Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Degree Track

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Master of Professional Science

The Master of Professional Science Degree in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management provides students with advanced training in the theoretical aspects of tropical marine ecology, as well as the practical aspects needed to begin a career in this field. Theory focuses on nearshore, benthic ecosystems common to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide (coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves) and emphasizes threats facing these ecosystems. Practical aspects of the course include field methods and techniques, taxonomy and identification of common vertebrates, invertebrates, algae and marine plants, GIS and remote sensing of shallow water marine environments, scientific diving (through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences), and small boat handling (through the Department of the Interior’s Motorboat Operator Certification Course). This degree is excellent preparation for technical positions in marine conservation and management and marine ecosystem science at one of a number of state and federal agencies, institutions, and NGOs.

Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management (TME)

The MPS in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management provides students with advanced training in the theoretical aspects of tropical marine ecology, as well as the practical aspects needed to begin a career in this field. Please see our departmental website for more information about this program.

Program Requirements

Dr. Lydia Baker

Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Track

ljb178@miami.edu

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Lydia Jeanne Baker is a Lecturer of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. She serves as the track coordinator for students in the Masters of Professional Science (MPS) Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management (TME) program. Her research uses a combination of molecular and bioinformatic methods to explore the interaction between bacterial symbionts and their hosts as they relate to microbial ecology, symbiont evolution, and the impact they have on host and ecosystem health. Along with studying how bacteria interact with coral, anglerfish, and phytoplankton,....
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Plan Of Study Grid

Fall Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 615 Tropical Marine Ecology 3
RSM 600 Introduction to Research Diving Techniques * 1 3
RSM 664 or 667

Scientific Small Boating * 1

or Motorboat Operator Certificate Course

 2
RSM 612 or EVR 624 Statistics for Marine Scientists
or Statistics and Data Analysis for Environmental Science and Policy		 3
EVR 620, 720,
or 616		 Environmental Law and Policy 2 
or Coastal Law and Policy
or Ocean Policy 		 3
RSM 700 Research Ethics 0
Credit Hours 14
Spring Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 621 Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology 3 3
EVR 660
& EVR 661 or 610		 Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems 1,
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory or Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement		 3
EVR 610 Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement 4 3
MBE 746 Marine Population Biology: Processes And Modeling 4 3
Credit Hours 12
Summer Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 805 MPS Internship 5 2-6
Credit Hours 4
Total Credit Hours 30

*  Enrollment is strongly encouraged. May be substituted for another elective with the approval of their academic advisor. 

1  Can be taken in Fall or Spring

2  ​​​Additional Policy Options:  EVR 631 EVR 710

3  Additional Field Options: MBE 614, MBE 637, MBE 644, MBE 641. Students may choose another field course in MBE or EVR with the approval of their academic advisor.

4  Suggested Options: MBE 638, MBE 623, MBE 618, EVR 634, EVR 629, RSM 601. Students may choose other electives with the approval of their academic advisor and/or course instructor if special permission is required.

5  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.