Established in 1853, the University of Florida is a major public research university in Gainesville, Florida. One of the nation's most respected and academically diverse public institutions, UF is one of 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities. One of the largest universities in the nation, with over 50,000 students and over 4,100 faculty members, the prestigious University of Florida is recognized around the world:

• UF ranked 47 overall among all national universities, public and private, in the 2010 U.S. News & World Report rankings
• UF is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, by the Academic Ranking of World Universities report (ARWU)
• UF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

The University of Florida is committed to offering flexible online education for working professionals. The Online Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning and Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication offer robust online curriculum's for those who need to continue to work while they go back to school.

Online Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning

The University of Florida’s online Urban and Regional Planning program will present you with the skills you need to make more creative and long term decisions, to find the balance between protection and change in your community and region, and to apply systematic thinking, ethical and societal principles and innovative technologies to address problems and challenges of the natural environment, regional and urban systems.

Choose from either the Geographic Information Systems or Sustainability specialization:

Geographic Information Systems Specialization: Enhance your approach to community planning and give you practical experience with state-of-the-art information systems, including 3-D mapping and web-based tools, so you can to take your urban and regional planning career to the next level.

Sustainability Specialization: Explore tactics to preserve natural resources and meet the growing need to foster and maintain sustainable communities. Change the way you plan through an online graduate program focused on the future, for both you and for your community.

Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication in Global Strategic Communication

As a communication specialist, your job is to get the message delivered to your audience, but that mission is not so simple anymore. Acquire new skills to strengthen your communication strategy and go global with your messages by seeking an advanced degree in mass communication.

The University of Florida’s online Master of Art in Mass Communication – Global Strategic Communication will give communication and media strategists the skills they need to illuminate new channels, utilize segmentation software and analytics to understand audiences, and craft persuasive, intercultural messages for an increasingly global set of audiences and stakeholders.

The University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and School (SACS) and the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

Online Master of Arts in Mass Communication - Social Media

To teach today's professionals how they can employ social media, the University of Florida has developed the first of its kind online Master's Degree in Social Media. Specifically focused on addressing the growing pervasiveness of social media throughout our global society, it's an advanced degree that examines the impact of social media and explains how it can be used to influence the future of communication, marketing, journalism, politics, entertainment, public relations, and more.

A worldwide leader in academic excellence, the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications has established a modern and forward-thinking degree for the next generation of communicators. This engaging online master's degree in social media brings students up to speed with the advanced uses, communication techniques, business opportunities, and trends from the growing realm of social media.

Financial aid is available from a variety of sources to help you pay for your graduate education, including federal Stafford loans, private sources, and, in some cases, employer assistance programs. We encourage you to research all of the financing options available to determine the package that will best meet your needs.

Typically students in our online graduate programs fund their education through federal student loan programs. Graduate students may apply for aid in the form of Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. In addition, students pursuing master’s degrees can pursue fellowships offered through independent agencies.