University Description
Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. According to the Florida Department of Education (FDE, 2017), “Florida’s public university system includes twelve universities with an enrollment of more than 300,000 students, more than 60,000 faculty and staff, and an annual operating budget of more than $8.5 billion” (para. 5). Florida universities are regulated and controlled by the Florida Board of Governors (FDE, 2017). Chancellor of the State University System is appointed by the Board of Governors to lead a professional and administrative office (FDE, 2017). The office is comprised of three main units, each dealing with a specific aspect of higher education: the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, the Office of Public Affairs, and the Office of Budget and Finance (FDE, 2017).
FIU was opened in 1972 and had the opening enrollment of 5,667 students (FIU, 2017a). Since then, the number of students attending classes has grown to 54,000, making FIU one of the ten largest public universities in the United States. FIU also ranks the 5th among international business programs in the U.S. and the first in awarding bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanic students (FIU, 2017a).
FIU’s vision is to become the leading urban public research university. Student learning, innovation, and collaboration are also at the center of the university’s vision. FIU’s mission is to provide high-quality teaching to promote research, creative activity, and collaborative engagement on local and global levels (FIU, 2017a). Overall, FIU has a strong image for its research and teaching and is constantly working on improving student learning and facilitating innovation.
Admissions Criteria Search
FIU updates its admissions requirements each year. For Spring 2018, admission requirements include a 2.9 GPA, 21 ACT, and SAT scores of 1070 (post-March) or 990 (pre-March). The university notes that successful candidates usually have a higher GPA and SAT/ACT scores, although the website does not provide any information on selection criteria (FIU, 2017b). There is no specified general requirement regarding the number of units for transfer admissions; this information is provided separately in transfer guides for each degree program, which are available on the university’s website. FIU accepts juniors via the 2+2 Partnership program, which allows community college AA graduates to enroll as juniors.
The most competitive path for enrolment is to transfer with less than 60 transferable credits, as this requires the applicant to submit evidence of school grades and SAT/ACT scores, which become the basis for selection. The least competitive path is to transfer after community college or with over 60 credits. The main website does not specify whether the campus is open for fall, winter, and spring submissions, which is probably because the openings vary by departments. Similarly, there are no minimum general course requirements, as these are determined separately for each degree program.
Each major and college has different admissions requirements for transfer students, which are available in the transfer guides. SAT or ACT scores, as well as high school courses, are only required if the student has less than 60 transferable credits (FIU, 2017b). There is no information on the website regarding the requirement to submit college essays, personal statements, or letters of recommendation, although these may be required for admission to specific programs. In addition to unit grades and credits, school and college transcripts are considered during the selection process (FIU, 2017b). All in all, FIU has appropriate admission criteria for transfer students, which makes it a good option for those who want to change their university or transfer from college.
References
Florida Department of Education (FDE). (2017). Higher education. Web.
Florida International University (FIU). (2017a). About us.
Florida International University (FIU). (2017b). Steps to apply. Web.