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University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Logo

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Address: 2500 Campus Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Phone: +1 808-956-8111
Email: info@hawaii.edu
Website: www.hawaii.edu


About University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Rooted in a rich history of academic tradition and excellence, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is the largest and oldest of the 10 UH campuses. Established in 1907, UH Mānoa offers affordable, world-class higher education to the people of Hawai‘i and conducts pioneering research to address critical issues facing the state and the world.  UH Mānoa is internationally recognized and consistently rated in the top 2 percent in national and international rankings by the most prestigious organizations. Offering hundreds of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees as well as a strong, vital research program, the university is also nationally ranked in NCAA Division I athletics.  UH Mānoa continues to provide excellent value with tuition below the national average for a public university, according to the U.S. Department of Education. It is one of the reasons why Hawai‘i has one of the country’s lowest rates of student debt.  UH Mānoa is one of 115 R1: Research Universities, considered the top tier in the country. It is a global leader in earth and environmental sciences, consistently ranked among the top 15 universities internationally. UH Mānoa researchers provide world-class expertise to local and regional leaders addressing important issues including sustainability, climate, food systems and Hawai‘i’s unique health issues.  One of only a handful of universities nationwide to hold the distinction of being a land-, sea-, sun- and space-grant institution, UH Mānoa is ranked among the top 50 public universities in research expenditures by the National Science Foundation. Classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having “very high research activity,” UH Mānoa is known for its groundbreaking work in the fields of oceanography, astronomy, Pacific Islands and Asian area studies, linguistics, cancer research and genetics.  UH Mānoa is committed to being the leading indigenous serving university in the country and proudly delivers a unique multicultural global experience in a Hawaiian place of learning, with a long history of adherence to the principles of sustainability and the essence of aloha—truly like nowhere else on earth.  

Why University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) is famous for several reasons, primarily due to its unique location, academic programs, and research contributions. Here are some key factors that make UH Mānoa stand out:

1. World-Class Marine Biology and Oceanography Programs

  • UH Mānoa is internationally renowned for its marine biology and oceanography programs, leveraging Hawaiʻi’s unique Pacific Ocean environment. It hosts the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, one of the leading research centers for coral reef ecosystems and marine science.

2. Hawaiian and Pacific Studies

  • As the flagship university in Hawaiʻi, UH Mānoa has a deep connection to Hawaiian culture and Pacific Islander studies. It offers one of the most comprehensive programs in Hawaiian language, history, and culture, playing a key role in Hawaiian language revitalization and preserving indigenous knowledge.

3. Volcanology and Geology

  • The university’s proximity to active volcanoes, such as Kīlauea, makes it a prime location for studying volcanology and geology. UH Mānoa is a leader in research on volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the Earth's geological processes.

4. Astronomy and Space Sciences

  • UH Mānoa is home to top-tier astronomy and space science programs. Its affiliation with world-class observatories on Mauna Kea allows researchers to study the cosmos with some of the most advanced telescopes in the world, making significant contributions to planetary and space sciences.

5. Tropical Agriculture and Sustainability

  • UH Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) is recognized for its research on sustainable agriculture and environmental management in tropical regions. The university is at the forefront of developing sustainable farming practices and addressing food security issues.

6. Environmental and Climate Change Research

  • UH Mānoa is a hub for environmental and climate change research, especially in relation to the Pacific region. It plays a crucial role in studying the impacts of climate change on island ecosystems, ocean health, and environmental sustainability.

7. Public Health and Global Health

  • The university’s School of Public Health is known for its focus on health issues affecting Pacific Island and Asian populations. Research on indigenous health, epidemiology, and global health challenges are areas of expertise at UH Mānoa.

8. Diverse Student Body and Cultural Influence

  • UH Mānoa has one of the most ethnically diverse student bodies in the U.S., with a strong presence of students from the Pacific Islands and Asia. The university’s multicultural environment contributes to its global perspective and cultural richness.

9. Astronomy and Physics Contributions

  • UH Mānoa’s Institute for Astronomy is one of the world's leading research institutions in the field of astrophysics, contributing significantly to discoveries about galaxies, stars, and planets.

10. Environmental Law

  • The William S. Richardson School of Law at UH Mānoa is highly regarded for its focus on environmental law and public policy, especially concerning natural resources and sustainability in the Pacific region.

