Graduate Programs and Degrees

Through courses in dynamic, synoptic, and physical meteorology, students develop a strong foundation in tropical meteorology, the department’s special field, and are prepared to do professional research in the atmospheric sciences.

Graduate programs in Earth Sciences (ERTH) are focused primarily on learning advanced methodologies and critical thinking by conducting focused research centered around one of three disciplinary cores that foster research reflecting the inter-disciplinary nature of the field (geophysics and tectonics, marine and environmental geology, and volcanology/geochemistry/petrology). In addition, students can pursue studies in planetary science and mineral physics  with advisors in the Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology (HIGP)

Designed to produce scientists who are experts in their research areas with a broad-based understanding of the biology, ecology, evolution and life processes of marine organisms, this program also addresses the growing need, locally and globally, for technically trained scientists, managers, and policy makers who understand the many processes that govern tropical marine ecosystems.

Graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in ocean engineering aim to prepare students for the engineering profession and to conduct research in support of the education program.

Academic coursework allows students to focus their efforts in one of three sub-disciplines: biological; marine geology and geochemistry; or physical oceanography.  Research and coursework requirements are designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, and government.