About UFFlorida's oldest and largest university, the University of Florida traces its beginnings to the takeover of the private Kingsbury Academy in Ocala by the state-funded East Florida Seminary in 1853. The seminary moved to Gainesville following the Civil War and consolidated with the state's land-grant Florida Agricultural College, then in Lake City, to become the University of Florida in 1905. Classes began Sept. 26, 1906, for 102 male students. Until 1947, UF was for men only and one of only three state universities, along with Florida State College for Women (now FSU) and Florida A&M. In 1947, the UF student body numbered 8,177 men and 601 women. Today, UF is one of the five largest universities in the nation. |
Facts and MajorsEducational Excellence *Faculty Awards include a Fields Medal, two Pulitzer Prizes, NASA's top award for research, and Smithsonian Institution's conservation award. There are currently more than 60 Eminent Scholar chairs, and nearly 60 faculty elections to the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, or Arts and Sciences, the Institute of Medicine or a counterpart in a foreign nation. UF ranked 13th in the U.S. News and World Report "Top Public Universities" (2006); fourth in The Scientist magazine's "Best Places to Work in Academia" (2005); fifth among all universities in Kiplinger's magazine "Top 100 Public Colleges" (2003). *Student UF's 2005 class had an average 4.06 GPA and 1306 SAT score. The freshmen retention rate of 94 percent is among the highest in the U.S. UF admitted 1,049 International Baccalaureate students for the 2004-2005 academic year - more than any other university in the world. Research and Discoveries Milken Institute named UF one of the top-five U.S. institutions in the transfer of biotechnology research to the marketplace (2006). Some 50 biotechnology companies have resulted from faculty research programs. UF consistently ranks among the top-10 universities in licensing. Royalty and licensing income includes the glaucoma drug Trusopt, the sports drink Gatorade, and the Sentricon termite elimination system. UF was awarded $518.8 million in sponsored research in 2005-2006. Research includes diverse areas such as health care and citrus production (the world's largest citrus research center). In 2002, UF began leading six other universities under a $15 million NASA grant to work on a variety of space-related research during a five-year period. UF began a partnership with Spain in 2000, to create the world's largest telescope in the Canary Islands. Completion is expected in 2007. Plans are under way to construct a new 50,000-square-foot research facility in collaboration with the Burnham Institute in Orlando. Research will include the areas of diabetes, aging, genetics and cancer. Economic Impact For every dollar appropriated to the University of Florida, a total economic impact of eight dollars is spent within the state. Student spending supports local and statewide businesses and tourism. UF is a major employer, with more than 35,000 employees. The University of Florida contributes nearly $6 billion annually to Florida's economy and is responsible for nearly 75,000 jobs. UF is one of the largest research universities in the nation. Sustainability Leadership UF became the first university in the world to be designated a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" (2005) for environmental and wildlife management, resource conservation, waste management, and outreach and education. UF is one of three universities to be the first in the country to offer an Organic Agriculture undergraduate degree program (2006). Fresh Food Co., located in the Broward Dining Center, serves local fruits and vegetables for the benefit of product freshness and to support local commerce, as well as reduce transportation, fuel and packaging costs. Service Mission and Cultural Impact Facilities and offerings include the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences with 13 world-class research and education centers, as well as Cooperative Extension Offices in each of the state's 67 counties; the Cancer and Genetics Research Building; the Florida Museum of Natural History, including the world's second-largest butterfly and moth collection; artistic performances and exhibits from around the world; and award-winning institutes of documentary filming and digital media. The Health Science Center serves as the major referral center for patients in the southeastern U.S. Health and dental services are provided in Gainesville, Leesburg, Hawthorne, Fanning Springs, Ocala, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg and Hialeah. Alumni More than 300,000 alumni are located throughout the world. Famous alumni include two current NASA astronauts, several presidents of the American Bar Association (more ABA presidents have come from the Levin College of Law than any other U.S. law school), "Red" Barber (radio announcer), Faye Dunaway (actress), Buddy Ebsen (actor/dancer), Bob Graham (politician), Emmitt Smith (athlete), and Steve Spurrier (athlete/coach), Mel Tillis (singer) and Bob Vila (home improvement expert) in the last 35 years. |
ProgramsThe university libraries form the largest information resource system in the state of Florida, containing more than 4 million volumes, more than 7 million microfilms and thousands of full-text electronic journals. The extensive collections include formats ranging from manuscripts to electronic texts and are distributed in libraries across campus close to the colleges and departments they serve. Library collections are accessed through the online catalog. The George A. Smathers Libraries provide primary support to all academic programs except those served by the Health Science Center Library and the Lawton Chiles Legal Information Center. For detailed information about UF's libraries, click here Academic Programs www.ufl.edu/academics Florida has 16 colleges and more than 100 research, service and education centers, bureaus and institutes. More than 100 undergraduate majors are offered. Nearly 2,000 freshmen and sophomores participate in the honors program, which offers 90-100 honors courses per semester. Most classes are limited to no more than 25 students. The University Scholars Program introduces UF undergrads to the exciting world of academic research by allowing them to work one-on-one with Florida faculty on selected research projects. The Graduate School coordinates almost 200 graduate programs. Professional degree programs include dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Learn More About This College The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and its School of Forest Resources and Conservation, and School of Natural Resources and Environment offer students a high-quality education that results in knowledge and skills for employment, productive citizenship, and life-long learning. CALS is an educational leader in the areas of life sciences, agricultural sciences, and natural resources as they relate to human resources, the environment, and communities. As a college known for its student-centered focus, CALS prides itself on educating society ready graduates. The academic programs in CALS allow students to prepare for diverse and dynamic positions in