Transfer Students

Welcome to the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science! We are pleased that you have chosen to join our program and look forward to your arrival on campus. Please use this page as a guide to assist you as you select and register for your first semester courses.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANNING YOUR COURSE SELECTIONS

Selecting your courses for your first semester at UM will be the first step you take in transitioning to the U. You may use the following information, as well as the UM Bulletin for your selected major in regards to our degree requirements. Check out the Curriculum Requirements to see which courses should be taken within your first semester. Your transitional advisor will assist you with pre-registration steps that will prepare you to register. During New and Transfer Student Orientation Advising you will meet with your primary academic advisor to discuss how this first semester fits into your overall curriculum requirements. A typical full-time academic schedule for a new Rosenstiel student will include 4-5 courses with 1 to 2 labs (15-17 credits). Please, read this page in its entirety to ensure proper enrollment.

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 in this process will be to send official transcripts along with AP/IB/CLEP exam results to:

Please ensure you complete any pre-registration steps required by your transitional advisor. You will need to complete and submit a pre-registration form to schedule an advising meeting. It is important that you have any documents pertaining to incoming credits ready to discuss and provide for further review.

Transfer Credits

Generally, 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 as well as 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 Transfer Course Equivalency Evaluation form along with the detailed course syllabi for each course. These detailed syllabi can be obtained from the previous instructor or department.

Most importantly, equivalency evaluation forms for courses to be used as prerequisites for courses at UM need to be completed prior to your registration. Typically, this includes coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics, and Physics.

AP/IB/CLEP Credits

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.  AP, IB, and GCE scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admission by the end of your first semester. Exam scores submitted 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/university should be sent to the Office of Admission (see address above).

   *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.*

Cognates

The University General Education requirements will be completed using cognates. A cognate is a group of at least three courses for at least nine credits, related in a topical, thematic, interdisciplinary, sequential, or other fashion so that completion of a cognate provides a coherent depth of knowledge.

You will need to complete one cognate in each of the three Areas of Knowledge: Arts and Humanities, People and Society (Social Sciences), and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). All undergraduate students in the Rosenstiel School will be required to complete the Arts and Humanities and People and Society cognate but will fulfill their STEM cognate requirement through their major requirements. Students in Marine Affairs will fulfill their People and Society cognate requirement through their minor.

Individualized Cognates – UM students can fulfill the Areas of Knowledge general education requirement by creating an individualized cognate. 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 and current approved courses, click here.

Students transferring 30 or more credits have the option of completing a transfer individualized cognate in People & Society or Arts & Humanities depending on the courses transferred. These courses do not have to be within the approved course list but should fall within the Areas of Knowledge. Please click here to learn more about cognates.

Written Communication Skills  

Students at UM must take two Written Communication Skills courses. Students fulfill this requirement by satisfactorily completing WRS 105 together with ENG 106, WRS 106, WRS 107, or the equivalent. If you are not transferring in with any English Composition courses from your previous institution, you will have to complete the Written Communication Skills requirements at UM. Similarly, if you are transferring in with only one English Composition course, you will have to fulfill the other WRS requirement once you transfer.

Mathematics 

Transfer students who have not earned college credit in a mathematics course, MUST take ALEKS to determine their math placement.

Students who have completed a math course for college credit must submit the course for evaluation. Please visit this page for more information.

Links to Helpful Canelink Video Tutorials

• How to set up a swap in Canelink
• Cognates Explained

Course descriptions can be found through Canelink. CaneLink is the University of Miami's online portal for students and faculty. You will use your existing CaneID and password to log on. Please use the guide provided on the New Student Registration website to search for courses.

Course Registration

Please click here for step-by-step tip sheets and tutorials on how to register for classes. Below are the typical first semester courses taken for each major. These may differ based on the credits you transfer in with. As you are working on your selections, should questions arise, please email the Rosenstiel Undergraduate Office at marsci@miami.edu.

• Geological Sciences (B.A./B.S.)

  • Introductory Geology: GSC 110 or GSC 111.
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below).
  • 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Affairs

  • 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 (See Below).
  • An introductory science course, either General Biology (BIL 150) , Evolution and Biodiversity ( BIL 160), or Chemical Problem Solving (CHM 110) .
  • 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 (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 (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 or Communication, please refer to the bulletin.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

   

• Marine Biology & Ecology

  • 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 CHM 121* and 113 or BIL 255.
  • Enroll in English and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below).

  *NOTE on Math requirements: You must have placed into MTH 107 or higher to enroll in CHM 121. If you place into MTH O99 or MTH 101, we do not recommend that you enroll in CHM 121 in your first semester. You are advised to enroll in CHM 110 Introduction to Chemistry in replacement of BIL 150/151 if you have AP or IB credit for BIL 150/151. Students who begin their math sequence at MTH O99 or MTH 101 may need to plan to do additional coursework in the summer to advance in their math requirements and should plan accordingly.

