University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme is organised around advanced coursework, hands‑on observational and modelling experience, and a research thesis supervised by faculty in the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences within the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). Core topics typically include atmospheric dynamics, physical meteorology, synoptic and mesoscale meteorology, tropical meteorology, and atmospheric thermodynamics. Students gain practical skills in numerical weather prediction, climate modelling, remote sensing and data assimilation, and learn to use programming languages and scientific computing tools commonly applied in the discipline.

Practical training is an important element. Typical modules and activities include:

• Atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics — fundamental theory of motion and energy in the atmosphere.
• Tropical meteorology and monsoon systems — processes that drive convection, ENSO teleconnections and Pacific variability.
• Synoptic and mesoscale meteorology — analysis of fronts, waves, hurricanes and island-scale circulations.
• Numerical weather prediction and modelling — model formulation, parameterisation and model evaluation.
• Remote sensing and radar meteorology — interpretation of satellite, radar and lidar observations.
• Climate science and variability — long‑term climate processes, forcing and impacts on island systems.
• Field campaigns and instrumentation — deployment and analysis of radiosondes, surface networks and in situ sensors during regional field studies.

The degree is primarily thesis‑based: students undertake original research, culminating in a master’s thesis. Research topics commonly reflect Hawaii’s strategic location and include tropical convection, island meteorology, air–sea interactions, volcanic plume dispersion, precipitation processes, and satellite validation. Students may also take elective courses across SOEST, such as oceanography, geophysics or environmental science, to support interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, physics, mathematics, engineering or a closely related quantitative science. Typical preparation includes one year each of calculus and multivariable calculus, introductory differential equations, linear algebra, introductory physics (mechanics and thermodynamics) and at least one introductory atmospheric science course. Programming experience (for example in Python, MATLAB, FORTRAN or similar) and familiarity with data analysis are strongly recommended.

Admission requires submission of official transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research interests, and academic references. Successful applicants normally demonstrate strong quantitative skills and potential for research. International applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements and provide certified documentation as part of their application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme move into a range of professional roles in research, operations and applied science. Common career paths include:

• Research scientist roles in universities, government agencies and research centres focusing on atmospheric processes, climate variability and ocean–atmosphere interactions.
• Operational meteorology and forecasting with national and regional weather services, including agencies that serve the Pacific islands.
• Climate and environmental consultancy, providing expertise on climate risk, adaptation and resilience for coastal and island communities.
• Positions with international and federal organisations (for example agencies involved in oceanic and atmospheric research) supporting observational programmes, modelling and satellite validation.
• Data science and technical roles in private-sector companies that apply atmospheric data and models for renewable energy, aviation, insurance and natural‑hazard management.

The programme’s emphasis on tropical and Pacific-region problems, together with opportunities for fieldwork and institutional collaboration, makes graduates particularly well placed for careers addressing climate impacts, island weather services and Pacific Basin research.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa offers unique advantages for atmospheric sciences. Its location in the central Pacific places students at the heart of tropical meteorology and ocean–atmosphere interactions, enabling research that directly addresses Pacific climate variability and island weather. The Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences is housed within SOEST, providing ready access to interdisciplinary expertise in oceanography, geophysics and geology.

Students benefit from proximity to regional and federal partners, research facilities and observatories, including opportunities for collaboration with NOAA, NASA projects, and regional climate centres. Field campaigns, in situ observational networks and satellite validation activities are routinely conducted from Hawai‘i, giving hands‑on experience with instrumentation and data collection. For those interested in tropical convection, island meteorology, air–sea interaction and climate impacts on coastal and island communities, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa provides a supportive research environment and clear regional relevance.