careers and post-secondary education, students can begin to earn Florida SouthWestern State College credits. FSW provides the opportunity for technical program students to earn college credits that may be applied toward an Associate in Science degree.

Excelsior College (EC)

Florida SouthWestern State College follows the guidelines in Florida State Board Rule 6A-10.024 for awarding EC credits. More detailed information about Excelsior College Examinations, including detailed test descriptions, can be found on-line at www.excelsior.edu. EC credit granted by FSW may be transferable to participating Florida institutions of higher education. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the institution to which he/she expects to transfer to determine the acceptability of this credit. Courses in bold are non-institutional course numbers that are state-mandated for use in awarding credit to those students meeting the criteria.

Examination Passing Score FSW Course (3 credits per exam)
Abnormal Psychology C CLP 1140
Earth Science C GLY 1000
English Composition C ENC 1101 or ENC 1102
Ethics: Theory and Practice C PHI 2630
Foundations of Gerontology C GEY 1000
Human Resources Management C MAN 2300
Introduction to Music C MUH 1011
Labor Relations C MAN 2400
Life Span Developmental Psychology C DEP 2004
Managerial Accounting C ACG 2071
Microbiology C MCB 2000 (lecture only)
Principles of Marketing C MAR 2011
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging C PSY 1402
Workplace Communication with Computers C OST 1335
World Conflicts since 1900 C WOH 1040

UEXCEL Credit-by Examination program is developed jointly by Excelsior College and Pearson. Florida SouthWestern State College follows the recommendations of the Articulation Coordinating Committee.

Exam Passing Score FSW course (3 credits per exam unless otherwise noted)
Calculus C MAC 2311 (4 credits)
College Writing C ENC 1101 (3 credits)
Spanish Language C SPN 1120 (4 credits)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK)https://www.ptk.org

The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students.  To achieve this purpose, Phi Theta Kappa provides opportunities for the development of leadership, service, for an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals, for lively fellowship for scholars, and for stimulation of interest in continuing academic excellence.  FSW supports four chapters of PTK: Alpha Tau Eta - Charlotte Campus, Alpha Upsilon Nu - Collier Campus , Beta Tau Pi - Hendry/Glades Center and Omicron Epsilon Chapter - Thomas Edison Campus.

In order to be a member of an FSW chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, a student must meet all of the criteria outlined below:

  • A 3.5 or higher overall GPA (excluding college prep courses)
  • Completion of 12 college credit hours (excluding college prep and level 1-4 EAP courses)
  • Be seeking an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree
  • Not  have previously earned an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Bachelor’s degree or higher from FSW or any other institution
  • Be enrolled in classes in the semester for which membership is applied
  • Adhere to the FSW Code of Conduct
  • Possess recognized qualities of citizenship

Once a student has been inducted as a member of PTK, the student’s transcript will be marked showing Phi Theta Kappa membership and induction term.  A student who has been inducted into one of the FSW chapters of PTK may attend chapter meetings, hold office, and participate as a full member in PTK sponsored activities on any FSW campus.

Honors Scholar Program

Florida SouthWestern State College’s Honors Scholar Program offers students an enriched and challenging educational experience that extends learning beyond the classroom. We strive to cultivate academic excellence, skillful leadership, and commitment to social responsibility. As a rigorous, transdisciplinary program, we inspire students to seek out transformative experiences and participate in the world in new ways.

Mission and Values

Mission

The mission of the Florida SouthWestern State College’s Honors Scholar Program is to offer students an enriched and challenging educational experience that extends learning beyond the classroom. We strive to cultivate academic excellence, skillful leadership, and commitment to social responsibility. As a rigorous, transdisciplinary program, we inspire students to seek out transformative experiences and participate in the world in new ways.

