One of Only Three in the U.S.: The Rare Distinction of Offering Both M.D. and D.O. Medical Schools
NSU holds a unique position in medical education—it is one of only three universities in the U.S. to offer both a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) program. The university comprises seven health-related colleges and has graduated more than 18,000 healthcare professionals since 2012.
NSU is Florida’s largest producer of physicians and the university that has trained the most healthcare providers with the highest degrees in the United States. The College of Optometry is renowned in the fields of eye care and visual health, offering one of the nation’s leading residency training programs. This “full spectrum of medical education” is extremely rare within the U.S. higher education system.
A Global Hub for Marine Science: Shark Genomics and Coral Restoration
Marine science is another area of strength at NSU. The university is home to numerous marine research laboratories and centers. The NSU Center for Marine Science is a global leader in marine biology research, particularly renowned for its work on coral reefs and sharks. The university houses the Guy Harvey Institute and the “Save Our Seas” Foundation Shark Research Center. NSU researchers have tracked 17 species of sharks and completed the sequencing of the great white shark genome.
The university also houses the National Coral Reef Institute, which is highly influential in the field of coral restoration. Undergraduate and graduate students can study marine biology up close in local mangrove forests, coral reefs, and deep-water habitats. This “ocean-as-a-lab” educational model is unique among universities. Adjusting Information on a Nova Southeastern University Diploma
Collaborative Research Center: A 216,000-square-foot Engine of Scientific Discovery
NSU’s Collaborative Research Center (CCR) is one of Florida’s largest and most advanced research facilities. This six-story, 216,000-square-foot building is LEED Gold certified and houses one of the state’s largest wet labs. Currently, NSU is conducting more than 250 research projects spanning cutting-edge fields such as cardiovascular disease, cancer therapies, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism, coral reef restoration, stem cells, blinding diseases, and wildlife DNA forensics. This large-scale, interdisciplinary research platform provides a solid physical foundation for NSU’s R1 research status.
A 314-acre main campus and 11 branch campuses: An educational network spanning Florida
NSU’s campus system is equally impressive. The main campus, located in Davie/Fort Lauderdale, spans 314 acres and is just 39 kilometers from downtown Miami. The campus architecture has won numerous awards, including the Malaysian Institute of Architects’ Gold Award and Special Honor Award in the Education category. The university operates 11 campuses across Florida and a teaching center in Puerto Rico. The Alvin Sherman Library on the main campus is one of the largest public libraries in Florida. The university also operates the University School, which serves students from preschool through 12th grade, forming a complete educational continuum from elementary education through postdoctoral studies.
216,000 Alumni and a $6.79 Billion Economic Impact
NSU has a significant social impact. The university currently has over 22,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and 115 countries. Its alumni network has expanded to more than 216,000 members worldwide. According to a 2025 research report published by the Florida Tax Watch, NSU generated a $6.79 billion economic impact for Florida during the 2024–25 fiscal year, supporting 36,841 jobs. Every $1 invested in students yields a return of more than $6. Ninety percent of NSU graduates are successfully employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation.
