Academics FAQs

UM offers students a unique array of learning options within our nine undergraduate schools and colleges. For a current list of undergraduate majors, visit our Majors by School or College page. Visit our Academic Bulletin for a comprehensive list of our undergraduate academic programs, including minors.

The Foote Fellows Honors Program includes a limited number of high achieving admitted students from each of the nine undergraduate schools and colleges at UM. There is no separate application for the honors program; all applicants are automatically considered. If you are admitted to UM, you will learn if you have been invited to the honors program soon thereafter.

The University offers several programs designed to challenge and reward high-achieving students in a variety of fields. Visit our Programs of Distinction page for more information.

UM offers pre-professional advising for students interested in pre-health and pre-law. Visit our Pre-Law Advising and Pre-Health Advising and Mentoring pages for more information.

Yes, students can double major or pursue a minor, though some major or minor combinations may be more feasible than others. Incoming students should work with their academic advisors on the most appropriate path toward degree completion given their area(s) of academic interest.

Students may declare a second major or a minor once they are admitted to UM and enrolled in classes during their first semester.

Students are advised to declare a major before the end of their sophomore year.

It is common for students to consider changing their academic direction at some point during their college career. If this happens to you, it is important to speak with your academic advisor to ensure you are on track for graduation. 

The average class size at UM is between 19 and 30 students.

UM’s 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio gives students access to faculty across all academic disciplines. In addition, faculty have weekly office hours, and students are welcome to visit their professors during those times. 

All UM students have an academic advisor and, typically, meet with them at least once a semester. Depending on the number of majors/minors students are pursuing across the different schools/colleges, they will have an academic advisor who specializes in each area of concentration.

Beginning with the Fall 2024 class, incoming students will be assigned a Transitional Advisor in mid-April. Transitional Advisors will be available to answer questions and guide incoming students through the precollege advising process.

As a private research institution, UM welcomes and encourages students who would be interested in pursuing faculty-led or their own original research as early as in a student’s second semester of their first year. Students conduct research across all academic disciplines regardless of their major or field of study. Visit our Undergraduate Research and Community Outreach page for more information 

The Office of Study Abroad offers programs as short as one week and as long as an academic year that accommodate students in all disciplines. Currently, UM offers more than 80 programs in 29 countries. You may study abroad on a faculty-led program, on a UM flagship program, or on a UM Partner Program. 

Whether you need help with homework or finding a job, the University of Miami is there for you. We have compiled a list of just some the academic resources that will be available to you as an undergraduate.

At UM, your education extends beyond the classroom to labs, studios, hospitals, museums, internships—and even countries halfway around the world. With access to a major metropolitan city, the real-world learning opportunities abound. Here are only a handful of the initiatives and opportunities our students take advantage of:

• Internships
• Undergraduate Research
• Civic Scholars Program
• Service Learning Courses
• Short-Term Credit Programs

Yes, UM’s Summer Scholars Program provides a unique opportunity for high school students to study at UM and earn six credit hours.