The online microbiology and cell science undergraduate program at the University of Florida (UF) partnered with Apollidon to scale up and accelerate their current enrollment numbers.
The Challenge
Dr. Eric Triplett launched a hybrid/online Bachelor of Science in Microbiology & Cell Science. Dr. Triplett and his department initially attempted to find qualified students in Florida, and they were able to enroll 10 students during the first year of the program. They attended meetings at Florida state colleges, advertised in college papers, and worked with academic advisers in the local UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) offices to encourage student enrollment. However, class sizes remained small. “I discovered that while I know my academic subject area,” stated Dr. Triplett, “I am not a marketing expert, and that is why we hired Apollidon.”
“We were able to provide feedback on all of the branding, but we let Apollidon do what they know how to do best, and the results are showing in the increased applicants to the degree.”
—UF Microbiology and Cell Science Department Chair Dr. Eric Triplett
The Solution
Apollidon partnered with UF’s online microbiology and cell science undergraduate program and conducted a complete re-launch of the hybrid/online program, including:
- A newly updated and optimized website
- Online advertising and digital media
- One-to-one marketing outreach
- Printed materials
- Social media marketing and optimization
A multi-channel marketing plan was developed to reach potential student groups who would benefit from this degree through:
- Highly targeted SEO keyword research
- Paid digital search advertising methods
- Tailored communication strategies
- Full marketing channel optimization
The Result
Since the program partnered with Apollidon, it has accomplished the following:
- Increased online undergraduate applications
- Increased student enrollments per semester
- Largest microbiology and cell science program in the United States
- Increased out-of-state and active military applications