With more than 200 participating funds and so many opportunities for inspiration, activation and growth — we’re counting down to liftoff by highlighting unique areas to consider supporting with your gift this UCF Day of Giving.

As Knights, we challenge status quo. We charge boldly ahead toward industry evolutions and technological advancements. We dare to build a future the world has only begun to imagine. And it’s all driven through moments like this and individuals like you.

Together, we’re launching Knights to new heights.

When the unexpected arises, help sometimes comes in the form of . Created to support Knights facing hardship that may hinder their education, this fund provides financial support for textbooks, fees�����Ի� other education-related expenses for qualifying students.

Your gift ensures that when life’s trials test our Knights, they pass with flying colors, securing the education�����Ի� future they deserve.

The  provides services, programming and resources for thousands of military-connected students currently enrolled at UCF.

helps ensure that those who have served and their connected students are fully supported as they pursue their educational and career goals.

UCF has been recognized with a Gold Award on the Military Friendly Schools list, as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus, a Best Military-Friendly Online College and on the Military Times’  2025 Best for Vets Colleges List. Help us continue that legacy of serving those who’ve served.

offers an intensive, comprehensive therapy program to those navigating Aphasia, a language disorder that can arise from health challenges such as stroke, brain cancer�����Ի� brain injury,�����Ի���affects an individual’s ability to read, write, speak�����Ի���comprehend language.

Through the program, individuals are empowered to make progress on their long-held goals, like talking with their grandchildren or ordering their favorite restaurant meal.

 on UCF Day of Giving supports the continuation of this important service for our community, as well as the hands-on experience UCF student clinicians receive.

Support UCF College of Medicine researchers as they break into new realms of understanding around the country’s second leading cause of death — cancer. Through innovative science, they’re exploring key avenues of discovery including the role that genes play in determining a person’s cancer risk, what causes cancer to spread�����Ի� how to harness the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells.

The goal: to prevent cancer and find new therapies that improve quality of life for patients.  brings us one step closer to lives saved, families unburdened�����Ի� a cure realized.

Did you know that UCF has one of the top Moot Court teams in the nation, ranking among the top 15 overall by the American Moot Court Association? Supervised by the , these student advocates are challenged with arguing mock supreme court cases on constitutional amendments.

and national leadership��������making a gift on UCF Day of Giving. Help cover competition travel expenses, as well as the cost of the annual tournament hosted at UCF Downtown each fall.

It’s time for launch, Knight Nation! Join us as we rally around our favorite causes, and maybe even uncover some new ones, during UCF Day of Giving. Find more areas of support��������������ǰ����Բ����ٳ����, and save the date to  on Thursday, April 9.  

UCF has earned a  signaling the university’s growing support for military and veteran students. This is the first year UCF has earned the Gold designation, following many years as a Silver awardee.

“This recognition reflects years of intentional work across the university to better support military-connected students,” says Andrea Guzmán, UCF vice president for access and community engagement. “We’ve focused on building stronger support systems, removing barriers, and ensuring students have clear pathways from enrollment through career.”

In addition to our Gold Award and recognition as a Military Friendly Spouse School, UCF has been previously designated as a Purple Heart Institution, Florida Purple Star Campus, Best Military-Friendly Online College and Military Times’  2025 Best for Vets Colleges List.

Today about 4,000 military-connected students are enrolled at UCF, and there are a range of services coordinated through the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) to support them:

Holistic Programming

• An orientation dedicated for military-connected students and their families

• Expanded student engagement and social activities, which include families and military veterans within our community

• Collaboration with  affiliates, most notably Valencia College, to streamline transition for transfer students

Academic Resources

• Peer-to-peer tutoring in courses with high drop or fail rates

• VA Work Study and university academic coaching programs prepare and train military-connected students to provide academic coaching to their peers

Career Readiness

• Industry partnerships — including Amazon, JE Technology and Disney — that provide opportunity and engagement through mentorships, internships�����Ի� career fairs

• Range of workshops, lunch and learns and professional development opportunities

Access to Financial Support 

• Established an endowed scholarship to provide assistance to military-connected students

• Potential for “meal plan” grants, emergency relief funds, tuition and fee waivers, and housing subsidies as part of co-curricular and academic support programs

• Participates in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program, a tuition assistance initiative for veterans and eligible dependents

Additionally, MVSS empowers UCF’s faculty and staff through professional development opportunities with strategies and tips on how to best serve and engage with military-connected students.

