Florida A&M University (FAMU) will be taking more strides to diversify student education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) will be adding new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering beginning in fall 2025.

The decision was solidified during a virtual Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting held on May 20, 2024, with the introduction of a master’s degree and a Ph.D. program in aerospace engineering through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. The joint engineering college with Florida State University is the only shared school of its kind.

The degree offerings will also support the mission to increase education and degrees in STEM fields at FAMU in accordance with the Florida Board of Governors. The hope is that students will be qualified to pursue careers in aerospace and defense, space missions, manufacturing, spacecraft operations, and architectural designers.

“With these particular master’s and Ph.D. programs, students are able to get their degree while being more qualified to get jobs in the aerospace engineering sector versus having a degree in mechanical engineering and only having done some aerospace work,” FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Dean Suvranu De said in the meeting, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. “That is the intent of this whole initiative — to recognize students who are already working in aerospace engineering with our faculty and Innovation Park.”

Students who will be enrolled in the master’s program should expect a “focus on experiential learning and industry collaboration.” Additionally, they will be expected to fulfill a 30-credit requirement to enter the program.

Ph.D. candidates will focus on conducting research within the aerospace engineering sector and industry. They will be expected to fulfill a 48-credit requirement to enroll in the program with a master’s degree or have 60 credits to enter with a bachelor’s degree.

FAMU wants to have 25 students enrolled in the programs at its start, with a goal of tripling that number by its fifth year.