Searching for the right graduate school is going to look a little different this year. The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt to one-on-one visits at many universities and colleges around the country, making it difficult for students to learn more about an institution and specific programs of interest.
That’s why this year, the UCF College of Graduate Studies is hosting its first Virtual Grad Fair Series from Sept. 14 to Oct. 30. The free online event replaces the college’s annual on-campus fair, which draws about 1,200 people each year.
Faculty and staff from UCF’s more than 200 graduate programs and departments will provide virtual presentations and Q&A sessions for prospective students throughout the 46 days, including day and evening options. More than 80 programs have already announced dates of their presentations.
“One of the elements that is really unique about students applying to grad school is that they have a heightened understanding of their focus on their educational goals,” says Devon Jensen, associate dean of the college. “Virtual grad fairs are a key way for graduate prospects to gain the necessary information needed to make that important decision. We are fortunate that we have the technology that allows people to continue to learn about graduate school and our UCF graduate programs even during our current times of physical distancing.”
A record number of UCF graduate programs were nationally ranked in the top 100 of their fields this past year by U.S. News & World Report, 2020 Best Graduate Schools edition. More than 10,000 graduate students are enrolled in educational and research programs for the fall semester in arts and humanities, business, engineering, education, optics, health, nursing, social sciences and hospitality management leading to master’s degrees and doctorates.
For more information about the Virtual Grad Fair Series or to register for a specific program session visit: https://applynow.graduate.ucf.edu/portal/cgs_gf20.