A new liaison program has been piloted in the last year, placing an MVSS staff member with VA work study students at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management�����Ի���UCF Downtown to increase support services for military-connected students at those campus locations. In Fall 2026, the program is expected to expand to the College of Business, College of Sciences�����Ի� College of Arts and Humanities.

“The support the office provides is some of the most efficient and effective support I have encountered at UCF,” says �ھ��Բ��Գ�����������ǰ� Abigail Kost. “I have scored interviews from career fairs and connections from lunch and learns. The office is also a pillar of emotional wellbeing and has helped me navigate VA benefits and scholarship opportunities. I would not have come as far as I have without the office’s resources.”

UCF: Committed to Serving Veterans

UCF’s commitment to serving veterans is not singularly confined to our Office of Military and Veteran Student Success.

In January, U.S. News & World Report r���԰�����UCF No. 6 for online bachelor’s programs for veterans.

Ů��AV is home to , a nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic established to change the way post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed, and treated.

Led by UCF Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel, who is currently , the organization employs a unique and effective approach to treatment. A combination of exposure therapy, emerging technology and individual and group therapy sessions resulted in 66% of participants with combat-related trauma and 76% of first responders no longer meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD following three weeks of intensive treatment.

Last year, UCF became one of 12 universities nationwide — and the only school in Florida and the southeast — to participate in a new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership.

A partnership between UCF College of Medicine and Orlando VA Medical Center  — located next door to each other in Lake Nona’s Medical City — ensures every medical student receives training in specialties including surgery, internal medicine, neurology�����Ի� psychiatry at the Orlando VA Medical Center.

UCF’s history department has been documenting veterans’ stories as part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project since 2010. UCF’s Veterans Legacy Program, which was founded in 2017 as a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration, focuses on documenting the lives of those buried in Florida’s nine national cemeteries.

About Military Friendly

Founded in 2003, Military Friendly is an organization that measures organizations’ commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military community.

Military Friendly Schools strive toward and succeed in the areas that matter most in helping veterans make the transition from the military to school and, ultimately, satisfying careers in the civilian world. Earning the designation shows a school meets the minimum criteria.

Military Friendly’s final ratings for its Schools list were determined by combining each institution’s survey responses, government/agency public data sources, and measurements across retention, graduation, job placement, repayment, persistence, and loan default rates for all students and specifically, for student-veterans.

“UCF has been building the future of online education for more than 30 years,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “This recognition from U.S. News & World Report affirms the excellence of a people-first, technology-driven approach refined over decades. It reflects a university that has consistently led with innovation, delivered quality at scale and continues to set the standard for what online learning can be.”

This year, UCF also ranks:

• No. 3 nationally for Online Psychology Bachelor’s Programs
• No. 5 nationally for Online Master’s in Educational and Instructional Media Design
• No. 6 nationally for Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
• No. 6 nationally for Online Business (Lodging and Restaurant Management) Bachelor’s Programs

Empowering Driven Non-Traditional Students

Ů��AV is a leader in how to support learners who don’t fit the traditional academic mold, says Thomas Cavanagh ’06PhD, vice provost for digital learning. These students are parents, working professionals, people with disabilities, those caring for loved ones in need and many others with distinct life circumstances.

UCF Online provides 9,000 students annually a path to a degree that may otherwise be impossible.

“Taking online classes was the best way for me to be efficient as a mom and a detective at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office,” says Melissa Schuck ’25, a criminal justice alum and a Florida Army National Guard sergeant. “Being able to show my children that through two careers and being a full-time mom that I could still be a full-time student and be successful [makes all my hard work worth it].”

