Welcome from Associate Dean


Brian Soden, Ph.D. Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies
Brian Soden, Ph.D.
Professor and Associate Dean
of Graduate Studies

Our planet faces many complex challenges, from understanding extreme events in a changing climate to the delicate health of our atmosphere and oceans.  Coupled to these challenges is the need for advanced knowledge across disciplines and the ability to translate scientific breakthroughs into policies that benefit society.  The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is ideally situated to provide superior graduate education to meet the Earth’s needs.  We tackle global challenges, together with subjects of local importance including sea level rise, hurricanes, coral reefs, marine conservation, and local geology.

To be flexible in taking advantage of the shifting scientific landscape, we have recently revamped our graduate programs.

We offer Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in 6 programs:

Atmospheric SciencesEnvironmental Science and Policy,  Marine Biology and EcologyMarine Geosciences,  Meteorology & Physical Oceanography  Ocean Sciences.  We offer highly competitive stipend rates, tuition and health insurance coverage for our incoming Ph.D. students as part of a fully funded 5-year Graduate Assistantship.   We also offer a popular 12-18 month Master of Professional Science degree that prepares students for careers in industry, government and non-profit organizations, which involves coursework and a structured internship.  Finally, as part of our revitalized connections across colleges and to take advantage of our unique research facilities, we offer a M.S. in Ocean Engineering.  Our graduate students also take advantage of nearby NOAA facilities including the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, and the National Hurricane Center.

Together with dedicated classroom and research instruction provided by our faculty, we also provide professional development opportunities to prepare our students to thrive in their chosen careers.  These include courses and workshops on scientific presentation and communication, technical writing, science policy, and mentoring.  We also provide Teaching Assistantships as part of educational training for all Ph.D. students.  Our students are also involved in a wide variety of community outreach activities.

The Rosenstiel School is a major player in the University of Miami’s ambition to be HERE (Hemispheric, Excellent, Relevant, Exemplary) for its new century beginning in 2025.  Our graduate students are coming at an exciting time, with a transformation in our infrastructure and research facilities.  We have a state-of-the-art research vessel, a fleet of small boats, a world-class Center for Computational Science, and a one-of-a-kind Helicopter Observation Platform.  The new SUrge Structure Atmosphere INteraction facility (SUSTAIN) is the only wind-wave-storm surge simulator in the world capable of generating Category 5 hurricane-force winds in a three-dimensional test environment!  The Marine Life Sciences Center provides brand new space dedicated towards studying living marine animals.   We have many other facilities, and are seeking to expand our seagoing and airborne fleet, together with establishing and augmenting new marine laboratories.

The Rosenstiel School is situated on the peaceful island of Virginia Key, near the vibrant cultural centers of downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, and Brickell where many of our students live.  We are fortunate to have our own waterfront restaurant and bar, which cultivates a unique camaraderie among students, staff, and faculty, while providing a forum for informal scientific discussions that often lead to new breakthroughs.  We enjoy a subtropical marine climate, with wonderful warm winters, which was a big attraction for me to move here!

Our Graduate Programs website provides a wealth of information for prospective students, including how to apply.   If you would like additional information about our programs, please feel free to contact our friendly and dedicated staff at the Graduate Studies Office (gso@earth.miami.edu).  Our mission is to make graduate school the best experience that it can be for our students.

We look forward to hearing from you!