Florida International University

Florida International University (FIU) is both the first and the only public research university located in Miami, FL. Founded in 1969 on the site of an abandoned airfield, the initial planning for what is now one of the largest public universities in the country took place in the former air traffic control tower, a tower that still stands today, rechristened the "FIU ivory tower," as a monument of the school's unique beginnings. From that single building, FIU today serves more than 54,000 students annually, both on campus and through its extensive online programs.

Florida International University Accreditation Details

FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees ranging from associates level to doctorate. In addition, several programs within the College of Engineering and Computing are also accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), to include programs offered exclusively through online study.

Florida International University Application Requirements

In addition to general requirements for incoming undergraduate students, the various colleges and departments have their own requirements for admission, particularly for the various graduate level programs, online or otherwise. In general, undergraduate admission for incoming freshman requires high school transcripts and minimum scores on either the SAT or the ACT.

For students who have already earned an undergraduate degree and are seeking a master's in one of the online engineering programs offered at FIU, common requirements include proof of the undergraduate degree earned and a minimum GPA on upper level coursework completed within the baccalaureate degree requirements. FIU offers two master's degree programs online within the engineering field, those being in computer engineering: network security and engineering management. Both require:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credit hours of the undergraduate degree earned
• A resume that lists both degrees earned and work experience if any
• A statement of objective
• Three letters of recommendation.

The application fee is $30, paid at the time of submitting the application.

In addition, the computer engineering program requires that the undergraduate degree be in engineering, physical sciences, computer science, or mathematics. Students with closely related degrees must also provide proof of at least one year of work experience in some area of computer engineering or technology. Students with completely unrelated undergraduate degrees may still be considered with at least three years of comparable work experience. In the case of applying for the engineering management graduate degree, the prospective student is required to show proof of an undergraduate degree earned in engineering or a closely related field.

Tuition and Financial Aid

In the case of online graduate degrees, tuition is individualized and presented as one lump sum with portions paid each semester. Both the computer engineering and engineering management degrees involve completion of a total of 30 semester hours, with the computer engineering degree costing a flat $25,000 and designed to be completed in 10 months. The engineering management degree program is a flat $35,000 for tuition and is also designed for completion within 10 months, but also designed to be flexible, with programs starting in the fall, spring, and summer semesters and a track specialized for each student's particular goals.

Financial aid is available for either degree program in the form of scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid. Students may apply for an academic merit scholarship awarded by FIU for incoming students with strong academic credentials in their prior college coursework. If awarded, this scholarship pays ten percent of tuition for either online degree described here. Students wishing to apply for federal assistance in the forms of grants and/or loans should start by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in accordance with posted federal guidelines.

Online Degrees Available

FIU offers a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a concentration in Network Security. This degree prepares prospective graduates to pursue careers as leaders in the field of network security in both the public and private sectors, to include careers with government departments and intelligence agencies, banks and credit card companies, defense contractors, e-commerce companies and Internet companies. Graduates with this degree can confidently work as security administrators, information security managers, data security analysts, network security engineers, or systems application security analysts. In addition, FIU has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

The curriculum for the computer engineering degree is broken down into six eight-week terms, with students enrolling in four courses per semester, the equivalent of two courses per term. Courses earn three credit hours each, so students can expect a course load of 12 credit hours each semester and six credit hours in the summer term. Courses are made up of 24 core computer science courses and six math electives, assigned in a specific order from term to term. Core courses include Computer Communication Networks, Advanced Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures, Ubiquitous and Embedded Sensor Network-Centric, Random Signal Principles, Advanced Systems Theory, and Advanced Digital Forensics.

FIU also offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management. This program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various areas of engineering, combining technical, law, and business courses to provide for a wide range of career choices. The program is completed over three semesters, with students having the option to start in the fall, spring, or summer. A total of 30 credit hours are taken, with students enrolling in four courses each for the fall and spring semesters and two courses for the summer term. Each course earns three credit hours, for the overall total of 30. Of these 30, nine credit hours are taken in the Engineering Management Core Courses, nine in business electives, and 12 in the Systems Engineering Track. Courses include Advanced Engineering Economy, Advanced Engineering Project Management, Logistics Engineering, Leadership in a Global Environment, Business Law for Engineers and Entrepreneurs, and Total Quality Management.

Whether online of on campus, FIU offers a quality public education in the beautiful and multicultural South Florida setting of Miami. From associate to doctoral degrees, students seeking a quality higher education experience and subsequent prosperous career opportunities would do well to consider applying to Florida International University.