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UF Online Launches Three New Majors for Fall 2024

We are excited to announce the launch of three new fully online majors at the University of Florida as of Fall 2024:

  • Agricultural Education & Communication, BS, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
  • Early Childhood Education, BAE, College of Education
  • Entomology & Nematology, BS, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Adding these programs into the catalog of fully online undergraduate degrees offers students a new suite of educational opportunities that also meet the needs of Florida’s workforce. UF Online’s continued aim, in partnership with our academic units, is to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in high-demand fields.

It is heartening to welcome these three new majors into UF Online. 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. We are proud to partner with them and to have the opportunity to offer these new pathways for our online students.

– <strong>Rhiannon Pollard, Ph.D.</strong>, <strong>Interim Director of UF Online</strong>

Online students majoring in Agricultural Education & Communication with a specialization in Communication and Leadership Development are prepared for entry into agribusiness and communication positions related to human resource development, training, political interests, and public relations. Coursework in this program focuses on core leadership and communication skills including teamwork, digital media, content development, interpersonal skills, and presentation development.

We look forward to connecting to our new UF Online students. They will be a part of a great community, learning how to connect people to agriculture and natural resources.

– Lisa K. Lundy, Ph.D., APR, Professor & Undergraduate Coordinator

The Early Childhood Education major is the first initial teacher preparation program available online in the State of Florida, developed in response to Florida’s Programs of Strategic Emphasis and the critical teacher shortage facing our state. Through this FLDOE and CAEP accredited initial teacher preparation program, students gain a rich understanding of the research-to-practice foundations of early childhood education as well as the knowledge and skills to positively impact young learners from age 3 to grade 3.

We are thrilled to offer this opportunity across our state to deliver an accessible and innovative teacher education degree that utilizes cutting edge, technology-enhanced field experiences to develop the best future teachers for all young children.

– Tara Mathien, Ed.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, UF College of Education

The Entomology & Nematology major delves into the fascinating world of insects and nematodes and prepares students for careers in academia, private industry, government, and beyond. Online students can choose between two unique specializations, Biological Science of Insects or Urban Pest Management, and will have opportunities to engage in undergraduate research or industry internships. 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. The skills gained through these courses and other experiences will open doors to a variety of impactful and rewarding careers.

The University of Florida is home to the top-ranked entomology program in the world, and we are excited that we can now provide our world-class training in insect science to students everywhere. After all, insects are everywhere and impact everyone across the globe!

– Anthony Auletta, Ph.D., Assistant Instructional Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator for the UF Entomology & Nematology 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. With these new majors, UF Online continues to break down barriers and support and empower students to pursue their academic and career goals.

UF Online currently supports over 4,000 students who learn and engage from 50 states and 24 countries around the world. More than 6,000 Gators have graduated from our online programs with a bachelor’s degree since 2014. Apply for UF Online admission by September 3rd for the Spring 2025 semester. For more information about UF Online and the new majors launching in fall 2024, please visit the UF Online website.