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DOROTHY H. AND LEWIS ROSENSTIEL
SCHOOL OF MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE - GRADUATE
www.rsmas.miami.edu
INTRODUCTION
The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science was
established in 1943 as the Marine Laboratory of the University
of Miami. It has grown from its modest beginnings in a boathouse
to be one of the nation's leading institutions for oceanographic
and atmospheric research and education.
Originally a tropical marine biological facility, the Marine
Laboratory initiated a program of studies leading to the Master
of Science degree in 1949. In 1953, laboratory and classroom
buildings were constructed on the School's present campus
on Virginia Key, and in the late fifties, the Marine Laboratory
expanded its staff and developed its oceanographic capabilities
in response to the increased interest in scientific research
in the United States. It became the Institute of Marine Science
in 1961. Ocean-going research vessels were acquired, and additional
buildings were constructed to accommodate new wide-ranging
projects. In 1969 the Institute, now a School, was named for
Dorothy H. and Lewis Rosenstiel in recognition of a major
contribution made through the Rosenstiel Foundation to encourage
progress in the marine and atmospheric sciences at the University
of Miami. In 1977, the School and College of Arts and Sciences
joined together to establish an undergraduate Marine and Atmospheric
Science program based on the Coral Gables campus. The degree
granting authority for this program was formally transferred
to the Rosenstiel School in 2008.
Today the Rosenstiel School has a faculty of 100 scientists
who conduct sponsored research while offering graduate studies
leading to the Master of Arts, Master of Science and Doctor
of Philosophy degrees. The School offers curricula in applied
marine physics, marine and atmospheric chemistry, marine affairs
and policy, marine biology and fisheries, marine geology and
geophysics, and meteorology and physical oceanography. The
School also offers undergraduate programs leading to the Bachelor
of Science in Marine and Atmospheric Science degree and the
Bachelor of Arts in Marine Affairs.
Government agencies and private organizations support basic
and applied research at the Rosenstiel School. Graduate students
are an integral part of the research effort, and research
programs, many multidisciplinary in nature, provide the environment
within which professors and students interact.
The Rosenstiel School has modern laboratory facilities and
a state-of-the art catamaran, unrivaled worldwide for both
shallow and deep water research. The vessel, named the F.
G. WALTON SMITH, in honor of the founder of the Rosenstiel
School, signals a new era in scientific research. The Smith
was built in 1999 and placed in service in February, 2000.
The 96-foot-long catamaran is capable of reaching speeds
of over 12 knots and has a draft of only 5 feet, which enables
it to explore heretofore inaccessible areas such as reefs,
mangroves, grassbeds, and other shallow environments. The
vessel accommodates 20 people in its ten two-person staterooms
and encompasses 800 square feet of laboratory space, as well
as an additional 800 square feet of multi-use space astern.
Constructed by Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City,
Florida, the catamaran boasts twin Cummins engines at 760
hp each, Servogear variable pitch propellers, a 3,000-gallon
tank of fresh water plus a reverse osmosis water maker, and
10,000 gallons of fuel storage.
DEPARTMENTS
The Rosenstiel School is made up of six academic divisions
through which graduate degree programs are offered. These
are:
• Applied Marine Physics
• Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry
• Marine Affairs and Policy
• Marine Biology and Fisheries
• Marine Geology and Geophysics
• Meteorology and Physical Oceanography
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science offers
graduate degree programs leading to the Master of Science,
Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied
marine physics, marine and atmospheric chemistry, marine biology
and fisheries, marine geology and geophysics, and meteorology
and physical oceanography. The division of Marine Affairs
and Policy offers interdisciplinary Master of Arts and Master
of Science degrees only.
In conjunction with the University of Miami School of Law,
the Division of Marine Affairs and Policy at the Rosenstiel
School also offers a joint degree program in Law and Marine
Affairs. Upon completion of this program, a student earns
a Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law and the M.A.
in Marine Affairs and Policy from Rosenstiel.
