University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme emphasises modern communications theory and practice, combining core coursework, laboratory work and a research or project component. Students follow a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with hands-on system design and testing in areas relevant to contemporary communications engineering.

• Core topics: digital and analogue communications, probability and stochastic processes for engineers, advanced signal processing, and electromagnetic theory.
• Communications and networks: wireless communications (including cellular and 5G principles), channel coding and information theory, network protocols and performance analysis.
• RF, microwave and antennas: RF systems and components, microwave engineering, antenna design and propagation, with attention to practical measurement and test techniques.
• Embedded and hardware platforms: FPGA and DSP implementation, embedded systems for communications, software-defined radio (SDR) development and real-time signal processing.
• Specialist electives: optical communications, satellite networks, IoT communications, MIMO and multi-antenna systems, adaptive and array signal processing.
• Laboratories and projects: laboratory courses and capstone projects give practical experience building and evaluating communication systems; students can work with SDRs, RF testbeds, and antenna measurement facilities.
• Research and thesis option: a research-led thesis path is available for students who wish to pursue original research under faculty supervision, preparing them for PhD study or R&D roles.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and intended for candidates with a strong undergraduate background in electrical engineering or a closely related technical discipline. Typical requirements include:

• An accredited bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics, telecommunications, computer engineering or a closely related field.
• A solid academic record demonstrating competence in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra) and fundamental electrical engineering subjects (circuits, signals and systems, electronics).
• Supporting documents such as a statement of purpose outlining your interests in communications engineering, a current CV, and academic transcripts.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with your technical ability and potential for graduate study.
• English language proficiency evidence for applicants whose first language is not English, typically through recognised tests; exemptions may apply in some cases.
• Where applicants lack specific prerequisites, the department may require additional undergraduate courses or recommend a preparatory programme. Professional experience in communications or related areas can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates gain skills directly applicable to a broad range of roles in telecommunications, electronics and systems engineering. Typical career paths include:

• RF and wireless systems engineer designing and optimising cellular, Wi‑Fi, or satellite links.
• Signal processing engineer working on audio, radar, sonar, medical imaging or communications algorithms.
• Network systems architect or engineer for service providers and enterprise networks.
• Embedded systems and FPGA developer for hardware-accelerated communication platforms and IoT devices.
• Test and measurement engineer specialising in RF/microwave instrumentation and compliance testing.
• Research and development roles in industry or government laboratories, and a pathway to doctoral study and academic careers.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive setting for communications engineering, with research and teaching that reflect the region's needs for reliable wireless, satellite and coastal communications. The College of Engineering provides access to faculty whose expertise spans signal processing, wireless systems, RF and microwave engineering, and environmental impacts on propagation.

• Strong regional links: opportunities for collaboration with industry, regional telecommunications providers and federal agencies that have operations in the Pacific.
• Facilities and hands-on resources: laboratory courses, radio-frequency test facilities and field-test opportunities suited to practical communications system development.
• Interdisciplinary research: the island environment supports cross-disciplinary work with oceanography, atmospheric science and geospatial groups on communications challenges unique to the Pacific.
• Small cohort and supervision: the programme emphasises close faculty mentoring, enabling personalised project work, especially for students pursuing a thesis or research-led career.

Overall, the programme prepares graduates to design, evaluate and deploy communications systems for both local and international contexts, combining solid theoretical training with applied engineering experience.