UWF 2023-24 Freshman Viewbook

Photo: An aerial view of campus overlooks the Conecuh and Escambia Rivers.

Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award

— INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, 2015-2016, 2018-2022

#2 “Best Value College for Students With Autism”

— BestValueSchools.org, 2023

We know you’re chasing big dreams. At UWF, you’ll find a spirited community of learners empowering big thinkers like you to change the world.

Experience personalized attention from faculty in highly ranked academic programs. Dig into first-year research opportunities. Enjoy campus resources designed to support your academic and personal success.

A UWF education is affordable, with generous scholarship opportunities and tuition that hasn’t increased in a decade. Discover for yourself why students say UWF’s tight-knit community feels like home.

uwf.edu/Freshman

Get more than a degree

Get results. Your university education should be the experience of a lifetime and support your success. Go beyond the status quo with opportunities like:

• Undergraduate research your first year, whatever your major.

• Study abroad programs plus resources to help you prepare.

• The Kugelman Honors Program, designed for ambitious students who love an intellectual challenge.

• Industry and peer mentoring programs for one-on-one guidance and support.

Career prep focused on you

UWF supports students’ professional success throughout their education and after graduation. Resources include:

• Career and major exploration and coaching.

• An online Career Readiness Module for new students.

• Foundations for Academic Success, a one-credit-hour course designed to help as you explore options.

• Access to thousands of experiential learning opportunities.

• Career fairs and special events like Argos Meet the Pros.

uwf.edu/Career

$48,800 MEDIAN WAGES ONE YEAR AFTER GRADUATION

Students attend the All-Majors Career Fair.

Bachelor’s graduates employed full-time in Florida

CAREER-READY

By graduation, almost 60% of Argos have completed at least two high-impact practices like internships and study abroad.

uwf.edu/HIP

Deja Gamble, an English major and theatre minor, brought her original play, “Wishful Thinking,” to the UWF stage in March 2023. Along with her entrepreneurial ventures, Gamble rallied support to produce her play with grants from the Office of Undergraduate Research, Alumni Association, and Student Government Association.

“Now I know that my passion can be my profession.”

Quality you can afford

If you’ve got what it takes to be an Argo, we’ll work with you to make tuition more affordable. To receive an offer of financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You are encouraged to complete the FAFSA regardless of Florida Bright Futures eligibility, other tuition coverage, and income. Some students even qualify for nonrepayable aid to help cover expenses beyond tuition.

uwf.edu/FinancialAid

Florida Pell? Tuition. Covered.

ARGO 30 GUARANTEE

The Argo 30 Guarantee is UWF’s commitment to ensuring access to higher education. Incoming freshmen who are Florida residents, full-time, Pell Grant-eligible, and earning their first undergraduate degree can qualify for up to 30 credit hours of tuition coverage — meaning no out-of-pocket costs for fall and spring tuition.

uwf.edu/Argo30

FAFSA

The Argo 30 Guarantee and many scholarships require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2024-2025 FAFSA will open in December 2023. For the strongest aid consideration, complete the FAFSA and any verification requirements by Feb. 15, 2024. StudentAid.gov

UWF school code: 003955

Freshman scholarships

Admissions Academic Merit Scholarships

Complete your application file with all required items by Dec. 1, 2023, to be considered for an Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship.* UWF must receive your official test scores and Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR) by this date. Admissions Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded over four years.

SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATIONa

aClassical Learning Test scores may be accepted for scholarship consideration pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors. bCumulative weighted cSAT Total dACT Composite

Foundation scholarships

Through generous support from alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and others, UWF is able to offer various Admissions Foundation Scholarship opportunities. These are offered only to students beginning in summer or fall and have an application deadline of June 1, 2024

“Because of this added financial support, I took measures to take better care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’m working toward more confidence in myself and the courage to try new things outside of my comfort zone.”

Kieu Tran, ’23, biomedical sciences major and scholarship recipient

*Eligibility does not guarantee an award. Admissions can award students only one academic or full-ride scholarship; scholarships may not be combined. Pace Presidential Scholarship benefits are covered in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures; students who do not receive Pace will maintain their original Admissions Academic Merit Scholarship. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree will not receive priority scholarship consideration. Some scholarships are renewable pending continued, verified eligibility; others are one-time awards.

