What is Miami Dade College Known For?
Founded in 1959, Miami Dade College has grown to become the largest college in the Florida College System. Miami Dade College is known for its wide range of academic and career-oriented programs, including an extensive array of certificate programs that cater to various industries.
Certificate Programs
The institution offers certificate programs which are particularly noted for their focus on practical skills and quick career entry, covering fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and the arts. These programs are designed to meet the immediate needs of the local workforce, providing students with the training necessary for employment in high-demand professions.
Who Owns Miami Dade College?
Miami Dade College (MDC) is a public college owned and operated by Miami-Dade County in Florida. It is part of the Florida College System and is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the governor of Florida.
Is it Legit?
Miami Dade College is a legitimate educational institution, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Is Miami Dade College Worth It?
Miami Dade College’s certificate programs are particularly valuable for those seeking efficient pathways to gain employment or advance within their current field.
Industry Standards & Partnerships
The college’s dedication to aligning its curriculum with the latest industry standards and local employment trends means that students receive highly relevant, job-focused education. This alignment is enhanced by MDC’s strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, which often participate in shaping the programs and sometimes even offer direct employment opportunities to graduates.
Career Help
Furthermore, the college’s comprehensive career services support students from education to employment, providing job placement assistance, resume workshops, and networking opportunities, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful job outcomes post-completion.
Cost Per Year
The cost of certificate programs at Miami Dade College varies depending on the field of study and length of the program, but typically costs between $1,500 and $5,000 per term.
Generally, these programs are more affordable than obtaining a degree, with tuition rates often calculated per credit hour.
For Florida residents, the cost is typically lower due to subsidized rates, making these programs a cost-effective option for career training. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to eligible students, helping reduce the financial burden and making these programs accessible to a wider audience.
School Catalog
A copy of the general school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
Though hours may vary somewhat depending on the specific campus, typically, Miami Dade College campuses are open from 8 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8 AM to 4:30 PM on Fridays.
Programs & Courses
Building
- CAD
- Construction
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Digital Marketing
- International Business
Culinary
Healthcare
- EMT
- Medical Billing
Skilled Trades
- Aviation
Technology
- Computer Programming
- Cyber Security
- Information Technology
- Mobile App Development
- Networking
Independent Business
- Entrepreneurship
- Freight Broker
- Mortuary Science
Arts & Design
- Graphic Design
- Music
Campus Locations
Hialeah 1780 W 49th Street Hialeah, Florida 33012
Homestead 500 College Terrace Homestead, Florida 33030
Kendall 11011 SW 104 Street Miami, FL 33176-3393
Medical Campus 950 NW 20th St. Miami, FL 33127
North Campus 11380 NW 27th Ave. Miami, FL 33167-3495
Gibson Education Center 3629 Grand Ave. Miami, Florida 33133
Wolfson Campus 300 NE Second Ave. Miami, FL 33132
West Campus 3800 NW 115th Ave. Doral, FL 33178
Padrón Campus 627 SW 27th Ave. Miami, FL 33135
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews for Miami Dade College (MDC) – Wolfson Campus (and broader MDC experience), the college is highly praised for its value, quality instructors, and ability to serve as an excellent educational foundation. However, these academic strengths are consistently undermined by what many reviewers describe as a dysfunctional, disorganized, and apathetic administration.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Excellent Value and Strong Education: Reviewers confirm that MDC provides a “solid, respectable, and real education” without needing “elite branding.” It is seen as affordable and a “good place to start” for students moving on to bachelor’s degrees (with one student’s children graduating from MDC and then Cornell).
Dedicated and Knowledgeable Faculty: Many professors are highly praised for being excellent mentors who “work hard to teach” and have great “pedagogy.” Specific instructors are called out as being foundational educators. The college is noted for offering a “lot of courses and certificates” for career training.
Convenient Location and Clean Facility: The Wolfson Campus is described as a “beautiful place” that is “sparkling clean.” Its location is convenient for commuters, with the Miami Mover running through it.
Positive Short-Term/Special Experiences: Customers using the college for short courses, non-credit training, or external testing (like educator exams) often report very positive interactions with friendly and professional staff. The free tax preparation service is also highlighted as a great benefit.
Common Criticisms
Extreme Administrative Disorganization: This is the most prevalent and severe complaint, with reviews spanning nearly a decade. Students cite a “complete lack of communication on all fronts,” departments that are not “in sync with their information,” and overall “disorganization and lack of accountability.”
Dysfunctional Student Services (Advising/Financial Aid): Students face enormous barriers when dealing with the Registrar, Financial Aid, and Academic Advising. Reviewers state that advisors “literally lie to you,” administration is a “mess,” and that contacting someone for help is a “mission.” Specific issues include:
Faculty/Class Inconsistencies: Some students complain about professors who are “rude,” “run out of patience,” or have a strong language barrier that makes them hard to understand. There are also frequent complaints about classes being canceled without proper notification and a lack of readiness (e.g., computer programs not installed).
Controversial Course Material/Political Messaging: A few recent reviewers raised a significant concern over a questionnaire in a high school course that asked highly personal, subjective questions about sexual orientation.
Momentum
The recent reviews (last 2–4 months) indicate a negative shift in momentum, as the administrative issues appear to be worsening or are being more vocally criticized. Several of the most recent negative reviews specifically call out the disorganization and lack of accountability across departments, sometimes costing students their ability to graduate on time. While the positive experience of specific instructors and the high quality of education remain, the persistent and severe administrative failures continue to pose a significant risk to the student experience and the school’s reputation.