University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, qualifying examinations and an original research dissertation. Core study areas reflect the department's strengths and typically include structural mechanics and dynamics, geotechnical engineering and soil behaviour, water resources and hydrology, coastal engineering and shore protection, environmental engineering and contaminant transport, and transportation systems.

• Advanced coursework in fundamentals and specialised topics (for example: advanced structural analysis, finite element methods, advanced geotechnical engineering, advanced hydraulics and open-channel flow, coastal processes and modelling, groundwater flow and contaminant transport).
• Research methods and seminars covering literature review, experimental design, numerical modelling and data analysis.
• Laboratory and field-based research opportunities using instrumentation and test facilities suited to coastal, volcanic and tropical environments.
• Qualifying/diagnostic examinations to assess readiness for dissertation research, followed by a comprehensive proposal defence leading to admission to candidacy.
• Independent doctoral research culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence; research topics often focus on resilience to sea-level rise and storms, sustainable water resources in island communities, infrastructure performance in tropical climates, and geotechnical response of volcanic soils and rock.
• Teaching or mentoring experience is commonly part of the programme, either through formal TA assignments or guest lecturing, to develop communication and instructional skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree in civil engineering or a closely related discipline; exceptional applicants with a strong bachelor's degree and research experience may also be considered. Admissions committees look for evidence of research potential, such as a thesis, publications, strong undergraduate/graduate transcripts, and one or more letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.

• A clear statement of research interests and, where possible, identification of faculty with matching expertise is strongly recommended.
• Submission materials typically include academic transcripts, a research statement or proposal, curriculum vitae, and references. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in line with university requirements.
• Applicants with substantial professional experience in engineering practice or relevant public-sector work are considered favourably when combined with solid academic credentials.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme move into a range of careers in academia, government research, consulting and industry. Common paths include university faculty positions, research scientist roles at national and state agencies, senior engineering positions in consultancy firms, and leadership roles in infrastructure planning and resilience projects.

• Academic and research careers: postdoctoral fellowships, tenure-track faculty roles and principal investigator positions on funded research projects.
• Public sector and policy: technical leadership in state and federal agencies dealing with coastal hazards, water management and infrastructure resilience.
• Industry and consulting: senior technical roles in structural design, geotechnical investigation, coastal engineering, environmental remediation and transportation planning.
• Professional practice: many graduates pursue professional licensure and take on roles that influence design standards, regulation and community adaptation strategies, particularly in island and coastal contexts.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive research environment for civil engineering that benefits from its Pacific island location. The programme provides unique opportunities to study coastal processes, sea-level rise, tropical hydrology and geotechnical conditions associated with volcanic terrains—topics of growing global importance.

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with local and regional agencies, enabling applied research that addresses real-world infrastructure and environmental challenges in island communities.
• Access to field sites and laboratory facilities appropriate for coastal, hydraulic and geotechnical experimentation, and opportunities to work on projects with direct societal impact in Hawaiʻi and the wider Pacific.
• Faculty expertise spanning theoretical modelling, experimental methods and practical engineering solutions, with mentorship focused on developing independent researchers and practitioners.
• A culturally rich campus setting and connections to regional partners provide an environment where research can be informed by local knowledge, policy needs and community priorities.