Full-ride scholarships

Each full-ride scholarship* covers tuition, campus housing, a meal plan, and $800/semester for books. Pace and National Merit also include a one-time paid research or study abroad experience (up to $1,500).

PACE PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Select Florida resident students will compete at the President’s Scholarship Competition. Scoring is based on an interview and essay. Qualifying students who meet the Dec. 1, 2023, scholarship priority consideration deadline will receive an invitation in December.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST SCHOLARSHIP

Incoming freshman National Merit Finalists qualify.

ARGO SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP

This competitive scholarship is for Pell-eligible, first-time-in-college Florida resident students who have shown strength of character, or “Argo Spirit,” by overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important, or making an impact while in high school. The application includes a written essay and video essay. Students must be admitted with a completed FAFSA and Argo Spirit Scholarship application by April 1, 2024.

$50,000+ VALUE

Explore possibilities

A UWF education is designed to propel you forward. Choose from 70+ academic programs with classes like Cyber War Gaming and Environmental Aspects of Urban Growth. Learn from expert faculty who take pride in supporting their students’ success. An education with endless possibilities leads to a future without limits. uwf.edu/Programs

Top 10 majors among freshmen

1. Nursing (Pre-BSN)

2. General Business

3. Biomedical Sciences

4. Psychology

5. Marine Biology

6. Mechanical Engineering

7. Exercise Science

8. Computer Science

9. Biology

10. Criminal Justice Summer/Fall 2023 admitted students

Need help choosing a major? Take a free assessment to discover your interests.

uwf.edu/Focus2Career

A Gold-level Military Friendly® School, UWF offers Army and Air Force ROTC programs and a Military and Veterans Resource Center. uwf.edu/MVRC

50% OF CLASSES HAVE FEWER THAN

20 STUDENTS

21:1 STUDENTTEACHER RATIO

Know what it means to belong

Every UWF student has the opportunity to build lifelong connections in the campus community. Find your fit in one of 130+ student organizations. Grow your leadership skills in student government. Cheer on the Argos at Pen Air Field. All along the way, Argos will be right there with you, helping you make the most of the Argo Life. uwf.edu/CampusLife

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Meet other students who share your interests. Student organization types include:

• Advocacy or service

• Cultural or identity-based

• Faith or belief-based

• Honor society

• Professional or academic

• Fraternity or sorority

• Special interest

• Sport club

13,500+ STUDENTS

Top: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. members celebrate Commencement.

Right: The Argos win an NCAA Division II playoff at Pen Air Field on Dec. 3, 2022. Above: Homecoming Court is presented at Cannon Fest in October 2022.

We build champions for life

Anything we do, we do with everything we’ve got. That’s the Argo way. The Argonauts field eight women’s and seven men’s teams. Their spirit of “arete” (are-uh-tay) — Greek for excellence — has brought home 117 conference championships and 10 national championships.

GoArgos.com

Live where others vacation

Beautiful beaches. A thriving historic downtown. In Pensacola, you’ll always be an idea away from your next adventure. Paddleboard with friends. Study on the beach. Discover new eats. Explore art and history museums managed by the University’s Historic Trust. Here, your college experience will be anything but boring.

UWF is 30 minutes from the sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach, a Top 20 U.S. beach.

— TripAdvisor, 2023

Chat with UWF students

Learn about life at UWF and in Pensacola on the free ZeeMee app, where current students share their everyday experiences. Follow the University of West Florida community, and get your questions answered in the Ask A Current Student chat. There’s even an exclusive chat for admitted students.

uwf.edu/ZeeMee

DRIVING DISTANCES FROM CAMPUS

Pensacola is a celebrated midsize city in the coastal Southeast. The area is within driving distance of major cities and has a population of more than 500,000.

— U.S. Census Bureau

Downtown Pensacola as seen from Palafox Pier.

