University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The PhD combines advanced coursework with an original research thesis. Candidates typically take core and elective modules that deepen theoretical, numerical and experimental skills in ocean engineering and related disciplines. Typical topics include:

• Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Hydrodynamics – nonlinear waves, wave-structure interaction, boundary layers and turbulence as applied to coastal and offshore systems.
• Coastal and Offshore Engineering – coastal morphology, sediment transport, shoreline change, design and analysis of coastal protection and offshore structures.
• Marine Renewable Energy – wave, tidal and ocean-current energy concepts, device hydrodynamics, performance prediction and environmental interactions.
• Numerical Modelling and Computational Methods – finite-element/volume approaches, spectral wave models, coupled hydrodynamic-sediment transport models and high-performance computing techniques.
• Experimental Methods and Instrumentation – laboratory wave basin and towing-tank testing, field measurement techniques, sensors and data acquisition for oceanographic and engineering applications.
• Ocean Acoustics and Environmental Fluid Mechanics – where relevant for interdisciplinary projects involving acoustical monitoring or environmental impact assessment.

Programme structure usually begins with a period of formal coursework to establish breadth and depth, followed by qualifying examinations and transition to full-time dissertation research under the supervision of a departmental faculty advisor. Research areas are frequently interdisciplinary and make use of laboratory facilities, field campaigns and computational resources.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong bachelor’s degree in engineering, oceanography, applied physics, or a closely related field; many successful applicants hold a relevant master’s degree with evidence of research experience. Typical expectations include:

• Solid background in mathematics, fluid mechanics and numerical methods.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating high performance in core technical subjects.
• A research statement or proposal outlining intended PhD topics and prior research experience.
• Curriculum vitae and at least two academic references who can assess research potential.
• Evidence of English language proficiency where applicable.

Admissions also consider alignment between an applicant’s interests and faculty expertise; prospective students are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in the Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering (within SOEST) before applying. Specific document requirements and any standardised-test policies are provided by the university’s graduate admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue careers in academia, government research and technical leadership in industry. Common career paths include:

• University and national laboratory research and teaching positions focused on coastal processes, hydrodynamics or ocean renewable energy.
• Engineering and consultancy roles in coastal and offshore engineering firms, including design and environmental assessment for ports, coastal defences and offshore energy projects.
• Positions in government and intergovernmental agencies concerned with marine resources, coastal management and hazard mitigation (for example agencies engaged in ocean observing, coastal resilience planning and tsunami/shoreline change research).
• Technical roles in companies developing ocean instrumentation, autonomous marine vehicles, and marine energy devices.

Doctoral training emphasises research skills, project management and technical communication, preparing graduates to lead multidisciplinary teams and to translate research into practice and policy.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive environment for ocean engineering research through its location in the central Pacific and its integration with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). Students benefit from proximity to diverse coastal environments and ready access to field sites across the Hawaiian Islands, which support experimental and observational work that is difficult to conduct elsewhere.

The Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering is closely connected to university research centres and institutes that foster interdisciplinary projects in marine renewable energy, coastal resilience and ocean observation. PhD students can draw on specialised facilities, laboratory spaces and ship/field-support resources, and collaborate with regional and federal partners involved in ocean science and engineering.

Overall, the programme is well-suited to researchers who want intensive, hands-on doctoral training in ocean engineering, combining theoretical development, numerical and experimental methods, and applied fieldwork in a Pacific island setting.