Geological Sciences
This program prepares students for the study of the origin of the Earth and its oceans, and the ongoing processes of geophysical and geochemical change. Research at UM focuses on carbonate sedimentology of the Florida reef tract, stable isotope geochemistry and micropaleontology of deep ocean cores to reconstruct paleoclimate, tectonic processes (volcanoes and earthquakes), and the impact of rising sea level on coastal systems. Geoscientists are caretakers of the Earth's resources and environment. They work to understand natural processes on Earth and other planets. By applying knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological forces that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and anticipate the future. Career opportunities in the geosciences are excellent, including the petroleum and mineral exploration industries, the environmental industry, and research and education in the academia.
Students can choose a B.S. degree, specifically designed for students preparing for graduate study and professional careers, or a B.A. degree, designed for careers in education, business, law, or science journalism.
Application procedure
1. Complete the Common Application
Complete and submit the Common Application. Upon submitting, you will be asked to pay a $70 nonrefundable application fee. Be sure you use the same email address for every part of the application process, including registering for standardized tests.
In the Common Application, you will be asked to respond to one of seven prompts, using 650 words or less. This essay portion of the application gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to develop your thoughts, to communicate them clearly, and to write them concisely conveying your unique voice. We also ask that you list your involvement in extracurricular activities outside of school involvements and/or commitments; these will be evaluated as another factor in the admission process.
2. Send Official High School Transcripts
Review the options below and follow the instructions for the option that describes your educational background.
3. Submitting Test Scores
Review the options below and follow the instructions for the option that describes your educational background.
4. Complete the School Report
The School Report should be completed by your high school guidance counselor and can be found on the Common Application. It is often submitted along with your high school transcript and information about your high school.
5. Submit Letters of Recommendation
We require you to submit two letters of recommendation: one from a high school guidance counselor and one from a teacher. These can be submitted electronically through the Common Application or Naviance, by email to mydocuments@miami.edu, or by mail to one of the following addresses:
6. Submit Educational Activities
If you have a time gap of three months or more during your educational career or from the time you graduated high school to the date of your intended University of Miami enrollment, you must submit an Educational Activities statement explaining the reason for the gap(s) and include the dates. You may provide this explanation within your Common Application or by emailing it to mydocuments@miami.edu. Be sure to include the subject line “Educational Activities” and your full name and date of birth on all correspondence. This information is required to complete your application file.
7. Complete the International Financial Certification Form (International applicants only)
The University of Miami is need-aware for first-year international undergraduate applicants. This means that, for a portion of international applicants, the Admission Committee will consider that student’s ability to pay tuition without the need for financial aid. UM is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of all admitted international students.
All prospective first-year international students who apply for admission to UM must submit an International Financial Certification Form, which can be accessed via CaneLink Full Site after you have submitted your application.
8. Submit Financial Aid Documents
Review the options below and follow the instructions for the option that best applies to you.
9. Send Conduct Updates
If there is an update to your conduct (academic or behavioral) or your standing as a student in your high school (suspension, expulsion, withdrawal, etc.) you must alert the Office of Undergraduate Admission immediately at conductupdate@miami.edu. All other non-conduct updates can be sent to mydocuments@miami.edu. Be sure to include your name and date of birth on all documents.
10. Check Your Application Status
Visit our Check Your Application Status page to learn how to navigate your CaneLink account—your online student portal—to track your application materials and view your admission decision.
Grant opportunities
Incoming Students
UM awards merit-based scholarships to incoming undergraduate students based on their academic achievements. Students are automatically considered for an academic scholarship when they apply for admission to UM.
Learning outcomes
Goals
In a time of increasing stress on Earth’s resources, land, oceans and environment, we strive to train our students in both the fundamentals of the Geological Sciences and natural systems and also the global environmental stresses facing Earth and society. In addition to the basic classroom and hands-on education in the various aspects of the Geological Sciences, we focus on preparing our undergraduate students in three critical areas: extensive field training and research to give students competence in dealing with the complexities of the real world; training in written and oral communication to give them competence in sharing their accumulating knowledge with their peers and also with the public; and an understanding of how increased human population and resource use is affecting Earth’s climate, environment and future character.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate a strong knowledge base in the basics of geological sciences materials, history and processes (as provided in our GSC 110, 111, and 260 courses).
- Students will demonstrate a competent knowledge base in the following advanced sub-disciplines of geological sciences: sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, paleontology/paleoecology, geochemistry, geophysics, and petrology.
- Students will demonstrate research competence in supervised research projects through course, employment, and/or a Senior Thesis.
- Students will demonstrate a competence in application of their geological sciences knowledge to field research applications, including mapping, sequence analysis, paleo-environmental reconstruction, structural/tectonic history, and process reconstruction.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate their scientific knowledge and findings orally and in writing both at the professional scientific level and in lay terms.
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