A private research university with more than 15,000 students from around the world, the University of Miami is a vibrant and diverse academic community focused on teaching and learning, the discovery of new knowledge, and service to the South Florida region and beyond.

Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real estate boom, UM is a major research university, engaged in more than $326 million in research and sponsored program expenditures a year. While the majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of Medicine, investigators conduct dozens of studies in other areas, including marine science, engineering, education, and psychology.

Led by President Donna E. Shalala, the University is comprised of 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 180 majors and programs. In 2009, U.S.News & World Report recognized UM among the top-tier of national universities, ranking it No. 50 in its listings of “America’s Best Colleges; it also cited several of its programs in “America’s Best Graduate Schools.”