Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus

What is the history of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus?

Fairleigh Dickinson University began in 1942 as a junior college in Rutherford, New Jersey. Founded by Peter and Sally Sammartino, it later expanded into a four-year institution and gained university status in 1956. The Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck developed as FDU grew beyond its original location.

That history helps explain an important distinction for applicants: FDU is one university with multiple campuses, not a separate university in Teaneck. Its Metropolitan Campus spans the Hackensack River in Teaneck and Hackensack. FDU also operates the Florham Campus in Madison, New Jersey, and international locations. A program, residence hall, or athletic team associated with one campus should not automatically be assumed to be available at another.

What are the faculties and departments at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus?

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus offers undergraduate and graduate study across business, the arts and sciences, engineering and technology, health fields, and professional disciplines. Applicants should check a program's campus designation: FDU's academic offerings are distributed across its locations.

University academic units include Silberman College of Business and the Gildart Haase School of Computer Sciences and Engineering. Metropolitan Campus students can explore subjects such as accounting, finance, computer science, engineering technology, biology, psychology, criminal justice, communication, and nursing, although degree level and delivery format vary. Some fields also have separate admission, clinical, or progression requirements.

FDU reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1. That institution-level figure describes enrollment relative to instructional staffing; it does not mean every class has 14 students. Prospective students comparing majors should look at the specific curriculum, laboratory or clinical placements, and whether required courses are offered at their intended campus.

What is the location of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus?

FDU's Metropolitan Campus is in Teaneck and Hackensack, New Jersey, on both sides of the Hackensack River. It has a suburban setting within the New York metropolitan area, making commuting a significant part of campus life.

Students can reach nearby communities by road and regional bus connections, but travel times depend heavily on the route and schedule. Commuters should check parking rules and the trip to their actual classroom buildings, not just a general campus address. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus. Newark Liberty International Airport is a practical regional airport for students traveling longer distances.

Location is also relevant to program planning: an FDU course or activity described as taking place at Florham is in Madison, not at the Metropolitan Campus.

What is the mission and vision of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus?

FDU describes its educational mission in terms of preparing students to participate in a global and interconnected world. Its emphasis on international education is reflected in study-abroad options and university locations outside the United States.

That is the university's stated purpose, rather than a measured outcome for every student. Applicants can evaluate how it applies to a particular degree by looking at language study, international coursework, exchange access, and opportunities to work with people across disciplines and backgrounds. FDU is a private, nonsectarian university.