Master of Science in Marine Science
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Marine Science degree program fosters a broad understanding of marine systems through an in-person interdisciplinary program of study. Choose from two tracks for the program:
APPLIED TRACK
The Master of Science in Marine Science, Applied Track, provides students with a broad-based, in-depth knowledge of the ocean's physical, geological, chemical, and ecological processes coupled with the technical skills necessary to contribute to exploring the marine environment and the management of its living resources.
THESIS TRACK
The MSMS Thesis Track is a research-based program that emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning through the completion of an original thesis project under the direct mentorship of an experienced marine science researcher.
Tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $1,688/credit. To view estimated costs visit hpu.edu/costs.
How to Apply
You can enter our MSMS program:
- Fall entry (January 15)
Admissions requirements:
- Apply online hpu.edu/apply ($55 app fee)
- Official transcript(s)
- Online essay questions
- Resume
- Two (2) letters of recommendation
*English proficiency required for international students
Request Info
Why HPU?
Gain hands-on experience in natural resource conservation—an area with abundant career opportunities.
Centers of Excellence offer opportunities to study with experts in aquaculture, marine debris, and sea turtle rehabilitation.
Hawaiʻi is the only US state where you can study surrounded by the tropical Pacific environment.
SAMPLE DEGREE PLAN
Full-time enrolled
-
MSMS Applied Track
Our MSMS-A is a 39-credit program. Courses are held in person at our Honolulu and Makapu'u campuses during our 16-week semesters. Tuition and the sample degree plan below is a guide and may be subject to change.
Sample Full-Time Student Schedule
Year One
Fall
MARS 6060 Geological Oceanography
MARS 6080 Physical Oceanography
BIOL 6090 Advanced Biometry
NSCI 6110 Graduate Seminar I - 1st semester
SPRING
MARS 6070 Chemical Oceanography
MARS 6090 Biological Oceanography
Restricted Elective
MARS 6950 Marine Science Practicum
Year TWO
Fall
Focus Area Elective
MARS 6950 Marine Science Practicum
MARS 6910 Current Topics in Marine Science
Restricted Elective
SPRING
Restricted Elective
MARS 6930 Guest Speaker Series
Focus Area Elective
NCSI 6130 Communicating Marine Science
-
MSMS Thesis Track
Our MSMS-T is a 36-credit program. Courses are held in-person at our downtown and Makapu'u campuses during our 16-week semesters. The sample degree plan below is a guide and may be subject to change.
Sample Full-Time Student Schedule
Year One
Fall
MARS 6050 Marine Ecology
MARS 6060 Geological Oceanography
NSCI 6110 Graduate Seminar I - 1st semester
NSCI 6900 Master's Research
SPRING
MARS 6070 Chemical Oceanography
Elective
NSCI 6900 Master's Research
NSCI 6112 Graduate Seminar I - 2nd semester
Year TWO
Fall
Elective
Elective
MARS 6910 Current Topics in Marine Science
NSCI 6900 Research
SPRING
NCSI 7000 Master's Thesis Capstone Course
NCSI 6120 Graduate Seminar II Thesis Presentation
Elective
Elective
A maximum of 5 additional credits of NSCI 6900 Master’s Research can be taken as electives. Elective courses are chosen by each student in consultation with their graduate thesis committee.
NOTE: Although it is possible to complete the MSMS-T program in 4 semesters, program completion is project dependent. Thesis students may require an additional semester or more to defend and submit the final thesis.
Contact
MSMS Program
msms@hpu.edu
(808) 259-3132