A Guide to the Colleges in Miami

If you’re looking to further your formal education in hopes of advancing your career, Miami’s diverse culture, ideal location, and thriving job market make it the perfect place to do so. From bachelor’s degrees to graduate programs, the opportunities and resources offered to prospective students are endless. No matter your goals, ambitions, or budget, you’ll find that your dreams are right within reach here in Miami. We’ve compiled a guide to some of the most popular colleges in the Miami area, and ultimately, we hope to help make your decision a little easier when the time comes.

University of Miami

A private institution located in Coral Gables, Florida, the University of Miami is a dynamic and diverse academic community. Boasting three campuses and eleven distinct colleges, including an impressive medical facility encompassing the School of Medicine and three university-owned hospitals, you’d be hard pressed to not find a program that fits into your niche. Ready to turn those law school aspirations into a reality? The University of Miami School of Law provides an extensive curriculum to their students, and even allows the opportunity to combine their J.D. degrees with a master’s degree in business administration, communications, music business, public health, or marine affairs. For those interested in going other directions, the University of Miami has over 180 different majors to choose from, including marketing, education, engineering, and accounting, just to name a few.

Miami Dade College

The largest institution of higher learning in the U.S., Miami Dade College has admitted more than two million students over the years, forming the nation’s most diverse student body. The college currently provides over 300 affordable bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, and certificates at its eight campuses. Miami Dade College features an honor’s college, for the true go-getters, and a virtual college, for those unable to attend in-person sessions. Whether you are looking to start your education here with an associate’s degree, or complete a full bachelor’s degree program, you have a plethora of options at Miami Dade College.

Florida International University

As Miami’s first and only public research university, Florida International University is a viable choice for anyone looking to continue his or her education and obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.  FIU has two major campuses, but you can find several smaller locations throughout Miami. The School of Computing and Information Sciences features both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity, as well as the opportunity to obtain a joint bachelor’s/master’s degree within one program. Another major component of FIU, the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, offers MD and PHD programs for students seeking to enter the medical field. In addition to academics, Florida International University is home to the Golden Panthers, their renowned football team.

Barry University

Barry University is a private, catholic university located right in the heart of Miami Shores, just minutes from downtown and a short ride to the beaches. Known primarily for its law school, Barry also provides a formal education in several other graduate and doctorate programs, as well as bachelor’s degrees and non-degree certificates. For those who are planning on going back to school but are currently working full time, they have several night and weekend programs available to cater to your unique schedules. In addition to convenience, diversity also plays a big role here at Barry University. From a bachelor’s degree in theater, to a doctorate degree in podiatry, there is no shortage of choices, no matter what your forte is.

Miami International University of Art and Design

If you enjoy curating things, fashion, marketing, web design, photography, and/or cooking, you’ve come to the right place! While this college is considerably more expensive than the others, it’s well worth it if you’re attempting to make a career out of your passions. Miami International University of Art and Design offers an array of unique degree programs for the true creative at heart, including audio production, animation, culinary management, fashion design, and more!

No matter which of these colleges you ultimately decide to attend, you’re one step closer to achieving your dreams, and for that, you’re already headed in the right direction. Best of luck!