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M.S. in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science

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Program Chair:
Donald Price, Ph.D.
donaldp@hawaii.edu
Natural Sciences Division Office
Life Sciences 2
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
200 West Kawili Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 974-7383

Faculty:
Jason E. Adolf, Ph.D., Marine Science, jadolf@hawaii.edu
Jonathan Awaya, Ph.D. Biology, awayaj@hawaii.edu
Jim Beets, Ph.D., Marine Science, beets@hawaii.edu
Kathryn Besio, Ph.D., Anthropology, besio@hawaii.edu
Daniel Brown, Ph.D., Anthropology, dbrown@hawaii.edu
Leng Chee Chang, Ph.D., Pharmacy, lengchee@hawaii.edu
Marta deMaintenon, Ph.D., Marine Science, demainte@hawaii.edu
Patrick Hart, Ph.D., Biology, pjhart@hawaii.edu
Maria Haws, Ph.D. Aquaculture, haws@aol.com
Kevin Hopkins, Ph.D., Aquaculture, hopkins@hawaii.edu
Susan Jarvi, Ph.D., Biology, jarvi@hawaii.edu
James O. Juvik, Ph.D., Geography, jjuvik@hawaii.edu
Sonia Juvik, Ph.D., Geography, juvik@hawaii.edu
Ernest Kho, Ph.D., Chemistry, ekho@hawaii.edu
Yiqing Li, Ph.D., Forestry, yiqing@hawaii.edu
Bruce Mathews, Ph.D., Soil Science & Agronomy, bmathews@hawaii.edu
William J. Mautz, Ph. D., Biology, mautz@hawaii.edu
Karla McDermid, Ph. D. Marine Science, mcdermid@hawaii.edu
Fiona McCormack, Ph.D. Anthropology, fionam@hawaii.edu
Jon-Pierre Michaud, Ph. D., Chemistry, jonpierr@hawaii.edu
Jene Michaud, Ph.D., Geology, jene@hawaii.edu
Cam Muir, Ph.D., Biology, cmuir@hawaii.edu
Rebecca Ostertag, Ph.D., Biology, ostertag@hawaii.edu
Adam A. Pack, Ph.D. Psychology & Biology, pack@hawaii.edu
Donald Price, Ph. D., Biology, donaldp@hawaii.edu
Jonathan Price, Ph.D., Geography, jpprice@hawaii.edu
Michael Shintaku, Ph.D., Plant Pathology, shintaku@hawaii.edu
Elizabeth Stacy, Ph.D., Biology, estacy@hawaii.edu
Misaki Takabayashi, Ph.D., Marine Science, misakita@hawaii.edu
Jason Turner, Ph.D., Marine Science, jpturner@hawaii.edu
Tracy Wiegner, Ph.D., Marine Science, wiegner@hawaii.edu

Certified Faculty:
These faculty serve on graduate committees, occasionally teach graduate courses, seminars or workshops, and can co-chair graduate committees with a UHH faculty member.
Carter Atkinson, Ph.D., USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research
George Balazas, M.S. Zoologist and leader, Marine Turtle Research Program
Paul Banko, Ph.D., USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research
Lawrence Basch, Ph.D., Marine Ecology and Science Advisor, National Park Service
Francis L. Benevides Jr., Ph.D., Manager/Engineer/Technician, Federal Aviation Administration
Brian Bowen, Ph.D., Research Professor, HIMB UH Mānoa,
Frank Chapman, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Florida
Susan Cordell, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
Julie Denslow, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
Chris Farmer, Ph.D., USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research
Linda Shea Flanders, Executive Director, Cape Kumukahi
Peter Follett, Ph.D., Research Entomologist, USDA
David Foote, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, USGS, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center,
Ruth Gates, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, HIMB UH Mānoa,
Grant Gerrish, Ph.D., UH Hilo Biology Department
Christian Giardina, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
William Gilmartin, M.S. , Director of Research, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund
Arnold Hara, Ph.D., UH Mānoa CTAR - Beaumont Center
David Helweg, Ph.D., Deputy Center Director, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Darcy Hu, Ph.D., US National Park Service, Ecologist and Science Advisor
Flint Hughes, Ph.D., USDA Forest Service, Research Ecologist
David Itano, M.S. Research Associate, UH Mānoa
James Jacobi, Ph.D., USGS-Biological Resources Division
Jack Jeffery, Senior Wildlife Biologist, US Fish and Wildlife Service,
Tracy Johnson, Ph.D., Research Entomologist, USDA Forest Service,
Boone Kaufman, Ph.D., Director and Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
Les Kaufman, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, Marine Program & Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Boston University
Lisa Keith, Ph.D., Research Plant Pathologist Biology, USDA
Stacy Kubis, M.S. Marine Turtle Research Biologist, NOAA - JIMAR
Dennis Lapointe, Ph.D., Ecologist, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research
Harilaos Lessios, Ph.D., Staff Biologist, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Rhonda Loh, Ph.D., National Park Service
Fred Mackenzie, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Oceanography, UH Mānoa
Richard MacKenzie, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, USDA Forest Service
Lisa Muehlstein, Ph.D., UH Hilo Biology and Marine Science Department
Kate Nishijima, M.S. Plant Pathologist, USDA
Robert Nishimoto, Ph.D., Division of Aquatic Resources, DLNR
Thane Pratt, Ph.D., Project Leader, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
William Pitt, Ph.D., USDA, National Wildlife Research Center
Richard Pyle, Ph.D., Associate Zoologist, Database Coordinator, Bishop Museum
Michelle Reynolds, Ph.D., USGS- Biological Resources Division
Mike Robinson, M.S. Property Management Agent, Hawaiian Homelands
David Schofield, M.S. Marine Mammal Response Network Coordinator, NOAA
Craig Severance, Ph.D., Retired UHH Faculty in Anthropology and TCBES
David Shively, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Montana,
Robert P. Smith, M.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Retired
Michael Steinberg, Ph.D., Geographer
Robert Toonen, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor, HIMB UH Mānoa
William Walsh, Ph.D., Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaiʻi DLNR
Debbie Weeks, Ph.D., Chemist
Sharon Ziegler-Chong, M.S. Associate Director, PACRC; Coordinator, Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit

Program Description

The primary purpose of the Master of Science in Tropical Conversation Biology and Environmental Science is to provide graduate training in conservation biology and environmental science to those with baccalaureate degrees and those currently working in the field. The program will utilize the extraordinary biological, physical, and cultural complexity of the island of Hawai`i as a focus of investigation and study. The program will prepare students for technical positions and for entry into Ph.D. programs in related fields.

Program Objectives

  • Foster knowledge of current trends and issues in conservation biology and environmental sciences including basic and applied research and natural resource problems;
  • Provide participants with experiences in conceptual and technical research in ecology, evolutionary genetics, geographic analysis, environmental monitoring and assessment in marine and terrestrial environments;
  • Promote research and scholarly activities that will enable participants to enter the scientific research community.

Graduates Of The Program Will Be Able To

  • Perform scientific research in the interdisciplinary field of conservation biology and environmental science;
  • Develop skills in natural resource and protected area management;
  • Use advanced technological equipment, perform quantitative analysis, and interpret complex data;
  • Present scientific results in oral and written publications;
  • Interpret and critique professional scientific literature.

Application Process

Applications will be examined beginning February 1 for admission the following Fall semester. After February 1 applications will be accepted on a space available basis until May 1. The UH Hilo Graduate Office of Admissions receives applications and supporting documents and maintains the applications through final notification. If you do not hear from the Graduate Office of Admissions within 30 days of submission of your application, please contact the office at 808-974-7414.

Applications that meet the requirements will be forwarded to the Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science Admissions Committee for a comprehensive review. Admission decisions made by the committee will be forwarded to the Graduate Office of Admissions which sends the final notification to the applicant.

Admission Status: The applicant’s admission status is valid only for the semester to which the applicant is accepted. Applications for students who do not register or who withdraw from the University are voided but retained for a period of one (1) year. Students may reapply for admission to the next year by notifying the Graduate Office of Admissions and submitting the application fee.

Admission Requirements

  1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. institution or from a nationally-recognized foreign institution.
  2. Communicate with a potential advisor(s) from the list of participating faculty with similar research interests (see Internet Web Site). In the personal statement, list advisor(s) from the TCBES faculty who agrees to sponsor the application and to serve as primary advisor upon acceptance to the program.
  3. A minimum combined verbal and quantitative score of 1000 on the General Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
  4. Three letters of recommendation submitted by references who have observed or supervised the applicant’s performance and are able to comment on the quality of the applicant’s academic achievement, ability to pursue graduate study, and general character.
  5. Grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale where A = 4.0) or the equivalent in the last four semesters of approximately 60 semester credits of undergraduate work and/or in all post-baccalaureate work.

Note: In special circumstances acceptance may be granted at the discretion of the selection committee for those students who meet some, but not all, the above requirements.

