The Master of Science degree is awarded by the Graduate School through the Botany Department for scholars who have completed a course of research and study and have met all of the graduation requirements of the Graduate School and Botany Department. 

Application: Students apply for admission to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Graduate School and must declare a major prior to admission.  Applications are available through the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to submit separate copies of all materials to both the graduate school and the Botany Department. See the advice for graduate student applicants for additional recommendations.

Two distinct opportunities are available. 

Option 1. Course work MS degree (Non-thesis)

• Practical training provided for individuals seeking to work in local and international development, conservation, and related fields utilizing ethnobotany.
• Structured program of study with completion of two short research projects each within semester courses. Written reports are required for these projects.
• Completion in two years of study.
• No thesis required.
• Botany or Biology background helpful but not required.

Option 2. Research MS degree (Thesis)

• Technical training provided for individuals seeking to conduct advanced research and/or expecting to go on to work on a Ph.D.
• Somewhat structured program of coursework and field research. Typically students select a research project following their own interests.
• Students produce a written thesis based upon original research.
• Students present and defend the thesis in front of the Botany Department.
• Completion in two years is possible but does not often happen. Most students spend 2 years taking courses and 1-2 years conducting research.
• Botany or Biology background is highly recommended.

Entry into the program is competitive. Accepted students are those with high academic qualifications, clear commitments to advancement of science, a clear desire to study in the field of ethnobotany, and strong motivations to use ethnobotany as a tool for specific purposes in their futures.

Research conducted by MS students is expected to test hypotheses about human interactions with plants and plant environments. Research is expected to result in new hypotheses and scientific theories. Research results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

30 credits of course work is required as part of the MS training process. All graduate students are expected to complete the Botany Department Ethnobotany Track Proficiencies and these are most commonly met by completing course work that counts toward the MS degree requirements.  MS students are encouraged to work with their graduate advisor and dissertation committee to develop a program of practical experiences, courses, and other training to meet a set of educational goals.

Option 1 Course Requirements

• 30 credits minimum including:
• 18 credits addressing track proficiencies through botany.
• 12 credits of courses of interest to the student that include 2 courses with research projects. These courses must be approved by the student's advising committee.

Option 2 Course Requirements

• 30 credits minimum including:
• 12 credits of thesis research/writing.
• 18 credits addressing track proficiencies and other courses approved by the student's advising committee.