Master of Professional Science

Master of

Professional Science mps.earth.miami.edu mps@earth.miami.edu (305) 421-4340 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Table of Contents Atmospheric Science Broadcast Meteorology ............................... 6 Climate & Society ........................................ 7 Weather Forecasting ................................... 8 Environmental Science & Policy Aquaculture ................................................. 9 Coastal Zone Management .........................10 Exploration Science .................................... 11 Fisheries Management & Conservation ......12 JD/MPS ...................................................... 13 Marine Conservation .................................. 14 Marine Biology & Ecology Marine Mammal Science ........................... 15 Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management ..16 Marine Geosciences Environmental Geology ............................. 17 Ocean Sciences Applied Remote Sensing ........................... 18 Natural Hazards & Catastrophes ............... 19 The MPS Internship ......................................... 20

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About the MPS Program The Master of Professional Science (MPS) degree prepares students for careers in industry, government, and non-profit organizations.

The flexibility of the program at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science allows students to complete the MPS degree in 12 to 15 months on average. Students can choose one of 14 professional tracks within five departments as the focus of their MPS degree. The curriculum provides students with the training and real-world experience necessary to prepare them for careers in today’s professional science job market.

What is an MPS Degree?

In 1997, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation helped launch the first Master of Professional Science degree in response to a growing need for a workforce with science and interdisciplinary training that was not being met by traditional graduate education. Their goal was to better prepare scientists for employment in new and emerging industries, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. MPS degrees at the Rosenstiel School give students real-world experience and applied skills that provide an advantage in obtaining employment or increasing salary in their chosen career field.

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Atmospheric Sciences

Atmospheric Sciences

Broadcast Meteorology

Climate & Society

Broadcast meteorology is a rapidly growing and evolving field and one of the largest sources of private sector meteorological employment.

Climate change, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events pose crucial challenges for science and society.

The Broadcast Meteorology MPS track prepares students for on-camera and behind-the-scenes careers in broadcast meteorology and provides the training necessary to enter the wider field of science journalism. The curriculum integrates coursework in broadcast journalism from the University of Miami’s School of Communications with advanced courses in meteorology at the Rosenstiel School.

This coursework meets the requirements of the American Meteorology Society Certification for Broadcast Meteorology. Students train in our state-of-the-art digital studio and award-winning news broadcast, “NewsVision,” which airs daily on local cable channels. With these unique resources, students develop their skills in communication, computer graphics, on-camera delivery, and other areas vital to a successful career in broadcasting.

The Climate and Society MPS track emphasizes the relationship among weather, climate, and societal impacts and responses, including risk management, legal frameworks, the development of more resilient urban systems, and the built environment. The track draws on the University of Miami’s depth and breadth of interdisciplinary research, offering opportunities to partner with the Climate Resilience Academy, the Miller School of Medicine, the Department of Geography, the College of Engineering, and the Schools of Law and Architecture, among others. Graduates find employment in government, insurance and finance, energy, and other weather-impacted industries.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field; one year of calculus and a minimum of 12 credits in natural science strongly recommended Course Topics: - Writing and reporting across platforms - News technologies - Television news reporting - Interactive storytelling - Weather forecasting - Broadcast meteorology - Climate and society

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Job Titles: - Meteorologist - The Weather Channel - Broadcast Meteorologist - Meteorologist & Reporter - Weekend Meteorologist

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field; previous coursework in science or policy strongly recommended Course Topics: - Climate change - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Climate change and public health - Environmental planning - Law and policy

Job Titles: - Physical scientist - Resilience Coordinator - Environmental Consultant - Climate Risk Analyst

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Atmospheric Sciences

Environmental Science & Policy

Weather Forecasting

Aquaculture

The Weather Forecasting MPS track provides graduate-level training and experience in applied weather forecasting. The curriculum includes the application of analytical information to support specialized end-users, including agriculture, utilities, insurance, transportation, construction, and other weather-sensitive industries. Students will also develop skills in different areas of service offered by the National Weather Service, including severe weather, marine and aviation forecasts, hydrology, and tropical cyclone forecasting. This track fosters skills in writing and public communication in the context of professional weather forecasting.