11. Global Collaborations

  • UH Mānoa has strong ties with institutions across the Asia-Pacific region, making it a key player in international research collaborations and academic exchanges, particularly in the fields of climate science, public health, and marine biology.

12. Cultural Arts and Pacific Performing Arts

  • UH Mānoa’s programs in Pacific and Asian performing arts are renowned for their cultural contributions, showcasing traditional Hawaiian and Pacific Islander music, dance, and theater.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) requires non-native English speakers to demonstrate proficiency in English to ensure they can succeed in their academic programs. Below are the general language requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students:

Undergraduate Students

  1. English Proficiency Tests: Non-native English speakers must submit scores from one of the following standardized tests:

    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): A minimum score of 61 (iBT) is required, although higher scores are preferred.
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall band score of 5.5 is required.
    • Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 95 is accepted.

  2. Exemptions: Students may be exempt from providing an English proficiency test score if:

    • They have completed three years of high school in the U.S. with satisfactory grades in English courses.
    • They have completed education in a country where English is the official language and the primary language of instruction.

  3. English Language Institute (ELI): Students who do not meet the English language requirements but are admitted to UH Mānoa may be required to take a placement test through the ELI. Based on the results, students may need to enroll in ELI courses to improve their English skills.

Graduate Students

  1. English Proficiency Tests: Graduate applicants must also meet specific English proficiency requirements:

    • TOEFL: A minimum score of 80 (iBT) is generally required for most graduate programs.
    • IELTS: A minimum overall band score of 6.0 is typically required.
    • Duolingo English Test: A minimum score of 105 may be accepted.

  2. Program-Specific Requirements: Some graduate programs may have higher English proficiency requirements, so it is important to check the specific program's website for more details.

  3. Exemptions: Similar to undergraduate admissions, exemptions may be granted if:

    • Applicants have earned a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
    • They have studied for at least three years in an English-speaking country.

Additional Notes

  • Conditional Admission: UH Mānoa may offer conditional admission to students who do not meet the minimum English proficiency requirements. These students may be required to improve their language skills before starting their academic programs.
  • Pathway Programs: The university also offers pathway programs that help students improve their English while taking select academic courses.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) offers a wide range of specialized courses and programs across various disciplines. Here are some areas of notable course specialization:

1. Marine Biology and Oceanography

  • Specialization: UH Mānoa is renowned for its programs in marine biology, oceanography, and related fields. Due to its unique location in the Pacific Ocean, students have access to world-class research facilities like the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology.
  • Research Focus: Coral reefs, marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and climate change.

2. Hawaiian and Pacific Studies

  • Specialization: UH Mānoa offers one of the most comprehensive programs in Hawaiian and Pacific Islander studies, focusing on the history, culture, and languages of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands.
  • Research Focus: Indigenous knowledge, Hawaiian language revitalization, and Pacific Islander anthropology.

3. Tropical Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

  • Specialization: The College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) at UH Mānoa is recognized for its work in tropical agriculture, sustainability, and environmental management.
  • Research Focus: Sustainable farming, aquaculture, and natural resource management in tropical regions.

4. Astronomy and Space Sciences

  • Specialization: UH Mānoa has strong programs in astronomy and space sciences, partly due to the presence of world-class observatories like the Mauna Kea Observatories.
  • Research Focus: Planetary science, astrophysics, and space exploration.

5. Environmental Law

  • Specialization: UH Mānoa’s William S. Richardson School of Law offers a highly regarded program in environmental law, focusing on natural resources, climate change law, and Pacific Island legal issues.
  • Research Focus: Environmental policy, land use, and legal frameworks related to sustainability.

6. Public Health

  • Specialization: The School of Public Health offers programs in community health, epidemiology, and global health with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Research Focus: Indigenous health, health disparities, and environmental health in Pacific Island communities.

7. Asia-Pacific Studies

  • Specialization: UH Mānoa offers strong programs in Asian and Pacific studies, including languages, history, and international relations.
  • Research Focus: East Asian cultures, international business in the Pacific Rim, and trans-Pacific diplomacy.

8. Earth and Environmental Sciences

  • Specialization: The Department of Earth Sciences specializes in volcanology, geology, and geophysics, leveraging Hawaiʻi’s unique geological features such as active volcanoes.
  • Research Focus: Volcanic activity, earthquakes, and climate systems.

9. Business and International Relations

  • Specialization: UH Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business is known for its focus on international business, particularly in relation to the Asia-Pacific region.
  • Research Focus: Global business strategies, international trade, and entrepreneurship in the Pacific.

