Seminole State unveils new programs, upgrades for Fall 2026

With the 2026-27 academic year on the horizon, Seminole State College of Florida is adding to its offerings and updating spaces to support student success, meet workforce needs and produce career-ready graduates. The highlights for Fall Term 2026 reflect the College’s continued investment in programs designed to help students prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers in Central Florida.

New Transfer Programs 

As one of University of Central Florida’s DirectConnect to UCF® partners, Seminole State is adding another pathway for students to transfer to the university. The Specialized Associate in Arts Transfer (SAAT) degrees offer a direct path to specific majors at UCF. In addition to completing the General Education courses for an Associate in Arts degree, with these new programs, students will also complete the prerequisite and specialized courses needed for guaranteed admission to the related bachelor’s degree at UCF.  By completing the additional courses at Seminole State through the SAAT programs, students will be a step ahead in the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, saving time and money. The SAAT degrees will begin in the fall with options in biology, civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering – all fields that offer a wide range of career opportunities in some of Central Florida’s most in-demand industries.

Workforce Trades Center

Workforce education is getting an upgrade at Seminole State this fall. Thanks to a combination of state funds and a generous $2 million donation from the Wharton-Smith Foundation, the newly named George and Gretchen Smith Workforce Trades Center has undergone a major renovation. The center focuses on serving students in the College’s construction trades programs and includes updated labs for electrical and plumbing with an expanded lab for welding that includes fabrication and simulation. A new soils testing lab has been added as well as training rooms, study rooms and a student lounge and reception area. Several donors have already supported naming opportunities in the updated building, including Duke Energy, ECS, Guignard Co., HGR Construction, Morton Electric, PCL Construction Services, S.I. Goldman Co., and Tharp Plumbing Systems. The full renovation will be unveiled this fall. With dedicated labs featuring the latest technology, the center provides an optimal learning environment that mirrors the professional settings students will encounter in their careers so they can enter the workforce with confidence. 

Innovation Center

With ongoing technological advancements evolving industry needs, Seminole State aims to prepare the next generation of tech professionals with the training and tools needed for success in the workforce of today and tomorrow. In keeping with that mission, computer labs at Seminole State’s Sanford/Lake Mary Campus have been repurposed and updated to form a new innovation center. Made possible with funding from Florida’s Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program (Workforce CAP), the center features high-tech spaces for cybersecurity, virtual reality and digital media. The cybersecurity lab is equipped with the latest industry-standard tools and technologies to simulate real-world cybersecurity and cloud computing operations, while the virtual reality lab features state-of-the art augmented reality equipment that will enhance training for students in the College’s digital media, construction and engineering programs. The digital media lab is a flexible, technology-enabled environment supporting hands-on experiences in graphic design, video production, digital content creation and emerging media applications. Together, these upgraded lab spaces make the innovation center a cutting-edge hub for learning, experimentation and collaboration, positioning Seminole State to become a preferred learning partner destination for students and businesses alike in Central Florida. 

As “Your Learning Partner for Career Success,” Seminole State is committed to providing the academic options and learning environment that support individuals throughout their college and career journeys. Registration for Fall Term is underway. Classes begin Aug. 24, with additional sessions starting in September and October. The College will host a Prep Rally on Aug. 15 to help students prepare for the semester and complete their to-do list before the semester begins. 

To learn more about the College, its programs and how to apply, visit seminolestate.edu/go.