History
History of Jose Maria Vargas University
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Jose Maria Vargas University (JMVU) was founded in 2002 by a family of experienced educators with a long-standing commitment to academic excellence, both in the United States and Venezuela. The University was officially incorporated in February 2002 and received its first Temporary License from the Florida Commission for Independent Education (CIE) in May 2002, allowing the institution to begin planning for academic operations.
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In April 2003, JMVU was granted a Provisional License, which enabled the University to hire faculty, finalize academic programs, and enroll students. The University officially opened its doors in Fall 2003, offering its first degree programs in Graphic Design, Business Administration, and Education. In recognition of its successful institutional development, JMVU was granted its first full Annual License in May 2005 and has remained fully licensed by the Florida CIE since then.
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That same year, JMVU launched its Child Development Associate (CDA) Equivalency Program, now known as the Florida Child Care Professional Credential. This diploma program laid the foundation for a comprehensive early childhood education pathway—from entry-level training to a Master’s degree in Preschool Education.
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In 2009, after a rigorous self-study process, the University earned full institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). This milestone led to further approvals in 2010, including certification by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veteran training, and Title IV approval from the U.S. Department of Education, allowing JMVU to offer federal financial aid beginning in 2011.
Since then, JMVU has continued to grow and evolve, serving the needs of the South Florida community. The University has expanded its academic offerings to include the A.A. in Preschool Education and the Master’s in Preschool Education, along with the A.S. in Accounting—developed in alignment with local workforce demands. JMVU has also remained actively engaged in community outreach, offering free workshops and maintaining a university art gallery that showcases work by local artists, students, and faculty.
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From 2014 to 2016, the University added several new academic and diploma programs, including:
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A.S. and B.A. in Mental Health and Human Services (June 2014)
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MBA in Finance (July 2015)
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Diploma programs in Phlebotomy and EKG Aide (October 2014)
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Home Health Aide Diploma (June 2016)
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English as a Second Language Diploma (June 2016)
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M.S. in Fashion Management (August 2016)​
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JMVU also submitted a new program proposal for the Medical Assistant Technician diploma, which was approved by ACICS and is currently pending approval from the Florida Commission for Independent Education.
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As part of its commitment to academic quality and institutional improvement, Jose Maria Vargas University achieved accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in January 2024. This recognition affirms the University's dedication to delivering high-quality, accessible online education.
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Looking ahead, JMVU remains focused on expanding its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the diverse and dynamic population in the United States.
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