The Rosenstiel School admits graduate students in the following
categories. Regular admission is for students who wish to
pursue a graduate degree. Non-degree admission provides an
opportunity for graduate study to qualified applicants who
do not wish to work toward an advanced degree but who have
special objectives for professional study, or who already
hold an advanced degree and desire additional coursework in
the field. No more than twelve (12) credit hours may be taken
while in non-degree status. A Certificate Program is available
in all areas of study. This program provides professional
training for any student who requires training in a specific
research area but does not require an advanced degree. This
program consists of one year full-time study with a minimum
of eighteen (18) credit hours. Transient status is a type
of non-degree admission available to students enrolled in
a graduate program elsewhere but desiring to earn credit at
the University of Miami for the purpose of transferring it
to the home institution. All graduate students are required
to demonstrate the ability to prepare and teach scientific
material.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
An application for admission to the Rosenstiel School of
Marine and Atmospheric Science consists of the application
form, application fee, transcripts, results of the Graduate
Record Examination, results of the TOEFL or IELTS exam (for
international students), and three letters of recommendation
from persons knowing the applicant’s academic abilities.
The application must be filed by January 1st in order to be
considered for admission the following Fall semester. Students
are normally admitted only in the Fall semester; however,
applicants who have received a Master’s degree may be
considered for Spring admission to the Ph.D. program.
Because of resource limitations, only a small percentage
of those applying for graduate study in marine and atmospheric
science can be accepted. Undergraduate scholastic performance,
the reputation of the school involved, Graduate Record Examination
scores, and the letters of recommendation are all considered
in evaluating an application.
A complete description of the Rosenstiel School, its faculty,
educational and research facilities, curriculum and degree
requirements is contained in the Bulletin of the Rosenstiel
School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. The current Bulletin
and additional information can be found on the Rosenstiel
School website located at www.rsmas.miami.edu/grad-studies/.
UNDERGRADUATE PREPARATION
Students interested in pursuing marine or atmospheric science
on the graduate level should elect an undergraduate major
in one of the basic scientific disciplines. The undergraduate
college should be selected on the basis of curriculum, staff
strength, and research interests in that major. The student
should be careful to satisfy the graduation requirements of
his/her own college or university and should consult undergraduate
departmental advisors for assistance on individual programs.
The undergraduate course requirements for students applying
for graduate study at the Rosenstiel School are detailed below.
The courses that are required or strongly recommended are
printed in roman type. The courses which should be taken if
the student's program can include them are printed in italic
type.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
THE M.S. PROGRAM
The Master of Science degree is offered in the disciplines
of applied marine physics, marine biology and fisheries, marine
and atmospheric chemistry, marine geology and geophysics,
or meteorology and physical oceanography. It is expected that
the normal time for completion of degree requirements for
the Masters of Science degree will be two years of full-time
study.
Credit Requirements
Twenty-four graduate course credits are required for the Master
of Science degree. In addition, the student must enroll for
a total of six credit hours of thesis research (710). All
students are required to take at least one course outside
the division of residence.
Comprehensive Examination
An oral comprehensive examination is required of all students.
Some divisions may also require a written component in addition
to the oral exam. Each division determines the content and
form of the examination and establishes a test date for its
students according to general School guidelines. In the event
of a failure, a student may be reexamined once, upon the advice
of the student’s committee and at the discretion of
the faculty of the Division. If granted, the reexamination
must be given before the end of the following semester. Students
who fail the re-examination are subject to dismissal from
the School.
Thesis
A thesis is normally required for the Master of Science degree
in marine and atmospheric science. Under certain conditions,
the requirement of a thesis may be waived. A paper accepted
for publication can be substituted for the thesis (only where
the student is the sole author), or the M.S. degree can be
bypassed. Both of these exceptions must be approved by the
student’s committee, the faculty of the pertinent division,
and the School Graduate Academic Committee. If a thesis is
required, a public oral defense of the thesis must take place.
The thesis committee must consist of at least three members,
one of whom is a regular member of the Graduate Faculty of
the University; one member must be from outside the division.
THE M.A./M.S. PROGRAM IN MARINE AFFAIRS
The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science offers
a Master of Arts and Master of Science Program in Marine Affairs
and Policy. The M.A. program is designed for students who
wish to obtain a Masters degree in a fixed period of time
(one year plus a summer). The Master of Arts degree
offers an advanced training program in marine science applicable
to topics such as the coastal zone and the development of
marine resources. Applicants must have a baccalaureate
degree from an accredited college or University. This program
is for students with interests in the areas of administration,
management and the conservation of marine resources. The program
will also be useful to high school science teachers who want
to upgrade their credentials and bring marine science to the
classroom. The M.A. degree is primarily for those students
who do not intend to obtain a Ph.D. in science.
