School Details
With a strong foundation in online learning, Florida Gulf Coast University offers an exceptional value with high-quality programs that prepare you for a broad range of leadership roles.
Our graduates possess an entrepreneurial spirit and are well prepared for diverse and productive careers while remaining civically engaged and environmentally conscious. We’re renowned for our relevant curriculum and supportive faculty that enable you to soar toward your personal and professional goals.
Accreditation & Licensing
Florida Gulf Coast University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Business
The Local Government Management Certificate at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed for professionals seeking expertise in public administration, budgeting, and strategic planning within local government settings.
Key features include:
- 15-credit program with courses in public budgeting, personnel administration, and intergovernmental relations
- Fully online format, offering flexibility for working professionals
- Elective options in areas like strategic planning, nonprofit management, and grant administration
- Credits can be applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) for further advancement
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in city and county management, public finance, and policy administration.
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in executive, supervisory and management positions in various types of businesses. This accredited online program from Florida Gulf Coast University emphasizes the application of analytical, technical and behavioral tools to meet organizational challenges. Leadership and teamwork, the appropriate application of technology, entrepreneurial approaches, and global and ethical awareness are integrated throughout the program. Our rigorous core coursework teaches concepts across all business disciplines. You will deepen your expertise in accounting, economics, financial management, business strategy, data-driven decision-making, global supply chains and more. Plus, you can tailor your degree to your interests and goals by choosing your elective courses.
Gain a broad-based business background along with the leadership skills to meet business challenges in the age of “Big Data.” In this 100% online MBA program from the AACSB-accredited Lutgert College of Business, you will learn fundamentals of data management, data mining, business intelligence methods and visualization tools, and more. Leadership and teamwork skills, the appropriate application of technology, entrepreneurial approaches, and global and ethical awareness are integrated throughout the program. Our rigorous core coursework teaches concepts across all business disciplines. You will deepen your expertise in accounting, economics, financial management, data-driven decision-making, global supply chains and more. Apply your cross-cultural skills in our Business Strategy capstone course while learning to create maximum value and expand market opportunities for any company.
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to work in executive, supervisory and management positions in various types of businesses. This 100% online MBA program from the AACSB-accredited Lutgert College of Business emphasizes the application of analytical, technical and behavioral tools to meet organizational challenges. Leadership and teamwork skills, the appropriate application of technology, entrepreneurial approaches, and global and ethical awareness are integrated throughout the program. Our rigorous core coursework teaches concepts across all business disciplines. You will deepen your expertise in accounting, economics, financial management, business strategy, data-driven decision-making, global supply chains and more. Plus, you can tailor your degree to your interests and goals by choosing your elective courses.
Florida Gulf Coast University offers the online Master of Public Administration. This degree prepares students for administrative positions in the public and not-for-profit sectors. It is designed for students who have significant in-service experience as well as for students who have little or no prior work experience in public or not-for-profit organizations. Through quality teaching, scholarship, and service, the program will enhance students’ skills in leadership and management, critical thinking, and communication.
Students can select from the following concentrations:
- Public Leadership and Management
- Environmental Policy and Planning
The Master of Science in Accounting and Taxation (MSA&T) at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed for professionals seeking advanced expertise in accounting, taxation, and financial analysis.
Key features include:
- 30-credit program with a concentration in analytics available
- GMAT/GRE waiver for qualified applicants
- Flexible course delivery—students can choose face-to-face, synchronous online, or a mix of both
- Focus on emerging trends, including business analytics, big data, and visualization
Graduates are prepared for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, taxation, and financial consulting.
Computer Science & IT
The Master of Science in Data Analytics & AI at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed for professionals seeking expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making.
Key features include:
- 30-credit program with flexible online or face-to-face course options
- GMAT/GRE waiver available for qualified applicants
- Focus on emerging technologies, including predictive analytics, deep learning, cybersecurity, and big data
- Managerial and technical skill development, preparing graduates for leadership roles in AI strategy, business intelligence, and IT management
Students can tailor their coursework to align with AI-driven problem-solving, advanced data analysis, and digital transformation initiatives.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice provides students with an extensive overview of the criminal justice system. Students study the processes of investigation, prosecution, defense, and corrections. There are many online academic resources available to students.