Values

Independent Knowledge-Seeking

Our program develops intellectual curiosity that leads to exemplary independent research and consistent engagement with the outside world. Honors scholars cultivate their own ability to acquire necessary skills and knowledge to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

Intellectual Risk-Taking

Our program creates a safe and supportive environment that encourages students to accept intellectual challenges, embrace uncertainty and learn from mistakes. Our courses and extra-curricular activities facilitate both independent thought and collaborative engagement for intellectual growth.

Cultural Empathy

Our program teaches students to inhabit respectfully the positions of others and to be open to diverse perspectives. Honors scholars practice charitable dialogue to broaden their understanding of cultural interconnectedness and awareness of how individuals and societies are shaped by socio-political factors.

Engaged Stewardship

Our program engenders social responsibility and a commitment to activism. Honors scholars are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and take appropriate action for the good of the local and global community.

Global Problem-Solving

Our program cultivates awareness of how individual and local actions resonate on a global scale. Through our coursework and extracurricular activities, students identify their role in the international community and are encouraged to create solutions for global challenges.

Creative Engagement

Our program offers a platform for the discovery and cultivation of creative potential so that students make meaningful intellectual and aesthetic contributions to society. Honors scholars trust the revision process and acknowledge the value of the continual refinement of ideas.

Discourse Versatility

Our program teaches students to communicate discipline-specific content to diverse audiences. Honors scholars hone these skills in academic and professional forums where they engage with the broader intellectual community.

Benefits of the Program

  • $1500 per semester for qualified students
  • Opportunities to participate in State, Regional, and National Conferences
  • Opportunities for Study Abroad in partnership with the Center for International Education
  • Access to smaller classes taught by our most talented professors and attended by our most dedicated students
  • Seminar style classes which often include hands-on field research

Admission Guidelines for the Honors Scholar Program

We use a holistic approach to identify and evaluate talented candidates so as not to exclude late-bloomers, non-traditional students, or students who may have met with substantial obstacles which prevented them from developing their full potential prior to their application to the College. This program is best suited for students seeking an AA degree who have not taken more than 30 credit hours. We accept applications twice a year. For fall admissions, the deadline is always April 5th; for spring admissions the deadline is October 15th. Dual-enrolled students need to download the application on our website or stop by the Honors Office to pick one up. DO NOT fill out the online scholarship application.

Applying for Affiliate Membership

Students who do not meet the requirements for Full Membership but who are still academically talented in specific discipline(s) may still be able to take specific Honors classes as an Honors Affiliate.  This student is a major or related major in the discipline, shows exceptional talent in the discipline, and would benefit from the greater engagement with subject matter offered by the Honors Scholar Program.

  • Student has a minimum 2.5 GPA on College degree coursework.
  • Student has a minimum 3.0 GPA on discipline-related coursework.
  • Student must complete an Affiliate Application and submit it to the Honors Scholar Program Coordinator.
  • Affiliate members must earn an A or B+ in their Honors class(es) to be eligible to enroll in future Honors classes.
  • Affiliate members are not awarded Honors Program Scholarships.

Graduating High School Students

In-coming Freshman should fill out the FSW scholarship application online.

Those who are rewarded an Academic Excellence scholarship are automatically placed in the Honors Scholar Program.

Dual-enrolled High School Students

  • DE students can apply to the honors program the first semester they are enrolled on campus. The must have their professors fill out the “Grade Verification” form. Their acceptance will be contingent upon the grades they receive in their college courses that semester. If they receive a “B” or higher, they will be formally admitted into the program.
  • DE students who have already completed college coursework must have a 3.0 GPA.
  • One letter of recommendation from College Faculty and one letter from High School faculty, Counselor, or Administrator
  • Participation in extracurricular activities
  • Approval by Program Coordinator

Current FSW Students

  • GPA of 3.2 on 12 hours of College coursework exclusive of College Prep courses
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • Approval by the Program Coordinator

Transfer Students

  • GPA of 3.2 on 12 hours of College coursework exclusive of College prep courses
  • Two faculty recommendations
  • Approval by Program Coordinator