Admissions FAQs

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate’s, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Florida also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Florida may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Who teaches UF Online courses? UF Online courses are taught by the same world-renowned faculty who teach on-campus courses. Can I meet with my professors?

Yes, UF Online students can schedule one-on-one meetings with their professors in-person or virtually during office hours.

Will my diploma and transcripts say “UF Online”?

No, UF Online students earn the same prestigious University of Florida degree as our on-campus students. The diploma and transcripts are indistinguishable – they are the same and read “University of Florida.”

How are UF Online courses structured? Can I complete coursework at my own pace?

UF Online follows the same academic calendar as residential programs. Courses are primarily delivered in an asynchronous, semester-based format. Some courses, however, may have synchronous components such as scheduled exams per the discretion of the professor. Admitted students should review their syllabi and course schedule at the beginning of the semester and discuss any scheduling concerns with their faculty members. UF Online students have the option to enroll full or part time and control how many credits they take each term.

How are UF Online courses structured? Can I complete coursework at my own pace?

How are UF Online courses different than courses taught on campus?

There is no difference in content or rigor between UF Online courses and courses taught residentially at the University of Florida. In many cases, courses will be the same with a special online section designated for UF Online students.

How are lectures conducted?

All lectures are recorded and archived so students can access them at their convenience. Recorded lectures can be accessed on-demand via Canvas, our online learning platform. Students who wish to meet with their professors can also schedule in-person or virtual meetings during office hours.

How are labs completed online?

If applicable, UF Online labs are completed via synchronous and asynchronous virtual experiments. Home kits, virtual labs, discussions, or other activities supplement the learning experience in UF Online labs.

How are exams proctored in UF Online? What do I need to know about online testing?

UF utilizes online proctoring services to protect the integrity of the testing process and the value of your degree. While instructors proctor exams in face-to-face courses, UF and your instructors use Honorlock to proctor exams in online courses. In both cases, proctoring protects and standardizes the exam process.

Can UF Online students participate in undergraduate research?

Absolutely! Additional information about research opportunities available to UF Online students, can be found on our Research page.

As a UF Online student, can I pursue a double major or dual degree?

UF Online students may be eligible to apply for a double major or dual degree if the second major is offered in UF Online (exception: Nursing students are not eligible to pursue dual degrees). Prospective students do not specify this during the admissions process, rather this is discussed with their academic advisor upon admission to the program.

Can I walk at graduation?

All students graduating from the University of Florida via UF Online are invited to walk at graduation here on our campus in Gainesville, Florida. While this is not required to obtain your diploma, it is an exciting way to celebrate the accomplishment of earning your bachelor’s degree.

Can I get involved with student organizations?

There are several ways UF Online students can get involved and have an engaging student experience. In addition to the opportunity to participate in student organizations, UF Online students can engage with fellow online Gators via the UF Online Student Plaza, opt-in to the Optional Fee Package, attend sporting events, join Gator Clubs to connect nationwide, and much more! Additional information about the UF Online student experience can be found on our Student Experience page.

What are the computer requirements for UF Online?

Coursework will require ongoing use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet. Additionally, academic advising and registration, official university correspondence, and other services are all handled online via a computer.

Are financial aid and/or scholarships available to UF Online students?

UF Online students are eligible for consideration for a wide range of federal, state, and institutional aid as administered by the Office for Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (SFA), which also administers a limited number of privately funded scholarships. These include grants, scholarships, student employment, loans and non-SFA administered aid. Descriptions of financial aid options are on the Tuition & Financial Aid page. For more in-depth information as well as how to apply, go to the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

Admissions Requirements

What is my applicant type?

The first step in starting your UF Online application is identifying your applicant type. This will help you determine if you qualify for admission to UF Online. It will also help you know which documents are required with your application. Your applicant type is based off the number of transferable college credits you will have earned prior to your first intended term in our program. For additional information on determining your applicant type, please visit our Applicant Types page.

Can I be admitted to UF Online if I am missing prerequisite courses?

Upper-division transfer applicants (A.A. degree or 60+ transferable college credits) and second bachelor’s degree seeking students must complete all prerequisite courses prior to their first intended term of enrollment with UF. At the time of application, most, if not all, of the prerequisite courses for the applicant’s intended major should be complete. However, applicants may be admitted with certain prerequisite courses in progress at the time of application. We strongly encourage all applicants to speak with an admissions officer to ensure all requirements have been met prior to applying for admission to UF Online. Contact the UF Online Recruitment & Outreach Center at 352-392-4123 or toll-free at 1-855-994-2867 to speak with an admissions officer. Admissions requirements for each major can also be found on our Degrees page.

Where can I complete the prerequisite courses?

Prerequisite courses must be completed at an accredited institution from which the University of Florida awards transfer credit. For more information, please visit the University of Florida Catalog.

If you are missing prerequisite courses, you can complete them in-person at your local college or online. FloridaShines is an excellent resource to find online courses offered at Florida state colleges or universities for non-degree seeking students. Courses from the Florida State College and State University Systems generally adhere to the Statewide Course Numbering System. If the course prefix (first three letters) and the last three digits of the course number are the same, then the course is considered equivalent.

What if I don’t meet the admissions requirements for my applicant type?

If you do not currently meet the admissions requirements outlined on our website, please contact the UF Online Recruitment & Outreach Center to speak with an admissions officer about next steps. Our admissions officers can evaluate your full academic background and help you determine next steps in your academic journey. Contact the UF Online Recruitment & Outreach Center at 352-392-4123 or toll-free at 1-855-994-2867 to discuss the admissions requirements for your program of interest.