University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme is organised around progressive design studios complemented by courses in environmental technology, site and landscape design, urbanism and cultural and ecological studies. Early years focus on foundational drawing and representation, two- and three-dimensional design, materials and construction fundamentals, and general education coursework required by the university. Upper-level study emphasises integrated studio projects that address tropical, coastal and island conditions, advanced environmental systems, digital design and fabrication, and site planning.

• Design studios: iterative studio projects that develop conceptual, technical and communicative design skills, including community-oriented and design-build projects.
• Environmental systems and technology: building performance, passive design strategies, daylighting, energy and water systems for tropical climates.
• Site, landscape and urban design: site analysis, planting and stormwater design, coastal resilience, and neighbourhood-scale planning.
• Materials and construction: materials behaviour, detailing, construction methods and structural principles relevant to small-scale buildings and landscapes.
• Representation and digital tools: hand drawing, 3D modelling, CAD, GIS and digital fabrication techniques.
• Cultural and ecological studies: Hawaiian and Pacific perspectives, environmental ethics, ecology and socio-cultural impacts of design.
• Professional practice and capstone: project management, professional responsibilities, internship opportunities and a final capstone studio demonstrating integrated design competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high-school diploma or recognised equivalent. Admissions typically consider academic transcripts, a personal statement and evidence of creative or analytical aptitude. While standardised test submissions may be optional depending on university policy, a competitive high-school record in relevant subjects (such as mathematics, sciences or arts) strengthens an application.

A portfolio of creative work is frequently required or strongly encouraged; it can include drawings, models, photographs of built work, design sketches, digital work or other visual evidence of design thinking and making. Some applicants also submit letters of recommendation or a brief resume of related experience. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college coursework and may need to meet specific unit or prerequisite expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor of Environmental Design pursue a range of careers that bridge design, environmental stewardship and community planning. Typical entry-level roles include environmental designer, junior designer for architecture or landscape firms, urban design assistant, GIS or site-analyst technician, sustainability coordinator, and positions with local government or non-profit organisations focused on community resilience and resource management.

The degree also provides a foundation for postgraduate professional qualifications in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and environmental management. Many alumni work on projects related to coastal resilience, tropical building design, cultural landscape restoration, community design centres, environmental consultancy and construction project coordination.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinct learning environment for environmental design because of its Pacific island setting and sustained engagement with Indigenous Hawaiian knowledge and stewardship practices. Students benefit from studio projects and research that directly address tropical climates, coastal processes and island-specific sustainability challenges.

Facilities and learning opportunities include access to fabrication and digital workshops, GIS resources, and community partnerships across Oʻahu for hands-on site work and internships. Faculty typically include practitioners and researchers experienced in tropical architecture, landscape resilience, coastal management and culturally responsive design, giving students practical skills and regional perspectives valued by employers and communities in Hawaiʻi and beyond.