Explore UCF’s Top Graduate Programs at the Annual Grad Fair

Pursuing graduate study is one of the most significant decisions a person will make in shaping their life. Whether you want to become an expert in your field, advance further in your career, or have a passion for learning, attending graduate school is an invaluable experience.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that just 7.4% of people aged 18 and older have a master’s degree, and only 1.5% have a PhD. A graduate degree is a fantastic qualification that will help you stand out in the job market and increase career opportunities for a brighter future. Whatever your motivation for pursuing a graduate education, knowing your options is the first step.

Each year, the College of Graduate Studies hosts the annual Graduate Fair in the Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom, serving as an opportunity for students to learn all about graduate study at UCF. The 2023 Grad Fair will take place Wednesday, September 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. offering an open house-style event available to anyone interested in a UCF doctoral, master’s, specialist, or certificate program. Students will have the chance to meet with faculty and staff from nearly 200 graduate programs and develop a better understanding of what their desired program entails.

Many of UCF’s non-academic departments will also showcase their tools, services, and amenities available for graduate students, including Career Services, Continuing Education, the Writing Center, and the Recreation and Wellness Center.

“The Grad Fair is a showcase of the strength and variety of opportunities for prospective students interested in graduate study at UCF,” says Leben Goldman, Associate Director of Graduate Admissions for the College of Graduate Studies. “Our departments are looking forward to sharing exciting information about their programs. The event is open to the public and free; attendees can expect to learn about their programs of interest and discover new programs and services available to support graduate education at UCF.”

One college eager to spread the word about its front-line graduate programs at Grad Fair is the College of Business. “For the College of Business, this special event provides us with an opportunity to promote our programs, meet potential business school candidates, and network with our graduate program colleagues across our campus,” says Kellie Wise, Director of Marketing, Student Experience and Outreach for the College of Business Graduate Programs. “The UCF Grad Fair is also one of the only occasions candidates can meet all our program directors at one location, allowing them to ask questions and compare programs. This fall, we look forward to sharing details about our five UCF MBA options for 2024 and our specialty graduate business programs, including Florida’s only MS in FinTech, a new MS in Business Analytics, and our unique full-time MSM Integrated Business for non-business majors.”

The College of Health Professions and Sciences (CHPS) also looks forward to recruiting students for their innovative graduate programs during Grad Fair. “It is the one time a year when faculty from every program in our college come together to focus on meeting potential students,” says Ranetta Guinn, Director of Graduate Affairs for CHPS. “It is a great way for anyone considering graduate school to gain insight into a career in a specific field and what it may look like. Even if someone isn’t sure exactly what their graduate school plans are – or if graduate school is right for them – they can come out and talk with almost every graduate program at UCF – all in one place. We look forward to it every year.”

Moreover, the event is an excellent opportunity to acquaint prospective students with graduate programs that may not be on their radar. For instance, students with a broad range of interests that don’t seem to fit into one box may discover that our interdisciplinary studies program is a perfect fit since it allows students to pursue unique, hybrid degrees combining several disciplines that can meet their academic and professional goals. UCF also has leading graduate programs in Engineering, Nursing, and Public Administration, as well as flourishing arts programs. All in all, there is something for everyone.

With 21 graduate programs ranked in the top 100 of their fields by U.S. News & World Report as of this year, UCF is a prime institution to attain an advanced degree. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn all about graduate study at UCF at the Grad Fair!

For more information and a complete list of programs and departments participating, visit the Grad Fair page on the College of Graduate Studies website.