Figs Program List

College of Arts and Letters Pre-Business Social Work and Criminal Justice College of Engineering and Computer Science College of Science College of Education special interest figs

FAU has a FIG for almost every college.

Only students with a declared major in the sponsoring college will be able to register for a First-Year Experience (SLS) course. If you are still deciding on your major, you can join one of our Undecided FIG sections. First Generation students are also encouraged to join the SLS1412: First Generation Learning Community. To join a First-Year Experience (SLS) course, you will register yourself for your college-sponsored FIG (SLS 1411) or Learning Community (SLS 1412), using the registration information, including course schedules, found on the FIG Registration Information page.

Note that SLS 1411 or SLS1412 may be required for certain majors, so read carefully through the descriptions.

DOROTHY F. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS FIGS

School of Communications & Media Studies Majors

In this FIG, students will explore Multimedia and Communication Studies while considering how media, communication, and human expression shape personal experiences, cultures, and society.

Pre Law (Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, History, English)

In this FIG, students will explore ideas of justice, power, and human behavior across philosophy, political science, sociology, history, and English while building a strong foundation for law-related interests and goals.

Explorations in Museum Studies (Art, Public Administration, History, Anthropology)

In this FIG, students will explore how museum studies connect communities to history, art, and culture while considering how objects, stories, and public spaces shape understanding of society, the past, and the present.

Explorations in Arts and Letters (Open to all Dorothy F. Schmidt Arts and Letters Majors)

In this FIG, students will explore the ideas, histories, cultures, and forms of expression that shape human experience while considering social, cultural, political, and creative perspectives across Arts and Letters.

Explorations in Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature

In this FIG, consider how language, linguistics, and literature shape communication, culture, and human expression across time, place, and perspective.

Sociology FIG

Examine how social structures, human behavior, and cultural influences shape communities, relationships, and everyday life through the lens of sociology.

Political Science FIG

Explore how power, government, policy, and civic life shape societies while building a deeper understanding of political systems and public issues.

History FIG

This FIG gives students the opportunity to connect with other History majors while exploring shared interests and learning about opportunities and resources within the major.

NOTE: The Dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters expects all incoming FTIC students to participate in a FIG, given capacity.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FIGS

Pre-Business FIG: Exploring Majors, Minors, and Careers in the World of Business

The College of Business (COB) encourages new students to enroll in the Pre-Business FIG, taught by an expert COB faculty member who will help you build an academic learning map and explore paths to internships, jobs, and a successful career after graduation. You will be introduced to business careers, majors and minors, resume and interviewing techniques, and best practices to help you successfully enter the College of Business in your junior year.

SOCIAL WORK AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIGS

Students in this FIG will explore the fields of Social Work and Criminal Justice, which often work together in service of justice and the public good. You will be introduced to skills such as time management, working with people, and relational, analytical, and critical thinking to support your transition into FAU and your future career. Open to first-year Criminal Justice and Social Work majors.

NOTE: All incoming freshmen in this major are required to complete this FIG in their first semester.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE LEARNING COMMUNITY (SLS 1412)

The College of Engineering & Computer Science pioneers big ideas that impact the global good. Similar to a FIG, this 0-credit Learning Community helps students explore engineering, computer science, and technological innovation while connecting with a cohort of peers who share similar academic and career interests. Designed to be flexible for student schedules, this course is expected for Computer Science and Data Analytics students, though other students may register if space is available.

NOTE: Incoming freshmen majoring in Computer Science and Data Analytics are expected to register for this course.

CHARLES E. SCHMIDT COLLEGE OF SCIENCE FIGS

Pre-Health Professions

FAU’s Pre-Health Professions FIG offers students the opportunity to develop the skills and credentials needed for admission to medical school and other health-profession programs. This course helps students demonstrate academic excellence, understand the profession, and build strong interpersonal skills while developing a balanced approach to academics and health-related outreach or volunteering.

Exploring Science FIG

This FIG is the right fit for students who want to explore the many facets of science through career and academic development. The College’s education and research programs span the sciences and mathematics, with major efforts in fields ranging from biotechnology, bioinformatics, and brain science to cryptology and developmental systems.

Explore Exercise Science/Health Promotion and Health Science Learning Community (SLS 1412)

Note: This Learning Community is limited to incoming freshmen majoring in Exercise Science & Health Promotion and Health Science.

As part of this 0-credit Learning Community, students will be introduced to the University, ways to prepare for class, student resources, and connections between majors and careers while exploring total well-being, healthy aging, and the social, spiritual, biological, emotional, physical, and environmental aspects of health.

Exploring Biological Sciences FIG

Biology is the study of living things and their vital processes. Pursuing a Biology major can prepare students for a variety of careers in medical, environmental, and scientific fields. In this FIG, students will explore the biology curriculum, research opportunities, current FAU faculty research, and meaningful connections with the College of Science and each other.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION FIG

Students in this FIG will explore the four core education career paths, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and Early Care & Education, while learning how to succeed in their desired major within FAU’s College of Education. Students will be introduced to educational topics and resources grounded in proven principles and new teaching innovations, while also connecting with key faculty, staff, and peers in a supportive learning community. Open to first-year Education majors and students who are undecided but interested in the College of Education.

NOTE: The College of Education recommends that all incoming first-year students in an Education major participate in a FIG.

SPECIAL INTEREST FIGS

UNDECIDED STUDENT FIG

Undecided (UN) FIGs are designed for students who are still exploring their major options and want support as they learn more about FAU majors and how they connect to their long-term goals. In these FIGs, students will also learn what it takes to be university- and career-ready.

*Pre-Health Profession FIG sections are also open to our undecided majors who are considering a career in medicine.

NOTE: For fall-admitted students who are undecided, this course is required in the fall.

FIRST-GENERATION LEARNING COMMUNITY

This course is designed to help first-generation students make the transition into college. Students will build community with each other, explore campus resources, and strengthen academic skills like task management, note-taking, learning strategies, short- and long-term planning, and more. Open to all majors.

STUDENT SUCCESS FIG

This course focuses on study skills, time management, organization, and other strategies that help students build strong academic habits and succeed in college. Open to all majors.

COCE (CENTER FOR ONLINE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION) FIG

This live virtual course is designed for students in online degree programs and helps them connect with other students, learn about FAU resources, and develop the academic skills needed to succeed as an online student.

NOTE: The COCE FIG is required for any student in an online degree program.