Florida International opened its doors in 1972 on the site of the former Tamiani Airport and its first building was the abandoned airport's air traffic control tower. In a nod to its early years, the “Ivory Tower” still remains on the grounds. FIU now has two major sites in Miami, augmented by several branch campuses and research facilities. The 344-acre Modesto Maidique Campus in the University Park neighborhood houses almost all of the colleges, schools, administrative offices and university facilities. North Miami is home to the Biscayne Bay Campus, known for its marine biology program. The two sites are connected by the Golden Panther Express, the student bus system. Parkview Hall, an apartment complex for upper-class students opened in 2013, will be augmented in fall 2016 with Bayview, stylish apartments with amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, pool and business center.

“Hi, this is Live Chat. How can I help you?” which pops up when visiting FIUonline.com, is an indication of the support offered to those who choose to take classes on their own time. Online students have access to many of FIU’s resources, such as libraries, career and counseling services, financial aid, and the bookstore. The university offers 20 online bachelor degree programs in majors as diverse as hospitality management, logistics and supply chain management, and sustainability and the environment as well as 17 Master’s Degree programs. Students may also enroll in career training programs, a paralegal course and continuing education. Life Well LED, taught by an executive career coach, is available through the Center for Leadership. FIU encourages online graduates to participate in commencement exercises and connect with fellow alumni for career networking opportunities.

FIU joined Conference USA in 2013, facing Division I opponents such as Louisiana Tech, Marshall, Old Dominion, and Rice universities. Student athletes can choose from 17 varsity sports. Dressed in blue and gold, their fans cheer football at the stadium, known as “The Cage,” men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball at the arena, and baseball at the baseball stadium. Additional venues include the aquatic center, tennis complex, and softball fields. The university’s traditional rivals are Florida Atlantic University and the University of Florida, and FIU and FAU complete annually in the Shula Bowl. The enthusiasm for the yearly game has extended the competition to the men’s baseball and basketball teams.

As part of Florida’s state university system, FIU offers 191 programs of study with more than 280 majors in 23 colleges and schools. It is also one of the state’s primary graduate research universities. University Park boasts the Frost Art Museum, which houses an exemplary display of Latin American and 20th century American art, and the International Hurricane Research Center. Biscayne Bay Center and the adjacent Oleta River State Park inspired the creation of the marine biology department, one of the university’s most recognized programs. The Wolfsonian-FIU, a museum, library and research center, is in the heart of the city’s Art Deco District. The university also has international campuses, such as the school of architecture in Genoa, Italy, and the school of hospitality and tourism management at the FIU Tianjin Center in China.