business, communications, science, production and education. Programs in CALS prepare many students for professional studies in dentistry, law, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and for graduate study in science and technology. Warrington College of Business Administration Learn More About This College The Warrington College of Business (WCB) offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in decision and information sciences, economics, finance, management, and marketing and a Bachelor of Arts Business Administration degree in general studies with an outside area of specialization. Minors The WCB offers a minor in business administration which is open to non-business majors only. Minors in entrepreneurship and real estate and a certificate in retailing leadership is available to all undergraduate students. College of Dentistry Learn More About This College The University of Florida College of Dentistry, est. in 1972, is housed in the Dental Sciences Building located on the western edge of the Health Science Center campus. The college is the only publicly-funded dental school in the State of Florida and is a national leader in dental education, research and service. Our students and faculty participate in interdisciplinary learning and research that benefits the college and its patient community, and also results in a well-rounded curriculum that produces dentists skillful in the art and science of dentistry. The College of Dentistry educates the state's future dentists and dental specialists through its 16 degree and certificate programs. Each year the college admits a new class of about 80 D.M.D. students consisting of individuals who are among the top predental students in the nation. Students' performance on standardized examinations is a benchmark of the quality of our academic programs. The performance of the Class of 2006 on the NBDE – Part I was ranked 6th out of the 56 participating dental school classes. The college is nationally recognized for its oral health research enterprise, emphasizing infectious diseases in dentistry, bone biology, pain and neurosciences, and translational research to improve clinical and dental care. College of Design, Construction and Planning Learn More About This College The College of Design, Construction, and Planning has four undergraduate programs including Architecture (a 4+2 program) Building Construction* (a 4-year degree), Interior Design (a 4-year degree) and Landscape Architecture (a 5-year degree). The college session will include a discussion of programs and the development of a schedule of classes for each student. *NOTE: There is a separate session for students interested in the Rinker School of Building Construction. College of Education Learn More About This College The College of Education is responsible for teacher education at the University of Florida. In response to the demand for qualified teachers in an Inclusive program, the PROTEACH programs were developed. Students may choose a program in Unified Elementary/ Special Education, Unified Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education (in conjunction with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences or the College of Agricultural and Life Science). PROTEACH programs are five-year programs designed to culminate in a master's degree. College of Engineering Learn More About This College The University of Florida College of Engineering is capitalizing on the power of new ideas to move toward the forefront of engineering research and education. Our many different engineering disciplines and programs are aimed at one mission: To foster and provide world-class engineering education, research and service that enhance the economic and social well-being of the citizens of Florida, the nation and the world. Our 11 academic departments provide students and faculty unmatched opportunity for multi-disciplinary study and research. Ten departments offer both graduate and undergraduate degrees, and one offers graduate degrees only. Undergraduate programs: - Agricultural and Biological Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Civil Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Environmental Engineering - Industrial and Systems Engineering - Materials Science and Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Nuclear Engineering College of Fine Arts Learn More About This College The College of Fine Arts offers liberal arts degrees (Bachelor of Arts) and professional degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music) for students who plan to pursue professional careers in visual and performing arts; to teach in schools or private studios; to use their arts background to enhance their work in a variety of professional careers, or to pursue graduate study. Minors in Art History, Dance, Music, and Theatre are available, however, minors are not available in studio art. Learn more about programs of study, academic requirements, and career options in the college session. College of Health and Human Performance Learn More About This College The College of Health and Human Performance is one of 16 colleges at the University of Florida involved in teaching, research, and community/public service. The primary focus of the faculty and students in the college is assisting individuals, families, and communities to promote health and prevent disease while enhancing quality of life across the lifespan. Applied Physiology and Kinesiology The department of APK is concerned with how various aspects of human movement affect the quality of life across the life span. Significant research contributions, education and service are related to the study of physiological, psychological, and biomechanical responsiveness to physical activity. The curriculum focuses on ways to improve and maintain health and performance for the typical person as well as people with disablities. In addition, students can study the evaluation and treatment of sport injuries. Program options include Athlete Training (AT), Fitness and Wellness (FW), and Exercise Physiology (EP). Health Education and Behavior The Department of Health Education and Behavior focuses on developing expertise in the behavioral and environmental determinants of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality locally, nationally, and globally. Topics explored in this department include adolescent health, human sexuality, emotional health, substance abuse, community health, nutrition, obesity, physical activity, injury and violence prevention, health behavior theories, and prevention and harm reduction strategies. Our degree program provides a social and behavioral background for careers with public health agencies, non-profit health organizations, private industry, a variety of public service occupations, and a foundation for later professional and graduate study. Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management The Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management focuses on understanding the role of leisure and sport activities and their impact on individuals, business, communities, and society. The promotion and growth of leisure time activities, sports and tourism are major factors influencing the quality of life and economic development of Florida. Program options include Recreation & Event Management, Tourism & Hospitality Management, Recreation Programming, Natural Resources Recreation Management, and Sport Management. Coursework relating to recreational opportunities for families, at-risk youth, special event and meeting planning, ecotourism, sport management, sport marketing tourism, organized camps, beaches and parks, and water-based recreation are offered. College of Journalism and Communications Learn More About This College The College of Journalism and Communications is one of the largest and most comprehensive mass communication colleges in the nation. The majors -- advertising, journalism, public relations and telecommunication -- are each considered among the best in the country. Levin College of Law Learn More About This College The University of Florida's Fredric G. Levin College of Law has a distinguished national reputation and a tradition of academic excellence that has produced many leaders for the state of Florida, the nation, and the global legal community. The Florida law faculty is nationally and internationally renowned, as well as larger and more diverse than the faculties of most U.S. law schools. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Learn More About This College As the largest and most diverse College on campus, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) offers 42 majors (www.clas.ufl.edu/) in 23 departments. Qualified students can even develop their own major through the interdisciplinary studies program (web.clas.ufl.edu/ids). CLAS also offers 42 minors, various certificate programs and combined bachelors and masters degree programs. College of Medicine Learn More About This College The College of Medicine, the largest of six colleges at the University of Florida Health Science Center, opened in 1956 with a mission to increase Florida's supply of highly qualified physicians, provide advanced health-care services to Florida residents, and foster discovery in health research. Since graduating its first medical students in 1960, the college has graduated more than 4,000 physicians. The college also offers other graduate degree programs, including medical science, biomedical engineering, physician assistant studies, and the Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences. Shands at the University of Florida has once again been named one of America's premier medical centers, according to a 2007 list of the nation's most elite health-care facilities compiled by US News & World Report in its "Best Hospitals" issue of July 16, 2007. College of Nursing Learn More About This College Founded in 1956, the College of Nursing is among six in the UF Health Science Center, one of the most comprehensive academic health-care centers in the Southeast. The college collaborates with other HSC colleges of Dentistry, Health Professions, Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine, as well as with the Shands HealthCare System and more than 40 other programs, institutes and centers of excellence located within the university and Health Science Center. The colleges of the Health Science Center and their associated health care delivery networks provide students access to an integrated system of community hospitals and clinics, statewide home health care, a veterans' health system and quaternary health care at Shands at UF. The College of Nursing maintains and participates in nursing and interdisciplinary clinics for women, children, adults, and the elderly with special emphasis on underserved and rural populations. College of Pharmacy Learn More About This College The UF College of Pharmacy is among the very best colleges of pharmacy in the United States. UF offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program at four different campuses -- Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, and St. Petersburg. The faculty is outstanding in their teaching, research, and service activities. New and renovated facilities at all four campuses provide students with an excellent learning environment. Innovative distance education technology and strategies complement a “hands-on” approach to learning pharmaceutical, medical, social, and clinical subjects in the professional Doctor of Pharmacy program. Joint degree programs (Pharm.D./Masters of Business Administration, Pharm.D./Masters of Public Health, Pharm.D./Juris Doctorate, and Pharm.D./Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences) are available to qualified students. The Pharm.D. degree is a four-year professional program. College of Public Health and Health Professions Learn More About This College The College of Public Health and Health Professions offers the Health Science program leading to the Bachelor of Health Science degree. The program includes instructive and practical activities for students to learn the foundation skills necessary for success in the dynamic health environment. The program has two major goals: (1) to teach foundation skills to students whose career goal is to work in health care, particularly for those who want to become health care providers; and (2) to teach foundation skills to students who want to work in rehabilitation-related settings with individuals who face social or economic challenges. Students who are interested in a health care or public health career are ideal candidates for the Health Science program. Recently enrolled students have included those with career goals of occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine, physician assistant, rehabilitation counseling, public health, health administration, dentistry, chiropractic medicine, optometry, dietetics, communicative disorders, and psychology. Students interested in related fields are also encouraged to explore health science as a possible major. Majors/Minors Offered & Career Tracks We have one undergraduate major in our college, Bachelor of Health Science. However, students choose one of several tracks, including Health Science General, Pre-professional, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, and Rehabilitative Services. These tracks help determine their specific coursework in order to match their career goals. We have three minors in our college: Health Science, Rehabilitative Services and Public Health. Eligible students from any undergraduate program at UF can apply to our minor programs. Our minors are 15-credit programs designed for students who want to complement their major coursework with knowledge that would be beneficial in the administration, research, and/or delivery of health services. College of Veterinary Medicine Learn More About This College The College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) at the University of Florida, the state's only veterinary college, offers comprehensive service to the public through a fourfold mission - teaching, research, extension, and patient care. Following graduation of its first class in 1980, the college has built on the university's reputation for excellence. Outstanding academic programs, coupled with exciting new facilities, distinguish today's environment at the UF veterinary college - an environment that continues to change and thrive in response to patient and student needs. |
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