FAQs

Our online courses are designed to provide you with the same top quality experience that our on-campus students enjoy. You'll learn from the same faculty, and the online curriculum is just as intellectually stimulating as that of our on-campus classes. You'll read chapters, submit assignments, participate in group projects, and engage in discussions. What's different is how the content is delivered. With FIU Online, you are the classroom. Our classes are fully online, dynamic and interactive. We use Canvas, a learning management system that enables you to log into your classroom, get assignments, interact with faculty and other students, reply to message boards, and much more.

No. Your diploma will not indicate the modality you chose to earn a degree. Whether you complete a program traditionally through on-campus, hybrid, or online instruction your diploma would simply state the name of the program you have completed. For example, a degree would not say “Online Bachelor of Arts in English,” just as it would not say “Traditional Bachelor of Arts in English.” A diploma would simply state “Bachelor of Arts in English.” Similarly, transcripts will also not indicate the modality you choose to earn your degree.

Taking an online course requires just as much time and effort as on-campus courses, but with added flexibility and convenience. However, a certain level of independence and time management skills are necessary to get the most out of your online learning experience.

Yes, but only fully online students partake in an online student orientation. The Online Student Orientation is a course designed for students enrolled in the fully online degree programs. The course consists of vital information regarding FIU, Online Learning, the learning management system we use, and other important information about being a student at FIU such as Financial Aid, Student Resources, MyAccounts, etc. The Online Student Orientation is mandatory for all students enrolled in any fully online degree program.

FIU Online courses help you connect with fellow students and your instructor through a variety of course enhancement tools. Through Canvas and other technology, students and faculty can post and share course content, access grades 24/7, and collaborate through discussion boards and virtual classrooms. If you have a question about your course or an assignment, instructors are easy to get in touch with, and very responsive!

FIU Online courses are designed for working professionals and those with busy schedules, and offer the flexibility you need to study when it's most convenient for you. Many degree programs and courses are offered at various start times throughout the year. The courses are not self-paced and all of your course activities, assignments and exams must be completed by their due dates. Some courses may also include online group projects as well.

For undergraduate students, plan on spending about 8 to 12 hours each week on readings and assignments for a 3-credit course. Papers, projects or exams will require extra time. Graduate students will typically spend more time on their courses.

The answer depends on your individual circumstances, including whether you have any transfer credits and how many courses you take each semester. Also, specific programs may offer more accelerated options for completion, while others are cohort-based, in which you move through the program with other students. Choose a degree program that best meets your career goals and works with your schedule. Your FIU Online enrollment coordinator will be able to provide more information.

Assignments and exams are submitted electronically through Canvas. We also have a number of tutorials and a Canvas Introduction Course to walk you through the process.

Most computers meet the minimum standards required to participate in online courses. For a full list of computer system and Internet requirements, visit our What's Required page.

FIU Online encourages its online students to participate in commencement ceremonies. We enjoy having our students join in one of the most memorable moments of any degree.  For information about graduation, visit FIU’s Graduation Page .

FIU alumni are inspiring and empowering. With national chapters around the country, and soon around the world, fully online students can connect with alums in their community. Whether gathering for social events or organizing community events, FIU alumni events offer excellent social and career networking opportunities. The Student Alumni Association coordinates programs for students and alumni that enhance school spirit for Golden Panthers everywhere. The FIU Alumni Association has comprehensive information about all the programs and events for students and alumni.

You may apply online by clicking Apply Online Now . For speedy processing, please have a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) available to pay the $30 application fee. Personal Checks, SAT/ACT waivers and Money Orders in U.S. dollars are also accepted.

Every semester has an application deadline. Please refer to this calendar to view what the deadlines are for each semester.

You need to provide the following information:

• Official transcripts from all schools attended

• Official SAT or ACT test scores if you are a high school student or are transferring from another college or university with fewer than 60 semester hours of college credit

• Read more information on Admissions Requirements . TOEFL scores may also be required. Read more information on international requirements .

