We are so excited you are joining our community of scientists and explorers. This page is your roadmap for course planning and registration. Whether you're just starting college or navigating this process on your own, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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.
Dual Enrollment, 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. For full policies, visit the Transfer Credit Policies page or contact transitionaladvising@miami.eduwith any questions.
Summer Scholars Program
Students who have taken part in the Summer Scholars MSC107 and MSC115 or MSC101 and MSC115 track will be waived out of MSC112 and should not enroll in MSC112. We would ask that you identify yourself during the enrollment process to ensure this information is recorded within your student file.
Math Placement
ALEKS Math Placement Assessment is a web-based adaptive placement tool that helps determine the appropriate math course for your first semester. Students should take the assessment once it opens and as early as possible. If you do not complete ALEKS in time, you may be blocked from registering for math and science courses.
Students admitted to the University with ACT, SAT or AP scores, may be placed on the basis of those scores. Students admitted with scores have the option of taking ALEKS to try to place into a higher-level math course.
If you were admitted without an SAT/ACT test, and do not have AP scores or a transfer math course to be evaluated, you must complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment to determine the appropriate math course for you.
Students who have completed a math course for college credit must submit the course for evaluation. Please visit the Math Transfer Equivalencies page for more information.
If you place into MTHO99 or MTH101 after your first proctored ALEKS attempt, you will need to retake the ALEK. You will be required to spend a minimum of 5 hours in the recommended ALEKS Prep and Learning Module before repeating the ALEKS assessment.
Participate in the virtual Math Boot Camp that will help build your math skills, prepare you for success in your first-year math course, and give you a strong foundation for the rest of your academic career. For more information, schedule, and to sign up visit Math Boot Camp.
For more details about ALEKS and to understand how you will be placed, learn more About ALEKS. Here are instructions explaining how to Take ALEKS.
All students must satisfy the Written Communication requirement through WRS 105 and WRS 106 or WRS 107. Your placement depends on credit or test scores.
Standard placement:
Most students begin with WRS 105, followed by WRS 106 or WRS 107 in the second semester.
WRS 107 is a specialized version of WRS 106 focusing on the sciences. There are selective sections open to all majors, with the remainder reserved blocking enrollment.
Foote Fellow MUST take WRS105 and WRS106/107 unless SAT/ACT scores waive them from WRS105. If you are a Foote Fellow that is Test-Optional, you must take WRS105.
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):
SAT Evidence-Based Reading & Writing score of 700+
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.
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) 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 CHM 110 and BIL 150 or take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106. See cognates.
Principles of Microeconomics (ECO 211), The Earth System (GSC110), Earth System History (GSC111), 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 (APY 201–204), Economics (ECO 211), Ecosystem Science and Policy (ECS 111/113), Geography (100/200-level GEG), Latin American Studies (LAS 101), International Studies (INS 101/102), or Political Science (POL 201–203). For minors in Business, Education, or Communication, contact your Transitional guide or the Rosenstiel Navigate team at marsciNav@miami.eduCourse Description
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
General Biology I Lecture and Lab: BIL 150 and 151. 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 strongly advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
If you place out of Calculus (AP Calculus BC score of 5 or IB HL 7), consider Foundations of Computational Marine Science (MSC 203), Statistics (MSC 204), Computer Science (CSC 120), or a class towards a cognate.
Consider 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 WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
This major requires a second major in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geological Sciences, Meteorology, Microbiology and Immunology, Physics, or another approved science. Please review the options below.
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
General Biology I Lecture and Lab: BIL 150 and 151. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Genetics (BIL250) 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), consider taking Statistics (MSC 204), Earth System (GSC 110) or Earth History (GSC111), or speak with your transitional guide.
Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry lecture and lab (CHM 121/113) and General Biology (BIL 150/151) 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. Students with a Chemistry AP score of 5, or an IB HL score of 7, should take Introduction to Structure and Dynamics and Lab (CHM 221 and 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 CHM 121/113 and BIL 150/151 or take an elective towards a 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.
General Biology I Lecture and Lab: BIL 150 and 151. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Principles of Chemistry with lab (CHM 121 and 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 strongly 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 Programing II (CSC 220) instead.
Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry and Lab (CHM 121/113) and General Biology (BIL 150/151) 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 strongly 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 General Biology with lab BIL 150/151 or take 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 Biology Lecture with Lab: BIL 150/151. 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 Systems (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 Systems (GSC 110) or Earth System History (GSC 111).
Consider taking an elective towards a 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.
General Biology I Lecture and Lab: BIL 150 and 151. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121 and 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 strongly 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, or a 5 on Calculus AB, or an IB/HL score of a 5 or 6) take University Physics I (PHY221) 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 a cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.
Introduction to Marine Science and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
An introductory science course with a lab: either General Biology (BIL 150 and 151) or Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121 and 113). Students who are placed into MTH 099 or MTH101 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 MTH101 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 Systems (GSC110), Earth System History (GSC111), Principles of Chemistry and lab (CHM 121/CHM113), or a course towards your second major.
Consider taking an elective towards a cognate if you place out of WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106/107. See cognates.
Atmospheric Science: ATM 103 (Survey of Modern Meteorology).
Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
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 strongly 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, (MTH162 or MTH172). 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.
Introductory Biology Lecture and Lab: BIL 150 and BIL 151. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121 and 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 strongly 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 (MSC204) or Statistics (MTH224).
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, CHM 121/113 can be taken as a replacement. See cognates.
