Programs and Partnerships

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UCF is a powerhouse in graduate education, making waves nationally with its groundbreaking community partnerships, world-class faculty, and pioneering research opportunities. As one of the fastest-growing research universities in the U.S., nestled in the heart of the vibrant and ever-evolving Orlando, Florida, the university plays a key role in driving the region’s economic growth. By fostering industries crucial to Central Florida’s future, UCF ensures students gain valuable real-world experience, setting them up for success after graduation.

UCF College of Graduate Studies’ commitment to aligning our teaching, research, and services with the region’s dynamic economy spans fields like simulation and training, optics and lasers, hospitality management, video game production, business, education, and healthcare. We believe that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives unite, and together, we’re ready to unlock our fullest potential and shape the future.

Graduate Student Advisory Council

Over the past year, the Graduate Student Advisory Council (GSAC) worked to support UCF’s graduate students. A key accomplishment was the launch of the Graduate Experience feature on the UCF mobile app, improving access to essential resources.

GSAC recommended improvements to data transparency, leading to better organization and accessibility of institutional data through IKM. To honor graduate students’ contributions, GSAC proposed a special recognition pin, which was introduced and distributed at the first Graduate Celebration.

Council members participated in orientation, campus tours, and panel discussions, supported a simplified College website redesign, and advocated for the continuation of the town hall series. They also helped shape discussions on graduate student housing, contributing to a housing resolution.

Additionally, GSAC strengthened ties with the Student Government, increasing graduate representation in university legislation.

Graduate Student Association

After a multi-year hiatus, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) was reinstated as a Registered Student Organization in 2023. It held a successful election and attracted members from various disciplines.

GSA has provided a platform for graduate students to discuss campus initiatives, voice concerns, and stay connected through meetings, events, and digital communications.

Interdisciplinary Programs

The interdisciplinary nature of graduate study and research has a longstanding presence in UCF graduate education. Faculty and students reach beyond organizational structures to engage with others who share similar research interests and can provide complementary expertise and perspective to the research work. The College of Graduate Studies houses four graduate programs: Interdisciplinary Studies MA or MS, Nanotechnology MS, and the graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems.  These programs take advantage of the diverse courses and research work on campus, unleashing the potential of each student and researcher. Interdisciplinary investigation creates innovative solutions to changing workforce needs, societal demands, and global problems.

Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary studies offer graduate students a unique opportunity to go beyond traditional academic structures to achieve their educational and research goals. Through the College of Graduate Studies, faculty and students collaborate across various disciplines, learning and researching alongside others with shared interests.

The master’s program in Interdisciplinary Studies enables students to combine multiple fields of study, allowing them to explore emerging knowledge or develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Additionally, the program serves as an incubator, assisting UCF in assessing student interest in new degree offerings across various colleges and departments.

Graduate Programs

Graduate education is a cornerstone of UCF, with over 10,000 students pursuing advanced degrees from our more than 200 graduate degree programs and certificates. The true measure of any institution’s reputation lies in the achievements of its students, faculty, and alumni. At UCF, our graduates lead in their fields, driving innovation and advancing creative scholarship that enriches lives and transforms communities.

University Graduate Achievements

UCF’s Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program ranks No. 1 in the nation.
– U.S. News & World Report

UCF’s Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy graduate game design program was ranked No. 1 in the world for the fourth time in five years. – The Princeton Review and PC Gamer.

UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management was ranked No. 1 in the nation and No. 4 in the world for hospitality management and tourism. – ShanghaiRanking.

Four of UCF’s graduate programs rank in the top 25. – U.S. News & World Report

Nine of UCF’s graduate programs placed in the top 50 nationally, including five in public affairs, three in education and one in health. – U.S. News & World Report

UCF has ranked in the top 20 overall Best Online Programs for the past seven years. – U.S. News & World Report

Orlando was named the No. 1 Best Sports Business City for event hosting, from the NBA and pro soccer to college bowl games and the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. UCF, the youngest Power Four program, debuted in the Big 12 in 2023 and boasts one of the nation’s top graduate sports business programs, supplying talent to major sports brands. – Sports Business Journal

Four of UCF Online’s graduate programs rank in the top 50 in the nation, including programs in criminal justice, nursing, computer information technology, and engineering. – U.S. News & World Report

*Based on Enrollment

Top Feeder Schools

Top Feeder States

1. Florida
2. New York
3. Georgia
4. Texas
5. California

UCF Online

The College of Graduate Studies facilitates the application process for UCF’s high-quality distance learning graduate degree programs through UCF Online spanning numerous academic disciplines. Applicants may select from over 70 fully online graduate degree programs, including masters, doctorates, and certificates. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 3,557 graduate students enrolled in UCF’s online programs. 

The College of Graduate Studies commits to informing stakeholders of state and national developments in online graduate program offerings and assisting with online program curriculum development. We work closely with UCF Online and the Center for Distributed Learning to ensure compliance with academic policies and identify potential areas for program development.

Top UCF Online Graduate Programs Based on Enrollment

1. Social Work MSW
2. Hospitality Management MS
3. Public Administration
4. Engineering Management MS
5. Health Care Informatics PSM

International

With 96 countries represented on campus, UCF welcomes the rich diversity and perspectives of our international students. The university has a wide range of study and research agreements with institutions around the world—providing learning and research opportunities for students and faculty in countries from across the globe.  Furthermore, the College of Graduate Studies serves as the initial point of contact for placement advisers with the Fulbright Foreign Student Program and works closely with graduate program directors and faculty to recruit Fulbright scholars to UCF.  The College of Graduate Studies received a total of 24 applications for Fall 2023 admission from Fulbright Scholars around the world.   

Top 10 Feeder Countries for New International Students Fall 2023

Top Enrolled Programs for International Students

1. Computer Science MS
2. Computer Science PhD
3. Electrical Engineering PhD
4. Civil Engineering PhD
5. Mechanical Engineering PhD
6. Hospitality and Tourism Management MS
7. Optics and Photonics PhD
8. Computer Engineering PhD
9. Data Analytics MS
10. Physics PhD

University Support and Resources

UCF offers various services and programs to support graduate students throughout their academic journey and beyond. The University Writing Center has partnered with the College of Graduate Studies to offer Graduate Writing Groups to help students fine tune their writing skills. In addition, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers individual counseling, virtual care, and hosts a Graduate Support group dedicated to providing a safe place for students to discuss common issues of concern and receive mental health support. UCF Libraries offers a wide array of services for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, including research consultations, workshops, and has personnel dedicated to assisting the graduate community. Students may also view UCF theses and dissertations through the STARS repository. The Office of Prestigious Awards (OPA) offers vital financial opportunities to support graduate students throughout their academic journey, including numerous fellowships, research programs, and Fulbright grants. The college also partners with UCF Global for various initiatives, including the Fulbright program, hosting events and workshops, and supporting international graduate students. Furthermore, the Office of Research partners with CGS for events like Student Research Week and lends support to graduate students throughout the research process, from proposal development to IRB forms.