  • 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 a more advanced math course (such as MSC 204 Environmental Statistics or a Computer Science course such as CSC 120 or MSC 203); you may also take either GSC 111 Earth Systems, or a class toward a cognate.
  • If you received credit for WRS 105 and WRS 106 or 107. Consider taking an elective towards either a People and Society or an Arts and Humanities cognate See cognates.

  
  

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/Biology

  • Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
  • Evolution and Biodiversity Lecture and Lab: Evolution and Biodiversity (BIL160) and Evolution and Biodiversity Laboratory (BIL161). Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121) and Chemistry Laboratory I (CHM 113), Genetics (BIL250) or Cellular and Molecular Biology (BIL 255). See under Marine Science/ Chemistry for Chemistry AP/IB score information.
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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 the Earth System (GSC 110) or Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121), and Chemistry Laboratory I (CHM 113).
  • 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/Chemistry

  • 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 (CHM 221) and Chemical Dynamics Laboratory (CHM 205).
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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), Computer Programming I (CSC120), The Earth System (GSC 110) or Earth System History (GSC 111).
  • Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHM 121/113) and Evolution and Biodiversity lecture and laboratory (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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/Computer Science

  • 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 (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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.
  • An introductory science course with a lab: either BIL 150 and 151 or CHM 121 and 113.
  • Consider taking both Principles of Chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHM 121/113) and Evolution and Biodiversity lecture and laboratory (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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/Geological Sciences

  • 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 (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (MTH 101) are advised to consider additional coursework in the summer and/or fall to advance in their math sequence.
  • Consider taking Principles of Chemistry with lab CHM121/113 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/Microbiology and Immunology

  • Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
  • Evolutionary Biology Lecture with Lab: BIL 160 and BIL 16 Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121) and Chemistry Laboratory I (CHM 113). Students also with Chemistry AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 5), should take The Earth System (GSC 110) or Earth System History (GSC 111) or Introduction to Structure and Dynamics (CHM 221) and Chemical Dynamics Laboratory (CHM 205).
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/With a Second Science Major

  • Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
  • An introductory science course with a lab: either BIL 160 and 161 or CHM 121 and 113. Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH 099) or Algebra for College Students (MTH101) are not recommended to enroll in Principles of Chemistry (CHM 121) and should consider taking Chemical Problem Solving (CHM 110).
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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 (GSC110), Earth System History (GSC111), Principals of Chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHM 121/CHM113), or a course towards your second major.
  • An introductory science course with a lab: either BIL 160 and 161 or CHM 121 and 113.
  • Consider taking an elective towards a cognate if you place out of WRS 105 and EGN/WRS 106/107. See cognates.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Marine Science/Physics

  • Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
  • An introductory science course with a lab: either BIL 160 and 161 or CHM 121 and 113.
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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, 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 an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Meteorology

  • Introduction to Weather and Climate: ATM 102
  • Weather Forecasting: ATM 243.
  • Atmospheric Chemistry: ATM 265.
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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, (MTH162 or MTH172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra, MTH 210. If you have this option please email the Meteorology advisers, Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and they 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Meteorology/Broadcast Journalism

  • Introduction to Weather and Climate: ATM 102
  • Weather Forecasting: ATM 243.
  • Atmospheric Chemistry: ATM 265.
  • 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 (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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, (MTH162 or MTH172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra (MTH 210). If you have this option please email the Meteorology advisers, Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and they 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Meteorology/Marine Science

  • Introduction to Weather and Climate: ATM 102.
  • Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC112.
  • Weather Forecasting: ATM 243.
  • 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 (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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, (MTH162 or MTH172). You can also consider taking Linear Algebra, MTH 210. If you have this option please email the Meteorology advisers, Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and they will contact you to discuss.
  • Consider taking take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate if you received credit for WRS 105 and ENG/WRS 106 or 107. See cognates.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Meteorology/Mathematics

  • Introduction to Weather and Climate: ATM 102.
  • Weather Forecasting: ATM 243.
  • Atmospheric Chemistry: ATM 265.
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below).
  • 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 advisers, Dr. Lisa Murphy-Goes and they will contact you to discuss.
  • Take an elective towards an Arts and Humanities cognate. See cognates.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

• Oceanography

  • Introduction to Marine Science Lecture and Lab: MSC 111 and MSC 112.
  • An introductory science course with lab either: BIL 160 and 161 or CHM 121 and 113. Students with Biology AP scores of 5 (IB HL score of 7), should take Principles of Chemistry lecture and Laboratory (CHM 121 and 113).
  • Enroll in Written Communication Skills and Mathematics courses as described in their respective sections (See Below). Students who are placed into Intermediate Algebra (MTH O99) or Algebra for College Students (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 Introduction to Linear Algebra (MTH 210), Calculus III (MTH 211) or Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations (MTH 311).
  • 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.

  See Bulletin for
  » course description

Approved Statistics and Computer Science Courses for All Tracks

Approved Math Courses for Bachelor of Arts:

Approved Math Courses for Bachelor of Science:

CONGRATULATIONS!  Please contact us by email marsci@miami.edu or phone (305)284-2180 should you need assistance. Before Orientation in August, you will be assigned a faculty advisor and assigned an appointment.