As Miami's first and only public research university, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, FIU is worlds ahead in its service to the academic and local community. Designated as a top-tier research institution, FIU emphasizes research as a major component in the university's mission. The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and the School of Computing and Information Sciences' Discovery Lab, are just two of many colleges, schools, and centers that actively enhance the university’s ability to set new standards through research initiatives. FIU has positioned itself as one of South Florida's anchor institutions by tackling some of the greatest challenges. The university is dedicated to enriching the lives of the local and global community. Through an annual TEDxFIU event, FIU share’s student, faculty and alumni ideas with the world. The university has two main campuses, the 344-acre Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC) in western Miami-Dade County, and the water front 200-acre Biscayne Bay Campus in northeast Miami-Dade County. The Graham Center at the MMC, known as the living room of campus, has over 303,000 square feet of space for social, cultural, recreational and educational programs. This space, along with the Wolfe University Center at the Biscayne Bay Campus, showcases our diverse student life. Our 18 intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, the most competitive college sports division in the nation.