At the University of Miami, language requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students vary, particularly for international students whose first language is not English. Below are the general guidelines for language requirements:

1. For Undergraduate Students

• English Proficiency: International students or non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency for admission. Accepted tests include:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 80 on the Internet-based test (iBT) is typically required.
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5.
  • Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 105.
  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 53.

• Exemptions: Students may be exempt from these tests if:

  • They have completed their high school education in an English-speaking country.
  • They have attended a high school where English is the primary language of instruction for at least the final three years.

• Foreign Language Requirement: For U.S. students, the University of Miami typically requires two years of foreign language study in high school, though some specific programs may have additional language requirements.

2. For Graduate Students

• English Proficiency: Graduate applicants who are non-native English speakers are required to submit proof of English proficiency. The university accepts:

  • TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 (iBT), though some graduate programs may require higher scores (often 90–100).
  • IELTS: A minimum score of 6.5, though certain programs may require a score of 7.0 or higher.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum score of 53.
  • Duolingo: A minimum score of 105.

• Additional Requirements: Some graduate programs, especially those in fields like business, law, and medicine, may have stricter English proficiency requirements or expect applicants to demonstrate a high level of language proficiency due to the nature of the work.

• Exemptions: Similar to undergraduates, graduate students may be exempt from English proficiency testing if:

  • They have completed a degree in an English-speaking country.
  • Their prior education was conducted entirely in English.

3. English Language Institute (ELI)

For students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements, the University of Miami English Language Institute (ELI) offers intensive English courses to help improve language skills. Upon completion of the program, students can meet the university’s English language requirement for full admission.

4. Additional Requirements by Program

• Some academic programs, particularly in law, communication, and writing, may have specific language proficiency standards that exceed the university’s general requirements.
• Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs) are often required to demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency, including passing an oral English proficiency test.

Summary of Minimum Scores:

• TOEFL (iBT): 80
• IELTS: 6.5
• Duolingo: 105
• PTE Academic: 53

These requirements ensure that students have the necessary language skills to succeed academically at the University of Miami. It’s always advisable for prospective students to check the specific language requirements of their intended program, as some departments may have higher thresholds.

Apply Now

The University of Miami (UM) offers a wide range of specialized programs that are highly regarded. Here are some of the top course specializations at UM:

1. Marine Science

• The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science is one of the leading institutions for the study of oceanography, marine biology, and atmospheric science.
• Specializations include marine ecosystems, climate science, coastal zone management, and hurricane research.
• UM’s location in Miami makes it ideal for studying marine and atmospheric phenomena, with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean.

2. Medicine and Health Sciences

• The Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is a highly respected medical school known for research and clinical expertise in areas such as:
  • Oncology (Cancer Research)
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders
• The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the Miller School, is a world-renowned leader in ophthalmology and vision research.

3. Business (Entrepreneurship and International Business)

• The Miami Herbert Business School is known for its focus on entrepreneurship, finance, and international business.
• Its location in Miami, a global business hub, offers strong connections with Latin American markets and international trade.
• Specialized programs include Real Estate Development, Sustainability and Innovation, and Global Business Studies.

4. Law (International Law and Maritime Law)

• The University of Miami School of Law is highly ranked for its specialized programs in:
  • International Law
  • Maritime Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • Environmental Law
• Its proximity to Latin America makes it an ideal place for those focusing on Latin American and Caribbean Law.

5. Music (Jazz and Contemporary Music)

• The Frost School of Music is internationally recognized, particularly for its programs in:
  • Jazz Studies
  • Music Business and Entertainment Industries
  • Classical Music Performance
• The school offers unique programs in Music Engineering and Music Therapy, combining technology with performance and healing.

6. Nursing and Health Studies

• UM offers top-ranked programs in Nursing, Public Health, and Health Informatics through the School of Nursing and Health Studies.
• Specialized tracks include acute care, family nurse practitioner programs, and health care leadership.

7. Architecture

• The School of Architecture at UM is well-known for its focus on urban planning, sustainable design, and real estate development.
• The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating architecture, landscape design, and sustainability.

8. Psychology

• UM’s Department of Psychology is highly regarded for research in areas like child development, cognitive neuroscience, health psychology, and clinical psychology.
• The university is known for cutting-edge research in cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma recovery, and neuropsychology.

9. Public Health

• UM offers robust programs in Public Health, with specializations in epidemiology, global health, and biostatistics.
• The university is heavily involved in public health initiatives related to infectious diseases, health policy, and health disparities, especially in the context of Latin America and the Caribbean.

10. Environmental Science and Sustainability

• With a focus on climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental policy, UM offers strong interdisciplinary programs in environmental science, marine ecosystems, and coastal management.
• The university is actively engaged in research related to sea-level rise, hurricane impacts, and the effects of climate change on coastal communities.

11. Cinematic Arts and Media Production

• The School of Communication offers renowned programs in Film Production, Broadcast Journalism, and Media Management.
• UM is recognized for its documentary production programs and media studies related to Latino/a media and global media industries.

Research

Programs

Scholarship information

International student help

Careers

The University of Miami (UM) has several top professors across various disciplines who are highly regarded for their research, teaching, and contributions to their fields. Here are some of the most notable professors:

1. David Chatfield (Chemistry)

• Field: Theoretical Chemistry, Biophysics
• Notable Contributions: Known for his work in molecular dynamics simulations and biophysics, Chatfield’s research focuses on computational modeling of biological systems and enzyme mechanisms. His work helps in understanding molecular interactions that have implications for drug development and biotechnology.

