Florida Gateway College

Academics

FGS offers a huge range of degrees, programs, and certificates to meet the needs of rural Floridians and their economy. Major divisions at the school include Allied Health, Continuing Education, Golf and Landscape Operations, High School Programs, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Occupational Programs, and the Teaching Academy. The Forest Technology program, which had long been the lynchpin of the FGS course catalog, was discontinued in 2010.

Transferring to Four Year Institutions

A large percentage of the student body at FGC chooses to go on to a four-year institution after finishing their time at community college. For those who know before enrolling that they will wish to do so, there are 44 majors in the transfer track.

FGC has a partnership agreement with Saint Leo University (SLU) in Lake City, so that students pursuing a four-year degree may be guaranteed admission through a strong academic performance at FGC. SLU offers bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services Administration, Middle Grades Education, Psychology, Business Administration Management, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration Accounting, Computer Information Systems, and Business Administration Logistics.

The Teaching Academy

The Education Academy within FGC offers distance learning courses and flexible scheduling for students who are employed during the day. The program offers an Associate of Arts in Education, a certificate in Early Childhood Education, and the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). The Academy facilitates transfers to Florida public universities for students who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree in education.

Cosmetology

The cosmetology program, one of the most popular at FGC, is designed to be completed in one year over three semesters. The program operates both day and night programs to accommodate students who work during the day.

Nursing

There are four separate nursing programs at FGS: the 11 month Patient Care Assistant track; the 11 month Licensed Practical Nurse track; the two year Registered Nurse track; and a Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse program which takes 14 months under normal conditions but which can be completed in 12 months with a fast track option designed to be completed around a regular work schedule and which includes evening and weekend work.

Academic Opportunities for High School Students

Early college credit for high school students is offered through Career Pathways, a federal workforce development strategy. FGC works with Baker High School, Columbia High School, Gilchrist High School, Dixie High School, and Union High School to give students a head start on their career paths and transition them seamlessly to college after their graduation.

Alternative Learning Opportunities

For students who aren’t available to attend classes in person on a frequent basis, FGC does offer some distance learning classes and hybrid classes that only meet in person once a week. Some classes are also offered through telecourse. These classes are televised on the college’s own channel. Students without cable television access may request class sessions on videocassette instead.

Academic Assistance at FGC

The Collegewide Learning Lab at FGC is a multipurpose learning center open to students and the wider community. Learning Lab staff provide support to non-traditional students, those who need assistance with technology, or those with remedial needs. Tutoring is available in reading, writing, mathematics, several foreign languages, study skills, critical thinking, test taking skills, and computer and internet basics. There are over 60 computers in the Learning Lab for student use as well as appropriate software, printers, and other learning accessories. Computer technicians are available to assist with the use of Microsoft Office Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, Blackboard, and My Math Lab.