University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme emphasises original research into the technologies that shape buildings and urban systems. Doctoral candidates undertake advanced coursework in building science, environmental control systems, materials and construction technology, energy and sustainability, computational design and simulation, and performance-based evaluation. Core study components typically include research methods and statistics, seminars in contemporary building technology, and elective modules tailored to the student's research focus.

After completing required coursework, students progress to independent research under the supervision of faculty and must pass qualifying or comprehensive examinations before embarking on the dissertation. Typical research topics in the programme reflect the university's setting and strengths and include tropical climate building performance, passive and active cooling strategies, resilience to coastal hazards, integration of indigenous and vernacular design principles with modern technology, advanced materials and fabrication, building information modelling (BIM) and digital fabrication, sensor networks and smart building systems, and life-cycle assessment of buildings.

• Advanced building physics and environmental control
• Energy modelling and performance simulation
• Materials, durability and fabrication technologies
• Computational design, parametric methods and digital fabrication
• Resilience and adaptation for coastal and tropical environments
• Research methods, statistics and dissertation preparation

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example in architecture, architectural engineering, building science, civil engineering, environmental design or a closely related field) from a recognised institution, with a strong academic record. Candidates with exceptional professional experience and a strong research interest may also be considered.

Typical supporting materials include a clear research statement or proposal that demonstrates an intended doctoral research direction, a curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, at least two academic or professional letters of reference, and a portfolio of design or research work if applicable. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through an accepted qualification unless otherwise exempted.

Successful applicants normally show evidence of prior research experience or preparation for advanced independent work; shortlisted candidates may be invited to discuss research fit with potential supervisors.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Architectural Sciences and Technology pursue a variety of careers. Common pathways include academic positions (teaching and research) in architecture and engineering schools, roles in industry research and development teams, senior technical positions in building performance consulting, and specialist roles in energy and sustainability practices. Graduates also work in government and non-government organisations on building codes, resilience planning and climate adaptation, as well as in technology companies developing sensor systems, simulation tools and digital fabrication processes.

Because of the programme's emphasis on tropical and Pacific-region issues, graduates are particularly well placed for work on island and coastal resilience projects, climate adaptation initiatives, and culturally informed design research across the Pacific and Asia–Pacific region.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Mānoa

The University of Hawaii at Mānoa provides a distinctive research environment for architectural technology with its Pacific island setting and strong regional connections. The campus hosts faculty whose research addresses tropical climate design, coastal resilience, and the integration of indigenous and vernacular knowledge into contemporary practice. Students benefit from access to interdisciplinary collaborators across environmental sciences, engineering and planning, enabling research that spans technical, ecological and cultural dimensions.

Located in Honolulu, the university offers unique opportunities for field-based research in tropical climates, real-world projects with local communities and government agencies, and engagement with regional partners throughout the Pacific. Facilities supporting doctoral research include specialised laboratories, digital fabrication workshops and computing resources for simulation and data analysis. The programme's combination of place-based research strengths and technical training prepares students to make impactful contributions to both scholarship and practice in architectural sciences and technology.