The Rosenstiel School’s Aquaculture Program is a recognized leader in aquaculture science and fish hatchery technology. Students in the Aquaculture MPS track learn innovative approaches to address the important and contentious issues that shape the future of sustainable and economically viable aquaculture practices, technologies, and policies. Our Aquaculture program places an emphasis on close collaboration with research institutions, industry leaders, environmental organizations, government agencies, and regulators. Through these partnerships, our Aquaculture program spearheads advanced technology for hatchery and sustainable offshore aquaculture development both domestically and internationally.

Weather Forecasting provides crucial information to the public as well as supporting end-users across a wide variety of weather-dependent activities and industries.

Prerequisites: Undergraduate degree in meteorology that meets, or is consistent with, the American Meteorological Society standards for a BS in meteorology, or an undergraduate degree in a closely related field (e.g., math, physics, geoscience) with similar courses in math, physics, and chemistry Course Topics: - Analysis and preparation of weather forecasts - Effective use of numerical models - Satellite - Doppler radar - Upper air data

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Job Titles: - Meteorologist - Atmospheric Scientist - Marine Forecaster - Scientific Programmer

Aquaculture provides over 50% of the seafood for human consumption. As the fastest growing sector of food production, it has reshaped the fishery industry and fisheries management strategies worldwide.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field Course Topics: - Fish physiology - Fisheries economics - Aquaculture business - Seafood marketing - Larval rearing - Live feed production - Hatchery and grow-out technology

Job Titles: - Data Manager–NOAA - Fish Production/Lab Manager - Fisheries Technician

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Environmental Science & Policy

Environmental Science & Policy

Coastal Zone Management

Exploration Science

Over half of the world’s population resides in growing coastal areas. These areas are major economic engines, supporting port and shipping tourism, fisheries, aquaculture, and oil and gas mining activities. The coastal zone – comprising nearshore waters and lands — represents some of the most fragile habitats on the planet. Balancing economic development and coastal protections in the face of anthropogenic stressors is a major challenge that resource managers face in the 21st century.

The Coastal Zone Management MPS track offers a multidisciplinary approach to addressing problems in coastal areas. Students can explore a broad variety of topics, ranging from coastal fisheries management and tourism development to port management and environmental impact assessment. Students will also be introduced to associated legal and governance frameworks.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field Course Topics: - Marine protected areas - Coastal law and policy - Management and conservation of marine ecosystems - Environmental planning and environmental impact statements

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Exploration Science is the applied study and practice of field research using diverse methods, technologies, and approaches to drive question-based scientific endeavors. It combines scientific research theory and field skills with an outreach and educational component for experimental and virtual expeditions bringing discovery to a wider audience.

The Exploration Science MPS track immerses students in citizen science project design, exploration technology applications, and field-based skills training, while offering essential background information that acknowledges the cultural and ethical implications of exploration. Students will be able to tailor their degree to best fit their interests and will be prepared to lead professional exploration initiatives and expeditions in a variety of environments. This track is being offered at the Rosenstiel School in partnership with the University of Miami’s Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field Job Titles: - Environmental Policy Research Assistant - Project Manager–US Army Corps of Engineers - Legislative Assistant–Florida Senate

Course Topics: - Scientific research diving - Motorboat operations - Citizen science - Exploration technology and media - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Field techniques

Job Titles: - Chief of Dive Staff - Marketing and Development Coordinator–PADI - Environmental Scientist

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Environmental Science & Policy

Environmental Science & Policy

Fisheries Management & Conservation

JD/MPS

Fisheries management and conservation supports the stewardship of marine resources by providing quantitative knowledge and modeling of the natural and anthropogenic processes that regulate fishery ecosystems. These models also provide predictions on the future behavior of those ecosystems.

The Fisheries Management and Conservation MPS track allows students to develop the professional skills required to be a fishery scientist with curriculum options including fishery management, fishery surveys, and quantitative fisheries.

Graduates with these skills find employment in government agencies, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, state agencies, fishery councils, regional NOAA laboratories, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

The University of Miami School of Law and the Rosenstiel School offer a joint degree program in law and environmental science and policy. Upon completion of these programs, students earn the Juris Doctor degree from the School of Law and the Master of Professional Science degree from the Rosenstiel School. Based on their career interests, students can choose to study in one of the following tracks: Aquaculture, Coastal Zone Management, Marine Conservation, or Climate and Society.

