Florida International University - Overview
A Diverse, Multicultural Community
Located in Miami-Dade County, one of the busiest and most populous areas of the United States, Florida International University (FIU) is a public, 4-year university with a large, diverse student body and a wide variety of educational offerings.
Its close proximity to the city of Miami -- well known for its multicultural residents and enthusiastic vacationers -- creates an exciting and stimulating learning atmosphere for students with many interests. In fact, many alumni stay in the area after graduation to take advantage of the port city's status as a hub of transportation and international business.
Education across South Florida
Florida International University, which first opened its doors to students in 1972, is now one of the 25 largest universities in the United States. The school has an enrollment of almost 46,000 students among its campuses and other facilities. FIU offers over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs.
The university's 2 major campuses -- the Modesto A. Maidique Campus and the smaller Biscayne Bay Campus -- are both located in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Other university research and academic facilities in the region include the Broward Pines Center, the Metropolitan Center, and a number of research facilities and laboratories.
The Broward Pines Center offers students a chance to attend the high-demand courses offered at the major campuses. Many courses at this location are held at times more convenient for adult learners, who work during traditional business hours.
Also there is the new College of Business center on Brickell Ave and the new center for Architecture on Lincoln Road/South Beach
Renowned Research Centers
Florida International University's research centers, institutes, and laboratories are renowned and have earned the school a research university classification and millions of dollars in government and corporate funding.
FIU research spans many areas, contributing to both academic and practical endeavors. The Metropolitan Center, for example, is a research facility focusing on the urban demographics, economics, and politics of South Florida. Faculty at the center train the staffs of state and local agencies and municipalities to help them solve problems specific to urban areas.
Top Ranking Programs
Many Florida International University degree programs are nationally recognized for their success. "U.S. News and World Report" ranked the university's undergraduate international business programs among the top 15 in the country, and the graduate programs among the top 25.
Also acclaimed is the school's College of Law, whose graduates have consistently excelled above state averages on Florida Bar Exam scores.
School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is ranked #6 in the nation
The Honors College at Florida International University
Academic greatness is the major goal of Florida International University. The university's Honors College provides a place for exceptional undergraduate students to achieve their academic goals within a broad liberal arts educational setting.
The average student-faculty ratio at the Honors College is 17 to 1, creating strong student-teacher relationships and an atmosphere of individualized education for honors students. The college also offers special activities and events designed to enhance students' academic experiences.
Study Abroad
Students who wish to study outside of Florida may explore the university's study abroad programs, which provide students with unique educational opportunities in settings across the globe. Each semester, students embark on journeys to Peru, Italy, Japan, Brazil, China, Argentina, and many other international locations to study language and culture, art and education, globalism and tourism, journalism and mass communication, and more.
The Faculty of Florida International University
In addition to a wide range of academic subjects, Florida International University employs a highly educated faculty specializing in a variety of doctrines. Of the tenured and tenure-seeking faculty, 96 percent have earned their doctorate degrees or the highest degrees available in their fields.
In addition, the university's Fulbright Scholar Program sends almost 800 scholars and professionals abroad each year to represent the United States among some of the best and brightest educators in the world.
Generous Financial Assistance
Students in need of financial assistance can earn one of Florida International University's numerous scholarships, awarded on the basis of financial need, academic excellence, and other criteria. In 2008, students graduating from Florida International University had less debt than students graduating from other public universities, according to "U.S. News and World Report."
Students at Florida International University can also take advantage of federal and state financial aid programs. One federal program, the Federal Work-Study Program, helps students find employment or service positions within the university, allowing students to work off education costs and contribute to the university community.
Roughly 50 percent of the undergraduate population at the university receives financial aid.
Student Activities and Organizations
At Florida International University, students have many opportunities to complement their academic experiences with social and communal activities. The Student Government Council makes decisions about monetary allocations, student needs, and student activities, while the Student Programming Committee plans student events including parties, theme weeks, and shows.
The university's Council for Student Organization is the umbrella organization for many of the school's clubs and organizations, including the Homecoming Council, the Multifaith Council, Panther Rage (Panther Power at the Biscayne Bay Campus), and the Black Student Union.
Florida International University's Greek community, the institution's largest student organization, comprises 26 sororities and fraternities founded to serve the school and the community at large.
In addition, students can participate in athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, cross country, track and field, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and tennis. In addition, students can participate in athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, cross country, track and field, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, and tennis. FIU has 17 Division I athletic programs,