The Program
The Marine Science program is well-rounded and multi-disciplinary.  It has been carefully designed to take full advantage of the unique variety of marine environments available for study on and around the island of Hawai'i.  Students begin with introductory courses, lecture, and laboratory in general oceanography and marine biology. These are followed by intermediate level courses in marine ecology, marine monitoring techniques, and in statistical applications in marine science.  The most advanced level in the program is made up of specialized  courses in geological oceanography, chemical oceanography, physical oceanography, and marine biology.  The program of study culminates in a two-semester senior thesis research program involving proposal writing, library research, field data collection, laboratory work, computer analysis, report writing, and oral presentation. 

In addition to the major, a Marine Science minor is available.  The minor offers a broad exposure to marine science with a biological orientation and is suitable for teaching, marine ecotourism, marine recreation, or for graduate school preparation or a senior internship.

Students who plan on a career in teaching may select the Natural Sciences degree for teachers with an added minor in Marine Science.  Through electives (Mare 434, 435) the minor offers specialty courses in how to effectively teach ocean science using both classroom and field exercises, as well as marine courses most applicable for teachers.

Students seeking careers in marine ecotourism or marine recreation may combine the Marine Science minor with a major in Anthropology, Business Administration, Economics, Geography, or Hawaiian Studies.  The minor gives students a broad background in marine science with special consideration to the plants, animals, and natural history of the Hawaiian Islands.

Students wishing to pursue an advanced degree in a specialized branch of marine science after graduation may choose to major in a traditional discipline (biology, chemistry, geology, physics, yet elect to add the Marine Science minor.  The minor gives students a broad background in marine science preparation for post-baccalaureate education in graduate school.

Students may also learn a variety of ocean research and marine recreation skills through the Marine Option Program at UH Hilo.  Training in SCUBA research techniques, underwater photography, SCUBA navigation, fishing, sailing, and kayaking are available. Students  may also choose to work towards a UH MOP certificate by completing selected coursework and a hands-on project.

The department offers a wide selection of introductory and advanced courses each summer on the Big Island and at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands.

Marine Science Major
46 semester hours of Mare courses plus supplemental courses

Required Courses: Mare 171, Mare 171L, Mare 201, Mare 201L, Mare 250, Mare 350, Mare 350L, Mare 382, Mare 425, Mare 440, plus Mare 470 and Mare 471 or Mare 480 plus 3 credits of Mare electives at the 300-400 level.

Supplemental Courses: General Chemistry (Chem 124-125, 124L-125L); college physics (Phys 106-107, 170L-171L); calculus (Math 205, 206).

Electives: 15 credits from the following courses (9 credits must be Mare 300-400 courses): Mare 264, Mare 282, Mare 310, Mare 351, Mare 352, Mare 364, Mare 366, Mare 371, Mare 372, Mare 400, Mare 434, Mare 435, Mare 461, Mare 475, Mare 484, Biol 125, Chem 141, Econ 380, Geog 340, Geog 440, Geog 470, Geog 480, Pols 335.

Marine Science Minor
24 semester hours in marine science

Required Courses: Mare 171, Mare 201, Mare 282, Mare 250, Mare 382.

Electives: 12 credits from the following list: Mare 264, Mare 310, Mare 364, Mare 366, Mare 371, Mare 372, Mare 434, Mare 435, Mare 461, Mare 425, Mare 440, Mare 484.

Marine Science Classes

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Send mail to jconey@hawaii.edu with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: September 15, 2006.