The Master of Science degree in Marine Affairs and Policy
is an integrated track in marine science and policy and gives
students with a strong science background opportunities to
build careers in marine resource management. The M.S. offers
an academic curriculum for students interested in the application
of science and technology to management issues. The M.S. may
be completed in two and one half years in an intensive program
of five semesters.
The M.S. applicant must select and be accepted by one of the
five RSMAS physical science divisions in addition to their
acceptance into Marine Affairs and Policy. The student's committee
must consist of a chairperson from the Division of Marine
Affairs and Policy and a co-chair from the physical science
division.
Credit Requirements
Twenty-seven graduate course credits and a three credit internship
paper, researched and written on a topic approved by the faculty
advisor, are required for the Master of Arts degree in Marine
Affairs and Policy. The advisory committee shall consist of
at least three members, one of whom is a regular member of
the Graduate Faculty of the University; one member must be
from outside the division. The Master of Science requires
the completion of 30 course credits and six master's thesis
credits. A committee of three is required - two co-advisors
(one MAF and one from the science division) and one other
faculty member from Marine Affairs and Policy. A thesis is
required for the M.S. degree and a public oral defense of
the thesis must take place. A grade point average of 3.0 or
better must be maintained. All students are required to take
at least one course outside the division of residence.
Comprehensive Examination
An oral and written comprehensive examination is required
of all students in Marine Affairs and Policy. In the event
of a failure, a student may be reexamined once, upon the advice
of the students committee and at the discretion of the faculty
of the Division. If granted, the reexamination must be given
before the end of the following semester. Students who fail
the re-examination are subject to dismissal from the School.
THE PH.D. PROGRAM
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered in applied marine
physics, marine biology and fisheries, marine and atmospheric
chemistry, marine geology and geophysics, and meteorology
and physical oceanography. It is expected that the total time
to complete the requirements for the Ph.D. degree will normally
be four years of full-time study from the date of receipt
of the M.S. degree or, if the M.S. is bypassed, five years
of full-time study from the date of admission with a bachelor's
degree.
Credit Requirements
A total of sixty credits are required for the Ph.D. and not
less than half of the total credits must be in work open only
to graduate students (i.e. 600 level or above). At least twenty-four
of the sixty credits must be course credits taken in residence
at the University of Miami, and may include those course credits
taken as part of the Masters of Science degree. A minimum
of 12 dissertation research credits must be taken, however,
the course credit and research credit requirements needed
are determined by the individual division. Students transferring
into the school with a Master's of Science degree are normally
given credit for twenty-four course credits. However, individual
divisions may require additional course credits to remove
deficiencies. All students entering the Ph.D. program without
a master's degree are required to take at least one course
outside the division of residence.
Dissertation Committee
The dissertation committee must consist of at least four members;
this includes the committee chair, who shall be a member of
the division as well as a regular member of the Graduate Faculty.
Of the remaining members, two shall be from the Graduate Faculty,
and one member of each Ph.D. committee must have their primary
affiliation outside of RSMAS and that member must also have
a Ph.D. degree. (Adjunct and secondary appointments are considered
outside if their primary affiliation is not RSMAS).
Comprehensive Examination
An oral comprehensive examination is required of all RSMAS
students. Some divisions may also require a written component
in addition to the oral exam. In the event of a failure, a
student may be re-examined once, upon the advice of the student's
committee and at the discretion of the faculty of the division.
Students who fail the re-examination are subject to dismissal
from the School.
Qualifying Examination
A written qualifying examination is required of all students
admitted to the doctoral program. The student’s committee
will normally prepare and administer the examination within
the guidelines established by the faculty of the School and
of each division. In the event of a failure, a student may
be reexamined once, upon the recommendation of the student’s
committee and at the discretion of the faculty of the division.
If granted, the reexamination must be given before the end
of the following semester. Language and other research tools
requirements, if applicable, must be completed prior to taking
the qualifying examination. Students who fail the re-examination
are subject to dismissal from the School.
Dissertation Proposal
An outline of the dissertation containing the following must
be approved by the student's committee and submitted to the
RSMAS Graduate Studies Office with a copy to the division
academic committee:
(a) tentative title
(b) statement of the problem and objectives
(c) methods of attacking the problem, including equipment
and facilities required
(d) timetable
A “Proposal Approval” form must accompany the
proposal and be signed by the members of the student's committee.
