Environmental Geology Degree Track

rosenstiel school
Master of Professional Science

Environmental geoscientists collect and analyze air, water and soil samples to prevent, control, or fix environmental problems. Ever increasing urban development and industrial expansion cause stress and potential hazards for the environment and human health. In addition, global climate change, in particular sea level rise, is affecting millions of people in the United States and around the world. Well trained professionals are needed who can identify, control, or eliminate sources of pollutants or hazards affecting the environment or public health.

The Environmental Geology MPS track offers students a specialized degree that combines knowledge in theoretical areas of geology with technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, and hydrogeology to address geologic hazards. Students in this degree program address, study, and mitigate naturally and anthropogenically derived geologic hazards and topical issues of concern to society, such as climate change and sea level rise.

Prerequisites

Bachelor's degree, preferably in geology, geochemistry, or geography

Course Topics:

Earth surface processes, environmental site assessment, Geographic Information System (GIS), geophysics, geological and hydrological hazards, seismic interpretations

Example Job Titles:

  • Environmental Geologist/Scientist
  • Environmental Project Manager
  • Natural Resource Specialist
  • Project Engineer Geologist
  • Hydrogeologist

FAQ's

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  • Why this track is important?

    Urban and industrial development in conjunction with sea level rise cause increasing stress on human health and potential environmental hazards. This track will produce well-trained geoscientists who can identify and mitigate naturally and anthropogenically-derived geologic hazards at the local and national levels.

  • Why Miami?

    The Rosenstiel School has a diverse group of experts in geochemistry, geophysics, and hydrogeology to address the impacts and mitigation of chemical pollution, salt water incursions and retreat of the coastal zone due to sea level rise. They will provide the students with the academic grounding and rigorous training in field and laboratory techniques for addressing and solving tasks in their career in environmental geology.

  • What can students do with this degree?

    The students completing the Master of Professional Science degree in Environmental Geology will be equipped with the tools to provide sound advice for 1) responsible development of coastal and urban areas, and 2) mitigating naturally and anthropogenically-derived geologic hazards at the local and national levels. They will be well-positioned to feed the increasing demand for environmental geologists from local businesses and engineering companies, environmentally-oriented non-profit organizations, as well as federal, state, or local governments.

  • What makes this track unique?

    The track offers students comprehensive knowledge in geology with technical expertise in geochemistry, geophysics, and hydrogeology. To prepare students for their subsequent career, courses combine theoretical and hands-on practical training. This expertise will be the foundation to tackle a variety of environmental challenges and careers.

Track Leader

Gregor Paul Eberli

Environmental Geology Track

geberli@miami.edu

(305) 421-4678
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Gregor Eberli is the Director of the CSL-Center for Carbonate Research, and in 2020, he was named the Robert N. Ginsburg Endowed Chair in Marine Geosciences. His research interests and specialties include carbonate sedimentology, seismic stratigraphy, and petrophysics of carbonates. His research has played a key role in assessing the effects of sea level fluctuations and ocean currents on carbonate systems...
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Curriculum Requirements

Core Courses 18
MGS 611 Earth Surface Processes 3
MGS 624 Seismic Interpretations of Carbonate Systems 3
MGS 628 Analyze and Visualize Geoscience Data  3
MGS 634 Hydrological Hazards 3
MGS 637 Environmental Site Assessment 3
MGS 638 Saltwater Intrusion in South Florida 3
Electives* 6
EVR 660 & EVR 661 Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems &

Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Lab

 3
MGS 613 Introductory Geochemistry 3
MGS 614 Geophysics 3
MGS 627 Analysis of Carbonate Cores and Logs 3
MGS 635 Geological Hazards 3
MGS 636 Using Drones in Geoscience 3
MGS 639 Preparation for Professional Geologist Licensure 3
MGS 750 Stable Isotopes in Biogeochemical Processes 3
MGS 768 Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry 3
Internship1 2-6
EVR 805 MPS Internship 2-6
Additional Requirements
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
Credit Hours 12
Total Credit Hours 30

*  Refer to the list of additional elective options in the UM Academic Bulletin

1  Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits is required during a student's time in the MPS degree program. Completion of fewer than 2 internship credits must be approved by the MPS Program Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the MPS Program Director. Typically, two semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.

Elective Options

Students may request elective courses with the consent of their Academic Advisor. Refer to the course schedules for a list of classes available on the Rosenstiel School campus each semester.

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