Course Description
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public research university with its main campus located in unincorporated Orange County, Florida. UCF also has nine smaller regional campuses throughout central Florida. It is part of the State University System of Florida. With 70,406 students as of the Fall 2021 semester, it currently has the second-largest student body of any public university in the United States.
UCF was founded in 1963 and opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University, with the mission of providing personnel to support the growing U.S. space program at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Florida's Space Coast. As the school's academic scope expanded beyond engineering and technology, Florida Tech was renamed the University of Central Florida in 1978. UCF's space roots continue, as it leads the NASA Florida Space Grant Consortium.Initial enrollment was 1,948 students; enrollment in 2022 exceeds 70,000 students from 157 countries, all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Most students attend classes held on the university's main campus, 13 miles (21 km) east of downtown Orlando and 35 miles (56 km) west of Cape Canaveral.The university offers more than 230 degrees through 13 colleges at 10 regional campuses in Central Florida, including the Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona Medical City, the Rosen College of Hospitality Management in south Orlando and the UCF Center for Emerging Media in downtown Orlando.Since its founding, UCF has awarded more than 346,000 degrees, including over 60,000 graduate and professional degrees.
Why the University of Central Florida - Main Campus
- Campus Life: As UCF’s home since 1968, the 1,415-acre main campus in east Orlando is impressive in size and even bigger in potential. Modern facilities and state-of-the-art technology keep students connected to classwork and social communities, while 800 acres of woodlands, lakes and an arboretum help them reconnect with nature. Whether students are inside a classroom or outside exploring, the campus is an exciting place to learn — and an easy place to love.
- Research, Partnerships and Innovation: UCF researchers drive intellectual capital and innovation to solve today’s most pressing problems. As a metropolitan research university, they promote economic development in the region by aiding in the transfer of technology and other discoveries between university and industry to create next-generation ideas and products. Their graduates, who benefit from working alongside the research faculty, also contribute to the economy by driving innovation through local company employment or by launching their own businesses. From space technologies, simulation and immersive experiences and energy and sustainability to healthcare and national security, UCF researchers work together to shape the future, improving the lives of their community and the world.
- Recreation and Activities: There’s also plenty to do within minutes from campus. Living in America’s most popular tourist destination has its perks, but there’s a lot more to Orlando than theme parks and thrill rides. From their dynamic downtown to their eclectic neighborhoods and wide-open nature reserves, Orlando offers more reasons to explore than one can imagine. And with 236 days of signature sunshine to enjoy, there’s plenty of time to enjoy some fun in the sun.
- Get Involved: From career-focused clubs to life-changing trips for thrill-seekers, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved on campus. Students can relax in the aquatic oasis of the leisure pool or gather for a barbecue at Lake Claire. Join a growing team of esports competitors in Gaming Knights or explore the ends of the Earth during UCF Outdoor Adventure trips. There are more than 650 student clubs and organizations to get involved in, and more than 7,000 events and activities happening each year. No matter what their interest, students will discover their home away from home at UCF.
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