Note: Recommended Baccalaureate Courses for Admission to the Program:

  • 2 years of chemistry
  • 1 year of calculus
  • 1 course in geographic information or remote sensing
  • 1 course in statistics
  • 2 courses in life sciences
  • 2 additional courses in physical sciences

Transfer of Credits

Requests for transfer of graduate credits must be made during the first semester in which the student is enrolled in the program. Only credit hours with a grade of B or better from accredited universities are transferable. Transfer credit hours must have been completed within five years preceding the date upon which the advanced degree is to be conferred by UH Hilo. The TCBES program will decide which credits will be transferred.

International Credentials

A statement describing minimum academic qualifications expected of international applicants may be obtained from the Graduate Office of Admissions. These qualifications must be completed prior to enrollment.

M.S. TCBES Check List (Reminder: Priority application deadline is February 1):

  • Completed UH Hilo Graduate application form
  • Personal statement of objectives
  • Application fee
  • Official transcripts from all colleges or universities (must be received directly from the institution, or in a sealed envelope if submitted with your application)
  • General Test, Graduate Record Exam
  • Three Letters of Recommendation received at UH Hilo by February 1
  • Official TOEFL score report, if required
  • Verification of financial status (for international applicants) [www.uhh.hawaii.edu/forms/]

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long does it take to complete the program? The program is designed to be completed in 4 semesters, with additional time needed for writing the thesis or completing the internship.
  2. What are the entrance requirements? See Check List and Admission Requirements sections.
  3. Do I have to take the GRE? Yes. Applicants are required to submit General GRE scores to UH Hilo.
  4. Can I transfer credits? Yes, subject to program approval.
  5. How much will it cost to live in Hilo? In-state students should budget approximately $13,000 per year for tuition, books, housing, food, and personal expenses; out-of-state students should budget about $18,000.
  6. Is financial aid available? Contact the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office for information (808-974-7323). Teaching and research assistantship positions are sometimes available. Contact faculty in the program and the program chair, Dr. Price: (donaldp@hawaii.edu)
  7. Do I need a computer? Yes, or at least daily access to one.
  8. Is there a website for the program? Yes, the website has information on faculty research interests as well as other pertinent program information: http://tcbes.uhh.hawaii.edu/
  9. Do I need to identify an Academic Advisor in the program? Yes. It is required that you have a faculty sponsor your application to the program. You should contact individual faculty members whose research interests are similar to your own. Faculty information can be found on the TCBES Program website.
  10. Do I need to write a Master’s Thesis? Plan A requires course work and a thesis of original research. Plan B requires course work, an internship, and research papers.

Program Curriculum

Total Credits Required:

  • Plan A = 30 credits
  • Plan B = 36 credits
  1. Core Courses (8) credits required for all M.S. TCBES students:
    • CBES 600 (3) Conservation Biology and Environmental Science
    • CBES 601 (3) TCBES Field and Laboratory Methods
    • CBES 602 (1) Research Seminar in TCBES
    • CBES 603 (1) Natural Resource Management Seminar
  2. Elective Courses*:
    • Plan A: 16 elective credits of 600-level CBES courses.
    • Plan B: 25 elective credits of 600-level CBES courses.
    • *A maximum of 6 credits of 400-level courses may count toward these elective credits.
    • CBES 610 (3) Environmental Chemical Analysis
    • CBES 615 (3) Global Environmental Change
    • CBES 620 (3) Research Techniques in Molecular Conservation Biology
    • CBES 630 (3) Near shore Monitoring and Analysis
    • CBES 633 (3) Biodiversity
    • CBES 635 (3) Physical Environment of Ecosystems
    • CBES 640 (3) Advanced Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing
    • CBES 645 (3) Applying Social Science to Marine and Coastal Resource Management
    • CBES 650 (3) Oceanographic Monitoring and Analysis
    • CBES 655 (3) Ecological Physiology
    • CBES 665 (3) Environmental Toxicology
    • CBES 660 (3) Molecular Ecology
    • CBES 670 (3) Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems
    • CBES 675 (3) Conservation Genetics
    • CBES 677 (3) Quantitative Ecology
    • CBES 680 (3) Advanced Statistical Analysis and Research Design
    • CBES 685 (3) Behavioral Ecology and Evolutionary Analysis
  3. Other Courses:
    • CBES 690 (3) Internship (Plan B: 3 credits required)
    • CBES 694 (1-3) Special Topics in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Sciences
    • CBES 699 (1-3) Directed Research
    • CBES 700 (1-6) Thesis Research (Plan A: 6 credits required)