University of West Florida

At the University of West Florida, we believe in the power of higher education to drive change: on campus, in our region, across the state and around the world. We’re equipping today’s students with the knowledge and skills needed to become tomorrow’s leaders, blazing new paths, shaping their environment and creating an even brighter future.

Based in Pensacola with additional locations in the region, UWF is home to five academic colleges, offering a variety of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as specialist degrees and a doctorate in education. With a student population of nearly 13,000 and an average class size of less than 40, UWF is committed to providing a close-knit academic experience and is consistently named a top "military friendly" University.In addition to fostering success in the classroom, the University prides itself on building a culture of excellence in athletics, leading the Gulf South Conference in all-time championships and all-sports trophies.A driver of economic impact in Northwest Florida and beyond, UWF generates approximately $1 billion in total annual sales across the Florida economy.UWF is more than a University. It’s a symbol of success, commitment to lifelong learning, and change.

The University of West Florida offers plenty of room to roam, with a 1,600-acre campus that's only a short drive to beautiful beaches and downtown Pensacola. Find your niche through any of our 120 student organizations and 15 athletic programs. We have the resources of a big campus, but our small class sizes ensure personalized, focused attention from some of the nation’s most engaging professors.We have everything you need for an unforgettable college experience. Jump in today—the water’s just fine.

Our nationally ranked degree programs provide students with the opportunity to learn from accomplished faculty members in a personalized environment. The University of West Florida is home to five academic colleges, offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral degree programs.

The College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities develops students of the liberal arts to be well-educated, imaginative, inquisitive, communicative, adaptable and empathetic graduates ready to demonstrate the 21st century skills necessary to succeed in today's workplace. The College of Business degrees bridge textbook business skills with real-world problem-solving. The result is an experienced and educated workforce sought after by top firms and global corporate giants. With a focused priority on teaching excellence, supported by scholarship and service, the College of Business prepares students for success in business and society and contributes to the advancement of the educational and economic development of the Northwest Florida region. The College of Education and Professional Studies offers programs that prepare students to tackle the challenges of the 21st century and provide a solid foundation for a successful career through innovative and challenging courses taught by high quality faculty and experienced practitioners. The Usha Kundu, MD College of Health offers both undergraduate and graduate programs and incorporates opportunities for students to learn in traditional classroom environments, online classes and "real-world" experiential learning internships with our community partners. The Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering prepares students to enter high-demand careers in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields by providing immersive, innovative learning experiences and state-of-the-art technology, resources and facilities.

Available online or face-to-face at one of our three campus locations, UWF offers a wide variety of options to suit your needs and your schedule.

UWF faculty and staff are among the most talented and accomplished in the nation. Learn more about what we do for our students and community, and discover opportunities that may be right for you.

As individuals, we cannot solve climate change, water pollution, income inequality, terrorism, racism or world hunger.Together, we can.At the heart of the University of West Florida, you’ll find a drive for research and the belief that big ideas, when nurtured and supported, can become even bigger solutions to local, regional, state and global issues.We bring together scholars, students, business leaders, community members and government experts to collaborate on real-world problems. They are driven by collaboration, curiosity, and investigation into all things new: new ideas; new insights; new solutions; new possibilities.

Our research opportunities and breakthroughs cannot be found at any other university, whether it’s piecing together the story of America’s first settlement, analyzing cybersecurity’s role in national security or working throughout the Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Mexico to mitigate one of the worst oil spills in our country’s history.At UWF, research is our way of putting our mind power and resources to work for the region, so that we can all move into a brighter future together.

When the doors to the University of West Florida opened in the fall of 1967, it didn’t just mark the beginning of classes. It marked the beginning of a story—the UWF story. This timeline details the University’s history over the past five decades, characterized by vision, hope and strategic growth. Where we’ve been is only the beginning—our foundation for the future. Here’s to the next 50 years of creation, innovation and transformation.