Miami Dade College

What is the history of Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College (MDC) began in 1960 as Dade County Junior College, created to expand access to postsecondary education in Miami-Dade County. It later operated as Miami-Dade Community College and adopted its current name in 2003, reflecting its move beyond an exclusively two-year curriculum.

That history explains MDC's present mix of associate degrees, career certificates and selected bachelor's degrees. Its growth into a multicampus institution also matters to applicants: programs, facilities and student activities are not necessarily available at every location.

What are the faculties and departments at Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College offers associate degrees, workforce certificates and selected bachelor's degrees rather than a traditional university-wide range of graduate programs. Students can pursue transfer-oriented studies alongside fields such as nursing and other health professions, business, education, computer and information sciences, public safety, and the arts.

The college organizes instruction through academic schools and campus-based programs, including the Benjamin Leon School of Nursing, the School of Engineering and Technology, and the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex. An Associate in Arts degree is commonly used to prepare for transfer; an Associate in Science degree generally emphasizes a particular occupation, although transfer options depend on the program. Applicants should check the current catalog for the credential, campus, delivery format and any selective-admission requirements attached to their intended major.

What is the location of Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College is a public, multicampus college in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Its locations include Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami, Medical Campus in the health district, and campuses in areas such as Kendall, North Miami, Homestead, Hialeah and Doral. Padrón Campus serves the Little Havana area.

The location of a particular program can substantially affect a student's commute. Public transit serves parts of the county, but routes and travel times vary by campus and class schedule; students combining classes at different sites should plan accordingly. Miami International Airport is the principal nearby airport for students traveling from farther away.

What is the mission and vision of Miami Dade College?

Miami Dade College states a mission centered on accessible, affordable education, student learning and service to its diverse community. Its stated priorities encompass academic transfer, workforce preparation and opportunities for lifelong learning.

These are institutional aims, not measures of any individual student's outcome. For a prospective student, the practical question is whether a specific MDC program, its schedule and its available support services match the student's educational goal. MDC is a public college, not a religiously affiliated institution.