University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The sociology degree combines core theory and methods with applied topics that reflect the university's Pacific and Asian emphases. Early years develop foundational knowledge in sociological thinking, research design and statistics, while later years offer elective specialisms and opportunities for original research or practicum work.

• Core modules: Introduction to Sociology, Sociological Theory, Social Research Methods, and Statistics for Social Research (quantitative methods).
• Social institutions and topics: Family and Intimate Relations, Education and Society, Work and Economy, Crime and Deviance, Urban Sociology, and Health and Society.
• Culture, identity and inequality: Race and Ethnicity, Gender and Society, Social Stratification, Migration and Diaspora Studies, and Indigenous Perspectives.
• Regional and thematic electives: Pacific and Asian sociologies, Environmental and Coastal Communities, Tourism and Development, and Community-Based Research.
• Capstone and experiential options: Senior seminar, independent honours project, internships with community organisations or government agencies, and fieldwork linked to faculty research.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa undergraduate admission standards. Typical successful applicants will have a strong high-school record with evidence of academic writing and quantitative skills. Recommended preparation includes coursework in English, social studies and mathematics.

• Domestic applicants: completion of secondary education with a competitive academic record and any university-specified general entrance requirements.
• Transfer applicants: transferable college credit with satisfactory grades; introductory courses in sociology and research methods are advantageous.
• International applicants: proof of secondary completion equivalent to U.S. requirements and English language proficiency demonstrated by accepted tests or pathways.
• Additional notes: specific departmental advising or supplemental materials (such as a statement of purpose) may be requested for honours tracks or research placements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the sociology programme leave with skills in critical analysis, research design, data interpretation, writing and intercultural communication that are applicable across many sectors. The degree prepares students for direct entry into the workforce as well as for graduate study.

• Policy and public administration: roles in state and local government, social services and programme evaluation.
• Research and data work: research assistantships, market and social research, survey design and analysis.
• Community and non-profit sector: programme coordination, advocacy, community outreach and youth work.
• Private sector roles: human resources, organisational development, communications and customer insight.
• Further study and professions: law, social work, public health, education and academic research at the graduate level.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a sociology programme shaped by its Pacific location and diverse campus community. Students benefit from faculty expertise in Pacific Islander, Asian and Indigenous social issues as well as interdisciplinary links with anthropology, political science, public health and environmental studies.

• Regional strengths: curriculum and research opportunities that foreground Pacific, Asian and Indigenous perspectives not typically emphasised elsewhere.
• Research and community engagement: access to research centres and community partnerships for applied projects, internships and fieldwork in Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific.
• Location and networks: proximity to government agencies, non-profit organisations and cultural institutions in Honolulu that provide placement and employment pathways.
• Supportive learning environment: a balance of large introductory classes and smaller upper-level seminars, with advising, writing support and quantitative resources for social science research.