University of Central Florida - College of Graduate Studies

Welcome to UCF’s College of Graduate Studies Graduate education and postdoctoral training at UCF provide many opportunities to “unleash” your potential to grow personally and professionally, enhance your career prospects, and change the world. UCF’s College of Graduate Studies has nearly 10,000 students and 250 postdoctoral scholars. They expand their knowledge and skills under the guidance of our world-renowned faculty, utilizing our state-of-the-art facilities. Our alumni have accomplished amazing feats such as discovering new species and exoplanets, serving as a Vice President of Google, winning a Daytime Emmy Award, becoming a member of the Florida House of Representatives, and developing a vaccination for a global pandemic. Working with over 1,500 graduate faculty members representing nearly 250 graduate degree and certificate programs across 11 academic colleges, the Graduate College provides institutional oversight to improve the graduate education/postdoctoral training experience at UCF. Whether you are taking classes or performing research at one of UCF’s campuses in metro Orlando—known as the top U.S. travel destination, the best U.S. city to start a business, and one of the top 10 fastest-growing U.S. tech hubs—or enrolled online in a highly-ranked program, the Graduate College team is here to support you. We collaborate with your academic college, school, department, and program to help you graduate and achieve your educational goals. We are committed to supporting you as you pursue your journey, confront the challenges, and enjoy the benefits of advanced study in your chosen discipline. Charge on! John F. Weishampel, Ph.D. Interim Dean College of Graduate Studies Mission The UCF College of Graduate Studies provides leadership, opportunities, and services to foster high-quality learning and training environments for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. About Our Mission UCF College of Graduate Studies is an advocate for graduate education, working to mobilize and arrange the resources needed for enrollment and program growth. We track and analyze emerging trends and changes in graduate education, both nationally and with our peer institutions, and provide support and guidance for interdisciplinary and cooperative programs. We are mindful of the need to retain the academic values of the graduate programs while acting as a partner in the social and economic well being of the community and state. We collaborate with the faculty to develop policies and best practices that further the high academic standards and excellence of our graduate programs. We are student-centered, focused on providing the information and services that students need to enhance their experience with UCF and that faculty and staff need to effectively carry out their responsibilities to students. Cooperation with colleges, graduate programs, institutes and centers, administrative offices, and support services is emphasized to provide an excellent experience for our graduate students from inquiry to graduation. Through its primary activities, programs and services, UCF College of Graduate Studies contributes to program development and growth, enrollment management and recruiting, enhanced infrastructure and technological support for our graduate students and programs, and quality student support services for a diverse and talented graduate student population. Vision Statement The college provides the leadership, vision, and support services necessary for the university to achieve its goal of international prominence in selected areas of graduate studies and research. The college is a leader in defining the image for graduate education at UCF as one of quality, programs of true excellence, and one that is focused on community partnerships. Values Statement - Integrity – We exercise the highest standards of integrity in everything we do. We will practice and defend academic and personal honesty. Our job performance is characterized by truthfulness, dependability, and responsibility. We seek to be known by our clients as trustworthy and dependable. - Excellence – We strive toward the highest standards of performance in all aspects of our operation. We perform every task at an exemplary level of quality. We seek to exceed the expectations of those we serve, always delivering more than we promise and setting a high standard for our hard work, knowledge, and problem-solving skills. - Respect – We respect the rights of others to promote an open and supportive campus environment. Students will always be treated with respect and courtesy. Staff are valued for the diverse contributions that they make to the College of Graduate Studies and the university. Diversity is celebrated. We treat everyone with respect and civility. - Service – We are primarily a service organization. As such we recognize the importance of “customer relations” and meeting the needs of our clients. We strive for quality and prompt service. - Continuous Improvement – We continuously evaluate existing policies and practices searching for ways to improve our operations. All operational initiatives are routinely examined as a basis for refining, replacing, or eliminating less-effective strategies. We review and implement new technologies that will enhance our operations and service. We seek to be a leader in the application of advanced practices and technologies.