University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This programme combines ecological science, natural resource management, quantitative methods and policy analysis. Students typically follow either a thesis (research) or non-thesis (project/practicum) route, and take core courses alongside electives tailored to their interests.

• Core topics: ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, resource and land-use management, environmental policy and governance.
• Quantitative and technical skills: statistics for environmental science, spatial analysis/GIS, remote sensing, ecological modelling and field methods.
• Applied specialisms: watershed and coastal management, invasive species management, restoration ecology, agroecology and sustainable fisheries, depending on elective choices.
• Research and professional practice: thesis research or practicum project, seminars in research design and ethics, and opportunities for fieldwork in Hawaiian and Pacific ecosystems.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, environmental science, geography, forestry, agriculture or a closely related discipline. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research or professional goals, and two or three academic or professional references.

Additional expectations and supporting material can include:

• Evidence of relevant coursework (ecology, statistics, or field methods) or professional experience if the undergraduate degree is in another area.
• Graduate test scores if requested by the department (policies may vary by programme and from year to year).
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) in accordance with university requirements.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact potential faculty advisors whose research aligns with their interests prior to applying.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical roles include:

• Natural resource manager or conservation planner for government agencies, land trusts and island stewardship organisations.
• Environmental consultant specialising in impact assessment, restoration planning, invasive species control or coastal zone management.
• GIS and spatial analysis specialist supporting habitat mapping, land-use planning and natural hazard assessment.
• Research scientist or technician in universities, research institutions and monitoring programmes focused on tropical and island ecosystems.
• Policy analyst or programme officer for NGOs and international organisations working on sustainability, climate adaptation and community-based resource management.

The programme’s emphasis on applied field skills and regional issues also prepares graduates for roles addressing island-specific challenges such as watershed protection, coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation in the Pacific.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

UH Manoa offers a distinctive setting for natural resources study: it is located within a tropical island bioregion with unique ecosystems, endemic species and pressing conservation challenges. Students benefit from interdisciplinary faculty expertise spanning ecology, marine science, soil and agricultural sciences, and policy.

• Access to on-campus laboratories, long-term research sites and biological reserves across Hawaiian islands that support hands-on field training.
• Collaborative links with state and federal natural resource agencies, community stewardship groups and Pacific-region partners that create opportunities for applied projects and internships.
• A regional focus on island resilience, invasive species, watershed and coastal management that is relevant to employers throughout the Pacific and in other island or tropical regions.

These strengths make UH Manoa particularly suitable for students aiming to work at the intersection of science, management and policy in tropical and island environments.