Shuck says she’s even considering the added challenge of pursuing an online graduate degree in criminal justice, which UCF ranks No. 17 for nationally and No. 10 among veterans.

How We Lead at Scale Without Compromise

Behind each online course is a deeply collaborative process. By investing in faculty development and support, UCF Online offers an accessible path to degrees without comprising on quality.

Each semester up to 40 faculty members complete a rigorous, graduate-equivalent course to prepare them for how to best teach students in the unique environment of online learning while meeting academic standards.

“The same faculty who teach on campus , teach online, which is a hallmark of our quality,” Cavanagh says. “We partner with faculty to develop intentionally designed, media-rich courses for our students. We emphasize that the proven practices of consistent assignment schedules, engagement and responsiveness lead to a more engaging learning experience for students, as well as achieve better outcomes.”

More than 150 Center for Distributed Learning staff members work with 2,000 faculty across the university to develop and enhance UCF’s online programs.

That same intentionality extends to student success. UCF Online’s dedicated coaching staff supports prospective and current students with the application process, applying for financial aid, signing up for classes, connecting them to resources and more.

“We meet students where they are — and we walk with them,” says Tasha Williams ’12 ’17MNM, director of student coaching for UCF Online.

Redefining Online Education for Tomorrow’s Workforce

This year’s recognition reflects that UCF Online continues to be at the forefront of digital learning. To lead this charge, instructional designer, multimedia specialists, assessment experts and other staff combine their insights with tools such as artificial intelligence to evolve academic offerings.

This includes exploring opportunities to redesign courses for disciplines like nursing — which UCF ranks No. 17 for online graduate programs nationally — from 16 weeks to eight weeks while meeting industry standards.

“We’re never finished,” Cavanagh says. “Continuous improvement is part of our culture — whether that’s refining how we support faculty, enhancing the student experience or rethinking how programs are structured to meet today’s workforce demands.”

This fall, these strengths will continue to benefit the graduating Knight as he begins his professional career with Northop Grumman.

“I’ll be looking to get into the field of engineering and robotics,” he says.

Before coming to UCF, Koopman was inspired by his father — who completed three tours in the Army Reserves after 9/11 — to enlist and make an impact through service. By joining the military he also knew he’d have an affordable path to an education that would in turn serve him for the rest of this life.“If I could get an education while serving my country, that would be a dream job,” says Koopman, an Iowa native who came to UCF after being encouraged by family who live in Florida.

During his time at UCF, Koopman took on leadership roles in the engineering program and completed two internships at Northrop Grumman. He’s also led research at the Wearable Engineering Assistive Robotics Lab, where he’s developed a robotic tendon-driven hand exoskeleton for simulation purposes. A novelty of this development is the base framework for the glove, he says.

“For a hand exoskeleton meant to be used in a virtual environment, complete hand dexterity needs to be kept,” Koopman says. “Not only can range of motion and degrees of freedom not be interfered with, but they also need to be replicating to provide opposing force against the user. This meant that I spent a lot of time researching and analyzing the biomechanics of the human in all its amazing complexity.”

Koopman also took advantage of the Engineering Leadership and Innovation Institute, eli2, at UCF.

“That included mentoring project leaders, managing technical resources and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration,” he says.

He also worked with UCF’s Florida Space Institute to showcase an engineering Mars rover project using 3D printing. The final prototype served as a platform for virtual simulation, rehabilitation and robotics research, Koopman says.

Koopman says he hopes to use his education and experiences at UCF to achieve his goals of earning a master’s in robotics and leading a company one day.

“I have the vision of one day starting my own robotics company developing exoskeletons, which is related to my research,” he says.

“I came to realize during my time in academia that I love the problem-solving aspect of engineering.”

Koopman credits a large part of his personal and professional growth to involvement with various clubs on campus, including First Step, a mentorship program for transfer students.

