OpenFieldUNF · Jacksonville, Florida, United States
The University of North Florida (UNF) is a nationally ranked public doctoral university nestled on a pristine 1,381-acre wildlife sanctuary campus in coastal Jacksonville, Florida. Renowned for coastal and marine biology at the Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program, transportation and logistics, mechanical engineering, and nursing, UNF blends rigorous academics with vibrant First Coast coastal ecosystems.
UNF comprises six academic colleges: the College of Arts and Sciences, Coggin College of Business, Brooks College of Health, College of Computing, Engineering and Construction (CCEC), College of Education and Human Services, and the Hicks Honors College. The university operates the Taylor Engineering Research Institute and the Sawmill Slough Preserve.
Undergraduate admissions evaluate high school GPA and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT required by Florida law). Graduate admissions require an accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, statement of purpose, two to three letters of recommendation, and English language proficiency (TOEFL 79+ or IELTS 6.5+).
Nationally celebrated marine biology program utilizing the Atlantic coastline, St. Johns River estuary, and research vessels to study elasmobranch shark physiology, marine mammal strandings, and oyster reef restoration.
Situated in Jacksonville—America's logistics hub with deepwater ports, rail terminals, and interstates—this program teaches maritime port operations, warehouse optimization, global trade compliance, and cold chain distribution.
Specialized coastal engineering research at the Taylor Engineering Research Institute, investigating sea level rise adaptation, wave flume storm surge dynamics, living shorelines, and port maritime structures.
CCNE-accredited practice doctorate preparing advanced practice registered nurses in primary care diagnostic management, epidemiological health disparities, clinical health policy, and healthcare systems leadership.
Advanced computing graduate curriculum emphasizing enterprise software architecture, full-stack cloud computing, artificial intelligence algorithms, network intrusion defenses, and database systems.
NASAD-accredited studio art BFA program offering intensive training in bronze foundry casting, wood sculpture, digital fabrication, contemporary installation, and gallery exhibition design.
Director & Professor of Biology
Coastal and Marine Biology Flagship Program
Dr. Gelsleichter directs the Coastal and Marine Biology Program, investigating shark endocrinology, reproduction, ecotoxicology of oil spills and persistent pol...
View researcher profile ↗Associate Professor of Geography and GIS
Department of Economics and Geography
Dr. Baynard conducts geospatial research in energy infrastructure mapping, environmental footprint analysis of oil extraction, satellite remote sensing of wetla...
View researcher profile ↗Professor of Computing
School of Computing
Dr. Prodanoff investigates computer network protocol performance, smart card security, queuing theory models for multimedia communications, and wireless sensor ...
View researcher profile ↗OpenField is an independent research platform not officially affiliated with University of North Florida. Information reflects public documentation reviewed on 2026-10-16. Students must verify application deadlines, fee structures, and prerequisite details directly with official university admissions departments before applying.
Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial policy · Submit corrections