Yes. All freshmen are required to submit either SAT or ACT scores. Official scores must be reported to the university either electronically or through mail. FIU encourages students to take both the SAT and ACT to determine which exam best suits the student. Read more information on Admissions Requirements .

The office hours are as follows:

• Monday, Thursday & Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Open every First Saturday of the month: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Note: The University is closed on all national holidays.

To be considered a Florida resident for tuition purposes, a student must reside in Florida for at least 12 months prior to the beginning of classes. If you are a dependent student, your parents must qualify as a Florida resident. Verification including driver's license, vehicle registration, and voter registration will be required. Read more information on residency.

Tours are available at both Modesto Maidique Campus and Biscayne Bay campuses. The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes an information session with an Admissions counselor. Read more information about campus visits .

Students can choose from more than 200 baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral programs. Read more information on degree programs.

To receive financial assistance you must be fully admitted to an FIU degree program or be enrolled in a qualified certificate program. For need-based aid, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). We encourage students to apply online using FAFSA on the Web at the Federal Department of Education Website by FIU's priority deadline date of March 1 . Please note that if you are admitted for Summer you will need to complete (2) FAFSA applications: one application is for the prior academic year (includes summer semester) and the other application is for the upcoming academic year. FIU's Federal School Code is 009635. Read complete information on applying for financial aid at FIU.

Students attending other institutions are welcome to take classes at FIU while they are home for the summer or any other time. Since these students plan to transfer classes from FIU back to their home institution, they are classified as “transients” by the State of Florida.

• Students at Florida State University System institutions can complete the form online by accessing flvc.org .

• Transient students continue to be advised by their primary college, which determines whether they have met the necessary prerequisites before enrolling in the FIU class.

• Once FIU has approved you as an inbound transient student, you will be notified through flvc.org electronically. Your FIU Panther ID, registration date and other pertinent information will be included in the ‘Comments’ area of your form.

• When you have completed your FIU course(s) and grades have posted, you must order an official transcript through my.fiu.edu to receive proper posting of your credits at your home institution. Read more about how to request your official transcript.

Requires a course-by-course evaluation, with a calculated U.S. equivalent grade point average, through a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( NACES ) organization or the recommended agencies below. Official evaluations must be forwarded directly to FIU from the evaluation service. One exception to this policy exists: Chinese language transcripts from Tianjin University of Commerce will be evaluated by FIU staff for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

Josef Silny & Associates

7101 SW 102 Avenue

Miami, FL 33171

Tel: (305) 273-1616

Fax: (305) 273-1338

http://www.silny.com or e-mail info@jsilny.com

World Education Services

1. O. Box 745

New York, NY 10113-0745

212-966-6311

http://www.wes.org or email info@wes.org

Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

P.O. Box 514070

Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470

414-289-3400

www.ece.org

Read more information on international requirements. Follow this link for more information on studying in the United States as an international or foreign student.

Applicants to FIU may check their admission status online anytime (except for applications received on Saturday, or Sunday, where a minimum of 48 hours is needed to update the status). You will be asked for a login and an FIU Panther ID. If you have not previously logged into the system, there are instructions on the web page for obtaining a login. You can also check your status by logging in to MyFIU.

All admitted students are automatically considered for University scholarships. The scholarship priority deadline is February 15 of each year. Students admitted after this date will still be considered for scholarships, but funds may be limited. Since scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, students with strong academic records who meet academic performance criteria (which include high school course selection, grade point average and ACT or SAT scores) are urged to submit admissions applications early. Awards are also available through academic departments. New and transfer students should contact the department of their intended degree program for more information on available awards. Application for departmental awards is separate from the application to the university; students are not automatically considered for departmental scholarships. Read more about scholarship information , or check with the appropriate departments. You can also visit FIU's Financial Aid website.

A student entering the State University System with fewer than 60 semester hours of credit is required to enroll in a minimum of nine credit hours in the summer at a Florida state university. These hours can be spread out over the course of a student's degree program.