A campus home like no other

Living on campus puts you in the center of the Argo Life, with conveniences you won’t find anywhere else. As a UWF resident, you’ll be steps away from classes, the library, events, Chick-fil-A, and other eateries. Get to know your neighbors by participating in your community council or attending special events like Late Night Breakfast. Our residence staff genuinely care about your success and are here to help you make a smooth transition to college life.

uwf.edu/Housing

CAMPUS FACTS

1,600 ACRES 20+ MILES OF TRAILS

Top: Flowers bloom in the Camellia Garden. Right: A student walks past Heritage Hall. Far right: Inside a shared suite in Presidents Hall.

UWF is designated as a “Tree Campus Higher Education” by the Arbor Day Foundation. The campus features a boardwalk through Thompson Bayou, a community garden, a camellia garden, a disc golf course, and cross country, hiking, and biking trails.

A community looking out for you

• University Police. UWF’s sworn police force conducts security checks daily on premises and provides a 24/7 safety escort service and on-call support to help ensure community safety.

• StormReady. UWF has met rigorous standards to become a National Weather Servicedesignated StormReady University.

• Guardian App. On or off campus, the app provides rapid and proactive communication with UWF police, friends, and family.

• Counseling and Psychological Services. UWF offers therapy services to help students manage, cope, and grow with the stress associated with school and life.

UWF scholarships can be applied to on-campus housing.

Applying simplified

We know your high school academic achievements say a lot about your ability to succeed in college. That’s why there’s no essay or résumé required to apply. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a checklist of items needed to complete your application file, including:

• Official ACT or SAT scores, or Classical Learning Test scores (pending approval by the Florida Board of Governors).

• Self-reported Student Academic Record (SSAR), which you create from your school transcript and connect to your UWF application. uwf.edu/Apply | uwf.edu/ApplicationResources

Freshman class snapshot*

total 21-27 composite

1040-1230

3.7-4.2

average cumulative weighted GPA

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Your admissions counselor is available throughout the application process, so don’t hesitate to reach out. They’re only an email, call, or virtual appointment away. uwf.edu/ContactUs

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Important dates: uwf.edu/Deadlines

AUGUST Applications open

Start early to allow time to send test scores and academic records.

OCT. 15

Decisions begin

This is the earliest possible admission date. After Oct. 15, decisions typically take two weeks.

DEC. 1

Scholarship priority consideration deadline

You must complete your application file with all required items received by this date in order to be considered for an admissions merit scholarship. Test scores received after this date will not affect academic merit-based scholarship consideration but can positively influence an admissions decision.

ADMISSIONS EVENTS

NOV. 18

EXPLORE UWF! OPEN HOUSE

When you’re choosing a college, nothing compares with experiencing its community firsthand. Be sure to register for this on-campus open house in Pensacola.

uwf.edu/Explore

MONTHLY ARGO INFO

VIRTUAL SESSIONS

Learn all about academics, student life, admissions, scholarships, and financial aid. uwf.edu/ArgoInfo

A Fall 2023 freshman orientation group stops for a photo.

* Middle 50th percentile Summer/Fall 2023 first-year students admitted full-time, June 2023.

Academic programs

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS

Accounting, BSBA

Anthropology, B.A.

Art, B.A.

Art History

Studio Art

Arts, Fine, BFA

Art

Graphic Design

Biology, B.S.

General Biology

Biology Teaching, B.A.

Biomedical Sciences, B.S.

Business, General, BSBA

Planning to attend med school one day? Find your path in biomedical sciences.

Chemistry, B.A. & Chemistry, B.S.

Chemistry

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Chemistry Teaching

Clinical Laboratory Sciences, B.S.

MLT to MLS

Communication, B.A.

Advertising, Public Relations, & Social Media

Digital Storytelling & Journalism

Computer Engineering, BSCE

Computer Science, B.S.

Construction Management, B.S.

Criminal Justice, B.A.

Cybersecurity, B.S.

Earth & Environmental Science Teaching, B.A.

Economics, B.A.

Economics

(Business), BSBA

Comprehensive Economics

Global Economics

Education, Elementary, B.A.

Elementary Education

Certification

Education, Exceptional Student & Elementary, B.A.

UWF’s computer engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity programs, along with electrical and mechanical engineering, are all ABETaccredited, an international marker of quality.

