The mission of the undergraduate degree program in marine science is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the world’s oceans and an appreciation of the importance of marine ecosystems to the global environment and human life, through a combination of hands-on laboratory and field experience, inquiry-based instruction, and direct interactive learning. This is supported by a broad background in the marine sciences, including basic knowledge of the natural science disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and mathematics.
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 around the island of Hawai‘i. Students pursuing the bachelor of arts degree in Marine Science begin with introductory lecture and laboratory courses in general oceanography and marine biology. These are followed by intermediate level courses in marine ecology, marine monitoring techniques, and 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 one of the following: 1) a two-semester senior thesis research program involving proposal writing, library research, field data collection, laboratory work, computer analysis, report writing and oral presentation, or 2) a senior internship, or 3) participation in the senior seminar course.
Marine science graduates from UH Hilo have gone on to a wide variety of careers including jobs as marine research technicians, positions with federal, state, and local government agencies, science teaching in public and private schools, positions in eco-tourism, and the practice of environmental law. Many of our graduates have completed or are currently pursuing post-graduate studies in graduate programs at the University of Washington, University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Oregon State University, Washington State University, University of Puerto Rico, University of Hawaii-Manoa, The Stennis Space Center - USM, California State Polytechnic University, University of South Carolina, The Royal Veterinary College (London), State University of New York at Stonybrook, and others. Our graduates have also been accepted into medical school and dental school with their UH Hilo degree in Marine Science.
We offer a B.A. in Marine Science at UH Hilo
Marine Science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo
www.mare.hawaii.edu, Marine Science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo