Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 1. How long will it take to acquire an MPS degree?

    The Rosenstiel School Master of Professional Science degree is offered through an accelerated program designed to be completed in 12-18 months. Students must earn 30 credits to complete the MPS degree. This includes at least 24 graduate-level class credits, which are often completed within the first two (2) semesters of the program. Students must also complete at least two (2) internship credits throughout the duration of their internship project. The remaining four (4) credits can be applied towards class or internship credits, depending on the length and location of the internship. The internship component of the program can range in length from 3-9+ months, depending on the hosting organization’s expectations.

    The time to completion of the degree can vary depending on the student’s enrollment status (i.e., full-time vs. part-time). You can learn more about full-time study in the Graduate Student Handbook.

  • 2. How many classes will I be required to take each semester?

    The number of credits a student registers for each semester is dependent on their enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time) and approval from their Academic Advisor. On average, students will be enrolled in 9-12 credits (3-4 classes) in their first and second semesters. Commonly, students will complete the 24 class credit requirement by the end of their second semester.

  • 3. Will I be responsible for identifying the internship on my own?

    Yes, but you will be offered guidance and advice via your Academic Advisor, Rosenstiel School Faculty, and the administrative offices. The MPS Office strives to provide resources to assist students with identifying internships that reflect their personal and professional goals.

  • 4. What is the difference between class credits vs. internship credits?

    To satisfy the MPS degree requirements, students must complete a combination of class and internship credits (see FAQ #1). Class credits are acquired through graduate-level, faculty-led courses. Students are required to attend lectures and/or field training sessions for class credits. It is most common that students complete their 24 class credit requirement before beginning their internship.

    Internship credits are comparable to “research credits” in MS and PhD programs. Students must register for at least one (1) internship credit per semester once they begin their master’s project with an internship host organization. Students may register for more than one (1) internship creditper semester.

    Enrollment in at least one (1) internship credit designates "full-time" student status. Financial aid, scholarships, and host organizations may require full-time enrollment in a graduate program. All students should plan on remaining fully enrolled during their internship.

  • 5. Are research and/or teaching assistantships available for this program?

    No, there are no research or teaching assistantships available to MPS students. The MPS program is a self-funded degree program.

  • 6. How much does the MPS program Rosenstiel School cost?

    The graduate student cost of attendance for domestic students can be found here. International students should refer to the International Graduate Student Cost webpage.

  • 7. Are there scholarships available for this program?

    We currently offer two merit-based tuition waivers and the Rosenstiel Opportunity Award. To learn more about these funding opportunities, please see Financing Your Education.

  • 8. Will I be able to work while enrolled in this program?

    There are a limited number of part-time employment opportunities at the Rosenstiel School reserved largely for MPS students. These opportunities can include office work, library assistance, marine operations support, and more. Notices for Rosenstiel School campus jobs are distributed via the Rosenstiel School mailing lists.

    Students interested in employment at other schools/campuses at UM should also visit the Find a Student Job webpage.

    Full-time enrollment in an accelerated graduate program involves a significant amount of course work and a large time commitment. Most graduate classes are hosted during the day. Thus, we do not recommend that students work full-time while enrolled full-time.

  • 9. Can I enroll part-time in the MPS program?

    Yes, you can enroll in the MPS program part-time. You will register for less than nine (9) credits for the fall and spring terms and less than six (6) credits for any summer term. This results in part-time students taking approximately two (2) classes instead of four (4) during the fall and spring terms. Course selection will be discussed with your Academic Advisor. Please note that if you enroll in the program part-time, it will take approximately two (2) or more years to complete the degree.

  • 10. Are there any courses available online?

    No, we do not offer online courses at this time.

  • 11. What classes will I be taking while in residence at the Rosenstiel School?

    Experts in the field, as well as leaders from local businesses, NGOs, and government organizations, assisted in the design of the curricular and experiential structure of each track. Thus, you will be exposed to the theory and skills relevant and necessary to your development and professional success.

    Each degree track has specific requirements as well as options for electives. Some course requirements may be waived with the approval of your Academic Advisor and MPS Director. For sample curricula, please visit the Degree Tracks webpage, and click on your preferred track(s).

  • 12. How do I apply?

    Information regarding the application process can be reviewed on the Apply Now webpage.

  • 13. Is there a minimum GRE score for entry into the program?

    The Graduate Record Examination Test (GRE) score is not required for admission to the MPS program. You may optionally submit your GRE score to be considered for a merit-based tuition waiver.

  • 14. Can I apply for more than one track?

    In order of preference, you may indicate your top two tracks of interest on your CollegeNet application. For track selection guidance, visit the Tour Request webpage to sign up for a virtual information session with one of our staff.

    If you identify a secondary track choice in your online application, include a statement on this preference within your Statement of Purpose. The suggested length is 1.5-2 pages for one track choice and 2-3 pages for two track choices

  • 15. My application has been submitted, and I am waiting to hear back. When will I know if I have been accepted?

