Jun 02, 2025  
2025-2026 UH Mānoa Catalog 
  
2025-2026 UH Mānoa Catalog

Earth Sciences, Planetary Science Track, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology

Admissions: Open

Process: Declaration

Min. Total Credits: 120 (104 in core & major + 16 in electives)

UHM General Education Core Requirements


Foundations


Written Communication (FW)


(3 credits)

Quantitative Reasoning (FQ)


Note: This requirement changed in Fall 2018. If you entered the UH System prior to that, please see your college/school advisor.

Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG)


Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FGA)

Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FGC)

Diversification


* See degree, college and major requirements for courses that can also fulfill these.

Arts (DA), Humanities (DH), and Literatures (DL)


(6 credits from 2 categories)

  • Arts (DA*)
  • Humanities (DH*)
  • ​Literatures (DL*)
Humanities (DH)

Natural Sciences


Social Sciences (DS)


(DS*; a total of 6 credits from 2 different departments)

UHM Graduation Requirements


Focus


**The STAR Degree Check indicates Focus classes by “E,” “H,” “O,” and “W.” Class Availability indicates Focus sections with “ETH,” “HAP,” “OC,” and “WI.”

Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Issues (H)


(H or HAP**; 1 course, any level)

Contemporary Ethical Issues (E)


(E or ETH**; 1 course, 300- or 400-level)

Oral Communication (O)


(O or OC**; 1 course, 300- or 400-level)

Writing Intensive (W)


(W or WI**; 5 courses, at least two of which are at the 300- or 400-level)

Hawaiian Or Second Language (HSL)


The Hawaiian or Second Language requirement is not required for students admitted to the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

Credit Minimums


  • 120 total applicable
  • 30 UH Mānoa credits
  • 45 upper division (300+ level) credits

Grade Point Average


  • 2.0 cumulative or higher
  • Good academic standing

Degree Requirements


College Requirements


Exit Requirements


  • Submit the Graduation Worksheet to the SOEST Student Academic Services Office at least two semesters preceding the award of the degree.
  • Exit interview by SOEST Student Academic Services Office.

Note


This was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. See below for major requirements. Meet regularly with your major advisor.

Major Requirements for BS in Earth Sciences: Planetary Science Concentration


  • Admission: First-Year, Open; Transfer: Completion of MATH 241  with a grade of C or better.
  • Application: NA
  • Min. major credits: 52-56(81-86 with related requirements)
  • Min. C grade (not C-) in all courses

Requirements


Planetary Science Concentration Courses (23-24 credits)


Science Electives (4 credits)


The following may fulfill upper-division Science elective requirements:

Notes


School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology: Student Academic Services, Director of Student Services: Heather Saito; HIG 131B; (808) 956-8763; hsaito2@hawaii.edu; www.soest.hawaii.edu/soestwp/education/undergraduate/advising/
Department of Earth Sciences: POST 701; (808) 956-7640; earth-dept@soest.hawaii.edu; www.soest.hawaii.edu/earthsciences/

4-Year Plan


This is a sample academic plan. Students should meet with an academic advisor prior to registration to formulate their own plan.

Year 1


Total Credits 30


Year 2


Total Credits 59


Year 3


Total Credits 90


Year 4


Credits 14

Spring


Credits 16

Total Credits 120


Notes:

Students must take placement exams to register for CHEM 161  and MATH 241 .
Students must incorporate all focus requirements into this plan. Focus designations (i.e., W, E, O, H) are CRN specific and semester specific.
Minimum 45 upper division (300+ course) credits are required.
Science electives can be any 300+ ERTH course, EPET 301 , or EPET 400 .
ERTH 200  or ERTH 201  can fulfill the DB requirement; if these courses are not taken, they can be replaced by an Elective (either 3 or 4 credits). The accepted DB courses are: BE 120 ; BIOC 441 ; BIOL 171 ; BOT 101 ; MICR 130 ; NREM 210 , NREM 251 ; OEST 103 ; ZOOL 101 , ZOOL 200 .
* GEO 388  or NREM 477  can substitute for ERTH 461 .

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: School of Ocean & Earth Science & Technology