The Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology; photo by Joe Kennedy

IN THE SCHOOL OF OCEAN AND EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY • UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I AT MANOA

Graduate Degree Programs

Download the Graduate Survival Guide PDF.

Degree Programs — Overview

Master and Doctoral programs in Geology and Geophysics are focused primarily on learning advanced methodologies and critical thinking by conducting focused research, supplemented by specialized elective course work in numerous topical areas. Degree programs are centered around one of 3 broad disciplinary cores that foster research reflecting the inter-disciplinary nature of the GG department and SOEST in general (geophysics and tectonics, marine and environmental geology, and volcanology/geochemistry/petrology. In addition, GG degrees focusing on planetary geology and mineral physics may be perused in conjunction with advisors in HIGP.

Students have access to a wide array of field sites, and world-class laboratory and ship-based research facilites.

Skills Obtained from GG Master's Degree

Specialization in one or more sub-disciplines of the Earth Sciences through advanced coursework and seminars· For thesis MS students, field, laboratory, or computation skills are honed during a research project (specifically tailored by advisors and students to meet their needs)
Plus the skills described on the undergraduate degree program page. Advisors may recommend that graduate students complete one or more UH undergraduate courses if deficiencies in earlier training are found.

Skills Obtained from GG Doctoral Degrees

The skills above and
Ability to plan and conduct intensive multi-year field, laboratory, or computational research studies
Become an “expert” in a field.