Students who participate in the AP program in high school and receive a score of three or higher may receive credit in the appropriate subject area. Scores must be submitted prior to enrollment for consideration. Students should consult their high school guidance counselor or contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for additional information. For more information visit FIU's Policy on Credit by Examination page.

You can identify your admissions representative on Find My Recruiter and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Admitted students who have demonstrated financial need or receive a full scholarship can receive a deposit waiver. Demonstrated financial need must meet one of the following conditions:

• • Have an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of $0 - $1500 on FAFSA.

  • Received free or reduced lunch in high school (documentation needed)

  • Used an application fee waiver to apply to FIU.

  • Students who qualify will be sent an email with further instructions that must be completed according to the deposit deadlines.

  • Employed by FIU or related to a FIU employee.

  • Be a ward of the state.

  • Be an active military or a veteran (dependent and spouse included).   

A deposit is a non-refundable fee. It is also a pre-payment on tuition, meaning that it will be discounted/applied to tuition fees when you enroll in classes.

Prospective students are forewarned that the application fee is non-refundable. It is a fee that is charged by the admissions department for processing your application — which includes calculating GPA from all transcripts received, evaluating credit transferability, and rendering a decision for admission. Appeals can be made if you feel that there is a compelling reason for FIU undergraduate admissions to make an exception in your case; e-mail admiss@fiu.edu for this. There is no guarantee that appeals will be approved.

Undergraduate admissions is not admitting students who have their courses listed as "in-progress" for their AA. In other words, anyone with less than 60 credits without ACT/SAT will not be considered for admission until after November 2.

An A.S. from a U.S. institution does not guarantee exemption from the TOEFL exam. The Associate of Science is a technical degree that often does not require general education courses such as English Composition I and II, so it usually cannot be used to waive the TOEFL. A student would need at least two years of high school or an AA to be considered for TOEFL exemption.

Not if you are an undergraduate student.

You are considered a freshman if you are still a high school student or if you have not enrolled in any college courses after graduating from high school. Please provide:

• Certificate of Eligibility (supplied by Dept. of Veteran Affairs)

• FIU Enrollment Certification Request

Yes, if you are a freshman, you will need to submit an ACT or SAT test score and a final high school transcript (or GED test score)

You are considered a transfer student if you have previously enrolled in any course for college credit after graduating from high school. If you are a high school student and have earned AP credit, you are still considered a freshman. Please provide:

• VA Form 22-1995  (Request for Change of Program or Place of Training)

• Certificate of Eligibility (supplied by Dept. of Veteran Affairs)

• FIU Enrollment Certification Request

FIU can award academic credit for military training. The type and amount of credit that can be granted depend on the veteran’s service record. These credits typically count toward electives. If you are interested in receiving credit for military training, please contact the FIU Veteran and Military Affairs office.

FIU Veteran and Military Affairs

Phone Number: 305-348-2838

E-mail: veterans@fiu.edu

The application fee is non-refundable. It is a fee that is charged by the admissions department for processing your application — which includes calculating GPA from all transcripts received, evaluating credit transferability, and rendering a decision for admission. If you are an active duty United States military service member currently deployed overseas, you do need to pay the application fee. FIU Veterans Office will waive your $200 tuition deposit once you have been admitted to FIU.

Admission for freshmen and transfer students is based on an overall assessment of primary and secondary review factors.

You may apply for admission online.

Yes, The Florida Legislature has imposed obligations on state agencies regarding their use, collection, and release of social security numbers. In accordance with Florida Statute 119.071(5)(a)(2). Florida International University (FIU) notifies individuals before collecting their social security number (SSN) and identifies the purpose for such collection. Read about FIU's SSN Compliance Policy.

No. Unfortunately, you cannot pursue two graduate degrees with FIU at the same time. For more information please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 305-348-7000.

If you have questions about applying for admission, contact the FIU Online recruitment Office at 1-855-FIU-Online.If you have questions about veterans' benefits or resources, or would like to schedule an individual consultation, contact the Veteran and Military Affairs Office at 305-348-2838.