Overview: Underwater Archaeology (UA)
The MPS Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) is a two-year program that focuses on the theory, field techniques, and management practices necessary to work within the field of archaeology and the broader general field of marine sciences. Coursework integrates topics such as site mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology. UARCH students receive training as AAUS Science Divers during their first semester. Students will have opportunities to work side-by-side with professional archaeologists through internships and field projects with private, public, or non-governmental agencies, both nationally and internationally, and conduct relevant fieldwork.
Admission Requirements
- BA/BS in Anthropology, History, or related field
- Meet minimum RSMAS diving standards as outlined by the RSMAS Dive Office.
- Minimum open water scuba certification with a minimum of 10 logged dives
- Ability to complete the required swimming test:
- 400 yard swim in 12 minutes
- 25 yard underwater swim on 1 breath (no push off)
- 15 minute float and/or tread
- 400 yard swim with mask/snorkel/fins in 8 minutes (no arms/hands)
- Free dive to 15 feet to retrieve 5 pound weight
- Certified divers with more than 50 logged dives, especially those with prior scientific diving training, may qualify for the Experienced Diver Checkout and not be required to take RSM 600
Recommended:
- Participation in an archaeological field school prior to commencing the UARCH program
- Volunteer for terrestrial archaeological projects
Note to students: Deficiencies in required coursework may be considered on a case by case basis for otherwise highly qualified students or those demonstrating experience with these skills.
Accepting applications for Fall 2021 admissions:
· July 25th, 2020 - July 5th, 2021 (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents)
· July 25th, 2020 - June 1st, 2021 (International Applicants)
An application to the MPS program consists of the following (fall & spring admissions only):
· Online CollegeNet application
· Transcripts from all past/present academic institutions (colleges and universities), including all study abroad and community colleges and, if applicable, a transcript evaluation report from an approved international credentialing agency (for non-U.S. academic institutions).
· NOTE: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission; however, an applicant may submit a valid score report for MPS merit-based partial tuition waiver consideration. Three (3) or six (6) credits may be waived if eligible. GRE score reports are valid for 5 years from test date.
· Three (3) letters of recommendation
· Valid Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS scores) for international applicants.
· Personal statement (also known as a statement of purpose)
If admission to the MPS program is granted, it will be contingent upon receipt of all items listed above (including official transcripts and test scores) and the following for international applicants:
· Statement of Financial Responsibility Form (SFR) and corresponding bank letter
· Color copy of current visa (if available).
· Color copy of valid passport (must include picture page and barcode page)
· If applicable: most recent I-94 travel record
Permanent Residents must provide a color copy of Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
Previous graduate and undergraduate scholastic performance, work and volunteer experience, valid test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS) if applicable, and the letters of recommendation are all considered in evaluating an applicant.
Transcript from U.S. Academic Institutions:
Please make sure you possess the required undergraduate coursework and/or degree before applying. Official transcripts must be mailed or e-mailed directly from the relevant academic institution (Office of the Registrar) to the MPS office. Our email is mps@rsmas.miami.edu; mailing address is available on the MPS website’s Contact Us page. If an applicant is not able to submit an unofficial transcript with his/her application, the applicant may submit unofficial transcripts via email to mps@rsmas.miami.edu. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for review purposes only, not for admission. If admission to the MPS program is granted, it will be contingent upon receipt of all official records. Please be advised, official transcripts will only be accepted if they are sent to us directly from the academic institution. Transcripts sent by you or issued to you (even if they are in a sealed envelope) are not considered official.
Transcripts from Non-U.S. Academic Institutions:
Domestic or international applicants that have academic credits from or attended an international institution must have their educational credentials earned outside the United States verified by an approved international credentialing evaluation service. Each of the university's 11 schools and colleges has specific procedures that must be followed by international applicants. Visit our International Applications page for more information.
Documents Required
Submit the following educational documents to an approved international credentialing evaluation service for evaluation:
a) Official original diplomas and certificates in the original language, and
b) Official original transcripts in the original language (names of courses, grades, and hours of instruction) for every year of study.
Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by professional, certified English translations. Translations supplement but do not replace the official documents.
Type of Evaluation Required
The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science is requiring international applicants to their programs to complete a course-by-course evaluation with GPA.
Where to Submit Documents for Evaluation
Josef Silny & Associates (JS&A), Inc. International Education Consultants, is the preferred evaluation vendor for international applicants to the University of Miami due to their competitive prices and high-quality service. Click here for more information, including the Application for Evaluation of Foreign Educational Credentials.
Please note that international applicants are not required to use the services of JS&A. The international credential evaluation services of any approved vendor may be used. Click here to view a list of approved vendors.
Please ensure the vendor sends your evaluation directly to mps@rsmas.miami.edu for MPS applications
Evaluation Fee
Applicants are responsible for the evaluation fee.
