Graduate Programs at University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a variety of undergraduate courses in many disciplines, providing opportunities for advanced study and specialization. These programs often require time and great effort. Postgraduate programs typically last about two years, allowing students to deepen their skills and knowledge in their chosen field. On the other hand, Ph.D. Programs are more complex and typically take four or six years or more to complete, including intensive research, coursework, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

UCF graduate programs span a wide range of fields. For example, the College of Business Administration offers a two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, which equips students with the skills necessary for leadership roles in the business world. The College of Engineering offers Master of Science (MSE) programs in engineering and a Comprehensive Master of Health (MPH) degree, designed to train professionals in public health for two years.

In addition, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a variety of Master of Arts (MA) programs in English, History, Psychology, and more, allowing students to pursue advanced study and research in their disciplines. Knowledge is also encouraged.

What percentage of applicants are accepted into UCF's master's program?

The University of Central Florida has a varying acceptance rate depending on the admission field. In fall 2022, the overall acceptance rate for the master’s programs was less than 35%. However, specific programs like the MBA, MPP, MEng, MAT, and MSN had acceptance rates of 5%, 12%, 25%, 30%, and 35% respectively.

Enrollment Data for Master’s at UCF

• Spring 2020 = 9,235
• Spring 2021 = 9,694
• Spring 2022 = 9,160
• Spring 2023 = 8,718

Do UCF Graduate programs provide opportunities for early decision or early action applications?

There are no Early Decision or Early Action options available for graduate programs at UCF. Instead, they use a rolling admissions procedure where applications are examined continuously throughout the application cycle and decisions are made. Although there is no set deadline, applying earlier can be beneficial as it gives the review process more time. To ensure full consideration, applicants are urged to submit their applications as soon as they are prepared. Students can submit applications at any time during the application period and will still be given consideration for admission thanks to the rolling admission system's flexibility.

Do one-year master's or accelerated master’s programs exist at UCF?

UCF offers one-year master’s programs and accelerated undergraduate studies in high-demand business, engineering, and computer science fields. One-year programs generally require a strong undergraduate GPA and GRE score to qualify. Programs available include The UCF CECS Accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's (BS-to-MS) Programs allow high-achieving undergraduate students to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree concurrently. Eligible students, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, can begin their Master's coursework during their junior/senior years and double-count up to 12 credits for both degrees. Benefits include access to advanced courses, reduced cost of the MS degree, research opportunities, waived application fee, smaller class sizes, and accelerated completion of the undergraduate degree. Students can apply through their MyUCF Portal once they meet the requirements.

Are transfer credits from other graduate institutions accepted by UCF?

Transfer credit policies at UCF vary by college. The College of Business accepts up to 6 semester hours of transfer credit with a minimum grade of B-. The College of Engineering allows up to 9 semester hours with a minimum grade of C. The College of Medicine does not accept transfer credits from other graduate schools. The College of Nursing accepts up to 12 semester hours with a minimum grade of B-. Transferred courses must be equivalent to UCF courses and required for the degree program.

Where do UCF graduate students with a master's degree usually work, and what is the average salary they earn post-graduation?

UCF graduates with master’s degrees have opportunities in a variety of industries. The center offers popular accounting, finance, marketing, and business programs. Graduates can find positions in corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits. Technically, UCF offers master’s programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Graduates can work for technology companies, government agencies, and construction companies. UCF healthcare programs, including nursing, public health, and physician assistant courses, enable graduates to find employment in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Education offers master's programs in teaching, school administration, and counseling, leading to jobs in public and private schools and universities, as well as cybersecurity, which is opening doors to careers in technology companies, government agencies, and financial institutions.

The starting salary for UCF graduates with master’s degrees is around $62,000. However, the actual salary may vary depending on the field of study and level of experience. Business graduates start with an average salary of around $70,000, while engineering graduates can earn around $75,000. It is important to note that this figure represents an average starting salary, and personal circumstances can affect actual income. UCF’s master’s degree programs equip graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The university’s strong reputation and networks expose its graduates to a wide range of career opportunities, providing a solid foundation for career success.