“I really appreciate all the support and resources that have been provided to me,” Koopman says.

By supporting students, life-changing research and initiatives that mean the most to you, you’ll help launch Knights to new heights! Not sure where to make your gift this year? Here are some of the lesser-known, unique programs, departments and services available for support. Discover where you can be a force for the future.

One of the best-kept secrets on campus is the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). As one of seven regional centers established in Florida, CARD offers resources and nonresidential services to individuals with autism and related disabilities, as well as their families. From educational seminars to support services, including phone consultations and school observations and recommendations, CARD address issues that impact individuals across the lifespan. Use your gift to support CARD and its important work in our community.

Meet PIXEL — a new, one-of-a-kind building planned for the heart of UCF’s campus. Designed to defy the limits of traditional performance spaces, it will foster collaboration between the arts and other disciplines, including business, engineering, hospitality, sciences and more. The space will allow students to learn the latest in 3D projection and how to incorporate virtual and augmented reality into traditional art forms while also creating immersive experiences for audiences. PIXEL will be a space to create, collaborate and innovate.

Beyond putting smiles on the faces of everyone they meet, UCF’s Police K-9s play a critical role in keeping our campus and students safe. By making a gift to the UCF Police Department’s K-9 fund, you’ll help support the adoption, training and care of our four-legged officers. Who can resist those puppy-dog eyes?

Even those who dedicate their lives to saving others need support sometimes. Help UCF College of Medicine students and future health care leaders when they need it most. This fund assists Knights facing food insecurity, illness and natural disasters, helping them navigate challenging times and continue their education. It also supports UCF student and resident/fellow wellness programs.

Forty-eight percent of college students are affected by housing insecurity, and 14% are affected by homelessness, according to a recent Hope Center for College, Community and Justice survey. The Housing Insecurity Fund provides relief to students experiencing housing insecurity or facing homelessness, helping them continue their education and thrive.

Created to support students facing hardship that may hinder their education, the Student Emergency Fund provides financial support for textbooks, fees and other education-related expenses for qualifying students.

The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success (MVSS) was created to provide student veterans with the tools, resources and support needed to earn their degrees. By making a gift to the MVSS, you’ll help fund supplies, programs and events that benefit the center.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of UCF’s Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), which is dedicated to preparing the next generation of energy leaders. Your gift to FSEC supports research, workforce development and education activities, including the annual EnergyWhiz competition for K-12 students, professional development for teachers and continuing education for energy practitioners. Help expand these efforts and more as we work toward a more resilient energy future.

The Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA) is UCF’s globally ranked graduate program, preparing students for careers in the game industry with expertise in areas such as the arts, programming, production, design and more. Support the next generation of industry leaders by ensuring they have access to cutting-edge technology and meaningful learning experiences.

These are just a few of the many impactful funds that you can donate to during UCF Day of Giving on April 10. We encourage you to explore the and make a gift to the area that matters most to you.

Ů��AV is one of 12 universities nationwide — and the only school in Florida and the southeast — that will participate in the new Service to Service initiative. The national pilot program is dedicated to connecting veterans and their families with graduate educational pathways in public service and helping them find impactful long-term careers in public leadership. By encouraging service members to pursue higher education in public administration affairs, this military-to-public-service pipeline is intended to help veterans leverage their military experience in rewarding new roles.

Participants can apply for scholarships and use their GI bill toward the program. Recruitment starts in Spring 2025, and the program’s launch is scheduled for Fall 2025.

Service to Service is a collaboration between two nonprofit organizations: The Volcker Alliance, which supports public service education, and We the Veterans, which aims to empower service members and their relatives. UCF joins Cornell University, Arizona State University and others in having been selected as a pilot site for this initiative.

, director of the and the school’s representative to The Volcker Alliance, says he believes Service to Service is an excellent opportunity for veterans who want to transition into a civil service career.

“The military is always an untapped resource,” Goodman says. “Many veterans leave the military with a lot of experience, and they want to continue that level of experience by serving their communities. We want to provide quality education that engages our veterans, and the Service to Service program can better connect us with that group of people.”

