Gainesville, Florida, January 28, 2026
The University of Florida (UF) is expanding its professional development initiatives through diverse programs designed to empower working professionals. With a focus on leadership, AI integration, and specialized training, UF’s Office of Professional and Workforce Development aims to equip individuals with relevant skills for the evolving job market. The introduction of programs like Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals, the AI Passport for Biomedical Research, and an expanded MBA are set to offer flexible and tailored educational opportunities to aid workforce growth in Florida.
Gainesville, Florida – The University of Florida (UF) is stepping up its commitment to professional development by rolling out a variety of programs aimed at equipping working professionals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving job landscape.
Comprehensive Professional Development Programs
UF’s Office of Professional and Workforce Development (OPWD) offers high-quality non-credit education specifically designed to cater to the diverse needs of learners. Situated at the UF TREEO Center, OPWD provides flexible programs and expert guidance to assist professionals in improving, pivoting, or exploring new career trajectories.
Advanced Leadership Training
The Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals (ALAP) program is a standout initiative developed in collaboration with UF’s Office of the Provost, Faculty Senate, and Human Resource Services. It aims to enhance the leadership capabilities of academic and professional leaders. This program features structured learning around key leadership competencies, individual 360-degree assessments, guest speakers, leadership challenges, and job shadowing opportunities. Applications for the 2026-2027 ALAP Cohort will be accepted from March 30th through May 1st.
AI Integration in Professional Development
In a move to prepare professionals for the AI-centric job market, UF is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its programs. The Career Connections Center facilitates understanding of how AI influences career searches, provides networking opportunities with AI-focused employers, and includes AI education in workshops. Furthermore, the AI Passport for Biomedical Research is an innovative upskilling program targeting the next generation of AI-ready biomedical researchers and clinicians, focusing on embedding AI into both research and healthcare practices.
Expanding Educational Offerings
UF’s Warrington College of Business will launch an expanded part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Jacksonville starting Spring 2026. By connecting students with the workforce, this program aims to bolster the local economy. Additionally, a master’s degree in management emphasizing AI will be introduced in Fall 2026.
Specialized Programs for Healthcare Professionals
The College of Medicine at UF has unveiled the Quality and Patient Safety initiative (QPSi), which provides free online continuing medical education courses. These courses cover crucial topics such as clinical practice improvement, team science, and the application of AI in modern medical practices, thanks to a partnership with the UF College of Education’s E-Learning, Technology, and Communications department.
Cybersecurity Training Initiatives
Also noteworthy, the University of West Florida (UWF) Center for Cybersecurity is offering free upskilling and reskilling training in cybersecurity for eligible Florida state employees. This program endeavors to ensure state and local government personnel are equipped with current cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and credentials essential for safeguarding the state.
Background Context
The University of Florida has a well-established commitment to professional development, rolling out a plethora of initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of working professionals. These programs underscore UF’s commitment to enhancing the skill set and knowledge base of individuals across a variety of sectors, thus contributing to Florida’s overall economic competitiveness and workforce growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Office of Professional and Workforce Development (OPWD) at UF?
- OPWD provides high-quality non-credit education tailored to meet the needs of diverse learners, offering flexible programs and expert guidance to support professionals in upskilling, reskilling, or exploring new career paths.
- What does the Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals (ALAP) program offer?
- ALAP offers academic and professional leaders the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills through structured activities, individual assessments, guest speakers, leadership challenges, and job shadowing opportunities.
- How is UF integrating artificial intelligence into its professional development programs?
- UF is integrating AI by educating individuals on how AI impacts career searches, creating opportunities to engage with AI employers, and infusing AI education into workshops.
- What is the AI Passport for Biomedical Research program?
- The AI Passport for Biomedical Research is an AI upskilling program designed to train the first generation of AI-ready biomedical researchers and clinicians, focusing on integrating AI into research and healthcare practices.
- What is the focus of UF’s Warrington College of Business’s expanded MBA program?
- The expanded MBA program aims to connect students directly with the state’s workforce and strengthen the economy, offering a master’s degree in management with a focus on AI in Fall 2026.
- What does UF’s College of Medicine Quality and Patient Safety initiative (QPSi) offer?
- QPSi offers free, online continuing medical education courses focusing on patient quality of care and safety, covering topics such as clinical practice improvement, team science, and AI applications in modern medicine.
- What does the UWF Center for Cybersecurity offer?
- The UWF Center for Cybersecurity offers free upskilling and reskilling cybersecurity training for eligible Florida state employees, aiming to equip state and local government personnel with up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and credentials to secure the state.
| Program | Description | Location | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Leadership for Academics and Professionals (ALAP) | A program for enhancing leadership skills for academic and professional leaders. | Gainesville, Florida | Applications open March 30th, 2026 |
| AI Passport for Biomedical Research | Upskilling program focused on training AI-ready biomedical researchers. | Gainesville, Florida | Available now |
| Warrington College of Business MBA | Part-time MBA program launching in Jacksonville. | Jacksonville, Florida | Spring 2026 |
| Quality and Patient Safety initiative (QPSi) | Free online courses focusing on patient quality and safety in medicine. | Gainesville, Florida | Available now |
| UWF Cybersecurity Training | Free upskilling and reskilling training for Florida state employees. | Florida statewide | Available now |
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