Exceptional Student & Elementary Education Certification

Education, Music, BME

Electrical Engineering, BSEE

Engineering Technology, B.S.

English, B.A.

Literature Writing

Environmental Science, B.S.

Environmental Management

Natural Science

Exercise Science, B.S.

Finance, BSBA

General Studies, BGS

Global Hospitality & Tourism, B.S.

Health & Physical Education, B.S.

Fitness & Sport Coaching

Physical Education

Physical Education/Teacher Education

Health Sciences, B.S.

Behavior Analysis

Health Care Administration

History, B.A.

Human Resource Management, BSBA

Humanities, Interdisciplinary, B.A. Arts Administration

Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Information Technology, B.S.

Instructional Design & Technology, B.S.

International Studies, B.A.

Legal Studies, B.A.

Management, BSBA

Management Information

Systems, BSBA

Marine Biology, B.S.

Maritime Studies, B.A.

Marketing, BSBA

Comprehensive Marketing

Global Marketing

Sales Management

Mathematics, B.S.

Mathematics Teaching, B.A.

#1 Best Bachelor’s in Legal Studies

— Best Value Schools, 2023

Mechanical Engineering, BSME

Music, B.M.

Music Performance

Music & an Outside Field, B.A.

The College of Business is AACSB-accredited, a distinction earned by only about 6% of business schools.

Student art teams designed sculptures for the education courtyard.

Nursing, BSN

BSN

R.N./BSN

Philosophy, B.A.

Physics, B.S. & Physics, B.A.

Engineering Physics

Physics

Physics Teaching

Political Science, B.A.

Political Science

Pre-Law

Psychology, B.A.

Psychology, B.S.

Public Health, B.S.

Sciences, Interdisciplinary, B.S.

Interdisciplinary Sciences

Zoo Science

Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary, B.A.

Children & Society

Community Education

Social Work, BSW

MINORS

Accounting

Africana Studies

Aging Studies

Interdisciplinary Air & Space Studies (Air Force ROTC)

Anthropology

Art

Athletic Sport Coaching

Behavior Analysis

Biology

Business

Business Economics

Business Intelligence

Chemistry

Child Welfare

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Construction Management

Criminal Justice

Data Processing & Management

e-Business

Economic Policy

Education, Early Childhood

Education, Professional

Electrical Engineering

English

Software Design & Development, B.S. Sport Management, B.S.

Supply Chain Logistics Management, BSBA Theatre, B.A. Theatre, BFA

Musical Theatre

Acting Design & Technology

Entrepreneurial Leadership & Innovation

Environmental Science

Environmental Sustainability

Finance

Forensic Studies

General Communication

Geographic Information

Science

Global Hospitality & Tourism

Management

Graphic Design

Health Promotion

History

Interdisciplinary Sciences

International Studies

Information Security Management

Information Systems

Administration

Juvenile Justice

Latin American Studies

Leadership Communication Management

Management Information Systems

Maritime Studies

Marketing

Marketing Applications

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Medical Humanities

Military Science (Army ROTC)

Music

Network Administration Philosophy

Physics

Political Science

Pre-Law/Legal Studies

Pre-Law/Political Science

Psychology

Public Administration

Quantitative Economics

Social Welfare

Sociology

Spanish

Sport & Exercise Psychology

Sport Management

Statistics

Strategic Communication for the Sciences

Substance Abuse

Theatre

Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

Writing

Specialized admissions program. Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option available. Available at UWF Emerald Coast. Students pursuing certain programs full-time will have to take classes periodically in Pensacola. Available online, some exclusively online. Not all states authorize online programs. Non-Florida residents should check their state’s acceptance of these programs. Students may need to complete some lower-division courses in person or at another institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of approved accrediting agencies provided in the UWF Catalog. | B.A., Bachelor of Arts; BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts; BGS, Bachelor of General Studies; B.M., Bachelor of Music; BME, Bachelor of Music Education; B.S., Bachelor of Science; BSBA, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; BSCE, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering; BSEE, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering; BSME, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering; BSN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; BSW, Bachelor of Social Work.

