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A MOP certificate (similar to a minor) is awarded to eligible undergrads who successfully complete 12-16 credit hours of marine-related courses, IS 100 (MOP Seminar) as well as a MOP Skill Project. A MOP certificate is an official University of Hawai'i Certificate that is registered on your transcript.

Eligibility 

MOP is open on a space-available basis to any undergraduate who is enrolled at one of the ten UH System campuses.

For campuses where MOP is staffed, see the Coordinator (Manoa, Hilo. Maui, Windward. Leeward, Honolulu, Kapiolani and West O'ahu). Other unclassified graduate students may enroll through the UH Manoa Outreach College. Classified graduate and professional degree students also enroll through Manoa.

Course Requirements 

To receive a MOP certificate, students must complete :

UH Manoa students are required 12 classroom course credits and 3 project course credits, while Community College students are required 9 classroom course credits and a minimum 2 project course credits.

Due to the flexibility of the Marine Option Program, students may choose from a wide variety of ocean-related courses to fulfill their certificate requirements. These courses include topics such as Oceanography, Art, History, Anthropology, Philosophy, Natural and Social Sciences, and more.

A complete list of courses that will satisfy certificate requirements is avaialable on this website, in our Course Listing section.

MOP Skill Project

Students most complete a MOP Skill Project of their choice and design. Student internships and research projects have encompassed a wide variety of topics including:
  • Marine Mammal Communication
  • Summer Research Cruises
  • Artificial Reef Construction
  • Marine Photography and Videography
  • Underwater Surveys of Marine Habitats
  • Marine Paintings and Sculptures
  • And more...
Past projects have run from scientific research to endeavors in the arts. Each year, students from all UH campuses have an opportunity to present their projects at the annual MOP Student Symposium.

For more information on the MOP Skill Project, or for project guidelines, please visit our MOP Skill Project section.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

  • Increased understanding and appreciation of marine and freshwater systems by undergraduates in any major at all UH campuses.
  • Enhanced employability and opportunities for advanced study as a result of knowledge, skills, and contacts acquired through experiential education and networking.

Graduation 

Each semester, a graduation ceremony is held to acknowledge and congratulate each student's special initiative and ability to apply course work in the real world.
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