Civil Engineering

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Foreign:$ 33.8 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jan 5, 2026
201–250 place StudyQA ranking:11031 Duration:4 years

Photos of university / #uhmanoanews

The Civil Engineering program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in the diverse field of civil engineering. This program emphasizes the principles of designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports modern society, including transportation systems, water resources, environmental facilities, structures, and urban development. Students will engage in a blend of theoretical coursework and practical applications, preparing them to address complex engineering challenges locally and globally. The program features a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, materials science, and computer-aided design, alongside specialized courses in areas such as structural analysis, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources engineering, and environmental engineering.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and industry partnerships that enhance experiential learning and professional development. The faculty comprises experienced engineers and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and advancing civil engineering knowledge. The program also emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and innovative solutions to ensure that future engineers contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Graduates of the Civil Engineering program at UH Manoa are prepared for successful careers in consulting firms, government agencies, construction companies, and research institutions, or for further graduate studies. With a location in Hawaii, students have unique opportunities to study and work on projects related to earthquake resilience, coastal engineering, and tropical infrastructure, making the program uniquely suited for addressing engineering issues pertinent to island and coastal communities.

Core Requirements

Foundation requirements:

  • Written Communication (FW): 3 credits
  • Symbolic Reasoning (FS): 3 credits
  • Global and Multicultural Perspectives (FG): 2 courses, 6 credits

Diversification requirements:

  • Arts, Humanities, and Literatures (DA, DH, DL): 6 credits
  • Natural Sciences (DB, DP, DY): 7 credits
  • Social Sciences (DS): 6 credits

Graduation Requirements

Focus requirements:

  • Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Issues (H): 1 course
  • Contemporary Ethical Issues (E): 1 course
  • Oral Communication (O): 1 course
  • Writing Intensive (W): 5 courses, including 2 numbered 300 and above

Requirements

  • University of Hawaiʻi System Admission Application
    You may apply online. Please read the instructions carefully. 
     
  • Application Fee: $70 U.S.
    The application fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable and valid only for the semester indicated on the application. Please send a money order or check payable to the University of Hawaiʻi or download the credit card authorization form (PDF).
     
  • Official Secondary and Post-secondary School Transcripts
    All official transcripts, examination certifications (e.g., General Certificate of Education) and other documents showing all high school and any completed post-secondary work must be submitted to the Office of Admissions. All official transcripts must be mailed directly by the institution or Ministry of Education to the Office of Admissions. Documents mailed or hand carried by you or anyone else will not be accepted as official or used for admission consideration.

    Secondary school transcripts must include a list of courses taken and grades/internal marks received each year, class rank for the last four years of secondary school, and an explanation of the school's grading system. If transcripts with annual internal marks are unavailable directly from the school, you may photocopy your mark sheets or grade reports and have them certified by a school official who verifies that a transcript is otherwise not available.

    Post-secondary school transcripts must include a list of courses taken, grades/marks received, number of hours spent in each class per term, explanation of the school's grading system, and your rank in class. You may also be asked to provide course descriptions and a list of text books used in each course.

    Photocopies of external examination certificates must be certified by a school or Ministry of Education official or issued by the examining board and be sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

    All documents must be in English or accompanied by an English translation that has been certified by a school or Ministry of Education official. 
     
  • Official Test Scores
    You must take either the SAT, the American College Test (ACT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and request that the results be forwarded to UH Mānoa. Our college codes are SAT/GRE 4867 and ACT 0902. Ask your school counselor for more information on testing locations and deadlines or visit the SAT website, ACT website, or GRE website. If the test is not available to you in your area, the SAT/ACT may be substituted. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

    Undergraduate applicants who have earned 24 or more transferable semester credits at the time of application are not required to submit test scores. The credits must be from courses comparable to those offered at UH Mānoa (excluding English Language Institute and Second Language Studies courses) and have been taken at a recognized, regionally accredited college/university in the United States or an institution recognized by the Office of Admissions.

    The GRE can be taken when SAT or ACT tests are unavailable.
     
  • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores
    All applicants whose native language is not English must submit an official TOEFL score report from a test taken within the last two years. An official TOEFL score report must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to the Office of Admissions. Our college codes are institution 4867, department 00. 

    TOEFL Exemptions
    The following types of applicants are exempt from taking the TOEFL:
    • Received a D or better grade for UH Manoa English 100 equivalent (as determined by the UH Manoa Office of Admissions).
    • Received an SAT Critical Reading score of 510 or better.
    • Received an ACT English + Reading score of 44 with no score below 20.
    • Received an English Language Performance Test (ELPT) score of 950 or better (students attending U.S. high schools only).
    • Received an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 5.0 or better (must be academic section).
    • Completed at least 3 years of high school in the U.S. at the time of application with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 and SAT Critical Reading score of 460.
    • Completed the last 6 years of secondary/post-secondary education in American Samoa.
    • Meet any of the English Language Institute Placement Test Exemptions listed below .
       
    Refer to the Educational Testing Service for more information on testing locations and deadlines. Applications may be obtained by writing to Educational Testing Service, P.O. Box 899, Princeton, NJ 08541.
     
  • English Language Institute Placement Test 
    If you are admitted and your native language is not English, you may be required to take the UH Mānoa English Language Institute placement test. 

    English Language Institute Placement Test Exemptions 
    The following applicants are exempt from taking the ELI placement test:
    • Native speakers of English.
    • Received an SAT Critical Reading score of 540 or better.
    • Received an ACT English + Reading score of 48 with no score below 21.
    • Received a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of 151 or better.
    • Received a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 or more (paper-based) or a score of 100 or more (internet-based).
    • Received an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 or better (must be academic section).
    • Completed 60 transferable semester credits with a GPA of 2.0 or better from a regionally accredited U.S. institution.
    • Completed all degree coursework at and earned an Associate of Arts degree from a University of Hawaiʻi Community College.
    • Completed the last 6 years of secondary/post-secondary education in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Guam, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
    • Completed all degree coursework at and earned a Bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a recognized college or university in any of the countries listed above (as determined by the UH Mānoa Office of Admissions).
  • High school or any college transcripts, translated and certified by a school or U.S. consular official.

Scholarships

  • New Warrior Scholarships
  • Mānoa Academic Merit Scholarship
  • Global Education

The Civil Engineering program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of civil engineering, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the construction, transportation, environmental, and infrastructure sectors. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering sciences, combined with practical experience through laboratory work, design projects, and internships. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities including advanced laboratories for materials testing, structural analysis, and environmental engineering. The curriculum is designed to develop competencies in design, analysis, and management of civil engineering projects, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address modern infrastructure challenges.

The program includes both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering requiring core courses in mechanics, fluid dynamics, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering. Specializations allow students to focus on areas such as construction engineering, structural engineering, or water resources. The department fosters research opportunities in sustainable development, disaster resilience, and smart infrastructure systems, often collaborating with local government agencies, industries, and research institutions.

Faculty members are recognized for their expertise in bridge design, coastal engineering, and environmental sustainability. Students benefit from a diverse learning environment, with opportunities for participation in student organizations, competitions, and community service projects. The program's accreditation by ABET ensures that it meets the quality standards for engineering education. Graduates of the Civil Engineering program are prepared for professional engineering licensure and pursue careers in consulting firms, government agencies, and private industry, both locally and internationally. The department also supports student career development through workshops, career fairs, and networking events, facilitating entry into the workforce and advanced study opportunities.

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Study mode:On campus Languages: English
Local:$ 48.9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 48.9 k / Year(s)
Deadline: Dec 1, 2025 9 place StudyQA ranking: 3925