University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme is offered through the Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) and emphasises the multidisciplinary engineering needed to address coastal and ocean challenges. Students follow a curriculum combining core engineering fundamentals, specialised electives and an applied research or project component. Typical topics and modules include:

• Hydrodynamics and Fluid Mechanics — wave mechanics, flow around structures, wave-structure interactions and coastal hydrodynamics.
• Offshore and Coastal Structures — design principles for fixed and floating platforms, moorings, and coastal protection structures under storm and tsunami loading.
• Marine Renewable Energy — principles and devices for wave, tidal and ocean thermal energy conversion, resource assessment and device testing.
• Marine Geotechnical Engineering — seabed characterisation, foundation design for offshore structures and slope stability.
• Ocean Instrumentation and Sensing — design and deployment of sensors, underwater acoustics and remote sensing for monitoring ocean processes.
• Numerical Methods and Modelling — finite element and boundary element approaches for structural analysis, coastal evolution and circulation modelling.
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics — sediment transport, coastal morphodynamics and water quality modelling.

Programme structure typically allows a thesis (research-focused) or non-thesis (coursework and capstone project) pathway. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, fieldwork using the university’s oceanographic vessels and instrumentation, and access to on-campus laboratories and test facilities.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in engineering, oceanography, physics, mathematics or a closely related field. Admissions assess academic preparation in mathematics, fluid mechanics and basic engineering principles. Typical application materials include transcripts, a statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, and academic or professional references.

International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test unless exempt. Some candidates with strong practical experience but non-traditional backgrounds may be considered, sometimes with required preparatory coursework. GRE scores may be requested by the department in specific cases; check the department entry guidance for current practice.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a range of industry, government and research roles. Common career pathways include:

• Design and analysis engineer for offshore oil and gas, wind and wave energy companies.
• Coastal engineer working on shoreline protection, harbour design and climate resilience projects.
• Marine systems engineer focusing on moorings, floating platforms and subsea infrastructure.
• Environmental and coastal process modeller for consultancy firms, state agencies or NGOs.
• Technical roles with federal and state agencies such as NOAA, the US Navy and ports authorities.
• Research and academic careers, including progression to PhD study in ocean engineering, coastal science or related disciplines.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa provides a unique location for ocean engineering education and research, with direct access to diverse coastal environments and the central Pacific Ocean. As part of SOEST, the department benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration with oceanography, geology and marine biology, and students have access to the university’s research vessels and field sites for real-world testing and data collection.

Facilities and strengths include well-equipped hydraulics and wave tanks, specialized ocean instrumentation labs, and active research in coastal resilience, marine renewable energy and offshore system design. The programme’s geographic setting and partnerships with regional agencies also offer opportunities for field experience, internships and applied projects addressing tropical coastal and island-specific engineering challenges.