University of Florida

Distance Education Programs

Face-to-Face Interaction
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Graduate Degree Programs
Certificate Programs
Professional Licensure
Individual Course Offerings

A long and rich history of academic outreach at the University of Florida is the backbone of the Division of Continuing Education. For more than 85 years, nontraditional students have been able to explore educational opportunities and reach their academic dreams. Now more than ever, technology is opening doors to students from all over the world and providing access to many of the same quality courses that are available on campus.

Escalating in popularity and value, distance learning extends classroom walls beyond UF's campus boundaries, taking the university anywhere in the world. Access to education becomes unlimited. More than 7,000 working professionals and nontraditional students in more than 10 countries have accomplished their academic goals by enrolling in UF distance education programs.

Distance learning courses make use of the Internet, software, TV stations, 2-way television, digital phone lines, video cassette, audio tapes and U.S. mail to deliver instruction to students who work toward or receive undergraduate and graduate degrees.

A blended approach to instructional delivery also offers students many options in course materials:

Web-based
Video Conferencing
Videotape
Print-based correspondence

Face-to-Face Interaction

For distance students in professional degree programs, faculty interaction is an important component. Faculty facilitators and mentors are made available in geographical regions located in close proximity to UF distance learners.

Students often gather on weekends for face-to-face meetings with faculty and fellow students. Like traditional UF students, distance students in programs such as the master's in forensic science and doctor of audiology form friendships within the class. When graduation comes, they travel to UF from cities across the country, enthusiastically meeting up with old classmates at UF commencement exercises.

Most UF distance degrees are taken on a part-time basis. However, all distance education degree programs require formal admission to the University of Florida.

Rigorous academic standards are maintained on all UF courses, on or off-campus. Controlled test conditions are provided by proctors administering exams at secure testing facilities to guarantee the quality and integrity of student work.