Course topics include:
- Legal Studies
- Juvenile Justice
- Criminal Justice Management
Classes are taught by expert faculty who are committed to the academic success of every student. Career opportunities for graduates include jobs in law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, courts, and more. Graduates are prepared to make a positive impact on society by serving communities and making them safer.
In the fabric of society, the law stands as both a guardian and a guide. Understanding its complexities, nuances, and implications requires a specialized education that merges knowledge with practical application. Enter the online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, a program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, its principles, and its role in shaping contemporary issues.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Litigation
- Trusts and Estates
- Criminal Law
- Family Law
Career opportunities for graduates include jobs as paralegals, legal assistants, compliance officers, and more. The online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to legal education. This online program equips graduates to navigate the complexities of law and contribute meaningfully to society as informed, ethical, and engaged citizens.
In an era marked by evolving crime patterns, advancements in technology, and shifting societal norms, the field of criminal justice stands at a critical juncture. The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice is a beacon of education, empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework necessary to navigate the complexities of law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system. This advanced degree program not only deepens one’s understanding of criminological theories but also equips graduates with the tools to effect positive change in society.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Courts
- Corrections
- Criminal Justice Administration
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice represents a transformative educational pathway for individuals. Students grow passionate about advancing the principles of justice, fairness, and public safety. Armed with a strong ethical foundation, critical thinking skills, and a commitment to social change, graduates are poised to make a meaningful impact within the criminal justice system.
Education
You can increase your content knowledge in instructional design with the Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology from FGCU. This online program also develops your skills in creating educational digital media products.
Besides covering the foundations of educational technology, you will study such topics as:
- Instructional design
- Technology integration
- Universal design for learning
- Instructional design for eLearning
With your instructional design graduate certificate, you qualify for positions as an instructional designer or instructional technologist in schools, libraries, and museums.
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed for PK-12 educators seeking to advance their expertise in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational leadership.
This fully accredited program offers flexible delivery formats, including online and hybrid options, making it accessible for working professionals. Students can choose from multiple concentrations, such as Elementary Education, Reading Education, Science Education, Mathematics Education, Social Science Education, and English Education.
If you are just starting in the teaching profession, the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from FGCU can help advance your career in educational leadership. This online education administration master’s degree appeals to teachers in all sorts of educational settings who want to move into a leadership position that does not require certification.
The department offers two concentrations—P-12 Education or Higher Education. Through the online education administration coursework, you will learn such topics as:
- Foundations of curriculum and instruction
- School budgeting and reporting
- Human resources
- School law
Graduates learn to meet the needs of today’s P-12 students through effective school organization, leadership, and management. Those who successfully complete the program find success as teacher leaders, department chairs, or academic program developers.
The Master of Arts in Instructional Design & Educational Technology (IDET) at Florida Gulf Coast University is a fully online, 36-credit program designed for professionals seeking expertise in learning experience design, instructional technology, and applied learning research.
Key features include:
- Flexible course formats with 8-week sessions in fall and spring and 6-week sessions in summer
- Year-round enrollment with start dates in fall, spring, or summer
- In-state tuition waivers available for out-of-state students
Graduates are prepared for careers as instructional designers, learning experience designers, curriculum developers, and instructional technologists in K-20 education, corporate training, government, and nonprofit sectors.
The M.A. in School Counseling at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed for individuals seeking to become certified school counselors. The program covers student learning and behavior, legal and ethical issues, college and career development, appraisal methods, counseling theories, group work, special populations, research, and program evaluation.
Key features include:
- 600 internship hours across three semesters in local schools
- Alignment with Florida Department of Education and ASCA standards
- Pathway for non-certified teachers, requiring additional coursework and FTCE exam completion
Graduates are prepared to support academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and college/career readiness for K-12 students.
In the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education online program, you will grow your expertise in the field of language arts education. Prepare to cultivate advanced reading methods to teach the fluent decoding of words and the construction of meaning—and analyze research relevant to the identification, placement and instructional strategies effective with students with reading difficulties. Courses are taught by the same respected faculty who teach on campus and are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure you reach your full potential as an educator. This program includes one practicum that applies your cumulative development.
