The primary purpose of the Master of Science in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (TCBES) 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 utilizes the extraordinary biological, physical, and cultural complexity of the island of Hawaiʻi as a focus of investigation and study. The program prepares students for natural resource management positions and for entry into Ph.D. programs in related fields.
Students will choose between the Thesis Track or Professional Internship Track in pursuance of their M.S. degree.
Mission
Our program aims to foster knowledge of theory and techniques in conservation biology and environmental sciences including basic, applied, and socio-ecological research. We also seek to promote scholarly activities in marine and terrestrial environments that will enable participants to pursue careers in research and natural resource management.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the TCBES program will be able to
- Perform, interpret, and communicate scientific research in the interdisciplinary field of conservation biology and environmental science
- Use advanced technological equipment, perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of complex data
- Develop skills appropriate for their chosen field of specialization and demonstrate an understanding of the research or natural resource management applications of said specialization
TCBES Conduct Policy
All participants in the TCBES program must read and adhere to the TCBES Code of Conduct (PDF)
Program Curriculum
Thesis Track (30 Credits)
Core Courses (21 Credits)
- CBES 600 Conservatn Biol & Environ Sci (3)
- CBES 601 CBES Field & Laboratory Method (4)
- CBES 602 Research Seminar in TCBES (1)
- CBES 603 Natural Resource Mgt Seminar (1)
- CBES 645 Soc Sci Rsch Mthds Envir Cons (3)
- CBES 677 Quantitative Ecology (3)
- CBES 700 Thesis Research (1–6) (6 Credits Required)
Elective Requirement (9 Credits)
- 9 Elective Credits of 600-level CBES courses.
Professional Internship Track (36 Credits)
Core Courses (24 Credits)
- CBES 600 Conservatn Biol & Environ Sci (3)
- CBES 601 CBES Field & Laboratory Method (4)
- CBES 602 Research Seminar in TCBES (1)
- CBES 603 Natural Resource Mgt Seminar (1)
- CBES 645 Soc Sci Rsch Mthds Envir Cons (3)
- CBES 677 Quantitative Ecology (3)
- CBES 690 Professional Internship (1)
- CBES 691 Becoming Environmental Leader (2)
- CBES 692 Proposal Writing (2)
- CBES 695 Becoming Envrnmntl Communicatr (2)
- CBES 696 Emerging Envrnmntl Professionl (2)
Elective Requirement (12 Credits)
- 12 Elective credits of 600-level CBES courses.
Thesis Track
The Thesis Track provides students with the necessary academic training for employment in environmentally-related fields like conservation, sustainability, and marine and terrestrial resource management in technical and service positions. The TCBES Thesis Track also directly prepares students who wish to enter into Ph.D. programs in related fields.
Professional Internship Track
The Professional Internship Track provides professionally-oriented students with the opportunity for immersion in substantial and guided internships engaged in natural and social sciences. In this track, students will intern with governmental or non-governmental environmental and conservation agencies who have established relationships with the TCBES program, or can develop their own internship with a relevant professional organization. Students will graduate prepared to actively contribute as scientific professionals with social and policy-related skills and experience.
We are now accepting applications for our next cohort.
Program Application Term: Fall 2026
Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025
Last day to submit an application: March 15, 2026