University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, specialised training and an independent research dissertation. Core topics available include volcanology, petrology and geochemistry, seismology and geophysics, sedimentary processes and stratigraphy, paleoclimatology, hydrogeology, geomorphology and remote sensing. Students normally take graduate seminars and advanced methods courses in statistics, numerical modelling, geochronology and field methods to support their research.

Research is the central element of the degree: candidates design and carry out an original research project under the supervision of a faculty advisor and advisory committee. Typical research activities include field campaigns (for example on Hawaiian volcanoes and other Pacific island settings), laboratory analysis (isotope geochemistry, mineral chemistry, petrophysics), geophysical surveys, numerical simulation and synthesis of regional datasets. Students are expected to pass qualifying or comprehensive examinations and to publish and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Many students take advantage of interdisciplinary training across the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), collaborating with researchers in oceanography, atmospheric sciences, geospatial sciences and engineering. Teaching or research assistantships are commonly part of the programme, providing experience in undergraduate instruction and laboratory supervision.

Entry requirements

• Applicants normally hold a master's degree in geology, earth sciences, geophysics, geochemistry or a closely related discipline; exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor's degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.
• A strong academic record in relevant undergraduate and graduate coursework, demonstrating competence in core areas such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, geophysics, calculus and physics.
• Research experience is highly valued. Admissions committees look for evidence of independent project work, publications or significant field/laboratory experience.
• Required application materials generally include academic transcripts, a statement of research interests, a curriculum vitae, and at least three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant's research potential.
• International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency according to university policy (for example by recognised tests or previous instruction in English); specific score requirements are set by the university and can be checked on the admissions website.
• Funding and assistantship offers are competitive; applicants should indicate funding needs and potential faculty supervisors in their application. Some programmes encourage contact with prospective advisors prior to application to discuss research fit.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a range of careers. Many continue in academia as postdoctoral researchers and university faculty, leading independent research and teaching. Others work in government and public sector roles—such as geological surveys, natural hazard monitoring and agencies focused on volcanic and earthquake hazards—where the programme's emphasis on volcanology and Pacific geology is particularly relevant.

Industry opportunities include environmental consulting, natural resources and mineral exploration, geothermal and energy companies, and geotechnical engineering firms. Graduates also find roles in science policy, non-governmental organisations, museum and science communication, and applied research laboratories.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers unique strengths for Earth science research through SOEST and closely affiliated units such as the Hawaiʻi Institute of Geophysics and Planetology. Its location in the central Pacific provides unparalleled access to active volcanic systems, coral reefs, island stratigraphy and ocean–atmosphere interactions—ideal for field-based doctoral research.

Students benefit from strong interdisciplinary collaboration across oceanography, atmospheric science and engineering, world-class laboratory facilities for geochemistry and geophysics, and partnerships with regional organisations and observatories that monitor volcanic and seismic activity. The department's research culture emphasises hands-on fieldwork, cutting-edge laboratory methods and applied studies addressing natural hazards and island processes.

For students seeking doctoral training that combines rigorous theory, practical field experience and opportunities to work on problems of local and global significance, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is a distinctive environment to undertake a PhD in Geological and Earth Sciences.