The innovative Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Reading Education program from FGCU is built for PK-12 teachers seeking added education in reading in order to make a greater impact on students and achieve career goals. In this program, you will develop your ability to assess literary performance, explore differentiated instruction and strategies proven to be effective with struggling readers, and understand how to present reading to your students as a process of constructing meaning. Courses are taught by the same respected faculty who teach on campus and are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure you reach your full potential as an educator. This program includes one reading practicum that applies your cumulative development.
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education is FGCU’s flagship program—and for good reason. It’s built to help you meet professional goals and advance your career by preparing you for leading roles in post-secondary and higher education administrative settings.
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with a concentration in P-12 Education online program is designed for new teachers with minimal work experience who want to advance their career in educational leadership without pursuing Florida certification. In this online program, you will explore essential topics such as school budgeting and reporting, foundations of curriculum and instruction, human resources, and school law with emphasis on Florida state statutes.
Courses are taught by the same respected faculty who teach on campus and who are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure you reach your full potential as an educator. This program includes two internships (300 hours total).
The Master of Education in Educational Leadership online program is designed for teachers with at least two years of effective teaching experience who are seeking the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Level 1 Educational Leadership certification to become an assistant principal. In this online program, you will study standards-based issues pertinent to curriculum planning and development, school budgeting, critical elements of human resources, and current educational issues and trends.
Courses are taught by the same respected faculty who teach on campus and who are committed to providing ongoing support to ensure you reach your full potential as an educator. This program leads to certification upon successful completion of coursework, embedded field experiences, and passing of the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE).
Our Master of Education in Special Education program enhances your ability to work with students with diverse learning needs. Learn to cultivate the literacy development and communication skills of those with exceptionalities, helping them to live enriched, successful lives while raising your value as an educator and qualifying for leadership roles.
Healthcare
Advance your career and knowledge with this online bachelor’s degree in health science. It is designed for entry level health professionals and others seeking careers in healthcare. This program can also serve as a steppingstone for post-baccalaureate level health professions, such as Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
Featuring an interdisciplinary curriculum, this online health science degree prepares students for such career areas as health services administration and health professions education.
Graduates are prepared to:
- Examine the roles of health care providers
- Examine the social, economic, political, and professional forces that shape healthcare
- Illustrate legal and ethical influences
- Use research and inquiry to investigate health science problems and offer solutions
The Clinical Laboratory Science Certificate at Florida Gulf Coast University is a post-baccalaureate program designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in chemical or biological sciences who seek licensure/certification in clinical laboratory science.
Key features include:
- 39-credit curriculum covering chemistry, microbiology, immunohematology, hematology, and immunology
- Integrated clinical experiences at community laboratories for hands-on training
- Prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics required for admission
- Completion timeline of one year, with a maximum of six years
Graduates are prepared for careers in hospital labs, research facilities, and diagnostic testing centers.
The online Graduate Certificate in Health Services Administration provides the opportunity for students to gain expertise and specialization that matches their interests, needs, and career applications in health services. Courses address health care practice, health services management and operations, concepts and principles of managed care, financial management in health care, and health policies and economic issues in health services organizations. Students can also choose elective courses in accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, informatics and information management, managed care, global perspectives on health policies, and more.
The online Master of Science in Health Science is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide advanced opportunities for baccalaureate graduates as health care leaders in the health services delivery system. Courses teach skills and expertise in planning, developing, and implementing innovative and quality health care services. Electives are offered in topics such as health education and health administration.
Psychology & Human Services
The Graduate Certificate in Medical Social Work at Florida Gulf Coast University is designed for licensed social workers seeking specialized training in healthcare settings.
Key features include:
- Fully online format, offering flexibility for working professionals
- 12-credit curriculum, covering medical social work, loss & bereavement, and trauma-informed care
- Elective options in chemical dependency, child abuse, aging, or health/mental health leadership
- Interdisciplinary approach, preparing graduates to collaborate with healthcare teams
Graduates are equipped for roles in hospitals, hospice care, rehabilitation centers, and mental health facilities.