FSU and Miami Dade College launch partnership to support transfer students

FSU President Richard McCullough and Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega sign an articlulation agreement to create clearer pathways and enhanced advising for MDC students to transfer to FSU. Also on hand for the signing Thursday in Miami, back row, left to right: FSU Trustee Max Alvarez, MDC Board Chairman Mike Bileca, and FSU Trustees Deborah Sargeant and Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz. (Miami Dade College)
FSU President Richard McCullough and Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega sign an articlulation agreement to create clearer pathways and enhanced advising for MDC students to transfer to FSU. Also on hand for the signing Thursday in Miami, back row, left to right: FSU Trustee Max Alvarez, MDC Board Chairman Mike Bileca, and FSU Trustees Deborah Sargeant and Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz. (Miami Dade College)

Florida State University and Miami Dade College have formalized a new articulation agreement to create clearer pathways and enhanced advising for MDC students to transfer to FSU.

This agreement, signed by FSU President Richard McCullough and Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega in a ceremony Thursday in Miami, takes effect Nov. 1. It strengthens the statewide articulation agreement that allows MDC students who earn an associate in arts degree to transfer to FSU with junior standing and continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

MDC plays a key role in the university’s transfer student population. It is the second largest feeder school to FSU’s Tallahassee campus, behind only Tallahassee State College.

McCullough highlighted the importance of the agreement in broadening access to higher education.

“FSU and Miami Dade College are committed to providing students with clear pathways to achieve their academic and professional goals,” said McCullough. “This agreement reflects our shared values and creates a smoother transition for MDC students to continue their academic journey at Florida State University. By collaborating with MDC, we are providing students with a solid plan for success at FSU.”

The first eight MDC2FSU programs selected for new academic maps are fields of high interest to MDC students: social work, cyber criminology (both criminology and computer science) and entrepreneurship (commercial, retail and STEM). Programs in psychology and criminology/criminal justice, which traditionally see the most MDC transfer students, are also included.

“This agreement reflects our shared values and creates a smoother transition for MDC students to continue their academic journey at Florida State University. By collaborating with MDC, we are providing students with a solid plan for success at FSU.”    – FSU President Richard McCullough

MDC students will be encouraged to declare their intended FSU major before completing 30 credit hours to ensure a smooth transition. While the agreement does not guarantee admission, it offers a framework for students to follow and helps them align their courses with FSU’s degree requirements.

Upon transferring, students will be supported through FSU’s Transfer Student Services and other resources, including enrolling in the IDS 3003 Transfer Connections and Success course during their first semester.

“MDC’s partnership with FSU accelerates seamless pathways, ensuring our students have a clear path to opportunity,” Pumariega said. “By expanding access in fields like STEM, cyber criminology and entrepreneurship, we are empowering the next generation to succeed and shape Florida’s future workforce.”

The agreement, which currently runs through July 31, 2027, will be reviewed and updated as needed to ensure students are receiving the most up-to-date guidance for their academic journeys.

Both FSU and MDC committed to ongoing collaboration through student advising workshops, information sessions and sharing data to track student success.