Letters of Recommendation:
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required for admissions consideration. Each applicant must request letters of recommendation from three (3) different references using the guidelines provided in the online application. Applications from CollegeNet may be submitted without letters of recommendation. However, an applicant’s file will not be reviewed by Track Leaders until all required admissions materials (including letters of recommendation) are received by the MPS office. Upon completion of the application, your references will receive an e-mail from CollegeNet, requesting the online submission of the required documentation (questionnaire + letter of recommendation). If your references have trouble using the online submission portal, they may e-mail their letters (signed and on letterhead) to the MPS office at mps@rsmas.miami.edu. We cannot accept letters that are not signed. Letters sent by the applicant or forwarded to the MPS office by the applicant will not be accepted.
Academic references are ideal and highly preferred, but we will accept letters from employers and/or supervisors. Please do not request letters from friends, family, ministers, or coaches.
Students enrolled in our dual-degree program with the School of Law may use their letters of recommendation from the law school for use in his/her graduate application. Please be advised, RSMAS track leaders may request additional letters of recommendation for admissions consideration into the MPS program.
GRE:
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission; however, an applicant may submit a score report for MPS merit-based partial tuition waiver consideration. Three (3) or six (6) credits may be waived if eligible.
If requesting delivery of your official GRE score report, please use institution code 7690 (department code). This code indicates delivery of test scores to the RSMAS campus, home of the MPS office.
We currently offer a 3-credit or 6-credit merit-based tuition waiver through two different types of criteria:
OPTION 1: COMBINED GPA/GRE CRITERIA
· The minimum eligibility requirements for a 3-credit waiver is 297 on the GRE (a combined total score on the verbal and quantitative sections only), and a cumulative U.S. Grade Point Average (G.P.A .) of 3.0. The minimum eligibility requirements for a 6-credit waiver is 308 on the GRE (a combined total score on the verbal and quantitative sections only) and a cumulative U.S. Grade Point Average (G.P.A .) of 3.3.
· Applicants are still required to complete the analytical writing section of the GRE, however only the verbal and quantitative scores will be considered for tuition waiver purposes.
· The first reported GRE scores received by the MPS Office will be considered for waiver eligibility. However, applicants and newly-accepted students (not current students) may retake the GRE and submit an updated/higher score by July 23rd for U.S. citizens/permanent residents, and June 1st for international applicants.
· We recommend submitting updated scores after you've achieved your personal best. The MPS Office will consider the highest score listed on the GRE test report. GRE scores are valid up to 5 years from test date. Prospective applicants who submit an application before completion of the GRE are still eligible for waiver consideration, upon receipt of GRE scores by the MPS Office. Applicants and newly-accepted students (not current students) may submit "unofficial" GRE scores by downloading test scores from the ETS website while "official" records arrive in the mail. Send unofficial scores to mps@rsmas.miami.edu if you are unable to submit scores with your application. GRE scores are considered "official" if they are mailed directly to MPS from ETS.
OPTION 2: GPA-ONLY CRITERIA
· The minimum eligibility requirements for a 3-credit tuition waiver based on GPA alone is a GPA of 3.3. The minimum eligibility requirements for a 6-credit waiver based on GPA alone is a GPA of 3.6.
Please note that a portion of these waivers are sponsored through philanthropic missions and students may be matched with the best suited award. If a merit-based tuition waiver is awarded, an applicant will be notified upon acceptance and, depending of the source of the award, there may be certain requirements for acceptance. Those eligible to receive merit-based tuition waivers are not required to not apply, accept or reject the waiver; waivers are applied upon course registration. 3-credit waivers are applied to a student's first year at RSMAS. 6-credit waivers are distributed equally across your first two semesters at RSMAS (Fall & Spring semesters). Students who submit GRE scores will be awarded the higher of the two options. Students who do not submit GRE scores are only eligible for option 2.
English Proficiency Requirement
Academic success at the University of Miami depends on one’s ability to communicate effectively in English. To prove language proficiency, students must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
· Paper Based TOEFL (PBT) - minimum score is 550
· Internet Based TOEFL (IBT) - minimum score is 80
· IELTS (Academic) - minimum score is 6.5
Please use institution code 2919 (no department code). This institution code is for the TOEFL only; please note that the GRE institution code is different (see above).
If English is not your native language, the TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo requirement may be waived if you hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an academic institution within the United States or from one of the following English-speaking countries:
· Antigua and Barbuda
· Australia
· Bahamas
· Barbados
· Belize
· Canada (except Quebec)
· Dominica
· Grenada
· Guyana
· Ireland
· Jamaica
· New Zealand
· Kitts and Nevis
· Lucia
· Vincent and the Grenadines
· Trinidad and Tobago
· United Kingdom
Intensive English Program (IEP)
The University of Miami’s Division of Continuing and International Education offers a fully-accredited Intensive English Program (IEP) to prepare individuals to understand and use English in a variety of academic, professional, and personal situations. Some of the services that the IEP offers graduate students include an international teaching assistant training course, customized classes, LL.M. Intensive English, and volunteer opportunities.