2. Cammy R. Abernathy (Engineering)

• Field: Materials Science and Engineering
• Notable Contributions: Abernathy is a leader in materials science, particularly in semiconductor materials and optoelectronics. She has contributed to advancements in the development of new materials for electronics and sustainable technologies.
• Former Dean: She has served as the Dean of the College of Engineering at UM and was known for driving innovation in engineering education and research.

3. M. Brian Blake (Computer Science and Engineering)

• Field: Computer Science, Software Engineering
• Notable Contributions: Blake is a prominent researcher in the fields of distributed systems, software engineering, and data integration. His work focuses on how software systems can work together efficiently across different environments, which is important for cloud computing and large-scale data systems.
• Role: He was formerly the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at UM.

4. Roni Avissar (Atmospheric Science)

• Field: Atmospheric and Environmental Science
• Notable Contributions: Avissar is a leading atmospheric scientist and the Dean of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. His research focuses on climate modeling, with a special interest in the interaction between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in relation to global climate change.
• Climate Research: His work in modeling environmental systems has been instrumental in understanding how human activities affect climate.

5. Thomas J. Balkany (Otolaryngology, Medicine)

• Field: Otology, Neuroscience
• Notable Contributions: Balkany is a world-renowned expert in cochlear implants and neurosensory disorders. He has made significant advancements in treatments for hearing loss and led innovative research in auditory science.
• Role: Founding Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology and a key figure at UM’s Miller School of Medicine.

6. Dr. Dipen Parekh (Urology)

• Field: Urology, Cancer Research
• Notable Contributions: Parekh is one of the leading urologists in the world and a specialist in robotic surgery for prostate and kidney cancers. He has been at the forefront of developing minimally invasive techniques in urologic oncology, which have transformed cancer treatment.
• Role: Chair of Urology at the Miller School of Medicine and Chief Clinical Officer at UHealth.

7. Gaurav Khanna (Astrophysics)

• Field: Computational Astrophysics, Black Hole Physics
• Notable Contributions: Khanna is a leading researcher in the field of black holes and gravitational waves, using high-performance computing to simulate extreme cosmic events. His work has contributed to the understanding of the behavior of black holes in Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
• Role: Professor in the Department of Physics and leader of the computational astrophysics group at UM.

8. Edward Gillis (Business)

• Field: Finance, Business Analytics
• Notable Contributions: Gillis is recognized for his work in financial analytics and business modeling, helping to bridge the gap between academic finance theories and real-world business practices. He is highly regarded for his innovative approach to teaching business strategies and analytics.
• Role: Professor of Finance at the Miami Herbert Business School.

9. Shannon de l'Etoile (Music Therapy)

• Field: Music Therapy, Neurology
• Notable Contributions: De l'Etoile is an expert in music therapy and its applications in treating neurological disorders and developmental conditions. She has done pioneering work on how music can be used to treat patients with autism, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Role: Director of the Music Therapy Program at the Frost School of Music.

10. Joseph Uscinski (Political Science)

• Field: Political Science, Conspiracy Theories
• Notable Contributions: Uscinski is a well-known expert on conspiracy theories, media, and political behavior. His research explores how and why conspiracy theories emerge and how they affect public opinion and political discourse. He is frequently cited in media and academic discussions on this subject.
• Role: Professor of Political Science at UM.

The University of Miami is not as widely known for producing Nobel Prize winners as some other institutions, but it has notable connections to Nobel laureates through faculty collaborations, research affiliations, and visiting scholars. Here are some key Nobel-related associations with the University of Miami:

1. Mario J. Molina (Chemistry, 1995)

• Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Contribution: Mario Molina received the Nobel Prize for his work in understanding the depletion of the ozone layer due to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). His research played a pivotal role in the adoption of the Montreal Protocol, which successfully limited the production of ozone-depleting substances.
• Connection to UM: Molina served as a professor at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami for several years, contributing to the university’s reputation in environmental and atmospheric research.

2. Luis F. Leloir (Chemistry, 1970)

• Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry
• Contribution: Luis Leloir was awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery of sugar nucleotides and their role in the biosynthesis of carbohydrates. His work significantly advanced the understanding of metabolism and biochemistry.
• Connection to UM: Leloir conducted some of his research at the University of Miami during his early career before moving to Argentina, where he completed much of his Nobel-winning work.

3. Camillo Golgi (Medicine, 1906)

• Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Contribution: Golgi was recognized for his discovery of the Golgi apparatus, a cellular structure critical to the functioning of cells.
• Connection to UM: While Golgi did not work at UM, the university has a research center named after him. The Camillo Golgi Neuroscience Center at the University of Miami conducts cutting-edge research in neurobiology and cell biology.

4. Sir John B. Gurdon (Physiology or Medicine, 2012)

• Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Contribution: Gurdon was awarded the Nobel for his groundbreaking work on cellular reprogramming, showing that mature cells can be converted back into stem cells, which has vast implications for regenerative medicine.
• Connection to UM: Gurdon has collaborated with researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, particularly in the fields of stem cell research and developmental biology.

Though the University of Miami does not have a large number of Nobel Prize winners directly associated with it, the institution has played a role in advancing research in collaboration with Nobel laureates, particularly in the fields of medicine, chemistry, and environmental science. The university’s strong research environment, especially in marine and atmospheric science, neuroscience, and medicine, continues to contribute to its growing reputation in global research initiatives.