Natural Resources and Environmental Management Student Handbook

Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Management
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI

Updated 6/9/2023

 

Dr. Travis Idol
Undergraduate Advising Contact
Office: Sherman 101
Phone: (808) 956-7508
Email: idol@hawaii.edu

 

Welcome | Admission | Degree Requirements | Registration | Choosing a Pathway and Specialization | Internship Opportunities | Beyond Graduation | Useful Websites | Student Academic Support Services | NREM Course Descriptions

 

 


 

Welcome – Undergraduate Studies at NREM

Welcome to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) at the University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa (UHM). We are part of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), one of the original colleges at the university. Our department's focus is preparing students to be natural resources managers and professionals, with emphases upon:

  • Understanding the biophysical aspects of natural resources within a tropical island context
  • Using the latest information, tools, and models to effectively manage these resources
  • Discovering the real economic value of these resources and evaluating the costs and benefits of different management options
  • Working with the community and stakeholders to implement practical solutions to their resource management challenges and concerns.

Our faculty represent a diversity of interests and backgrounds covering various natural and social science disciplines. Our program uses hands-on learning to complement an emphasis on the latest theories and concepts. The topics covered in NREM courses reflect the land grant tradition of our college and our commitment to serving our stakeholders as well as the environment. Although students must choose one of two tracks focusing on either the natural or social sciences, all students are required to take courses in both fields. Our senior capstone course, NREM 494, requires students to work together in teams, bringing together concepts and skills from many disciplines to propose workable solutions to real-world natural resource problems.

 

Admission

New students who apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) as first-year students may apply directly to the program by specifying Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) as their major on their application form. Students transferring from another institution who have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better may apply directly to the program by specifying Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) as their major on their application form. Please visit the Office of Admissions website for details about applying.

Students wishing to transfer from another UHM program are required to contact the CTAHR Advising Office at ctahradv@hawaii.edu to request a change of major. Acceptance into the NREM program will be based on a minimum cumulative UHM grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.

Transfer students can check the “Transfer Credit Database” created by the UH Admissions Office to see how your courses transfer to UHM.

CTAHR advisors are available to ensure students are making satisfactory progress towards graduation. During the last two years of the NREM program, students will be assigned to a faculty advisor to assist them with specialization courses. The NREM Undergraduate Advising Contact will help assign faculty advisors to students.

 

Degree Requirements

The Natural Resources and Environmental Management program sheet and four year plan can be found at the Bachelor Degree Program Sheets and Sample Four Year Academic Plans page. Please scroll down the page to the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Accepted students who have set up their UH username and password may also find their requirements on their STAR GPS Registration website. Log onto your STAR Account by visiting the website.

 

Registration

Students register for courses online through STAR GPS Registration. STAR GPS Registration is an easy-to-navigate registration system that shows courses students need to graduate in a timely manner and allows students to personalize their academic plan to fit their unique college experience. STAR GPS Registration allows students to do the following:

  • Register for classes that count directly into their degree/requirements so they don’t go off track
  • A visual calendar of the classes students are choosing and how they fit together
  • Direct integration of students’ class schedule into their Google calendar
  • Easily switch classes using the add/drop options
  • Search for classes at any UH campus
  • View transcript

For help about STAR, students can meet with an academic advisor or visit the HELP website. Registration dates and times are published on the Registration Timetable.

 

Choosing a Pathway and Specialization

NREM students should choose a pathway and specialization in the major by the end of their second year. NREM 251, 220, 301/301L and 302 will help you decide, so try to take these courses in the first 2 years.

The Natural Science pathway emphasizes natural science skills and concepts.

Natural Science pathway students generally are interested in direct assessment and evaluation of natural resources. They enjoy collecting samples, taking measurements, running analyses, developing and applying conservation techniques, or making recommendations about best management practices. The specialization topics are:

  • Plant Ecology Conservation and Management
  • Wildlife Ecology and Management
  • Soil & Water Conservation
  • Watershed and Coastal Management
  • Image and Data Science for NREM 

The Social Science pathway emphasizes social science skills and concepts.

