Florida Memorial University is the product of the merger of two universities, Florida Baptist Institute and Florida Baptist Academy. Both institutions promoted industrial education, domestic arts, teacher education as well as agricultural, mechanical and religious training. The Florida Baptist Institute, founded in 1879 in Live Oak, was established by the Black Baptists of Florida while Florida Baptist Academy, founded in 1892 in Jacksonville, was established by Reverend Mathew Gilbert, Reverend J.T. Brown and Sarah Ann Blocker. Both institutions received support from the Rockefeller General Education Board, Bethany Association, American Home Mission Society and several Baptist organizations.
The school moved to St. Augustine in 1918 where several new buildings were constructed from 1924 to 1940. In 1941, the school became known as the Florida Normal and Industrial Institute and, in 1963, moved to Miami. It became Florida Memorial College in 1968, gaining university status in 2006.
From the humble beginnings of two schools, Florida Memorial University has grown into an organization known for promoting Christian principles, academic excellence and service to humanity. The university is culturally diverse and is dedicated to transforming the lives from all backgrounds. The university offers 41 undergraduate and four graduate degree programs.
The mission of Florida Memorial University is to instill in students the importance of becoming global citizens through life-long learning, leadership, character and service with the goal of enhancing their lives and the lives of others.
Florida Memorial University Accreditation Details
Florida Memorial University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation indicates that the university offers programs that meet or exceed criteria set forth by the agency regarding excellence in education. In addition to regional accreditation, specific programs at Florida Memorial University are accredited by:
- Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
- Council on Social Work Education
- National Association of Schools of Music
Florida Memorial University Application Requirements
In order to be admitted to Florida Memorial University, applicants must complete an application for admission and pay the applicable fee. Freshmen must have a GPA of 2.4 or higher and must supply official high school transcripts. Official ACT or SAT scores must also be provided along with a letter of recommendation and a personal statement. International students who wish to attend Florida Memorial University must have a GPA of 2.4 or higher and submit official high school or university transcripts. Applicants must also supply a notarized affidavit of support and bank statement along with a letter of recommendation, personal statement and official TOFEL scores.
Students transferring from another college or university must have a 2.0 GPA or higher and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also submit a letter of recommendation and personal statement.
Florida Memorial University Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time tuition at Florida Memorial University is $12,384 per year or $516 per credit hour for undergraduate studies. Graduate tuition is $638.13 per credit hour.
Over 90 percent of students who attend Florida Memorial University receive financial aid. Aid is awarded based on demonstrated need and may be provided as grants, loans, work-study and scholarships. Some of the forms of aid offered at the university include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program
- Florida Resident Access Grant
- Florida Student Assistance Grant
- Federal Work-Study Program
- Federal Direct Loan
- Subsidized Loan
- Unsubsidized Loan
- Florida State Tuition Programs
- Institutional and Private Scholarships
Florida Memorial University Online Degree(s) Available
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The undergraduate program in Psychology at Florida Memorial University is a student-centered program characterized by both academic and service orientation. Students are provided rigorous training in the theoretical and empirical basis of psychology. Students develop an understanding of the complex nature of human behavior and the role that culture plays in shaping the human mind. One of the hallmarks of the program is the emphasis placed on the African-centered psychological perspective and the value of this perspective when applied to the lives of African-American people. In addition, students are exposed to many different specializations available to them in the mental health industry.
Students must complete a senior research project and practicum before completing the degree. General courses required to complete the program include:
- African American History
- College Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Dimensions of Wellness
- Foreign Language (two courses)
- Humanities (two courses)
- Intermediate Algebra
- Introduction to Computers
- Introduction to Religion
- Literature
- Natural Science (two courses
- Social Science
Courses required for the major include:
- Advanced Statistics
- Clinical Interview
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Group Dynamics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Statistics
- Personality Theory
- Psychology of Learning
- Psychology of the African American
- Research Methods
- Social Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Florida Memorial University helps students gain a better understanding of human behavior. Students develop an understanding of the essential methods, concepts, principles and theories of psychology. The Bachelor of Science program studies human emotions, sexuality and psychological development. The program requires 122 semester credits for completion General education courses required to complete the Bachelor of Science in Psychology include:
- African American History
- College Writing I & II
- Critical Thinking
- Dimensions of Wellness
- Education and Life Seminar
- Foreign Language (two courses)
- Humanities (two courses)
- Intermediate Algebra
- Introduction to Computers
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Introduction to Religion
- Natural Science (two courses)
- Social Science
Courses required for the major include:
- Clinical Interview
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Group Dynamics
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Introduction to Statistics
- Personality Theory
- Psychology of Learning
- Psychology of the African American
- Research Methods
- Social Psychology
Students must also complete a senior project and practicum in order to complete the degree.
Florida Memorial College offers high-quality education through over 40 subjects. There are courses offered in an online format that allow working adults to achieve their higher education goals. The flexible course schedules allow those with family, work and social obligations to advance in their current career or move into a new career or industry through higher education.