    We cannot evaluate your application until it is complete. If you have questions about whether or not your application is complete, please contact the MPS Office: mps@earth.miami.edu. Application evaluations for all applicants begin December 1st and roll through June 15th.

  • 16. Based upon my undergraduate degree and relevant coursework, what tracks am I eligible for?

    The admissions prerequisites for tracks within each department can be reviewed here.

  • 17. Are there options for spring enrollment?

    We are not accepting applications for the spring term at this time.

  • 18. What is the difference between the Master of Professional Science degree and a Master of Science degree?

    A Master of Science (MS) degree typically requires a 2-3 year time commitment, whereas the Master of Professional Science (MPS) degree is designed to be completed in 12-18 months. In addition, an MS is based on an independent research project, or thesis, while the MPS is skill-and internship-based and culminates in a scientific final report.

    The MPS degree prepares students for science careers in industry, government, and non-profit organizations, where employment demands are growing. Professional science programs were developed and implemented nationally in response to employer demands for well-rounded, highly trained employees. MPS graduates use their breadth of knowledge and practical skills to address emerging environmental issues and improve the management of natural and cultural resources. The curriculum is structured to implement the training and real-world experience necessary to prepare them for careers in today’s professional science job market.

  • 19. What types of jobs do students with an MPS degree attain post-graduation?

    Most of our students become marine/atmospheric resource managers, policy consultants, program coordinators, educational/outreach directors and more. Several of our graduates work with government agencies, NGOs, and environmental consulting groups. Employment rate post-graduation is approximately 92%. Some students are employed by the internship hosting organizations after the termination of their internships, and the potential for this is something we consider heavily in the identification of and commitment to specific internships. Our students have interned and been employed with (list is not exhaustive): the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Royal Caribbean (Environmental Department), Everglades National Park, NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, the Billfish Foundation, PBS&J, Biscayne National Park, SeaGrant, the Army Corps of Engineers, the New England Aquarium, Mote Marine Laboratory, and the Department of Environmental Resource Management.

    To check out our Alumni Careers Page, please click here.

  • 20. What is the deadline for fall enrollment?

    Applications for the fall term close on June 1 at 11:59PM for all applicants (domestic and international).

  • 21. Are there additional application requirements for international students?

    International Students: A Statement of Financial Responsibility form, bank/sponsorship letter (issued within the past 6 months), passport, and I-94 travel log (if applicable) is not required for review purposes. If accepted to the MPS program, international applicants must submit a color copy of his/her passport, current visa (if available), and I-94 travel record (if applicable) https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home. This is required for processing orupdating student Visas. Therefore, on the application, please type in your name as it appears on your passport.

  • 22. Who has to take the TOEFL/IELTS exam?

    International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official results of the Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL): http://www.ets.org/toefl/ using institution code 2919 or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) http://www.ielts.org/ using institution code 4862. There is no department code for either score submission. An exception to this rule is an international student who will have earned a U.S. degree prior to enrollment at the Rosenstiel School. A minimumscore of 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test), 80 (iBT), or 6.5 for the IELTS is required for admission.

  • 23. What is the appropriate ETS code to use for the GRE and TOEFL/IETLS exams?

    Please use institution code 7690 for the GRE scores and 2919 for the TOEFL.

  • 24. Is health insurance required?

    Yes, all full-time domestic graduate students are required to obtain adequate health insurance. Domestic students with adequate healthcare coverage of their own can request to waive the University-sponsored health insurance. However, students with limited out-of-area coverage or otherwise inadequate coverage are urged to carefully review their options before requesting to waive this plan.

    Health insurance waivers must be resubmitted every fall semester. All waiver deadlines for the fall, spring, and summer terms are available here.

    All international students are required to enroll in the University-sponsored health insurance program regardless of credit load.

    To learn more about the University of Miami’s health insurance, visit the Student Health Service’s Insurance Information webpage.

  • 25. How much does the University of Miami insurance plan cost?

    Visit the Student Health Service’s Insurance Information webpage to review the insurance rates and coverage dates.

  • 26. Where do Rosenstiel School graduate students live?

    The Rosenstiel School is not a residential campus, and there are no housing facilities on site. Most Rosenstiel students choose to live in apartments or rental units in the many diverse neighborhoods of the greater Miami area. Verified students will receive resources in May with living recommendations from past and current Rosenstiel graduate students. More information on general considerations for housing can be found here.

  • 27. If accepted, when do I register for classes?

    New student registration for fall classes begins in early June. You will receive instructions for academic advising and course registration from the MPS Office in May.

  • 28. Do I have to submit all admissions materials at one time?

    No, applicants are not required to submit all documents at one time. An applicant may submit official test scores from ETS (GRE, TOEFL), IELTS, transcripts, and letters of recommendation at separate times. However, an applicant’s admissions file will not be reviewed by Track Leaders until all required materials have been received by the MPS Office.