Students who join the initiative, known as Service to Service Fellows, can further their education through UCF’s graduate programs in public administration, emergency and crisis management, nonprofit management, public policy, and regional and urban planning. Goodman says the fellows will also enjoy various program benefits such as mentorship, community-building, professional development opportunities and even facilitated job placement.

“Students in the Service to Service program will have access to resources such as seminars, online workshops and trainings across the country,” Goodman says. “They’ll be able to network not just locally but nationally with cohorts at other participating universities.”

, a 23-year Army veteran and director of UCF’s , adds that the program serves as an avenue for veterans seeking guidance in their next chapter.

“Veterans often leave the service feeling lost, not knowing who they want to be or what they want to do,” Kepner says. “Trying to become a civilian overnight can be very difficult, and finding work after military life can feel like trying to find your first ‘grown-up’ job. Service to Service is a fantastic way for veterans and their families to find their footing in local or state government roles where they can continue serving the community.”

Looking ahead, Kepner says he is excited about the Service to Service initiative and thinks it will have a highly positive impact on the service members and military families who decide to enroll.

“Florida is a great state for veterans,” Kepner says. “A lot of veterans and retirees come down to Florida, and as more veterans move here, Service to Service will allow them to explore new career options. I think it’s going to pay huge dividends for transitioning service members to discover who they want to be.”

In January, U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF No. 8 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. In 2024, UCF received the Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, which recognizes the university for its efforts to support military and veteran students through 2027.

Those wanting to learn more about the Service to Service program should contact the School of Public Administration.

The tour included visits with key UCF research centers, such as (IST), , and the Center of Excellence in Hypersonic and Space Propulsion (HyperSpace Center).

While Grady toured UCF’s defense-related research, his wife, Christine Grady, visited UCF’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success; , a clinic dedicated to treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and met with UCF Army and Air Force ROTC cadets.

“The visit from Admiral and Mrs. Grady underscores the vital role Ů��AV plays in advancing national security and defense research, supporting critical DOD needs, and preparing the next generation of military leaders,” says Winston V. Schoenfeld, UCF’s vice president for research and innovation. “Over 30% of UCF’s federal funding has come from the DOD for more than a decade, positioning UCF as a national leader in delivering key innovations to the DOD.”

The Tour

Grady began his visit with a meeting alongside UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright, where they discussed UCF’s longstanding commitment to supporting the nation’s defense through cutting-edge research and workforce development.

While with CREOL, Admiral Grady received a briefing on directed energy research and its applications for DOD missions, particularly the capabilities of the Townes Institute for Science and Technology Experimentation Facility. The institute, located at Kennedy Space Center, supports multidisciplinary research with a focus on space science, optics and other advanced technologies.

At IST, UCF showcased the latest advancements in digital twin technology, such as real-time 3D digital twins of structures and areas, and artificial intelligence for DOD-decision making tools.

Grady’s visit to the HyperSpace Center focused on the integration of students into the research process and the timeline for the hypersonic technology, which would allow air travel at speeds of up to 13,000 miles per hour (Mach 17).

Commitment to National Defense and Military Success

��AV is a national leader in supporting military and defense initiatives through education, research and industry partnerships.

UCF’s Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports more than 3,200 military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty and dependents, by providing academic advising, transition assistance and tailored guidance.

UCF RESTORES offers innovative, no-cost PTSD treatment for veterans and first responders, with clinical trials achieving a 100% success rate in just 14 days for participants completing VR-assisted exposure therapy. The program has treated more than 500 veterans and 950 first responders, with the majority no longer meeting PTSD criteria.

UCF also boasts top-ranked ROTC programs, with the Army ROTC Fighting Knights Battalion and Air Force Detachment 159 preparing leaders for military and civilian careers. UCF’s AFROTC program, which has been developing officers for the Air Force and Space Force for more than 50 years, has earned the DOD’s ROTC and Educational Institutional Partnership Excellence Award for multiple areas of excellence.

