The exceptional quality of technology research and training at Central Florida colleges and universities is increasingly recognized as an extraordinary community asset. Working in tandem, the University of Central Florida in Orlando and the University of South Florida in Tampa anchor Florida's High Tech Corridor, providing undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral program options in specialties ranging from microelectronics to bio-med. In addition to the multitude of specialized high-tech curricula, graduate degrees in business administration and law are also available through local universities.
University of Central Florida (UCF)
With more than 60,000 students, including more than 1,250 students of international origin, UCF is the second-largest university in the nation. Maybe even more important is the school’s growing reputation as a top metropolitan research university, and its focus on meeting the needs of the local business community.
UCF's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is home to a nationally and internationally-ranked Champion Programming Team, as well as the university's largest graduate research programs.
The university is also renowned for its unique cross-disciplinary approach to education, which combines the strengths of its colleges of business and engineering to build skills in both the "virtual" and "real" worlds.
Several additional hands-on UCF research and training facilities include:
- Materials Characterization Facility (MCF)
- Nanotechnology Research
- Institute for Simulation and Training (IST)
- Space Education and Research Center
- Florida Solar Energy Center
- BioMolecular Science Center
- Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL)
Central Florida Research Park
Adjacent to the University of Central Florida is the Central Florida Research Park, recognized as 1 of the top 10 research parks in the world. This 1,000-acre corporate community provides an environment for industry and the university to share training facilities, pursue cooperative research and transfer existing technology to the marketplace.
Rollins College
Recognized as one of the nation’s 50 “Best Value” private colleges and universities, according to The Princeton Review, Rollins is the top regional university in Florida, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings. The college’s Roy E Crummer Graduate School of Business is noted for excellence in graduate management education and lifelong learning programs. Rollins currently has an enrollment of nearly 4,000 students from more than 40 states and 30 nations.
University of Florida (UF), Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)
UF/IFAS is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible. While extending into every community of the state, UF/IFAS has developed an international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research, and extension. Because of this mission and the diversity of Florida’s climate and agricultural commodities, Today, UF/IFAS includes extensions in each of the state’s 67 counties, 14 research and education centers with a total of 19 locations throughout Florida.
Full Sail University
Full Sail University is an award-winning educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment and media industry. Founded in 1979, Full Sail offers on-campus and online master's, bachelor's, and associate's degree programs in areas related to animation, art, business, education, graphic design, film, marketing, web development, music, recording arts, sports, and video games. The University has been recognized as one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs by Electronic Gaming Monthly, one of the Best Music Programs by Rolling Stone magazine, and one of the Best Film Programs by UNleashed Magazine. In 2011, Full Sail received the "21st Century Best Practices in Distance Learning Award" from the United States Distance Learning Association, was named the "School/College of the Year" by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Social Media Colleges by Studentadvisor.com.
Keiser University
Keiser University, founded in 1977, is a regionally accredited, private, career university offering certificates, Associate's, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degrees. Keiser students are focused on entering new careers in high-demand professions or enhancing their level of skill in their present field. Currently serving a student population of approximately 13,000, the University’s online and international populations represent 15 percent of the total student population.
DeVry University
Renowned for technology education, DeVry University Orlando offers a variety of degrees, including bachelor's programs in computer information systems, telecommunications management, electronics engineering, business information systems, and information technology. An associate's degree is offered in electronics and computer technology. Master's degrees are available through the Keller Graduate School of Management.
University of Phoenix
Organized to meet the unique needs of working professionals, the University of Phoenix Orlando campus offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in information technology, business administration/technology management, e-business, and computer information systems. Certificate programs are also available in A+ computer service, Microsoft certified systems engineering, and Network+.
Adventist University
AdventHealth University, located near downtown Orlando, specializes in allied health and nursing education. The University works closely with Advent Health to give students the clinical experience that only a major medical center can provide. Florida Hospital, a globally recognized medical center, is the largest of more than 350 healthcare facilities, worldwide, operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The University’s degree programs include baccalaureate degrees in nursing and radiologic sciences and associate of science degrees in diagnostic medical sonography (general or cardiovascular ultrasound), nuclear medicine, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, pre-professional studies, and radiography. Certificate programs are available in advanced placement - diagnostic medical sonography, advanced modalities - cardiovascular interventional technology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, mammography, and nuclear medicine. General education courses in liberal arts and sciences are also taught on our campus.
Ana G. Mendez Metro Orlando University
Ana G. Mendez Metro Orlando University utilizes a dual-language model in its strategy for education and is one of the first bilingual universities in the community. The university teaches classes in both English and Spanish in order to develop bilingual leaders of the future that will be able to thrive in a competitive global environment. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered as well as MBA degrees with specializations in accounting, finance, management, and human resources.
Polytech University of Puerto Rico
Founded in 1966, Polytech University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) is fully accredited and internationally recognized in the fields of engineering, architecture, computer sciences, and business management and administration. The Orlando campus of PUPR provides opportunities in leadership, productivity, and awareness for students from diverse backgrounds. The university offers Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Organizational Management, Electrical, Civil, and Computer Engineering. They offer graduate programs in Business administration and Engineering management.
Central Florida Higher Education Alliance
Learn more about the Central Florida Higher Education Alliance.
Other higher education institutions with facilities and/or online opportunities in the region include:
- Barry University
- Belhaven University
- Columbia College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Florida A&M College of Law
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Florida Southern College
- Florida State University College of Medicine
- Florida Technical College
- Keller Graduate School of Management
- National-Louis University
- NOVA Southeastern University
- Purdue University
- Stetson University
- Troy State University
- University of South Florida
- Warner University
- Webster University
