Florida International University - Miami's public research university - is one of America's most dynamic institutions of higher learning. Since opening in 1972, FIU has achieved many benchmarks of excellence that have taken other universities more than a century to reach. The University has a nationally renowned faculty known for their outstanding teaching and cutting-edge research; students from throughout the U.S. and more than 130 foreign countries; and its alumni have risen to prominence in every field and are a testament to the University's academic excellence. The University offers more than 190 baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degree programs in 19 colleges and schools.