ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — UCF introduced new programs in robotics, engineering and design on Monday as it began the first day of classes for the fall term.

Drivers in the area also can expect more traffic as the university welcomed its freshman class and nearly 200 new faculty members.

The robotics and engineering programs will teach the design and development of modern systems such as drones, self-driving cars, medical robots and mechanical dogs.

Students also will be able to gain research experience at NASA, making UCF the only university in Florida and one of three in the United States to have such a partnership with the space agency.

The university has hired more than 190 new faculty members with "strong industry and academic experience" for the programs.

The new design program will lead to a bachelor of arts degree and prepare students to work as studio artists.

The members of the freshman class have an average high school grade-point average of 4.2, university officials said.

Starting college will mark a new beginning for them.

One incoming freshman said the additions have added to her excitement.

"Like all of the planning from senior year, and now, it’s, like, coming together, and it’s just like ah, like dreams," said Anna Wilson, who is enrolled in an engineering program. "Warming, living ... first year, I’m hoping to find just great community, to learn a lot about my major and follow my major. Make good grades and go to a lot of football games.”