Florida Technical College (FTC), and the University of South Florida (USF) have formalized a partnership that will allow for FTC graduates to earn advanced degrees, including masters in Cybersecurity and Public Health, at USF without the standardized exam (GRE) requirement. Enrollment to the MBA programs is now open for the spring semester 2022.

The agreement provides opportunities and creates new pathways for FTC alumni to pursue their graduate and professional studies. USF is providing qualified candidates an opportunity to bypass the GMAT/GRE requirement for master's in Public Health, Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies, Criminal Justice Administration, and Cybersecurity (Cyber Intelligence concentration).

"We are excited to partner with the University of South Florida in this far-reaching partnership that will give our alumni a competitive advantage in the global marketplace- especially to those from a non-traditional background," stated Dr. James Michael Burkett, President of Florida Technical College. "This partnership enhances our dual commitment to improve the educational and economic climate of our region."

The collaboration enables FTC graduates who have earned bachelor's degrees in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Management, Criminal Justice with an Emphasis on Homeland Security, Allied Health Management, or Information Technology with Emphasis on Cybersecurity to qualify for admission into the master's program lined up with their degree requirements. Candidates will be able to continue their education without repeating the courses they may have completed or shown demonstrated skill for in the past.

"We are pleased to offer FTC graduates a pathway to high-quality advanced degrees at USF a top tier global research university," said Ralph Wilcox, Provost and Executive Vice President. "This partnership prepares graduate students for high demand, high skilled, high paid jobs, as well as providing a tremendous opportunity to strengthen the local workforce talent pipeline by encouraging students to stay in Florida to continue their studies, benefitting both the student and the state of Florida."

All applicants interested in the GRE waiver must provide transcripts showing graduation from FTC to confirm eligibility.