FOR THE ROSENSTIEL SCHOOL OF MARINE, ATMOSPHERIC, AND EARTH SCIENCE
Prior to selecting courses for your first semester, all transfer courses relevant to your degree requirements must be evaluated for UM equivalency. The first step will be to send official transcripts along with exam results to UM Admissions by following the steps here. Ensure you complete any pre-registration steps as soon as possible. Enrollment will be impacted if transfer credits are not provided and reviewed in a timely manner.
It is important that you have any documents (official transcript(s), test scores, syllabi, etc.) pertaining to incoming credits ready to discuss and provide for further review.
All incoming Rosenstiel students are paired with a Transitional Guide. Transitional Guides serve as your primary point of contact. They offer you transitional support and guidance, and they play a crucial role in connecting you to university life and preparing you for foundational coursework success. Use their guidance, this page, and your New Student Checklist to prepare for registration.
Transfer Credits
Submission of official transcript(s) to UM Admission is required for any transfer credit to be included in a student's UM record. Most academic coursework taken at accredited colleges and universities will transfer, provided a grade of "C" or higher is achieved in the courses. Exceptions include credits earned in physical education, technical and vocational courses, remedial or college preparatory work. See Transfer of Credits.
Transfer coursework that does not reflect a known UM equivalency (100T) will remain undesignated in CaneLink. Individual courses may then be evaluated by the respective UM departments to determine UM equivalency. This requires the student to submit a Miami Academic Transfer Evaluation System (MATES) form along with detailed course syllabi for each course. These detailed syllabi can be obtained from the previous instructor or department.
Most importantly, equivalency must be provided prior to your registration for use as a prerequisite for courses at UM. Typically, this includes coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, and Physics. It is important to include any courses which might be used towards the UM General Education requirement Areas of Knowledge.
Advanced Test Credits (AP, IB, Cambridge...)
Note that minimum scores at UM may differ from those at your previous institution. See credit information (and related links) to determine UM minimum scores. Advanced test scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admission no later than the end of your first semester. Exam scores submitted to or on other university or college transcripts will not be accepted. No credits will be awarded after your first semester. Official test scores and/or transcripts for credits earned from any college or university should be sent to the Office of Admission. Identify any test credits which do not appear on your UM record and can be used in conjunction with transfer courses to your Transitional Guide.
Once your official transcript(s) and/or test scores have been processed by the Office of Admission, make sure to check that the correct transfer courses and test scores are reflected correctly on your CaneLink account.
Math Placement
Transfer students who have not earned college credit in a mathematics course must either present SAT/ACT scores (completed within two years of admission) or take an on-campus, proctored ALEKS assessment to determine their math placement. ALEKS scores are valid for 12 months.
Students who have completed a math course for college credit must submit the course for evaluation. Please visit the Transfer Equivalencies page for more information.
Note that ALEKS is intended for initial placement only. Students are not permitted to take ALEKS to skip out of any math course after they have begun a college-level math sequence at UM or at any other college or university.
All students must satisfy the Written Communication requirement through WRS 105 and WRS 106 or WRS 107. If you are not transferring any English Composition courses from your previous institution or from advanced test credit, you will have to complete the Written Communication Skills requirements at UM. Similarly, if you are transferring in with only one English Composition course (which has been given a UM equivalent), you will have to fulfill the other WRS requirement once you transfer.
Standard placement:
Most students begin with WRS 105, followed by ENG 106, WRS 106, or WRS 107 in the second semester.
WRS 107 is a specialized version of WRS 106 focusing on the sciences. This is the preferred version for our students. There are selective sections open to all majors, with the remainder reserved blocking enrollment.
Accelerated placement (WRS 107):
WRS 105 equivalent given
Exemptions:
(WRS 105) AND (ENG 106, WRS 106, or WRS 107) equivalent given
The University of Miami general education program requires students to complete three areas of the university curriculum: Arts and Humanities, People and Society, and STEM. Students can satisfy this requirement through the majors, minors, or cognates. A cognate requires nine credits of coursework and can be either a thematic or an individualized cognate. Thematic cognates consist of courses grouped by theme, while individualized cognates consist of courses that have the same area of knowledge designation.
Individualized Cognates: Only courses (UM as well as transfer courses) with an Area of Knowledge course attribute in CaneLink can be used in an individualized cognate. To read more about the specifics for individualized cognates, click here. A searchable list of courses eligible to be used in individualized cognates is available here. Please make sure that you look at any AP, Dual Enrollment, or Transfer Course equivalents you receive, as they can potentially create and complete your cognate requirements. It is imperative that you discuss this with your Transitional Guide to avoid redundant course enrollment.
All undergraduate students in the Rosenstiel School will be required to complete the Arts and Humanities and People and Society Area of Knowledge but will fulfill their STEM portion through their major requirements. Students in Marine Affairs will fulfill their People and Society requirement through their minor. Learn more and explore approved options at cognates.miami.edu.
Recommended Courses
Click on your major below to view recommended first semester courses.
Introductory Geology: GSC 110 or GSC 111.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
Take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate. See cognates.
B.S. students consider taking Principles of Chemistry with lab: CHM 121 and 113 if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
An introductory science course, either General Biology (BIL 150), Evolution and Biodiversity (BIL 160), or Chemical Problem Solving (CHM 110), depending on your Mathematics placement.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections.
Consider taking both General Biology (BIL 150) or Evolution and Biodiversity (BIL 160) and Chemical Problem Solving (CHM 110) or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106/107. See cognates.
