It's all Greek to me!

It's been all about education here this week. Next week the kids go back to school and it appears my Beloved will be joining them. He completed the registration process to begin his master's program this week, something we’ve been talking about for a long time. So proud I am of all my students! Which got me thinking . . .

When it comes to education in Florida, we have some of the best and worst examples. Well, maybe not worst. Florida's public k-12 education system is ranked 42 in the nation. Although I'm not sure that ranking above another state's traffic school counts. But at least we're ahead of a handful of other states who shall remain nameless (Alabama!).

Florida is home to some of the most unusual, unique and misunderstood colleges and universities and offers a wide assortment of, shall we say “unique” degrees.


Consider:
Stetson University. Although their mascot is the hatters, this is not a professional school for headwear but one of the top ranked private schools in the nation. It is well known for its school of music.

Ringling School of Art and Design. Not just any clown can get into this fine arts school. But if you want to join the circus, enroll at Florida State University, which has a school-sanctioned circus activity program called the Flying High Circus.

Is that B.S.? Here are just a few degrees you'll find offered by Florida colleges and universities that are sure to have your father exclaiming "How are you ever going to get a job with a degree in that!!!"

• Knight School. New College of Florida offers a degree in Medieval and Renaissance studies.
• No Habla Engles? Get your Master’s Degree in Hispanic Media from St. Thomas University School of Leadership Studies.
• What a Coup! Earn a Minor in Regional Geopolitics from Lynn University.
• Fore! Florida Gulf Coast University offers a PGA/Professional Golf Management undergraduate degree listed as a “four and a half year degree program.” What’s the extra half-year for?
• It’s a Bug’s Life. University of Florida offers a degree in Entomology and Nematology.
• This degree is divine. Clearwater Christian College, where all students automatically earn a minor in the Bible.
• Tower of Babel. The Presbyterian USA associated Eckerd College is a private college that offers degrees in Japanese, Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Chinese and East Asian Studies.
• Can you hear me now? University of Miami offers a degree in Wireless Communication. I think my teenagers could qualify as professors for this subject.
• Hope in a jar. The University of South Florida’s School of Aging Studies offers a degree in Gerontology. For the traditional age student that means the study of us 40-somethings.