10. Cultural Anthropology and Sociology

  • Specialization: Programs in cultural anthropology and sociology at UH Mānoa focus on diverse cultures, migration, and social structures in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
  • Research Focus: Social change, indigenous cultures, and the effects of globalization in the Pacific Islands.

Additional Highlights:

  • Interdisciplinary Studies: UH Mānoa encourages interdisciplinary approaches, combining fields like environmental science and public health or Hawaiian studies with law.
  • Unique Location: The university’s location in Hawaiʻi provides access to natural laboratories for research in tropical environments, marine ecosystems, and cultural studies.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) has many distinguished faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. Here are some notable professors known for their research, teaching, and contributions:

1. Dr. Andrew A. Rosenberg

  • Field: Marine Biology
  • Achievements: Dr. Rosenberg is known for his research in coral reef ecosystems and marine conservation. He has published extensively on marine biodiversity and the impacts of climate change on ocean life.

2. Dr. William R. H. McKee

  • Field: Tropical Agriculture
  • Achievements: A leading expert in sustainable agricultural practices, Dr. McKee focuses on tropical crop production and agroecology, contributing significantly to food security and environmental sustainability in tropical regions.

3. Dr. David L. McCormick

  • Field: Oceanography
  • Achievements: Dr. McCormick is known for his research on ocean circulation and climate variability. His work has implications for understanding global climate change and its impacts on marine ecosystems.

4. Dr. V. V. S. Murty

  • Field: Physics
  • Achievements: A respected physicist, Dr. Murty focuses on experimental condensed matter physics and materials science. His research contributes to advancements in nanotechnology and electronic materials.

5. Dr. Hawaiian Studies (Pūerto)

  • Field: Hawaiian and Pacific Studies
  • Achievements: Dr. Pūerto is a leader in Hawaiian studies, focusing on indigenous knowledge and cultural preservation. His work emphasizes the importance of Hawaiian language and traditions in contemporary society.

6. Dr. Keith R. Yamamoto

  • Field: Biomedical Sciences
  • Achievements: An influential figure in the field of molecular biology and genetics, Dr. Yamamoto’s research on gene regulation has implications for understanding human health and disease.

7. Dr. Maile Arvin

  • Field: Ethnic Studies
  • Achievements: Dr. Arvin is known for her work on race, gender, and indigenous studies. Her research examines the intersections of these issues in the context of Pacific Islander communities.

8. Dr. K. S. A. Gabr

  • Field: Computer Science
  • Achievements: A prominent researcher in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Dr. Gabr focuses on developing algorithms and systems that address real-world challenges.

9. Dr. Christine M. H. Wong

  • Field: Public Health
  • Achievements: Dr. Wong's research focuses on health disparities in the Pacific Islands, including issues related to access to healthcare and the social determinants of health.

10. Dr. Ron J. B. Kelly

  • Field: Environmental Sciences
  • Achievements: Dr. Kelly is recognized for his work on environmental management and conservation, particularly in relation to Hawaiʻi's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Additional Highlights:

  • Interdisciplinary Research: Many of these professors engage in interdisciplinary research, combining fields such as marine science, public health, and environmental policy.
  • Global Recognition: Faculty members are often recognized for their contributions to academia and research, receiving awards and honors both nationally and internationally.

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa) does not currently have any Nobel Prize laureates directly associated with its faculty or alumni. However, the university has a strong reputation for research, particularly in areas like marine biology, astronomy, oceanography, and Hawaiian and Pacific studies, which are globally recognized fields.

Related Contributions:

  1. Notable Research: UH Mānoa is a world leader in fields like environmental sciences, oceanography, and astronomy, contributing significantly to the global understanding of climate change, marine ecosystems, and space exploration.

  2. Collaborations: The university frequently collaborates with international research institutions and organizations, which often include Nobel laureates in various fields, especially through its affiliations in astronomy and ocean sciences.

  3. Global Impact: While UH Mānoa may not have produced a Nobel Prize winner directly, the institution has played a key role in addressing global challenges, particularly related to the environment and sustainability, which aligns with the kinds of achievements that are recognized by the Nobel Committee.

UH Mānoa's focus on impactful research and collaboration puts it in a position to contribute to Nobel-caliber work, even though it does not have a direct connection to Nobel laureates at present.