Students applying for the joint degree program must apply to both the School of Law and the Rosenstiel School’s MPS program. Joint degree students begin their graduate coursework at the Rosenstiel School during their second year in residence at the School of Law.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field Course Topics: - Processes influencing fisheries management - Development of fisheries policy alternatives - Design and implementation of fishery surveys and monitoring programs - Statistical and mathematical modeling tools for fishery stock assessments

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Job Titles: - Associate Software Developer - Fisheries Management Planner - Field Natural Resources Specialist

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field; admission to the University of Miami School of Law Course Topics: Dependent on chosen track

Job Titles: - Trial Attorney–US Department of Justice - Assistant Counsel–NYC Department of Environmental Protection - Assistant County Attorney - Land Use and Environmental Law

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Environmental Science & Policy

Marine Biology & Ecology

Marine Conservation

Marine Mammal Science

The Marine Conservation MPS track provides students with advanced training in these theoretical and practical aspects of marine science and conservation. It offers unique flexibility to design a program of study that will prepare students for a wide variety of professional science careers, in fields such as marine biology, ecosystem science, management, media, and education.

The Marine Mammal Science MPS track is one of the select programs in the nation that prepares students for employment in marine mammal management, population assessments, acoustics, and care. Students interact with medical, research, and training experts in our community, as well as conduct an internship at one of our many marine mammal rehabilitation, managed care, or research facilities. As part of the practical training of the curriculum, students have the opportunity to participate in mark-recapture surveys, public education, wild health assessments, behavior analysis and modification studies, clinical care and diagnostics, necropsies, and regional and national conferences.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field; one year of general biology and labs, one year of general chemistry, at least one semester of calculus, and nine credits in natural science. Research in these fields may, in some cases, substitute for coursework

Marine Conservation advances environmental preservation efforts within the marine realm. It encompasses scientific research methods and fieldwork, public outreach and education, GIS and remote sensing, environmental impacts, coastal law, environmental management statistics, as well as scientific literacy and communication.

Course Topics: - Marine conservation biology - Field techniques - GIS - Statistics - Environmental impact statements - Coastal law - Science communication and outreach

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Job Titles: - Director of Education - Coastal Crab Biologist - Communications and Engagement Manager - Aquarist - Environmental Consultant - Coral Reef Conservation Program Coordinator - Coastal Resource Management Specialist

Marine mammal conservation has advanced significantly in recent years due to greater understanding of marine mammal biology, behavior, and psychology, and improved diagnostic methods.

Course Topics: - Marine mammal medicine and pathology - Medical diagnostics and laboratory analysis - Population assessment and management - State and federal regulations - Applied ocean acoustics - Research education - Applied behavior analysis

Job Titles: - Director of Marine Science Education - Stranding Technician - Marine Mammal Trainer - Veterinary Technician - Animal Behaviour and Welfare Consultant - Marine Mammal Biologist

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Marine Biology & Ecology

Marine Geosciences

Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management

Environmental Geology

Nearshore benthic ecosystems common to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide such as coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves are facing unprecedented threats due to climate change and human activity.

The Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management MPS track prepares students to help confront these threats with advanced training in the theoretical and practical aspects of tropical marine ecology. Students in this track receive training in field methods and techniques, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing of shallow water marine environments, taxonomy and identification of common marine organisms, scientific diving, and small boat handling. This degree is excellent preparation for technical positions in marine ecosystem science and management at state and federal agencies, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field; one year of general biology and labs, one year of general chemistry, at least one semester of calculus, and nine credits in natural science. Research in these fields may, in some cases, substitute for coursework Course Topics: - Tropical marine ecology - Statistics - Environmental law - Field techniques - Geographical Information System (GIS) - Environmental planning

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Job Titles: - Research Operations Specialist NOAA - Marine Scientist - Biological Science Technician National Park Service - Reef Injury Prevention and Response Technician

Environmental geoscientists collect and analyze air, water and soil samples to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems. Ever increasing urban development and industrial expansion cause stress and potential hazards for the environment and human health. In addition, global climate change, in particular sea level rise, is affecting millions of people in the US and around the world. Well trained professionals are needed who can identify, control, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards affecting the environment or public health.

