All incoming Rosenstiel students are paired with a Transitional Guide, an upperclass student trained to help you plan your first semester. You will receive an email from your Guide by early May. Use their guidance, this page, and your New Student Checklist to prepare for registration, which begins in late June.
Transfer Credit and Exams
To receive credit for AP, IB, A-Level, dual enrollment, or transfer coursework, official transcripts and test scores must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Once your credits post to CaneLink, review them carefully. Courses listed as "100T" require departmental review through a MATES request.
Math Placement
Most students must complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment unless exempt by credit or test scores. ALEKS is a web-based adaptive placement tool that helps determine the appropriate math course for your first semester. You will receive login information in May via your UM email account.
If you are required to take ALEKS, complete the assessment before registration opens in June.
If you do not complete ALEKS in time, you may be blocked from registering for math and science courses.
All students must satisfy the Written Communication requirement, typically through WRS 105 and WRS 106 or WRS 107. Your placement depends on credit and test scores.
Standard placement:
Most students begin with WRS 105, followed by WRS 106 in the second semester.
Accelerated placement (WRS 107):
SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score of 700+
ACT English score of 32+
Exemptions:
AP English Language score of 4 or 5
IB English A HL score of 5 or higher
A-Level English with grade A or B
Foote Fellows are exempt from WRS 105 and begin with WRS 106
The University of Miami general education program requires students to complete three cognates: Arts and Humanities, People and Society, and STEM. Each cognate consists of three related courses totaling nine credits. Many majors automatically fulfill the STEM cognate. Learn more and explore approved options at cognates.miami.edu.
Recommended Courses by Major
Use the tabs below to find course suggestions tailored to your major. These reflect common first semester schedules, but your exact choices will depend on placement and prior credit.
GSC 110 or GSC 111 – Introductory Geology
Math and WRS course based on placement
Elective toward Arts and Humanities cognate
Optional: CHM 121 & 113 if WRS credits are satisfied
MSC 111 & 112 – Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab
CHM 110 – Chemical Problem Solving or approved elective
Math and WRS course based on placement
Optional: ECO 211, GSC 110, or a course from minor/cognate
MSC 111 & 112 – Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab
BIL 160 & 161 – Evolution and Biodiversity Lecture and Lab
