Schmidt College of Science Confers Record Number of Degrees

Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science conferred a record number of degrees during the 2023-24 academic year (AY). This marks the highest number of credentials conferred in the college’s history.  

The college awarded an impressive 1,731 undergraduate degrees and 184 graduate degrees. These numbers are a significant increase from AY2022-23, which saw 1,460 undergraduate degrees conferred and 171 graduate degrees. The first cohort of B.S. Medical Biology students also graduated during AY2023-24 — three students in the fall, and eight students this spring.  

“We are immensely proud of our talented and ambitious graduates,” stated Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., senior associate dean for undergraduate studies, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “Our dedicated advising efforts, combined with increased faculty support through classes and undergraduate teaching opportunities, have made a tremendous impact and enabled our students to complete their degrees at a faster rate. They are thoroughly well-prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue graduate school or enter the workforce and earn highly competitive salaries.”  

The college’s most popular degrees include Biological Sciences, Health Science, Psychology, Exercise Science, which are also in the top undergraduate degree programs by enrollment at the university, ranked as number 1, 2, 3, and 8, respectively. The Schmidt College of Science is also the second largest at the university in terms of enrollment, and is one of the most expansive, engaging in academics and research on four of the university’s major campuses, from the Broward campuses to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce.  

In May, FAU conferred a record-number 3,600 degrees over the course of seven in-person commencement ceremonies on its Boca Raton campus. The spring graduates joined more than 207,000 alumni who have graduated from FAU since the University opened its doors in 1964.   

“I continue to be impressed by the expertise and dedication of our faculty,” said Valery Forbes, Ph.D., dean, FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. “They deeply care about the quality of education our students receive and remain steadfastly committed to our students’ success. Their high standards of excellence in teaching, research and outreach have had a profound impact on our students’ scholarly accomplishments and educational experiences.”  

This past year, the college hired 31 new faculty members, instructors and postdoctoral fellows to bolster its research and teaching, and support the growing demand for its programs.  

To learn more about some of the most popular degree programs offered by the Schmidt College of Science, visit https://www.fau.edu/science/academics/undergraduates/.