Personal Statement (statement of purpose):
Please indicate your track of choice, and all relevant field, lab, and work experience (past and present) in your personal statement. Include your academic and professional goals, and how you envision the MPS program contributing to those goals. We strongly encourage you to include information and/or links to relevant publications, organizations, research projects, supervisors, collaborators, project results, and your role in relation to this.
MPS Mailing Address:
University of Miami
Rosenstiel School Campus, MPS Office, Room S/A 132
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
Email: mps@rsmas.miami.edu
Website: https://mps.rsmas.miami.edu/index.html
Phone: (305) 421-4340
Fax: (305) 421-4246
Curriculum Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MES 632 | Theory and Method in Underwater and Maritime Archaeology | 3 |
| MES 626 | Submerged Cultural Resource Management | 3 |
| RSM 600 | Research Diving Techniques | 3 |
| RSM 667 | Motorboat Operator Certification Course | 1-2 |
| MES 614 | Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques | 3 |
| MES 615 | Marine Geophysical Survey and Technology | 3 |
| MES 672 | The Archaeology of Seafaring | 3 |
| MES 805 | MPS Internship 1 | 2-6 |
| MES 691 | Maritime Archaeology Field Study | 3 |
| Maritime Archaeology and the Conquest of Mexico 3 credits. Course upon availability | ||
| MES 692 | Archaeological Study of Submerged Pre-Contact Sites 3 credits | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 31-32 | |
| 1 | Completion of 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. Typically, 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS |
Elective Options
Students may take any elective on the RSMAS campus with the consent of their faculty advisor. Below are a few examples of courses past students in this program used as electives.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MES 606 | Advanced Fieldwork in Coastal Cultures | 3 |
| MBE 716 | Bayesian Statistics for Marine Scientists | 3 |
| MES 720 | Coastal Law and Policy | 3 |
| MES 610 | Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement | 3 |
| MES 710 | International Ocean Law and Governance | 3 |
| MES 665 | Science and Natural History Media Production | 3 |
| MES 618 | Coastal Zone Management | 3 |
| MES 616 | Ocean Policy and Development and Analysis | 3 |
| MES 674 | Theoretical Practical Issues in Exploration Science | 3 |
| MES 664 | Citizen and Participatory Science | 3 |
| OCE 643 | Physics of Remote Sensing II - Active Systems | 3 |
| OCE 606 | Introduction to Ocean Remote Sensing | 3 |
| OCE 707 | Advanced Ocean Remote Sensing | 3 |
| RSM 646 | Presentation Boot Camp | 1 |
| MES 660 & MES 661 | Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory | 3 |
| MES 635 | Oceans of Thought: Exploring Marine and Environmental Literature | 3 |
Suggested Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| MES 632 | Theory and Method in Underwater and Maritime Archaeology | 3 |
| MES 626 | Submerged Cultural Resource Management | 3 |
| RSM 600 | Research Diving Techniques | 3 |
| MES 660 | Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| MES 661 | Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| MES 614 | Underwater Site Mapping and Visualization Techniques | 3 |
| MES 615 | Marine Geophysical Survey and Technology | 3 |
| MES 672 | The Archaeology of Seafaring | 3 |
| RSM 667 | Motorboat Operator Certification Course | 1-2 |
| Elective (Optional) | ||
| Credit Hours | 11 | |
| Summer | ||
| MES 805 | MPS Internship Completion of 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. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS. | 1-6 |
| MES 691 | Maritime Archaeology Field Study ((Summer Year 1)) | 3 |
| MES 693 | Maritime Archaeology and the Conquest of Mexico ((Summer Year 1, based upon availability)) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| MES 692 | Archaeological Study of Submerged Pre-Contact Sites | 3 |
| MES 805 | MPS Internship (Completion of 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. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS. ) | 1-6 |
| Elective (Optional) | ||
| Credit Hours | 4-9 | |
| Spring | ||
| MES 805 | MPS Internship (Completion of 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. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS. ) | 1-6 |
| Elective (Optional) | ||
| Credit Hours | 1-6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 40-50 | |
Mission
Underwater archaeology is the study of the remains of past human activity through the exploration, documentation, and study of a variety of submerged sites, from shipwrecks to caves and springs to lakes and rivers. The Underwater Archaeology track helps students understand the how archaeological sites and artifacts can play a large role in education, community cohesion, national identity, economic development, sustainable tourism, conservation, and, of course, entertainment among others. This program focuses on the theory, field techniques, and management practices necessary to work within the field of archaeology and the broader general field of marine sciences. This program provides training in the areas of mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology.
Goals
Students in the MPS Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) will learn the theories, field techniques, and management strategies necessary to work on a variety of submerged fresh and saltwater sites.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students in the MPS Underwater Archaeology track (UARCH) will learn site mapping and documentation, interpretation of shipwrecks and submerged sites, best management practices, marine protected areas, and marine survey technology to effectively apply these skills and knowledge to submerged fresh and saltwater sites.
- Students will demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of field and lab work during their internships.
- Students will submit a final, written report and deliver a final presentation based on the work completed in their internship.
