Two programs at Florida State University Panama City have earned recognition as two of the best in the nation in their respective disciplines.
Florida State’s online bachelor’s program in computer science, which is managed from FSU Panama City, is No. 1 in the nation, according to a report released this summer by BestColleges.com. In addition, FSUPC’s Applied Behavior Analysis graduate program recently ranked No. 1 worldwide on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam pass rates.
The FSU computer science program available through Internet-supported distance learning is a degree program that enables students with an Associate in Arts degree from a Florida public institution to earn their bachelor’s degree off campus. The major provides a broad-based systems view of computing and develops core competencies in programming, database structure, computer organization and operating systems.
“Obviously, we are thrilled with this recognition,” said Steve Leach, a member of the computer science faculty at FSUPC.“With the proliferation of online programs, BestColleges.com is providing a great service to potential students who are looking for a strong, yet economical program in computer science.”
BestColleges.com evaluates key performance indicators including admissions, enrollment, tuition, graduation and retention rates. It utilizes the most current information from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which is maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Students interested in FSU’s online program in computer science should visit the Office of Distance Learning’s website at distance.fsu.edu.
FSUPC’s Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program recently ranked No. 1 worldwide on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam pass rates.
According to program director, Jon Bailey, Ph.D., BCBA-D, graduates from any ABA program must meet a number of requirements before being certified in the field. These include completing an approved master’s degree program, 1,500 hours of supervised experience and passing the BACB exam.
“That is equivalent to the bar exam for law students,” Bailey said.
The master’s in ABA course sequence is approved by the BACB and is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis: International.
For the most recent examination period, 106 colleges and universities from around the world had graduates prepared to take the exam. All 16 students from FSU Panama City who took the exam passed to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts. Six other programs also had a 100 percent pass rate, but had fewer students take the exam.
Bailey predicts the program will receive more applications by the January deadline and that those students will have higher academic qualifications.
“The morale in our program right now is very high, and we expect that come job fair time in March, our students will be in great demand and will be able to negotiate a higher starting salary,” Bailey said.
To see the complete rankings go to BACB.com. For more information on the FSU Panama City ABA program, visit pc.fsu.edu or call Amy Polick, Ph.D, BCBA-D, at 850-770-2251.