University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme combines studio-led design projects with technical, ecological and cultural coursework. Core study areas include site analysis and design studio, planting design and plant materials for tropical climates, landform and grading, stormwater management and ecological restoration, landscape construction and detailing, and professional practice.

• Design Studio: iterative site design projects that progress from conceptual approaches to detailed construction-documented solutions, often addressing real community or agency briefs.
• Planting Design & Horticulture: tropical and Pacific-region plant palettes, sustainable planting strategies and maintenance considerations.
• Ecology & Hydrology: coastal and watershed processes, native habitat restoration, erosion control and green infrastructure for stormwater treatment.
• Materials & Construction: landscape detailing, specification, grading, accessibility and technical drawing for implementation.
• History, Theory & Cultural Landscape Studies: landscape history, indigenous and vernacular practices, and cultural landscape management with attention to Hawaiian and Pacific perspectives.
• Technical Skills: site analysis, GIS and mapping, digital modelling (CAD and visualisation), and presentation techniques.
• Professional Practice & Ethics: project management, contracts, codes and working with public agencies and private clients.
• Capstone/Thesis or Applied Project: a final research thesis or a comprehensive design project that demonstrates synthesis of design, technical knowledge and professional judgment.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree from a recognised institution. Candidates with a degree in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, environmental science, horticulture or a related design discipline are well-prepared; applicants from other backgrounds are considered if they show relevant experience and portfolio evidence. Typical application components include:

• Academic transcripts demonstrating a strong undergraduate record.
• A portfolio of design, visual or technical work that shows drawing, design thinking or related skills.
• A personal statement explaining interests, goals and reasons for choosing the programme.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency and certified transcripts as required by the university.

Applicants may be advised to possess or take preparatory courses in basic design, plant materials, drawing and computer-aided drafting if their prior degree is in an unrelated field. Contact the department for guidance on prerequisites and on whether a two- or three-year pathway is most appropriate based on prior qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue careers across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Common roles include:

• Licensed landscape architect in private practice or multidisciplinary design firms;
• Urban designer or site planner within municipal and regional planning agencies;
• Environmental and restoration specialist working on watershed, coastal and habitat projects;
• Landscape project manager or construction coordinator overseeing implementation;
• Consultant for parks, recreation, cultural landscape interpretation and heritage management;
• Positions with government bodies, indigenous organisations, non-governmental organisations and research institutions working on climate adaptation, resilience and community design.

The programme’s Pacific and tropical focus prepares graduates for work in island and coastal environments as well as in more temperate contexts where knowledge of resilience and ecological design is valued.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Mānoa

UH Mānoa offers a unique learning environment for landscape architecture because of its location in the Hawaiian Islands and its strong connections to Pacific cultures, island ecosystems and state-scale resource agencies. Students benefit from field-based learning in tropical and coastal settings, opportunities for community-engaged studio projects, and collaboration with units focused on agriculture, ecology and indigenous studies.

• Regional expertise: faculty and courses that address Hawaiian and Pacific landscape traditions, native plant ecology and island-specific design challenges.
• Field opportunities: proximity to varied ecosystems for hands-on study—from coastal zones and wetlands to urban Honolulu and cultural sites.
• Interdisciplinary links: collaboration possibilities with planning, architecture, agriculture and environmental science departments, and with local government and community organisations.
• Professional preparation: studio culture emphasises real-world problem solving, technical competence and communication skills valued by employers in the region and beyond.

Prospective students should contact the department for detailed advising on programme length, pathway options, portfolio expectations and how the programme aligns with licensure pathways in their intended practice jurisdiction.