The Environmental Geology MPS track offers students a specialized degree that combines knowledge in theoretical areas of geology with technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, and hydrogeology to address geologic hazards.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in geology, geochemistry, or geography Course Topics: - Earth surface processes - Environmental site assessment - Geographic Information System (GIS) - Geophysics - Geological and hydrological hazards - Seismic interpretations

Job Titles: - Environmental Geologist/Scientist - Environmental Project Manager - Natural Resource Specialist - Project Engineer Geologist - Hydrogeologist

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Ocean Sciences

Ocean Sciences

Applied Remote Sensing

Natural Hazards & Catastrophes

Remote sensing technologies enable researchers to acquire high-resolution satellite imagery and obtain near-real-time measurements. They have become an indispensable research and mapping tool for numerous applications including disaster response and environmental monitoring.

The Applied Remote Sensing MPS track provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience in remote sensing through the Rosenstiel School’s Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing (CSTARS).

CSTARS is a leading remote sensing institution with direct access to data from various satellites and excellent connections to data users and partner institutions worldwide. This track is also appropriate for those already in the workforce and looking to expand their skills.

Prerequisites: Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, physics, geosciences, or engineering or an equivalent degree Course Topics: - Statistics - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - Radar remote sensing - Physics of remote sensing - Physical oceanography - Natural hazards - Ocean systems engineering

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Job Titles: - Data Scientist - NASA DEVELOP Team Member - Research Associate for Energy and - Environmental Policy

Society is experiencing more frequent natural catastrophes, including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, storm surge, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hail, wildfires, and earthquakes. As many of these disasters are exacerbated by a rapidly changing climate, communities face substantial challenges to achieving resilience within the engineering, architecture, public health, business, and governance sectors.

To address these challenges, the Natural Hazards and Catastrophes MPS track offers comprehensive training to students in assessing risks and exposures associated with natural hazards. The curriculum provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand atmospheric, oceanic, geological, and hydrological earth system natural hazards. It also familiarizes students with data analytics tools required to assess associated risks, such as statistics, data management, programming, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing. Graduates of this track are employed in the private and civil sectors, including the insurance and reinsurance industry, architecture, emergency management, engineering, as well as public health and science.

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in any field; at least one semester of statistics or calculus, or six credits in geoscience Course Topics: - Statistics - Environmental law - Decision analysis - Hydrological hazards - Geographic Information System (GIS) - Modeling of rare events

Job Titles: - Catastrophe Management Analyst - Environmental and Historical Specialist - FEMA - Geospatial Analyst - Meteorologist–NOAA - Risk Consultant

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The MPS Internship

The internship is an essential component of the Rosenstiel School Master of Professional Science (MPS) degree and a unique opportunity to put theory into practice. The internship period allows students to expand their professional network and build career skills in a dynamic work environment.

This internship is the capstone following two semesters of graduate coursework.

Students are responsible for identifying an internship on their own but will be offered guidance from academic advisors, faculty, and administrative offices. Many organizations offer internships locally in South Florida, however, students can also pursue internships in other locations worldwide. The internship component is broadly defined, ranging from working in an office at a private company or nonprofit to assisting with research projects or fieldwork in an academic laboratory or government entity. The internship culminates in a final report and oral presentation.

Past students have completed internships with...

- Aircraft Center for Earth Studies - Carnival Cruise Line - CBS-4 - Center for Southeastern Tropical Advanced Remote Sensing - City of Miami Beach - Experimental Hatchery - Federal Emergency Management Agency - Field School - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Florida State Parks - Frost Science Museum - Key Biscayne Community Foundation - Miami Waterkeeper

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- Miami-Dade County - Monterey Bay Aquarium - Mote Marine Laboratory - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Parks Service - National Weather Service - National Wildlife Refuge - NBC 6 WTV-J - NOAA Sea Grant - Reef Environmental Education Foundation - Rescue a Reef - Shark Research & Conservation - The Nature Conservancy - United Nations - US Geological Survey