Natural Hazards And Catastrophes Degree Track

Natural Hazard And Catastrophes Natural Hazard And Catastrophes
Master of Professional Science

Society is experiencing higher frequencies of natural catastrophes, including those due to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, storm surge, volcanic eruptions, landslides, hail, wildfires and earthquakes. As many of these disasters are sensitive to a rapidly changing climate, their impacts are outpacing society’s ability to achieve resilience within the engineering, architecture, public health, business and governance sectors. The World Bank estimates the costs of these catastrophes at $184 billion per year, with the 2011 Fukushima tsunami and nuclear disaster alone costing $200 billon.

The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science conducts world-class research on the earth systems responsible for these disasters, including the atmosphere, the ocean and solid earth. To meet society’s need for a skilled workforce, this program offers an educational opportunity for students seeking to fill positions offered by the private and civil sectors to assess risks and exposures associated with natural hazards. The goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand earth system natural hazards (atmospheric, oceanic, geological and hydrological) and the data analytics tools required to assess the associated risks (e.g. statistics, data management, programming, GIS, and remote sensing). The strategic selection of electives exposes students to legal and regulatory knowledge, communication and media training, and the development of project management skills, all designed to prepare them to address these challenges as future global leaders. This degree will prepare its graduates for employment in several sectors, including insurance and re-insurance industry, architecture, emergency management, engineering, public health and science.

Natural Hazards and Catastrophes (NHC)

The University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science conducts world-class research on the earth systems responsible for these disasters, including the atmosphere, the ocean and solid earth. To meet society’s need for a skilled workforce, the Natural Hazards and Catastrophes program offers an educational opportunity for students seeking to fill positions offered by the private and civil sectors to assess risks and exposures associated with natural hazards. The goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand earth system natural hazards (atmospheric, oceanic, geological and hydrological) and the data analytics tools required to assess the associated risks (e.g. statistics, data management, programming, GIS, and remote sensing).

Program Requirements


Dr. Tamay Ozgokmen

Natural Hazards and Catastrophes Track

tozgokmen@miami.edu

(305) 421-4053
Tamay Ozgokmen is a Professor in the Department of Ocean Sciences at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. He is interested in oceanographic studies that combine social impact with a grand scientific challenge. In particular, he strives to better understanding oil spills and turbulence.

Plan Of Study Grid

Fall Course Title Credit Hours
RSM 612
or EVR 624
Statistics for Marine Scientists
or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy
3
EVR 620 Environmental Law and Policy * 3
MGS 635 Geological Hazards 3
EVR 633 Decision Analysis: Natural Hazards and Catastrophes 3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
Credit Hours 12
Spring Course Title Credit Hours
OCE 637 Natural Hazards: Atmosphere and Ocean 3
MGS 634 Hydrological Hazards 3
EVR 660
& EVR 661
Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory 1 
3
RSM 613 Statistical Modeling of Extreme and Rare Events * 3
Credit Hours 12
Summer Course Title Credit Hours
OCE 805 MPS Internship 2 2-6
Credit Hours 6
Total Credit Hours 30

*  or other approved Elective

1  Can be taken in Fall or Spring

2  Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 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. The course offerings may vary from semester to semester. For more details, visit the UM Academic Bulletin.