The overall curricular focus of the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) is marine science, environmental science and biology. However, inherent within that viewpoint is an instructional framework that is constructed around the interdisciplinary relationships that exist among Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The curriculum, which includes Honors, Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) courses, is relevant, rigorous and accelerated. The program is designed around a unique matriculation design whereby students move seamlessly between high school and university life which affords them the opportunity to complete many of the requirements for a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
All the courses that are affiliated with the program of study are interdisciplinary in nature and require extensive reading and writing. A comprehensive and fluent understanding of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies concepts are critical to student success. Courses that are designated as Honors follow the curriculum prescribed by the Florida Department of Education. Credit is awarded on the basis of academic grades and an End of Course examination in specific disciplines. Courses that are designated as Advanced Placement (AP) and Dual Enrollment (DE) are eligible for college credit and are provided at no cost to students.
Advanced Placement courses are available to eligible students in all grades and subject areas and are taught by high school faculty. AP course content is prescribed by the College Board and final examinations are required in every course. AP examinations are graded on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the highest score possible. College credit is generally awarded for scores of 4 or 5. Students must also earn a grade of “C” or better to earn high school credit for an AP course.
Dual Enrollment courses are available to eligible students in all grades and are taught by university faculty at FIU. Courses are offered on a semester basis and credit is generally awarded on the basis of student performance on a midterm and final examination. Please visit FIU's website for more information.