University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme combines core engineering principles with applied topics specific to agricultural and resource systems in tropical settings. Typical modules and subject areas include:

• Soil and Water Engineering: soil physics, irrigation design, drainage, watershed management and erosion control.
• Controlled-Environment Agriculture and Protected Cultivation: greenhouse systems, microclimate control, hydroponics and greenhouse automation.
• Precision Agriculture and Sensors: remote sensing, sensor networks, data acquisition, GPS/GIS applications and decision-support systems.
• Agricultural Machinery and Mechanisation: power systems, mechanised harvesting, equipment design and adaptation for smallholder and plantation contexts.
• Postharvest Technology and Food Engineering: handling, storage, drying, cooling and value-chain engineering to reduce losses.
• Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering: bioenergy, solar and wind applications for farms, waste management and nutrient recovery.
• Modelling and Applied Mathematics: hydrologic and crop models, statistics, optimisation and systems analysis.
• Research Methods and Professional Skills: experimental design, laboratory techniques, project management and technical communication.

The degree typically offers Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis/project) pathways, allowing students to pursue original research under faculty supervision or undertake an applied engineering project. Courses are complemented by hands-on laboratory work, field experiments at university stations and opportunities for collaboration with local farms and research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree in engineering, agricultural engineering, biological engineering, agricultural science or a closely related physical science with a solid foundation in mathematics and physics. Typical academic prerequisites include calculus, differential equations, statics/dynamics, basic thermodynamics and introductory soil or plant science; applicants missing specific prerequisites may be admitted conditionally and required to complete undergraduate prerequisites.

Selection also considers prior research or practical experience, academic references and a statement of purpose outlining research or career goals. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency according to the university's standards. Specific requirements and documentation details should be confirmed with the department admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles that apply engineering to agriculture, food systems and natural-resource management. Common career paths include:

• Design and management of irrigation and drainage systems for commercial agriculture and water agencies.
• Precision-agriculture and sensor systems engineer roles within agri-tech companies and start-ups.
• Postharvest and processing engineer positions in food production, storage and supply-chain businesses.
• Environmental and sustainable-farming consultant or analyst roles working on nutrient management, erosion control and renewable energy integration.
• Technical positions with government agencies, research institutes, NGOs and extension services focused on tropical and island agriculture.
• Progression to doctoral study and careers in academic or applied research.

The programme’s emphasis on tropical and island systems also suits graduates seeking employment focused on small-island developing states, Pacific-region agriculture, and climate-resilient farming initiatives.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive advantages for agricultural engineering study because of its location and institutional strengths. The university’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and affiliated research units provide direct access to tropical cropping systems, diverse field stations and laboratories for hands-on experimentation. Students benefit from multidisciplinary collaboration across engineering, plant sciences, soil science and resource economics.

Being based in Hawai‘i gives unique opportunities to work on island-scale challenges—water scarcity, invasive species, postharvest loss reduction, renewable energy for remote operations and adaptation to climate impacts. Strong connections with regional agencies, extension services and Pacific research networks help students gain applied project experience and local industry links that are particularly relevant for careers in tropical and small-island contexts.