In 1965, the International Fine Arts College (“IFAC”) opened its doors to 47 students to study in one major: Fashion Merchandising. For the next 23 years the International Fine Arts College built an international reputation as an institution that trained and educated fashion merchandisers. The students of the International Fine Arts College were known for their knowledge and abilities in the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Moreover, due to the fact that the International Fine Arts College had built a sound academic curriculum with credentialed, practicing professionals, the International Fine Arts College received regional accreditation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACS) in 1979. SACS accredited the International Fine Arts College to grant associate’s degrees.

After becoming accredited, IFAC expanded its degree offering to include baccalaureate degrees. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Committee on Colleges, granted IFAC the accreditation to offer baccalaureate degrees in a March 1997 letter sent to the College.

Currently, the University offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in Computer Animation, Graphic Design, Advertising, Web Design and Interactive Media, Film and Digital Production, Audio Production, Photography, Visual Arts, Visual Effects and Motion Graphics, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, and Accessory Design.

In the fall of 2002, the administration officially changed the institution’s name to Miami International University of Art & Design, a name strategically selected to reflect the region, the international flavor of its students and programs, and the quality education provided in the art and design fields. In December 2002, the institution moved its main facility to the Omni building located at 1501 Biscayne Boulevard.

As Miami International University began to grow and become educationally vibrant, it opened two branch campuses: The Art Institute of Tampa and The Art Institute of Jacksonville. The Art Institute of Tampa branch began on January 5, 2004, and The Art Institute of Jacksonville branch began on January 3, 2007.

Today Miami International University of Art & Design has evolved into a university offering a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in art and design.