Requirements for admission to The University of Hawaiʻi Marine Biology Graduate Program
The UH Marine Graduate Program (MBGP / MBio) observes the University of Hawaiʻi Graduate Division’s requirements for admission to a UH graduate program. Successful MBGP students will meet additional requirements and recommendations before commencing graduate studies with the program.
Degrees Offered
The MBGP offers:
Please note: although the University of Hawaiʻi offers multiple types of MS degrees, the MBGP only awards the “Plan A” type MS degree, as outlined on the UH Graduate Division web page.
Applicants must choose to apply to either the MS degree track or the PhD degree track through the UH Graduate School Application.
Coursework
Students admitted into the MBIO graduate program are expected to have strong undergraduate or MS training in one or more of the following areas: Biology, Biological Oceanography, Ecology, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Marine Biology, Zoology, Microbiology, Botany, or other life sciences. Completing course lab components is strongly recommended.
In addition, admitted students benefit from the successful completion of undergraduate coursework in Calculus, Data Science, Chemistry and/or Physics.
Students are encouraged to prepare themselves academically before applying to the program. Completing prerequisite/foundational courses after enrollment – particularly in biology and calculus – may hinder a student’s progress in the program.
An official transcript will document an applicant’s completed coursework.
GPA
The University of Hawaiʻi requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission to a UH graduate program. The minimum recommended GPA for MBGP applicants is 3.2.
The average GPA of students admitted to the UH MBio Graduate Program is approximately 3.5.
The UH MBio Graduate Program will accept applications with GPAs below 3.2. However, MBGP admission offers are rarely made to applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 – and only with the strong support and recommendation of an MBio graduate faculty member.
An official transcript will document an applicant’s GPA.
Research, Monitoring or Conservation Experience
Designing and conducting a unique, data-driven research project is a fundamental objective for every UH MBio graduate student. Applicants who have participated in research or monitoring and conservation activities often possess applicable skills and experience.
Research, monitoring and conservation experience is recommended, rather than required, and may be gained through work, volunteership or undergraduate internships or research opportunities.
The CV and Statement of Objectives will document / discuss an applicant’s research, monitoring or conservation experience.
Test Scores
The MBGP does not require GRE test scores for application or admission to the program. Applicants may upload GRE test scores as supplementary documentation with their Graduate School application, but test results are not measured during the applicant review process.
*International Applicants
The UH MBio Graduate Program observes the University of Hawaiʻi’s requirements for international applicants. If applying to the MBIO graduate program from outside of the United States of America, please take time to review all the information on this Graduate Division webpage for International applicants.
Stay in Touch
If you’d like to receive updates about the application process and reminders about application requirements and deadlines, join the MBGP applicant news listserv.
To join, click the “Join Group” button at this link.