Principles of Microeconomics (ECO 211), The Earth System (GSC 110), Earth System History (GSC 111), or an additional course of your choice. We suggest you begin with the introductory course in your chosen minor, or a course towards an Arts and Humanities cognate. See cognates.
* Approved minors (with introductory courses) are: Anthropology (one of APY 201, 202, 203, or 204), Economics (ECO 211), Ecosystem Science and Policy (ECS 111 or 113), Geography and Regional Studies (any 100-level or 200-level GEG course), Latin American Studies (LAS 101), International Studies (either INS 101 or 102), or Political Science (one of POL 201, 202, or 203). For minors in Business, Education, or Communication, contact your Transitional Guide or the Rosenstiel Navigate team at marsciNav@miami.edu.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Evolution and Biodiversity Lecture and Lab: BIL 160 and BIL 161. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7) should take Cellular and Molecular Biology (BIL 255).
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), consider taking an advanced math course such as Environmental Statistics (MSC 204), Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203), Earth System History (GSC 111), or a class towards a cognate.
Consider The Earth System (GSC 110), Earth System History (GSC 111), Cellular and Molecular Biology (BIL 255), or an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
An introductory science course with lab either: Evolutionary Biology (BIL 160 and 161) or Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121 and 113). Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7) should take Principles of Chemistry Lecture and Lab (CHM 121 and 113). Students who are placed into MTH 099 or MTH 101 are not recommended to enroll in CHM 121 and should instead take the biology option.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), take Environmental Statistics (MSC 204) or Statistics (MTH 224).
Consider taking either Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203) or Environmental Statistics (MSC 204) if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. Alternatively, BIL 160/161 and CHM 121/113 can be taken as a replacement.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Evolution and Biodiversity Lecture and Lab: BIL 160 and BIL 161. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7) should take Genetics (BIL 250) or Cellular and Molecular Biology (BIL 255).
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), take Environmental Statistics (MSC 204), The Earth System (GSC 110), or Earth System History (GSC 111), or speak with your transitional guide.
Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry lecture and lab (CHM 121/113) and Evolution and Biodiversity (BIL 160/161) or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Principles of Chemistry with lab: CHM 121 and CHM 113. Students with Chemistry AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7) should take Introduction to Structure and Dynamics and Lab (CHM 221 and CHM 205).
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB HL score of 7), take The Earth System (GSC 110), Earth System History (GSC 111), Environmental Statistics (MSC 204), or Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203).
Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry lecture and lab (CHM 121/113) and Evolution and Biodiversity (BIL 160/161) or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Principles of Chemistry Lecture and Lab: CHM 121 and CHM 113.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH 099 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), take Computer Programming I (CSC 120). Students with Computing Science A (AP scores of 4 or 5) or IB-HL (score of 6 or 7) should take Computer Programming II (CSC 220) instead.
Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry and Lab (CHM 121/113) and General Biology (BIL 150) or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Introductory Geology: GSC 110 or GSC 111.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
Students who place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB HL score of 7) should take Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203) or Environmental Statistics (MSC 204).
Consider taking Evolutionary Biology (BIL 160/161) or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Evolutionary Biology Lecture with Lab: BIL 160 and BIL 161. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7) should take Principles of Chemistry with lab (CHM 121 and CHM 113). Students also with Chemistry AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 5) should take The Earth System (GSC 110), Earth System History (GSC 111), or Introduction to Structure and Dynamics and Lab (CHM 221 and CHM 205).
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB HL score of 7), take Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203), Environmental Statistics (MSC 204), The Earth System (GSC 110), or Earth System History (GSC 111).
Consider taking an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Principles of Chemistry Lecture and Lab: CHM 121 and CHM 113.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus I (with an AP score of 4 on Calculus BC, a 5 on Calculus AB, or an IB/HL score of 5 or 6), take University Physics I (PHY 221) or Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203). If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), take Introduction to Linear Algebra (MTH 210) or Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (MTH 311).
Consider taking an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
An introductory science course with a lab: either Evolutionary Biology (BIL 160 and 161) or Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121 and 113). Students who are placed into MTH 099 or MTH 101 are not recommended to enroll in Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121) and should instead take the biology option.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB HL score of 7), take The Earth System (GSC 110), Earth System History (GSC 111), Principles of Chemistry and Lab (CHM 121/CHM 113), or a course towards your second major.
Consider taking an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), we recommend that you still consider enrolling in Calculus II (MTH 162 or MTH 172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra (MTH 210). If you have this option, please email the Meteorology director Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and she will contact you to discuss.
Consider taking an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Communications School: Writing in the Digital Age (JMM 108), Introduction to Electronic Media (JMM 102), or Freedom of Expression & Ethics (COM 250).
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), we recommend that you still consider enrolling in Calculus II (MTH 162 or MTH 172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra (MTH 210). If you have this option, please email the Meteorology director Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and she will contact you to discuss.
Consider taking an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
Weather Forecasting: ATM 243.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH O99 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), we recommend that you still consider enrolling in Calculus II (MTH 162 or MTH 172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra (MTH 210). If you have this option, please email the Meteorology director Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and she will contact you to discuss.
Consider taking either Evolutionary Biology (BIL 160/161), Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121/113), or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections. Students who are placed into MTH 099 or MTH 101 are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (with an AP score of 5 on Calculus BC, or an IB score of 7 on the HL test), we recommend that you still consider enrolling in Calculus II (MTH 162 or MTH 172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra (MTH 210). If you have this option, please email the Meteorology director Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and she will contact you to discuss.
Consider taking an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