The Dr. Grier Williams School of Music offers scholarship opportunities to all majors.

Explore 70+ programs.

GRADUATE

MASTER’S DEGREES

Accountancy, M.Acc.

Business Analysis & Reporting

Taxation

Analytics

Information Systems & Controls

Accounting ABM

Administration, MSA

Public Administration

Sport Administration

Anthropology, M.A.

Anthropology

Historical Archaeology

Athletic Training, M.S.

Biology, M.S.

Biology (thesis)

Biology (non-thesis)

Biomedical Sciences ABM

General Biology ABM

Marine Biology ABM

Business Administration, MBA

MBA General

Accounting

Aviation Economics

Business Analytics

Cybersecurity Management

Entrepreneurship

Executive Leadership Practice & Purpose

Finance

Hospitality & Tourism Leadership

Human Resources Management

Supply Chain Logistics Management

College Student Affairs Administration, M.Ed.

Communication, Strategic Communication & Leadership, M.A.

Computer Science, M.S.

Criminal Justice, M.S.

Criminal Justice ABM

Curriculum & Instruction, M.Ed.

Elementary Education Comprehensive

Middle Level Education Comprehensive

Secondary Education Comprehensive

Cybersecurity, M.S.

Data Science, M.S.

Educational Leadership Certification, M.Ed.

Engineering, M.S.

English, M.A.

Creative Writing

Literature

Environmental Science, M.S.

Environmental Science (thesis)

Environmental Science (non-thesis)

Environmental Science ABMs

Exceptional Student Education, M.A.

Applied Behavioral Analysis

Special Education

Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Administration, M.S.

Health Promotion & Worksite Wellness, M.S.

Healthcare Administration, MHA

History, M.A.

Information Technology, M.S.

Instructional Design & Performance

Technology, M.Ed.

International Affairs, M.A.

Mathematical Sciences, M.S.

Movement Sciences & Health, M.S.

Exercise Science

Sports Performance & Coaching

Nursing, MSN

Direct Entry MSN

Family Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Education

Nurse Leadership

Nursing ABMs

Political Science, M.A.

Psychology, M.A.

Counseling Psychology - Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Public Health, MPH

Generalist MPH

Global Health (GHLH)

Health Promotion, Education & Behavior (HPEB)

Reading Education, M.Ed.

Social Work, MSW

Traditional MSW

Advanced Standing MSW

EDUCATION SPECIALIST DEGREE

Curriculum & Instruction, Ed.S.

DOCTORAL DEGREES

Curriculum & Instruction, Ed.D.

Administration & Leadership Studies

Curriculum & Assessment

Instructional & Performance

Technology, Ed.D.

Intelligent Systems & Robotics, Ph.D.

Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option available. Available online, some exclusively online. Not all states authorize online programs. Non-Florida residents will want to check their state’s acceptance of these programs. Students may need to complete some lower-division courses in person or at another institution whose accrediting agency is included on the list of approved accrediting agencies provided in the UWF Catalog. | M.A.: Master of Arts; M.Acc.: Master of Accountancy; MBA: Master of Business Administration; M.Ed.: Master of Education; MHA: Master of Healthcare Administration; MPH: Master of Public Health; M.S.: Master of Science; MSA: Master of Science in Administration; MSN: Master of Science in Nursing; MSW: Master of Social Work; Ed.S.: Specialist in Education; Ed.D.: Doctor of Education; Ph.D.: Doctor of Philosophy.

Planning to transfer?

If you’re considering starting at another institution and then transferring to UWF, we encourage you to do two things:

• Join a Transfer Pathway Program your first semester. The program helps you begin earning your UWF bachelor’s degree while pursuing your A.A. at a community or state college. You’ll receive personalized guidance and have guaranteed admission to UWF when you complete your A.A. uwf.edu/Pathways

• To maximize your first-year choices, apply anyway. When you complete your UWF application by the Dec. 1 scholarship priority consideration deadline and complete financial aid requirements by Feb. 15, you’ll position yourself for the best possible offer from UWF. This way, you’ll have a true comparison of UWF’s cost and value. uwf.edu/Apply

Students

Families