University of North Florida: An Overview of Master's Programs

The University of North Florida (UNF), chartered in 1965 and opened to students in 1972, has rapidly expanded to offer a diverse range of graduate programs. UNF provides a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel free to express themselves. With a student body of around 14,000, UNF embraces diversity and fosters a friendly atmosphere where students are actively involved in making a difference. The university is known for its tolerant atmosphere, celebrating cultural diversity and maintaining an active LGBT community. UNF offers a laid-back feel with numerous opportunities for students to engage in campus life through various organizations. Situated on a beautiful 1,300-acre campus with nature trails and lakes, UNF provides a conducive environment for both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. Its location in Jacksonville offers access to sporting events, beaches, and dance clubs.

Academic Structure and Colleges

UNF offers 36 graduate degree programs across its various colleges:

Brooks College of Health
Coggin College of Business
College of Arts and Sciences
College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction
College of Education and Human Services
Hicks Honors College

These colleges provide a wide array of master's programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles and advanced careers in their respective fields.

Key Statistics and Highlights

UNF boasts impressive statistics that highlight its commitment to academic excellence and student success:

Ranking: Ranked #65 for master's programs.
Scholarships: Offers 222 scholarships.
Academic Staff: Employs 660 academic staff.
Student Population: Enrolls 17,043 students, including 405 international students.
Female Students: A significant portion of the student body, with 10,030 female students.
Institution Type: Public institution.

UNF's commitment to providing quality education is further underscored by its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, ensuring that its programs meet rigorous standards of academic excellence.

Master's Programs Overview

UNF offers a variety of master's programs designed to meet the diverse needs and career aspirations of its students. These programs are structured to provide advanced knowledge, practical skills, and leadership capabilities in various fields.

Master of Accountancy (MAcc)

The Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at the Coggin College of Business prepares students for success in public accounting, private industry, and government roles. The curriculum builds analytical, technical, and leadership skills. The program is 33 credit hours and offers an optional concentration in Taxation.

Master of Science in Accounting and Data Analytics (MSADA)

The Master of Science in Accounting and Data Analytics (MSADA) prepares future-focused professionals to excel in a world where financial acumen meets data-driven decision-making. Graduates gain the technical depth and strategic perspective needed to thrive in public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, and analytics-based roles across industries. Students benefit from a personalized learning environment, with small class sizes that foster meaningful interaction with faculty and peers.

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Literacy Practices for Engaging Learners

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Literacy Practices for Engaging Learners program is designed for K-12 teachers, supervisors, coaches, and college/university teacher educators who want to increase their effectiveness in the teaching of reading. This program addresses the needs expressed the Florida State Department of Education.

Graduate Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction

This certificate provides advanced coursework in curriculum and instruction for secondary (6-12) teachers. This opportunity focuses on enhancing pedagogical and curricular skills of teacher-leaders across content areas.

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Master of Science in American Sign Language and English Interpreting

The Master of Science (M.S.) in American Sign Language and English Interpreting is an advanced, fully online graduate program designed to prepare skilled interpreters for a broad range of professional settings. All concentrations combine advanced coursework in ASL/English interpreting, linguistics, and Deaf culture with practical, real-world applications.

Graduate Certificate in Animal Assisted Services for Health and Education

The Graduate Certificate in Animal Assisted Services for Health and Education provides specialized training and supervised practice in the ethical and humane inclusion of animals in the psychotherapeutic environment by credentialed mental health professionals.

Applied Mathematics Certificate Program

The Applied Mathematics Certificate program aims to increase your understanding of mathematical models while you train on industry-standard software packages such as Maple, Matlab, and Mathematica. Students must possess graduate standing in order to enroll in the Applied Mathematics Certificate Program. Each of the Applied Mathematics courses can be used to meet requirements for the MS degree in Mathematical Sciences.

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Medical Education

The certificate aims to improve the understanding and skills of medical education faculty allowing them to blend public health, research and teaching. Courses are selected based on individual needs addressing topics such as formulating research questions and designing studies, measuring health and educational outcomes with reliability and validity, competency-based evaluation, program evaluation and evaluation research, adult learning theory and training, curriculum development and assessment, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Athletic Training (M.S.) program prepares students to become skilled and compassionate Certified Athletic Trainers. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary coursework with extensive clinical education experiences to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent, evaluate, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries and other medical conditions related to physical activity.

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Master of Arts in Biology

The Master of Arts in Biology is a 36-credit-hour non-thesis program designed for current and prospective science teachers, as well as professionals working in environmental agencies. Emphasizing a broad, interdisciplinary approach, the M.A. in Biology prepares students for careers in education, environmental policy, and science communication.

Master of Science in Biology

The Master of Science in Biology trains graduate students in current biological theories and techniques, preparing them for research careers, doctoral studies, or professional advancement. Students can choose between a thesis track, focused on independent research and ideal for those pursuing a Ph.D., and a non-thesis track, designed for students aiming for technical roles in biomedical and biotechnology fields.

Flex MBA and Online MBA

The Flex MBA allows students to attend classes on campus, join live online sessions, or complete coursework in a self-paced online format. The Online MBA is delivered 100% online in a fully self-paced format, offering maximum convenience for professionals who require greater scheduling control. The MBA consists of 36 credit hours and emphasizes practical application through case-based learning and insights from industry experts.

Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) equips students with the critical ability to harness data-driven insights to inform strategic business decisions. Spanning 30 credit hours, the MSBA offers both in-person and online delivery formats. Whether students come from technical or business backgrounds, the Coggin MSBA provides a flexible, career-focused trajectory toward leadership in the rapidly expanding data economy.

Business Analytics Certificate Program

The Business Analytics Certificate program is appropriate for those students seeking analytics related roles in business organizations. The Business Analytics Certificate program can also be taken online.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.)

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S.C.E.) prepares students to become leaders in designing, analyzing, and managing the infrastructure that supports everyday life. Students can choose between three concentrations: thesis, non-thesis, and Coastal & Port Engineering. The program consists of 30 credit hours and spans three semesters.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) Program

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program is a CACREP-accredited graduate program designed to prepare students for professional licensure as Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC). The 60-credit-hour curriculum emphasizes a broad spectrum of counseling competencies, including diagnosis, treatment planning, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy.

Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)

The Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) is a fully online doctoral program tailored for credentialed Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) seeking to advance their clinical knowledge and professional leadership. This evidence-based program emphasizes translational research, advanced nutrition care, and interprofessional collaboration.

Master of Science in Communication Management

The College of Arts and Sciences' M.S. in Communication Management is designed for motivated graduate students and working professionals who want to advance their careers as communication leaders. Students can choose from five specialized concentrations to tailor their education to their career goals. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options to accommodate different learning preferences and professional aspirations.

Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences (M.S.) offers advanced, interdisciplinary training in the rapidly evolving fields of computing and information technology. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of high-demand fields, including software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer systems. The program consists of 30 credit hours and offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks.

Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction

The Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction offers specializations in Early Childhood Educational Leadership and Early Childhood Education.

Master of Education in Elementary Education

The Master of Education in Elementary Education is designed for educators seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in elementary education.

Master of Arts in Teaching

The Master of Arts in Teaching program offers specializations in Elementary Education and Secondary Education.

Executive Master of Science in Health Administration (EMHA)

The Executive Master of Science in Health Administration (EMHA) is an online program designed for working healthcare professionals aspiring to leadership roles as hospital administrators, healthcare executives, and policy analysts.

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

The Master of Health Administration (MHA) program prepares emerging leaders to manage and improve healthcare organizations in a rapidly changing industry.

Master of Science in Health Informatics

The Master of Science in Health Informatics program prepares students to lead the future of healthcare through the strategic use of data, technology, and information systems.

Master of Science in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine

The Master of Science in Kinesiology and Lifestyle Medicine prepares students to become leaders in preventive health, clinical exercise physiology, and wellness-focused care.

MSN in Nursing Management and Leadership

The MSN in Nursing Management and Leadership prepares registered nurses to step into high-impact leadership roles across healthcare systems.

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

The Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics offers specializations in Nutrition for Healthcare Professionals, Dietetic Internship, and Dietetic Professional Studies.

Integrated Graduate Nutrition Program (IGNP)

The Integrated Graduate Nutrition Program (IGNP) offers a direct, efficient pathway for students to earn a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics while completing the supervised practice hours required to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Master of Public Health (MPH) Program

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares students to become skilled public health professionals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of communities.

Master of Science in Psychological Science

The Master of Science in Psychological Science is a research-centered graduate program designed for students seeking advanced training in psychological theory, empirical methods, and data analysis. The Psychological Science program is also home to an Accelerated B.S.âM.S. Pathway, allowing qualified undergraduates at UNF to begin graduate coursework in their junior year.

Doctoral Programs

UNF offers five doctoral programs designed for professionals seeking the highest level of expertise and leadership in their fields:

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Anesthesiology Nursing
BSN to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) â Online
Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN)
Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Ph.D. in Computing

These programs are designed to prepare graduates for advanced clinical practice, research, and leadership roles in their respective fields.

Student Life and Campus Environment

Students at UNF are active and engaged, participating in a wide range of extracurricular activities. The campus is home to over 200 clubs and organizations, including 26 fraternities and sororities. The Student Government actively works to meet the needs of students and enhance the quality of campus life through various programs and funding for student organizations. The beautiful campus and the city of Jacksonville provide numerous opportunities for recreation and entertainment.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students are required to apply online, pay a non-refundable application fee, and submit transcripts from all previously attended institutions. International transcripts require a course-by-course evaluation from an approved third-party credential evaluation agency. Applicants must have maintained a 3.0 GPA or higher across these courses. Specific programs may have additional requirements such as standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose.

Student Services

UNF offers a range of student services to support academic and personal success:

Career Services: Assists students with exploring majors and career options, securing internships, and finding employment.
Housing Services: Provides various on-campus housing options, including Osprey Cove, Osprey Crossings, Osprey Hall, Osprey Landing, Osprey Village, Osprey Fountains, and The Flats at UNF.
Library Services: The Carpenter Library fosters innovation and supports research and scholarly endeavors.
ICT Services: Information Technology Services provides computer and software support, networking, and IT security services.
Medical Services: Offers diagnosis and treatment of illness, injury, and emergencies on campus.
Student Government: Represents the student body and enhances campus life.
Student Wellness Complex: Promotes physical and mental well-being.

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