HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Bachelor of Science program in Global Environmental Science is the first undergraduate environmental science program to be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, according to a release.
The program underwent a two-year evaluation process to receive accreditation.
“Achieving ABET accreditation is a significant accomplishment for the program with broader implications for UH Manoa and the State of Hawaii,” said Michael Guidry, the GES program director, in the release. “It recognizes the program’s quality, places it among the best in the world, and provides students with the training to successfully address our state’s current and future environmental issues.”
Guidry told Spectrum News Hawaii that ABET is the only accreditation board for undergraduate environmental science academic programs.
The GES program combines academics and hands-on research experience to prepare graduates to address Hawaii’s environmental issues.
Graduates pursue environmental science careers or graduate degrees in engineering, law, medicine, business, urban planning, biology, chemistry, geography, and environmental, oceanographic, geological and atmospheric sciences.
“As an indicator of the program’s rigor, within a year of their graduation more than 90% of GES graduates are either employed or in graduate studies,” said Margaret McManus, chairwoman of the Department of Oceanography, which administers the GES program, in the release. “Our graduates are prepared to help the state deal with a myriad of environment-related issues such as invasive species, coastline usage and change, coral reef health, marine and freshwater pollution, environmental planning, public health, and many other areas of need.”
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.