About the Program

Mission

NREM weaves knowledge systems and builds capacity and leadership for stewardship in Hawaiʻi. NREM also creates scalable holistic solutions to local and global environmental challenges.

Vision

‘Āina Momona - Abundant, thriving and interconnected ecosystems and communities in a dynamic world.

Painting of the Ahupuaʻa Management System
(Sequoia Quigley, NREM student)

NREM is an interdisciplinary degree, but students choose either the Natural Science or Social Science pathway within the major.

Within each pathway, students choose a specialization and take upper-division courses to strengthen knowledge and skills in that area. We have a list of specialization electives that have been taken by other NREM students as guidance. These electives are approved by the student's advisor, and they do not have to already be on this list. They can be courses from NREM or other departments. See the summary of the pathways below and explore specializations within each from the sidebar.

Learning Outcomes for NREM Students

Students value science and scientific evidence in NREM.
Students demonstrate what is expected of an entry-level professional working in the field of natural resources and environmental management.
Students describe and interpret the theory and application of the linkages among the environment, economics, and society.
Students demonstrate the relevance of biological, physical, and social science using analytical and quantitative skills in the context of NREM.
Students communicate proficiently in writing and orally to both technical and general audiences in natural and social sciences.

Field lab, NREM 304L
(Picture by Linden Schneider)

UH Mānoa General Education and NREM BS Requirements

UH Mānoa Requirements

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa requires 120 credits of coursework in a variety of areas for a bachelor's degree. See the NREM BS degree at the UH Mānoa catalog website for full requirements.

NREM Basic and Core Course Requirements

The NREM BS degree requires a common set of courses all majors must complete. These include the following:

Basic Courses

BIO 171 (3 cr, DB) + 171L (1 cr, DY) - Introduction to Biology I

Fall, Spring & Summer, Prerequisites: N/A

BIO 172 (3 cr, DB) + 1712 (1 cr, DY) - Introduction to Biology II

Fall & Spring & Summer, Prerequisites: BIO 171 + 171L

CHEM 161 (3 cr, DP) + 161L (1 cr, DY) - General Chemistry I

Fall, Spring & Summer, Prerequisites: C (not C-) in CHEM 131 or C (not C-) in CHEM 151 or successful completion of placement exam, or consent.

CHEM 162 (3 cr, DP) + 162L (1 cr, DY) - General Chemistry II

Fall & Spring & Summer, Prerequisites: CHEM 161 + 161L

MATH - NREM 203 (see below) or MATH 203, 215, or 241

ECON - NREM 220 (see below) or ECON 130

Core Courses

NREM 192 - Introduction to NREM (1 cr)
Fall & Summer, Prerequisites N/A

NREM 203 - Applied Calculus (3 cr, FQ)

Fall & Spring, Prerequisites N/A

NREM 220 - Agricultural and Resource Economics (3 cr, DS)

Fall Only, Prerequisites N/A

NREM 251 - Sustainability Science (3 cr, DB)

Fall & Summer, Prerequisites N/A

NREM 301 (3cr, DB) + 301L (1 cr, DY, WI) - Nat Resources Management

Spring Only, Prerequisites NREM 251, BIO 171 & Chem 151 or higher

NREM 302 - Natural Resources Policy (3 cr, DS, E)

Spring Only, Prerequisites NREM 210/251, GEO 101, or BIO 101 or higher

NREM 310 - Statistics in Agriculture & Human Resources (3 cr)

Fall & Spring, Prerequisites N/A

NREM 477 - Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for Resource Management (4 cr)

Fall & Spring, Prerequisites: either NREM 203, 310, or 201 (can be concurrent)

NREM 492 - Internship Experience (3 cr, WI)

Fall & Spring, Need Consent from Instructor (more info on internship page)

NREM 494 - Environmental Planning (3 cr, OC)

Fall & Spring, Prerequisites: senior standing or consent

NOTE:

DB = Diversification in Biological Sciences, DP = Diversification in Physical Sciences, DS = Diversication in Social Sciences, DY = Diversification in Laboratory Sciences, E = Contemporary Ethical Issues focus designation, OC = Oral Communications focus designation, WI = Writing Intensive focus designation

Pathways and Specializations

Students will pursue a specialization within either the Natural Science or Social Science pathway, guided by an NREM faculty member to choose upper-division courses in that specialization. See the list of specialization electives for typical courses taken.

Natural Science Pathway

Natural Science students are generally interested in direct assessment, evaluation, and management of natural resources. They enjoy collecting samples, taking measurements and analyzing data, developing and applying conservation techniques, or recommending and taking part in management strategies and practices.

Social Science Pathway

Social Science students are generally interested in improving natural resources through policy, governance, cultural and community based management, and human-nature interactions. They address issues of sustainability, healthy communities, environmental justice or equity through human dimensions.

Senior Capstone

Students will take NREM 494 - Environmental Problem-Solving in their senior year. They work in groups on a real-world project, partnering with local businesses, government agencies, or community stewards. See the pictures below for recent projects and students.

Careers in NREM

NREM graduates from all degree levels work in many fields. Regardless of their pathway, they can work as conservationists, field technicians, educators, ecologists, data or policy analysts, natural resource planners or managers, or community organizers and stewards of natural and cultural resources.

Check out this report, courtesy of Kupu Hawaiʻi, for more info on natural resource careers in Hawaiʻi.

If you are interested in international travel and work experience, considering joining the Peace Corps after graduation. There are Peace Corps recruiters in the UH Mānoa Office of Civic Engagement who can answer questions and help you prepare for this exciting journey.

Some NREM graduates go on to graduate school in NREM-related fields or professional schools such as business administration, law, urban and regional planning, etc. NREM offers graduate education leading to a master of science (MS), a doctorate (PhD) or a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) degree. See our NREM Graduate webpage for more info. Having an interdisciplinary BS degree prepares you for many areas of graduate eduation and training.

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