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The University of Akron is the region's most influential public research university, contributing to the local economy's resurgence, providing a workforce highly trained in diverse disciplines, and known for an innovative approach to higher education. We offer our 22,000 students a wide variety of in-demand associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and law degree programs — each one career-focused to help you get ahead in the job market. We bring together diverse disciplines in ways that provide students with life-long skills, internships and co-ops, opportunities for academic research, education abroad, on-campus student employment, and service projects designed for diverse groups of learners, including full-time, part-time, and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. With more than 200 undergraduate majors and areas of study, more than 100 master's and doctoral programs, a law degree with four tracks, and many pathways to a medical degree, you can discover your potential and turn your interests into a thriving profession. Whether you're applying from in- or out-of-state, as a graduate, undergraduate, or law student, the UA college admissions team is here to make your application process as seamless as possible. Earn your graduate or undergraduate degree at the intersection of innovation and world-class academics. The University of Akron offers more than 300 areas of study, many nationally recognized for their excellence. Invent your future through a UA master's or bachelor's degree. Campus life at the University of Akron is anything but conventional. With nearly 300 student organizations on campus focused on academics, athletics, hobbies, politics, faith, film, ethnicity, music, and more, opportunities for you to discover new interests, new talents, and new friends are endless. Plus, we have a modern Rec Center, award-winning residence halls, and a full calendar of social events, athletics, and arts and culture — all here for you! View all student activities, amenities, and support below to learn how you can bring your college years to life. Student organizations are a great way to get involved. UA has more than 330 organizations — focused on academics, the arts, athletics, science, music, leadership, service, and more. Plus, new ones are forming all the time. Join a student organization, and you will meet some terrific people with whom you share a common interest. It's part of what college is all about. We provide career coaching and programming while developing valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide students with ample opportunities for experiential learning and career development and placement. Students who work on campus part-time adjust quickly to college life, learn valuable skills like communication and time management, make friends, earn money, and gain references for your future career search. Today, The University of Akron offers 200+ in-demand associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and law degree programs – with accreditations by 35 professional agencies. With about 21,000 students, UA is focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the community and economic growth. Programs are targeted to diverse learners, including full-time, part-time, and online students, veterans, and adults returning to the classroom. Research at UA has a breadth and depth involving all colleges and numerous multi-disciplinary centers and labs. UA is perhaps best known for applying polymer and advanced materials expertise in the fields of manufacturing, medical devices and technology, air filtration, advanced energy, emerging green technologies, and microelectronic and optical devices. The institution now known as The University of Akron was founded as Buchtel College in 1870 by the Ohio Universalist Convention, which was strongly influenced by the efforts, energy, and financial support of Akronites, particularly industrialist John R. Buchtel. From the outset, the college and the surrounding community were closely tied, with the college addressing the needs of the region and those of the Universalist Church and local entrepreneurs assisting the fledgling institution time and again. By 1907, Buchtel College's emphasis on local rather than denominational interests led it to become a private, non-denominational school. The college's strong ties to the community and its challenging financial situation prompted Buchtel College trustees to transfer the institution and its assets to Akron's city in 1913. For the next 50 years, the municipal University of Akron, assisted by city tax funds, brought college education within reach of many more young people. During those years, enrollment swelled from 198 to about 10,000. In the years to follow, as tire production jobs left the Akron area, the University's pioneering research was instrumental in helping the once-undisputed Rubber Capital of the United States evolve into the polymer center of the world. In 1988, the University established the world's first College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering - now the most extensive academic program of its kind in the world. The University of Akron began a whole new kind of transformation in 2000 with its New Landscape for Learning. The campus enhancement program resulted in 22 new buildings, 18 major additions, acquisitions and renovations, and 34 acres of new green space added to the 218-acre campus. The new facilities include classroom buildings, an Honors Complex, Student Union, Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and the Stile Athletics Field House. View full university