Full Sail University is a private for-profit institution of higher learning located in Winter Park, Florida. Its mission is provide students with an innovative approach to education that is delivered by dedicated instructors who prepare students to embrace a variety of career options in a ever-increasing constantly changing industry. The curriculum is unique and it incorporates the elements of creativity, art, technical expertise, academic achievement, and business and life skills. Full Sail University offers programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels in various fields including film, audio, design, business, and computer animation. Programs are presented through immersive instruction methods to provide students with the necessary knowledge and real-world experience to help them achieve their career goals.
Full Sail University Online offers online programs that maintain the institution’s reputation as being one of the leading media arts schools in the world. The online programs were developed based on three fundamental concepts: innovative curriculum, a human approach, and a MAC computer (all students are provided with an Apple MacBook Pro computer). The programs emphasize collaboration and communication and are intended for individuals with creative minds. Online courses are delivered via a custom-built learning platform that features a student homepage with news, announcements, quick links, courses, and support. The courses are listed under the Dashboard tab, which also lists pending activities and announcements. Students are also able to easily submit assignments, view grades, and work with other classmates. Online programs are offered at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels in various areas including computer animation, graphic design, game design, creative writing, media design, entertainment business, digital cinematography, web design and develop, sports marketing and media, and Internet marketing.
Jon Phelps founded Full Sail University in 1979 as Full Sail Recording Workshop in Dayton, Ohio. It relocated to Florida in 1980 and added a variety of new courses. The school added a film program in 1988. In 1990, the school gained accreditation to award associate degrees. Throughout the mid to late 1990s, Full Sail added specialized associate degree programs in computer animation, game design and development, digital media, and show production and touring. The school launched its first bachelor’s degree program in 2003 and its first master’s degree program in 2007. The first online degree programs were also offered in 2007. In 2008, the school became Full Sail University after it gained university status from the Florida Department of Education. Today, Full Sail University enrolls approximately 13,000 students.
Accreditation
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits Full Sail University.
Schools Of Education
Film School: offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that cover almost every aspect of filmmaking from writing and storytelling to video production and directing.
Art School: offers a variety of art programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels that focus on the creative and technical abilities used throughout the professional media field.
Business School: offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that focus on a variety of business topics including finance, business law, management, Internet marketing, and media journalism.
Music School: features a variety of programs for careers in the audio industry. Programs are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels.
Game School: offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that provide instruction on the art and technology of the design and development of game software.
Design School: offers a range of design programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels to prepare students to succeed in the design field.
Scholarships Offered
Full Sail University offers scholarships to help students with the costs of tuition and fees. The scholarships include the Full Sail Merit Scholarship, Full Sail Alumni Scholarship, Full Sail Entertainment and Media Industry Scholarship for Women, Full Sail Hybrid Scholarship, Full Sail Platinum Dream Scholarship, Full Sail Education Media Scholarship for Teachers, and Student Success Scholarship.
Financing Options
Full Sail University participates in various financial aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, Florida Student Assistance Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, Federal Work Study, and private education loans. Military aid including the Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9-11, Yellow Ribbon Program, and Military Tuition Assistance are also accepted. Full Sail University also offers a Prepaid Tuition Program for students still attending high school. The plan enables applicants to secure enrollment at Full Sail at the current tuition costs.
Credit Earning Options
Full Sail University grants credits for previously completed courses from other accredited institutions on higher learning. The courses must have been completed with a grade of a C or better and be relevant in content to courses offered by Full Sail. Students are required to submit official transcripts and they will be notified within 30 days of the expected start date. Students may also receive credits for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, International Baccalaureate program, and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).