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    School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

    School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

    How To Apply

    Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (see below) and you may find what you're looking for.

    • GRADUATE
    • GRADUATE

      Before you submit your official application to the University of Florida, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with our faculty research areas and make contact with those individuals with whom you are interested in working. The best method for contacting potential advisors is via email with an attachment of your CV/resume and an explanation of your interest in them. We do not admit graduate students without a faculty advisor's acceptance.

      A limited number of graduate assistantships for thesis and doctoral students are available and should be discussed ahead of time with your potential advisor.

      You will need to provide the following in addition to the online application through the UF Office of Admissions:

      • $30 application fee, paid to the Office of Admissions. Official transcripts of all previous academic work. 3.0 upper-division undergraduate (bachelors) grade point average.
      • Three letters of recommendation from relevant academic or employment colleagues.
      • Letter of intent/statement of purpose addressing your background, academic potential, experience and why you believe SFFGS is a good fit for you. For more information about writing a personal statement, please see the UF Career Connections Personal Statement Guide.
      • Curriculum Vitae or Resume. See the UF Career Connections CV Guide for help.
      • Note: GRE scores are no longer required to apply to our graduate programs and should not be included in your application.

      All required documents other than transcripts may be uploaded within the online application system. Transcripts must be sent by your academic institution directly to the UF Office of Admissions. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission, however, your graduate application will remain active in the UF system for 12 months, so if needed you may request a change in the term for which you have applied.

      *Prospective students cannot be accepted, regardless of qualifications, unless a faculty member agrees to advise you.

    • CERTIFICATES
    • CERTIFICATES

      If you're looking for a graduate or undergraduate Certificate program, you'll start by applying for admission here. You will need to submit official transcripts from your high school (for undergraduate certificates) or bachelor's (for graduate certificates) institution, residency documents, and the application fee. We will contact you when your application is processed, and you can always reach out if you need help. Certificate program information

    •
    • UNDERGRADUATE
    • UNDERGRADUATE

      If you are looking to apply to UF as an incoming freshman, you'll need to go through the main Admissions process rather than through our programs - but feel free to let our advisors know you're interested!

    • OTHER OPTIONS
    • OTHER OPTIONS

      If you are interested in taking a single course or two without joining a degree or certificate program, you can do so by registering as a non-degree seeking student through the UF Office of Admissions. The application deadline is 10 days prior to the first day of class for the term as posted in the catalog.

      When you submit your non-degree application, be sure you have selected one of our Special Programs from the dropdown, even if you are only taking one class. We will contact you once your application has been processed. If you have any questions, please contact ffgs-academics@ifas.ufl.edu.

    •
    • INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
    • INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

      To be admitted to our graduate programs, you must secure a dedicated faculty advisor who will serve as your committee chair. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the faculty page and contact the individuals who seem to fit with your experience and interests. The best method for contacting potential advisors is via email, with an attachment of your CV/resume and details regarding your interests and goals. Make a case for your admission under their guidance and provide some background so they have a sense of who you are. The more information you can provide, especially when it comes to your academic background, the better.

      You should also review the UF International Center website for important information on applying to UF. You must provide TOEFL or equivalent scores, except for native English speaking‐countries.

      A limited number of graduate assistantships for thesis and doctoral students, and fellowships for doctoral students, are available and should be discussed ahead of time with your potential advisor.

    • STATE AGENCY EMPLOYEES/UF EEP
    • STATE AGENCY EMPLOYEES/UF EEP

      Follow the tuition waiver process described on the Registrar website. If you miss these deadlines you will be liable for your tuition and fees! (Apply to a program or course separately.)

    •

    Application Dates & Deadlines

    Fall Deadline

    Spring Deadline

    Summer Deadline

    All Semesters Deadline

    Graduate applicants seeking assistantships

    		 January 1  September 1     

    Undergraduate applicants

    		 January 1        

    Online degree applicants or graduate applicants not seeking assistantships

    		       2-3 months prior to term start date 

    Certificate applicants

    		 mid-July  mid-November  mid-April   
    Non-degree seeking students (single courses)

    		    at least 4 weeks prior to term start date     

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Where can I find more information on a specific degree or certificate?

      You can fill out the information request form at the top of the page for detailed information specific to the program(s) you are interested in.

      You can also browse our degree programs and certificates.

    • What are the deadlines for applying?

      Please see the table above.

    • Can I enroll in one or two courses without joining a program?

      If you are interested in taking a single course or two without joining a degree or certificate program, you can do so by registering as a non-degree seeking student. Follow the steps of that process here >

      When you submit your non-degree application, be sure you have selected one of our Special Programs from the dropdown, even if you are only taking one class.

    • I'm trying to become a licensed surveyor. Do your programs meet the requirements to sit for the exam?

      The requirements for Professional Surveyor licensure vary by state, so you will need to confirm within your state what is required.

      Our Geomatics Certificate fulfills the education requirements (above and beyond a 4-year degree) for the licensure exam in Florida - see How to Become a Surveyor (FSMS.org). You can find links to the National Society of Professional Surveyors on that website as well, to help you determine what is expected in your state.

    • I work full-time. Are classes in these programs flexible?

      Courses in the online programs are offered on a semester basis according to the standard UF calendar, with mandated start and stop dates. In some courses, you may have more flexibility to work at your own pace, but typically assignments, tests, and other course work do have deadlines.

      Online courses tend to be a mix of synchronous and asynchronous participation expectations, but as they are designed for working professionals, this is usually flexible and instructors are willing to work with you. None of our programs require that your coursework be taken in a particular order and you can take semesters off if you need to.

    • What kinds of jobs can I get with these degrees/certificates?

      When it comes to employment, it depends heavily on what you seek to do after you have completed your program. Career prospects and experiences differ depending on where and what kind of work you are doing and whether you are hoping to work for a consulting firm, government agency, surveying/mapping, or a non-profit conservation organization. Natural resources and environmental careers are a growing field, and graduates of our School have approximately 96% employment rate overall.

      Our students are often working in natural resources fields while they undertake their education, but those who aren’t find they are able to enter at a higher level than candidates who do not hold a master’s degree (or Graduate Certificate). In addition, many of our students work in education or other professional fields and use the degree or certificate to specialize their expertise in one or more areas. If you have specific interests in mind, we recommend discussing your goals with a faculty member in that field.

      Additional Links

      • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Careers
      • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Careers
    • I really need to talk to someone before I apply. Who should I contact?

      We understand sometimes your situation might be complex. If you've already requested information on the program(s) you're interested in, reviewed our website, and you still have questions, please contact us and we'll be glad to help.

    • Do I have to take the GRE to apply to a graduate program?

      GRE scores will no longer be included in graduate applications to any of our programs, regardless of degree type, level, or format. Please do not include these scores, as they will not be used as part of the consideration when faculty are making admissions decisions.

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    School of Forest, Fisheries, & Geomatics Sciences
    136 Newins-Ziegler Hall PO Box 110410 Gainesville, FL 32611-0410
    (352) 846-0850

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