In research, UCF’s close ties to the defense industry are amplified through Central Florida Research Park, a $7 billion hub for modeling and simulation adjacent to UCF’s main campus, which is also home to six DOD headquarters. UCF also ranks No. 1 in Florida for VA certifications, is leading the nation in the number of cybersecurity championships, and is the top supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industries.

The Collegiate Purple Star honors colleges that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military and veteran students and their families. Once awarded, the designation remains active for three academic years.

There are about 3,100 military and veteran students at UCF, and we provide a comprehensive array of services tailored to their needs.  This includes dedicated resources such as  the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, and the Military and Veteran Success Center, aimed at supporting their academic, career and personal success.

In February, UCF ranked No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans��������U.S. News & World Report. In the same month, Knight Nation ranked No. 11 on College Consensus’ 2024 Best Online Colleges for Veterans list.

Among the commitments UCF upholds that have received recognition from the Purple Star Campus honor are:

• A transition program to assist military and veteran students integrate into campus life, which includes veteran transfer orientation sessions.
• Professional development training opportunities, including Green Zone training for faculty, staff and students. The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success also offers tailored training packages to the Office of Financial Aid, Student Services, and other UCF departments to equip staff with the insights and knowledge necessary for working with military and veteran students utilizing veteran educational benefits.
• Priority course registration for military and veteran students.
• Hosting annual , including open houses, Flag Days, Military Appreciation Games, , veteran community resource fairs, veteran career and internship fairs, and Veterans Graduation Stole Ceremonies.
• Partnering with a college or career center liaison officer from a military installation. This includes the Military Student Career program, which provides resume critiques, networking and job search strategies, insight from military professionals who have transitioned to civilian careers and connecting with employers.
• Continuing their service through the Soldiers to Scholars (SLS) program. Through SLS, student-veterans serve as mentors and safely escort school children to and from the Metro Place apartment community to Eagle’s Nest Elementary School. Additionally, these mentors facilitate after-school programs aimed at enhancing academic performance and organize special events tailored to the needs of these young students.

In recent years, UCF has consistently received recognition for its commitment, effort, and success in creating holistic, sustainable and meaningful support for the military and veteran student community on campus. U.S. News & World Reportranked UCF among the nation’s Best Colleges for Veteran in its 2024 undergraduate list. In 2022, UCF received the Purple Heart Designation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The university also received the Silver Award on the 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list.

College Consensus rankings combine the results of the most respected college ranking systems — such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly — with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create its rankings. Earlier the month, UCF was ranked No. 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

“With dedicated resources, online program options, and a supportive environment, UCF stands out as an excellent choice for military veterans seeking to pursue a bachelor’s degree online,” College Consensus stated in its rankings.

��AV is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant, ensuring that eligible veterans receive financial support beyond what the GI Bill covers. The university also prioritizes a veteran-friendly campus culture, fostering a sense of community among military-affiliated students.

There are about 1,400 student-veterans at UCF, and there are a range of services, including the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success, offered to support them.

In recent years, UCF has continuously received recognition for its commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the student-veteran community on campus. U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF among the nation’s Best Colleges for Veteran in its 2024 undergraduate list. In 2022, UCF received the Purple Heart Designation from the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The university also received the Silver Award on the 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list.

By meeting students’ needs where they are and providing access to outstanding online programs, UCF continues to support students to develop skills that fuel the economy and meet the needs of Florida’s growing workforce.

Today, U.S. News & World Report once again recognized the quality of UCF’s online degrees through the release of its best online program national rankings, which included ranking the university No. 7 in the nation for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

Of the 14 UCF national rankings from U.S. News, six programs made the top 10, two made the top 15 and three were in the top 50.

With the 2024 release, UCF has ranked in the top 20 overall Best Online Programs for the past seven years.

