University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme offers a combination of core advanced coursework and specialised electives, typically completed through a thesis (research) option or a non‑thesis/coursework option. Students tailor their study to particular interests such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources and environmental engineering, transportation engineering, or coastal and ocean engineering.

• Core and advanced topics: continuum mechanics, advanced structural analysis and design, soil mechanics and foundation engineering, hydraulics and hydrology, computational methods, and engineering mathematics.
• Typical specialised modules: seismic design and performance, wind engineering, reinforced and prestressed concrete design, steel structures, advanced geotechnical engineering, slope stability and ground improvement, watershed modelling, coastal processes and shoreline protection, sediment transport, and pavement materials and design.
• Research and practice: the thesis route centres on independent research under faculty supervision and often involves fieldwork or laboratory experiments; the non‑thesis route emphasises advanced coursework and a capstone project or comprehensive exam to prepare for professional practice.
• Laboratory and field work: access to structural testing facilities, geotechnical labs, hydrology and hydraulics flumes, and coastal field sites; opportunities for applied projects addressing island and Pacific‑region infrastructure, coastal resilience and climate adaptation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a closely related engineering discipline. Candidates without a directly aligned undergraduate degree may be considered if they can demonstrate equivalent preparation through coursework and experience, and may be required to take prerequisite undergraduate courses.

• Academic preparation: demonstrated competence in calculus, differential equations, mechanics of solids, structural analysis, and fluid mechanics.
• Supporting documents: official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, a current curriculum vitae or résumé, and academic or professional references.
• Standardised tests and English language: the programme may require or recommend standardised test scores for some applicants; applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university’s English proficiency requirements.
• Additional considerations: relevant professional experience, research experience, or strong letters of recommendation can strengthen an application, particularly for competitive research positions or faculty supervisions.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across consultancy, industry, government and research. The programme equips students for technical leadership positions in design, analysis and project management as well as for careers focused on resilience, sustainability and infrastructure for coastal and island communities.

• Design and consulting engineering firms (structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources).
• Construction and infrastructure contractors, and project management roles.
• Public sector and regulatory agencies responsible for transportation, water supply, coastal protection and disaster mitigation.
• Research institutes and environmental organisations working on coastal resilience, climate adaptation and hazard assessment in tropical and Pacific contexts.
• Further academic study leading to doctoral research and teaching careers.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive strengths for civil engineering students interested in tropical, coastal and seismic issues. Its geographic location in the central Pacific provides direct access to unique field environments — from coral reef and shoreline systems to volcanic terrains — supporting applied research that is regionally and globally relevant.

• Research environment: opportunities to work with faculty whose expertise spans coastal engineering, geotechnical hazards, water resources, structural resilience and climate adaptation; cross‑disciplinary collaboration with oceanography, geology and planning units amplifies research impact.
• Facilities and field access: structural and geotechnical laboratories, hydraulics/flume facilities and nearby coastal field sites enable hands‑on experimentation and testing.
• Regional engagement: strong links with state and Pacific Island agencies, enabling applied projects, internships and community partnerships focused on infrastructure, shoreline management and hazard mitigation.
• Career and academic pathways: the programme prepares graduates for professional licensure routes, industry leadership and further postgraduate research, with networking opportunities across the Pacific engineering community.