STEM Core

STEM Core courses are a set of six critical and foundational courses consisting of mathematics, chemistry, physics, programming, and STEM applications. These courses build the skills and conceptual understanding you need to succeed in all degree programs. Data show that completing these courses in your freshman (first) year is the ticket to a high-powered STEM degree and an on-time graduation.

The STEM core courses, while not the same, share a similar feel and similar course policies. Moreover, the courses strive to set consistent expectations of what it means for students to take responsibility for their own learning and how to do university-level work. The courses are designed to be fair and reasonable. They are challenging, but they set up students for success in their chosen degree program.

As a sign of the importance Florida Poly places on these courses, key department chairs and faculty have come together to form a Freshman Council that collectively manages course standards and delivery. The University recognizes the enormous impact these courses have on students’ academic success.

The STEM Core is amply supported by learning resources through the Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC) in IST 1019. The TLC is staffed by Peer Learning Strategists, successful Poly students who are specially trained to help students develop successful learning strategies and apply them to specific courses in the STEM Core. The Center is open Monday - Thursday 11:00 - 5:00 and Friday from 11:00 - 3:00.