Highlights include:

• 4 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology
• 5 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, up two spots from last year
• 7 for Overall Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, up one spot from last year
• 9 for
• 10 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business – Lodging & Restaurant Management
• 10 for Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs, up three spots from last year
• 11 for , up two spots from last year
• 14 for Overall Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs

UCF took fifth place for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, a ranking that reflects the university’s commitment to providing student veterans with the resources, tools and assistance they need to succeed. The on-campus Office of Military and Veteran Success offers support and camaraderie to achieve their educational and career goals through distance learning. UCF’s graduate education programs and graduate engineering programs were also ranked among the best in the nation for veterans.

“UCF’s commitment to developing the talent for Florida’s workforce includes broadening access to the high-quality online education that enables us to meet students’ needs for flexibility and supports their success,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “We are grateful for the faculty-led innovation that allows us to deliver accessible, top notch online education that prepares the talent for the industries of today and of the future.”

A Longtime Leader in Online Education

UCF Online has built new pathways for students — some of whom live thousands of miles away and have full-time jobs — to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees, doctorates and graduate certificates. Ů��AV is meeting the needs of its students, who are pursuing a better life for themselves and their families through distance learning.

Every faculty member goes through a rigorous training and qualification process before they teach an online class.

“One of the keys to our continued success in delivering high-quality online programs is the hard work of our faculty,” says Tom Cavanagh, vice provost for Digital Learning at UCF. “Their dedication and innovation deliver engaging learning environments that not only improve the success of our students, but also set UCF apart as a leader in digital learning.”

UCF began offering online courses in 1996 — long before most universities — and has deep experience in distance learning. From admission to graduation, UCF Online students can access a range of services, including online success coaches, academic advising, library services, career support, tech support and more.

Leveraging Technology for Psychology Education

Psychology lecturer Martha Hubertz has been at the forefront of innovation in online classes for years. Her courses are mostly filled with transfer and first-generation students. Over time, she’s incorporated immersive graphics, learning experiences and gamification into her courses.

“I think online can actually be better than face-to-face. I think it’s meeting them where they’re at and scaffolding them where we want them to be,” Hubertz says. “Online can be superior to face-to-face when it’s done right.”

She also uses Personalized Adaptive Learning (PAL), allowing students to progress through content as they master it at their own pace. Introducing PAL has caused test scores to skyrocket.

“An advantage of UCF’s online bachelor’s in psychology program is that students in the program get the same classes, taught by the same faculty, as any psychology major, regardless of whether they are on-campus residential students, commute to UCF or are online-only students,” says Florian Jentsch, chair of the psychology department. “In fact, there are no differences between campus and online students when they are taking one of our online classes and in the opportunities they have for academic advisement.”

A Pipeline to High-value Careers

UCF alumnus Xavier Henderson ’17 ’21MS earned his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering in 2017, attending in-person classes. He followed that up in 2021 with a master’s degree in the same field — but this time it was an online program. By that time, Henderson had a full-time job as a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin, working on space-related programs at Cape Canaveral. Taking classes online allowed him to excel even while navigating work demands.

“I liked the flexibility of online courses. There were times I would be on a work trip and the professors would accommodate that,” Henderson says. “They don’t make it easy, but they provide you with all the tools you need to get a UCF degree online as you would in-person.”

Alan Tromba has taken a winding path to UCF, first in art and then military aviation, both at different institutions. He now works in the IT field and is pursuing an online master’s degree in digital forensics. The program has earned UCF the No. 23 ranking for U.S. News‘ Best Online Computer Information Technology Programs.

 Support UCF’s growth as we aim to continue rising in the rankings.

“It became apparent that my degree program had put me a step ahead of my counterparts. I chose UCF’s program for three reasons: one, because it was solely involved in digital forensics and not a concentration, two, because UCF was on the short list for top universities for the field, and three, cost and availability,” says Tromba, who lives in Brandon, Florida. “As much as I enjoyed in-person courses, the price and ability to not have to commute to campus was a great motivator. Based on how things have been going for me professionally by choosing this program, I’d say it was money well spent.”