Launching in the fall of 2024, the University of Florida will offer three new online majors through UF Online: Agricultural Education & Communication, Early Childhood Education and Entomology & Nematology.
The expansion of what U.S. News and World Report ranks as the nation’s leading online bachelor’s degree program is part of the university’s push to “increase access to education for students in high-demand fields and better meet the needs of Florida’s work force.”
UF Online currently offers more than 25 degree options from 10 colleges and partners with Amazon’s Career Choice program.
“The introduction of these three new fully online majors is a testament to the university’s commitment to providing accessible, flexible, and high-quality education to learners within and beyond Florida,” said interim director of UF Online Rhiannon Pollard, Ph.D., in a press release. “With these new majors, UF Online continues to break down barriers and support and empower students to pursue their academic and career goals.”
The new bachelor’s degree offerings do not replace any pre-existing majors and can only be earned online. The degrees include:
Agricultural Education & Communication, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Designed to prepare students for entry into agribusiness and communication positions related to human resource development, training, political interests, and public relations.
- Coursework focuses on core leadership and communication skills including teamwork, digital media, content development, interpersonal skills, and presentation development.
Early Childhood Education, College of Education
- This FLDOE and CAEP accredited initial teacher preparation program is the first available online in Florida. Designed to equip students to teach young learners age 3 to grade 3, the program was developed in response to Florida’s Programs of Strategic Emphasis and the state’s teacher shortage.
Entomology & Nematology, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
- Designed to expose students to insects and nematodes, and prepare them for careers in academia, private industry, government, and beyond. Students will have opportunities to engage in undergraduate research or industry internships.
- Online students can choose between two specializations: Biological Science of Insects, or Urban Pest Management. Depending on their chosen path, students will engage in courses covering topics such as ecology, animal behavior, physiology, evolution, biodiversity conservation, pest management, and research.
UF Online supports more than 4,000 students from 50 states and 24 countries, according to UF. Some 6,000 Gators have earned bachelor’s degrees from UF Online programs since 2014.
“The faculty in these units, as with all UF Online programs, truly care about the success of their students and are committed to offering meaningful learning experiences that lead to gainful employment after graduation,” Pollard said in the press release.