Why Full Sail Is Different from Your Average University

Published July 19th, 2021

Students that come to Full Sail University are often looking for something different from your traditional college experience. It's a university that puts emphasis on graduating faster, getting hands-on with curriculum, and learning by doing.

But that's not the only way the school sets itself apart. Here are some unique differences to look out for if you're considering earning your degree at Full Sail University.

Emerging Technology Degrees

Full Sail has degree programs focused on some of the hottest industries in technology from UX Design to Simulation & Visualization. They also have more traditional technology programs, like Computer Science (both bachelor's and master's) and Information Technology. What makes all of these degrees different, however, is the school's heavy emphasis on project-based learning in a professional environment.

On campus, students can find tech labs built for a variety of learning purposes, including a VR/AR Lab, a Smart Lab full of connected devices and appliances, a Fabrication Lab, and a Simulation Lab.

Alongside these emerging tech degrees, Full Sail also offers a variety of programs in entertainment.

Entertainment Degrees

Music is in Full Sail's roots as the school began as a mobile recording studio in 1979. Now, it offers degree programs in Recording Arts, Music Production, Audio Production, and Music Business. On campus, students learn behind the controls of a real, professional recording studio, inside a Dolby dubbing stage, and running the soundboard at a live venue.

As for film, television, and video production at Full Sail, degree programs are both on campus, such as Film and Show Production, and online, such as Digital Cinematography, or both, like Creative Writing and Computer Animation. All of these programs give students the ability to create something for their portfolio that will let them hit the ground running, whether they're hoping to join a large film set crew, writing room, or studio, or interested in independent filmmaking.

Game-oriented degree programs at Full Sail hone in on the specific skills the competitive industry is looking for. Game Development teaches students foundations in computer science, programming, and problem solving to create a game. Game Design focuses on technical design, level design, and systems design. Game Art gives students the skills they need to create game characters, environments, and more through techniques in 3D art and animation.

Learning at Full Sail

Full Sail calls their education style fast and focused. In fact, bachelor's degrees at Full Sail are completed in about half the time of a traditional degree program. That's because degree programs are accelerated and on a set schedule for every student who takes them. That means students have a more efficient route to graduation instead of having to stress about which classes they need to earn their degree and if they're available.

It also means courses at Full Sail are scheduled in a way that not just speeds up the process, but also prepares students for the fast-paced, always-on industries they'll enter. They're also more prepared for the real world because the school puts industry-standard technology and best practices in their hands. Film students use the same equipment as the pros, Game Development students get familiar with the same game engines utilized in big studios, and Information Technology students earn the industry-standard certifications employers are looking for.

Experienced Faculty

But their devotion to real-world learning doesn't stop there. Full Sail has strict requirements for their faculty as well. Instructors at this university have to have experience in the industry they're teaching in addition to academic and theoretical knowledge. Many also stay active in their industry as filmmakers, audio producers, and engineers in tech. They bring to the table insights and advice that you can't get without experiencing them yourself.

LaunchBox

Another unique aspect of learning at Full Sail University is their Project Launchbox initiative. It's designed to give students the tech they need to create their portfolios from anywhere. That includes a laptop and accessories such as degree-specific software and hardware.

Real World Experience

Students take project courses throughout their degree program to create a personal, professional portfolio to show potential employers. These courses are all about making something that demonstrates students' skills, whether that's creating a business plan, developing a mobile game, working on a film, or a variety of other hands-on experiences.

Students also have a unique opportunity to work on real-world projects with organizations like WWE, which produces its NXT show on campus.

Long-Term Career Support

Full Sail's Career Development department takes an active role in helping students pursue their goals long after graduation. Resources and advisors are available to graduates for the lifetime of their career. And with a full time staff of 65, their Career Development department is one of the largest in the United States with resources in industry outreach, job searches, and alumni relations. Additionally, Full Sail graduates are welcome to return to audit any course from their degree program so they can stay current on industry best practices.

Ready for Something Different?

Find out more about what makes Full Sail University unique at fullsail.edu.

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