Social Science pathway students generally are interested in evaluating the costs and benefits of natural resources and management options or developing plans for improved resource management. They may enjoy crunching numbers and determining trade-offs of various management options, working with individuals and communities to develop appropriate resource management plans, helping to shape government policies, or creating and delivering educational materials and programs on the value of natural resources. The specialization topics are:

  • Environmental Policy and Governance
  • Community and Cultural Resources Management
  • Sustainable Systems and Communities  


Internship Opportunities

CTAHR Internships

Most CTAHR departments require students to undertake an internship prior to graduation to help them prepare for their career. These internships can be obtained from a variety of sources (see below). Most students find an internship with a private company, non-profit institution, or government agency. NREM maintains a list of current and recent internship opportunities as well as internship websites at our Job and Internship Opportunities Announcements web page. Your internship can count toward the requirements of NREM 492 if you meet the guidelines and complete the necessary assignments. 

UH PIPES

The Pacific Internship Program for Exploring Sciences (PIPES) offers several internship programs for students interested in the natural and environmental sciences, especially for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Students work with researchers at various UH campuses and state or federal agencies such as the Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife or the US Geological Survey. Several NREM students have taken advantage of internship opportunities offered through the PIPES program.

Federal STEP and SCEP Programs

The US Office of Personnel Management offers two student internship programs: the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) and the Student Career Enhancement Program (SCEP). The STEP program is meant for general student employment either during the summer or throughout the year. It may not necessarily be related to your academic background. The SCEP program provides work experience directly related to your academic field of study. There are formal periods of work and study while you are attending school. It requires a commitment by you, your school, and the employing federal agency. You may be eligible for permanent employment under this component after successfully completing your education and meeting work requirements. STEP and SCEP positions are offered through individual federal agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Commerce, and others. To find these positions, go to the USA Jobs website: www.usajobs.gov and use STEP or SCEP as the job search keyword.

 

Beyond Graduation

General Information:

The Center for Career Development and Student Employment office provides career counseling; help and reviews of your resume, cover letters or personal portfolio; practice job interviews; provides job skills workshops; and of course hosts job recruitment fairs and interviews with outside employers. The office also has resources to help students find jobs or post-graduate internships and to prepare for graduate school.

Graduate School:

Obtaining a BS in NREM can prepare you for a variety of graduate programs in the natural, social, and environmental sciences. Likewise, our NREM graduate students come from a variety of undergraduate programs. To learn more about graduate school in general, visit the Student Career Services website (above). To learn about graduate school at UH-Mānoa, visit the Graduate Division homepage.

Service Opportunities:

Some students may wish to supplement their NREM degree with experience in service opportunities that utilize their knowledge and skills to enhance their opportunities afterwards. Two popular options are listed below:

AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Full-time members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. Members who serve part-time receive a partial Award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

The Peace Corps is a government-sponsored program to place individuals in foreign countries to provide services to local communities. Volunteers work in education, youth outreach, and community development; business development; agriculture and environment; health and HIV/AIDS; and information technology. Volunteers have the chance to learn a new language, live in another culture, and develop career and leadership skills. The Peace Corps experience can enhance long-term career prospects whether you want to work for a corporation, a nonprofit organization, or a government agency. The Peace Corps can even open doors to graduate school. Financial benefits include a deferment of student loans during service, a modest living allowance during service, and $6000 after service to support the transition back to life in the US.

 

Useful Websites for Students Entering into the University of Hawai'i

All information for students covering how to apply, academic calendar, financial aid, catalog, transfer credit search, new database, on-campus activities, housing (dorms), parking, etc..

MyUH Services is a mobile-optimized, one stop shop for UH business tasks, form, apps and more. It includes one-click access to services customized for students, faculty and staff across our 10-campus system.

STAR for students is the online degree tracking system for UH. You can view your degree requirements, register for classes, search for scholarships, and view your transcripts through STAR.

Select “Academic and Student Affairs” will open all the programs up for students interested in all that CTAHR has to offer for Undergrad and Graduate Programs, financial aid/scholarship information, course requirements and information on who we are, Department, Faculty and Staff as well as publications and research projects.

