University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The Botany (Plant Biology) programme covers foundational and advanced topics in plant science, with coursework combining laboratory skills, field methods and theoretical understanding. Core areas typically include plant anatomy and morphology, plant physiology, plant systematics and taxonomy, plant ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics and molecular biology as they apply to plants.

• Core courses: plant anatomy and development, plant physiology, plant systematics and identification, ecology and conservation biology.
• Laboratory and methods: laboratory techniques in plant biology, molecular methods, microscopy, quantitative ecology and biostatistics.
• Tropical and regional specialisms: courses or modules on tropical botany, Pacific island flora, ethnobotany and invasive species management that take advantage of Hawaii’s unique biodiversity.
• Fieldwork and hands-on learning: field trips, seasonal sampling, herbarium work and greenhouse practica are integral; students gain experience with specimen collection, curation and ecological survey methods.
• Research and capstone: opportunities for independent research projects under faculty supervision, participation in faculty-led research groups and a senior capstone or honours thesis option for students seeking deeper research experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school leaving qualification or equivalent. Recommended preparation includes high school biology and chemistry, mathematics (algebra and statistics desirable), and laboratory experience where available. Admission criteria follow university-wide undergraduate requirements; selection typically considers academic records, personal statements and any relevant extracurricular or practical experience.

International applicants must demonstrate equivalent academic qualifications and meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements. Prospective transfer students from community colleges or other universities should consult departmental advisors for guidance on which prerequisite courses transfer and how to meet major requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Botany (Plant Biology) pursue a range of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors or continue to postgraduate study. Typical roles and pathways include:

• Conservation biologist, restoration ecologist or natural resource manager with government agencies or NGOs.
• Botanical technician, herbarium curator assistant or field biologist conducting specimen collection, identification and monitoring.
• Horticulture and nursery management, landscape design with emphasis on native and tropical plants.
• Environmental consulting and invasive species management for environmental assessment and mitigation projects.
• Laboratory or research assistant positions in plant physiology, molecular ecology or agricultural research, and progression to MSc/PhD for research-focused careers or academic appointments.
• Science education and outreach roles in schools, botanical gardens or community programmes.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive advantages for plant biology students because of its location in a global hotspot of tropical biodiversity and its strong local research infrastructure. Students benefit from direct access to native and endemic flora, diverse island ecosystems and long-standing institutional resources such as the Lyon Arboretum and the University of Hawaii Herbarium, which support teaching and research.

The department emphasises field-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration across ecology, molecular biology, agriculture and conservation, and hands-on research opportunities with faculty engaged in tropical plant systematics, conservation, evolutionary biology and applied plant sciences. These features make the programme particularly well suited to students who want practical experience and a pathway into conservation, research or applied plant science careers in tropical and island contexts.