Admission to Candidacy
Upon completion of the following requirements, the student
is admitted to candidacy:
(a) have an approved committee on file in Graduate Studies
(b) successfully pass the comprehensive examination
(c) successfully pass the qualifying examination
(d) complete the language requirement, if any
(e) submit the dissertation proposal
(f) have a 3.0 average in all credits earned (= 12 credits)
(g) remove all “I” or deficiencies
An application for Admission to Candidacy must be completed.
All doctoral students must be admitted to candidacy at least
one semester prior to the one they intend to graduate.
Dissertation
A dissertation is required of all doctoral students at the
Rosenstiel School. A public oral defense of the dissertation
is required. A student must be admitted to candidacy prior
to the defense and registered in the semester that he/she
defends. Each dissertation must be accompanied by three originals
of the Certificate of Approval. This form must be signed by
all members of the student's committee and the RSMAS Associate
Dean for Academic Affairs.
No student gains the right to be recommended for the degree
simply by fulfilling requirements. This right is reserved
for the student's Committee. Any student who fails to meet
the cumulative grade point average requirement and other academic
progress standards established by the University and the School
is subject to dismissal from the graduate program.
APPLIED MARINE PHYSICS– Dept. Code: AMP
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in applied
marine physics are offered by the Applied Marine Physics Division
of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
An approved interdisciplinary program is required for the
M.S. degree in applied marine physics which consists of a
minimum of 30 semester credits at the graduate level with
an average grade of "B" or better and no grade below
"C." The 30 credits are divided among 24 credits
in courses and six credits for thesis research. At least six
of the required course credits must be at the 600 level. For
the Ph.D. degree, 60 graduate semester credits are required.
These are divided among a minimum of 36 credits in courses
(18 of which must be at the 600 level) and a minimum of 12
credits in dissertation research.
MARINE AFFAIRS AND POLICY - Dept. Code:
MAF
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Division of Marine Affairs accepts highly qualified students
who wish to pursue an academic degree program that combines
a basic curriculum in marine science with a complementary
program in a non-marine science discipline. Student programs
are individually designed and lead to an M.A. degree or an
M.S. degree. The M.A. curriculum requires participation in
the intern program in lieu of a thesis. The M.S. curriculum
requires a thesis. The program is intended to provide the
student with a broadened perspective of marine issues and
problem-solving abilities. MAF offers a specialization
in aquaculture management. This track focuses on technological,
environmental, and economic feasibility of sustainable aquaculture
operations.
Current Division research and teaching focus on integrated
coastal zone management, marine resource economics, political
and environmental ecology, coastal and ocean law and policy,
fisheries and aquaculture management, environmental planning
and environmental impact assessment, underwater marine cultural
resource management and marine geographic information systems.
Marine Affairs and Policy, in cooperation with the Undergraduate
Marine and Atmospheric Science Program, also offers a five-year
BA/MA Program in Marine Affairs. This program enables qualified
students to earn a B.A. in Marine Affairs in four years with
the opportunity to earn an M.A. with only one additional year.
Conditional acceptance to the M.A. program is based on the
student’s GPA at the end of their sophomore year. Students
must then take GRE exams and apply for acceptance to the graduate
program at Rosenstiel during their junior year.
The Division of Marine Affairs and Policy at the Rosenstiel
School and the University of Miami School of Law offer a Joint
degree program in Law and Marine Affairs. Upon completion
of this program, a student earns a Juris Doctor degree from
the School of Law and the M.A. in Marine Affairs from Rosenstiel.
A student may complete requirements for both degrees within
three and one-half years in an intensive program of six semesters
and two full summers. This program is geared toward students
who want a career in the field of law with a specialization
in marine and environmental issues.
MARINE AND ATMOSPHERIC CHEMISTRY - Dept.
Code: MAC
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The program covers the chemistry of the atmosphere and oceans,
including geochemical, photochemical and biochemical processes.
Undergraduate training should be in chemistry, physics, biology
and mathematics; also useful may be courses in geology, biochemistry,
oceanography and meteorology.
New students are evaluated for their knowledge of chemistry;
deficiencies are corrected by directed study and/or course
work and must be remedied within one year. New students can
be admitted to the M.A. or the M.S. program, or directly into
the PhD program, even without a prior M.S. degree.
Students are assigned a faculty advisor when they are accepted
into MAC, and during their first year they form a supervisory
committee. The advisor and committee plan a course of study
and research for the student. Students without an MS degree
take a written comprehensive examination towards the end of
the first year. The comprehensive exam tests the basic knowledge
of marine and atmospheric science, and is based on core course
material. The research proposal usually includes an abstract,
background material, hypothesis and/or list of objectives,
methods, preliminary data, and bibliography. Ph.D. students
also take a written qualifying exam. The qualifying examination
is set by the advisor and supervisory committee and is taken
after their approval of the dissertation proposal. An oral
examination may be required after the written examination.
Students who twice fail the qualifying examination will receive
an MS if they present and successfully defend a written thesis.
For all students, the seminar (MAC 670) is taken twice for
credit. However, each student must give one seminar per year
and they must attend seminars regularly.
The MA is a non-research degree that occupies 1 year: two
semesters of 12 course credits each, and a summer session
of experimental work and a written project (6 credits).
MARINE BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES
- Dept. Code: MBF
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Students admitted to the program in the Division of Marine
Biology and Fisheries are required to have a strong undergraduate
preparation in the life sciences, with additional coursework
in mathematics (calculus), physics, and chemistry (through
organic). The program offers a series of study-options leading
to the M.A., M.S. or Ph.D. degrees. These are intended to
guide the student in a comprehensive study of marine organisms
and the marine environment, and to develop areas of specialization
within the marine biological sciences. Students are strongly
encouraged to contact the faculty member whose area of research
is of interest to them.
Areas of faculty interest include biological oceanography,
biochemistry and molecular biology, ecology, fisheries, microbiology,
physiology, toxicology, systematics, behavior and ecosystem
and fisheries management. Students are not restricted to studies
in any one study-option, and may (in consultation with their
faculty advisor and/or committee) tailor their academic programs
to suit individual interests in more than one area of faculty
expertise. Within the Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries
there are four major academic tracks, each of which has one
or more sub-specializations. These are (1) Biological Oceanography,
which has an emphasis on nearshore and pelagic marine life;
(2) Fisheries Sciences, which focuses on fisheries stock assessment,
population modeling, and fisheries management; (3) Marine
Biomedical Sciences, which has subspecialities in Marine Molecular
Biology and Genetics, Marine Diseases, and Marine Physiology
and Biochemistry/Toxicology; and (4) Ecological Sciences and
Coastal Marine Biology. This latter academic track offers
specialization in Marine Biology, Coral Reef and Coastal-Marine
Ecology, and Ecological Systems and Environmental Management.
Individual curricula may blend coursework from one or more
tracks depending on the specific interests of the student.
MARINE GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS - Dept.
Code: MGG
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The undergraduate student wishing to prepare for graduate
work in marine geology and geophysics must be well trained
in the basic sciences. According to the special interests
of the individual, the undergraduate major and minor should
be in geology, physics, chemistry, and/or mathematics.
The Division of Marine Geology and Geophysics offers M.S.
and Ph.D. programs in the following broad areas:
• Environmental Geology and Geochemistry
• Sedimentary Systems and Marine Geology
• Paleoclimatology and Global Change
• Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry
• Geophysics
• Geodesy
Within each discipline, students have considerable flexibility
in choice of courses, and "cross-track" courses
are possible for students with special interests. Interactions
with other divisions are particularly encouraged.
METEOROLOGY AND PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY
- Dept. Code: MPO
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Division of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography (MPO)
of the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
(RSMAS) is engaged in research and graduate instruction in
the physical processes governing the motion and composition
of the ocean and atmosphere. The program ranges from direct
observation to theoretical and numerical modeling of the earth-atmosphere
system.
Three types of degrees are awarded by the Division: Master
of Science, which requires 30 credits, including 24 credits
in courses and 6 research credits; Doctor of Philosophy, which
requires 60 credits, including a minimum of 36 course credits
and a minimum of 12 research credits; the Division also awards
Master of Arts degrees, requiring 24 course credits and six
credits of directed research leading to a research paper.
Students applying for admission to graduate study in the
Division of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography should have
a solid background in mathematics and physics or engineering.
Once admitted, students in this Division will take courses
in both Meteorology and Physical Oceanography in order to
develop an understanding of the ocean and the atmosphere as
closely related dynamical systems.
In the first year, students will take 6 courses, followed
by a comprehensive exam at the end of the spring semester.
Based on the results of this exam, students may be given the
option to enter the Ph.D. program directly, to enter the M.S.
program (leading to subsequent entrance into the Ph.D. program),
or they may be required to re-take the comprehensive exam.
Typical times for completion are 2-3 years for M.S. degrees
and 4-6 years for Ph.D. degrees.
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