Florida Atlantic University was established by the Florida State Legislature in 1961 as the fifth university in the state system.

When it opened its doors in 1964, FAU was the first university in the country to offer only upper-division and graduate-level work. This model was based on the theory that freshmen and sophomores would be served by the community college system. 

In 1984, the University responded to population growth and the need to provide increased access to higher education by admitting its first freshmen class. Today, FAU''s seven partner campuses serve 26,000 students through more than 170 degree programs.

FAU''s colleges include the College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, which provides a unique and challenging four-year curriculum for the brightest students from Florida and beyond. 
 
FAU has Eminent Scholar Chairs in many academic disciplines, and it is the home of nationally recognized research centers.  The University''s burgeoning research parks are facilitating exciting new research and learning initiatives by bringing high-tech industries into close collaboration with faculty and students.  In recognition of the University''s research funding and doctoral programs, the Division of Colleges and Universities of the Florida Board of Education has designated FAU as a research university. Additionally, FAU has been classified as a "Research University - High Research Activity" by Carnegie.

In 2004, FAU launched a medical school program in conjunction with the University of Miami (UM). Medical students spend the first two years of their education at the Boca Raton campus before transferring to Miami for rotations and receiving their degree from UM. The school is expanding the program to allow students to complete the entire program at the Boca Raton campus.
 
FAU also runs one of the nation''s largest continuing education program known as the Lifelong Learning Society. The LLS includes audit options for senior citizens.

Florida Atlantic University is a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.