Use this website to make an appointment with our academic advisors. Advisors can assist you with developing a degree plan and making sure you’re taking the appropriate classes for graduation. 

This website provides information on the NREM program.

UH Core requirements and class listings.

This web site shows information on how your credits transfer into UH Mānoa.

 

Student Academic Support Services

Access to student academic support services is important to ensure your success while a student at the University of Hawaiʻi. Below is a listing of some of these services that can also be found in the University of Hawaiʻi catalog.

  • The Office of Civic and Community Engagement assists UH Manoa students and community organizations find ways to partner together to tackle important issues in the community by matching students’ passions and interests with the needs of community non-profit organizations through service.
  • First Year Programs and ACE ease the transition of new students into the academic and social communities at UH Manoa. First-Year Programs provide the opportunity to develop personal relationships with faculty and other students, enhance active involvement in the educational process, and build connections to UH Manoa. In addition, First-Year Programs familiarize students with the array of resources and programs available at UH Manoa.
  • Honors Program provides opportunities for talented and motivated undergraduates to excel in their academic studies. Students complete a challenging inquiry-based curriculum that encourages learning through independent research and creative expression. They enjoy intimate and personalized educational experiences within the setting of a large research university through small classes, dedicated advising, peer mentorship, and faculty guided projects.
  • International Student Services has the responsibility for meeting University federal compliance with regard to international students.  ISS strives to support international student success through the following endeavors:
    • Advising students on immigration regulations that affect their status in the U.S.
    • Providing programs that help promote cross-cultural adjustment
    • Serving as a resource to the campus and international student communities
    • Advocating for international students and international education
  • Kokua Program (Disability Access Services) is UH Mānoa’s primary campus unit responsible for providing disability access services to students with disabilities toward equal opportunity.
  • Learning Assistance Center provides tutoring, workshops, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and one-on-one appointments in which students learn appropriate study strategies and problem solving skills to achieve their academic goals.
  • Mānoa Advising Center is an advising office for exploratory students who have not yet declared a major. MAC assists exploratory students with their major selection process by presenting options and providing general education advising.
  • Mānoa Transfer Coordination Center is to help students transfer smoothly from a UH community college to UH Manoa and provide advising support throughout the transfer process, including the Ka‘ie‘ie Degree Pathway Program.
  • Pre-Health/Pre-Law Advising Center is a walk-in resource for students interested in law, medicine, and other health fields (dentistry, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy, etc.). PAC advisors help students explore and clarify their career goals, plan appropriate course work, find opportunities to gain experience, apply to professional programs, review personal statements and résumés, provide mock interviews, and hold workshops throughout the year.
  • Student Athlete Academic Services is the academic support program for student-athletes at UH Manoa. Working closely with instructional faculty, coaches, and campus resources, academic advisors assist students in formulating and meeting their academic goals while participating in intercollegiate athletics.
  • Student Success Center in Sinclair Library offers students a welcoming and convivial place to study and to learn, and provides them the information and skills they need to be successful in their academic career and beyond. The center provides seating that facilitates collaborative learning, is open long hours, and permits students to bring their own snacks, all in a space that has natural light and air.
  • Student Support Services is a federally funded TRIO program that provides academic advising and planning, special courses, financial aid advice, graduate and professional school advising, tutoring, mentoring, and academic enrichment activities to program students enrolled at UH Manoa. Students are selected to participate based on a combination of income and financial aid eligibility, parents’ level of education, and potential to benefit from program services.
  • Mānoa Writing Center is a pedagogical space that supports writing and research at UHM. Our primary service is one-to-one writing consultations provided free of charge to all students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa. Our writing consultants are trained to help writers working in different disciplines at every stage of the writing process and with various writing projects (i.e., essays, research papers, resumes, letters, creative work).

Do not hesitate to discuss your needs with your academic degree advisor who can help refer you to the appropriate resource. 

 

NREM Course Descriptions

Viewable online at the UH Manoa Catalog.

 

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