What is the engineering major pathway at the University of Hawaii?

At the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, students who want engineering usually enter as a pre-engineering or intended engineering student and then move into a specific major such as civil, electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering after completing the early math, science, and introductory engineering requirements. The pathway is fairly structured, with the first year or so focused on calculus, chemistry, physics, and foundational engineering courses. Progression into the major depends on completing those prerequisite courses successfully and staying on track with the department’s sequencing.

A typical path starts with applying to UH Mānoa and indicating engineering interest, then spending the first semesters completing core requirements like Calculus I and II, introductory chemistry, and calculus-based physics. Students also take beginning engineering courses that introduce problem solving, computing, and design. Because engineering classes build on each other, course order matters a lot, especially in math and physics.

After those lower-division requirements, students formally continue into their chosen engineering discipline. UH Mānoa’s College of Engineering offers majors including civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer engineering. Once in the major, students move into more specialized upper-division coursework, labs, and design work.

Later in the program, most students complete a capstone or senior design experience, and many also do internships, research, or hands-on project work. One practical thing to know is that engineering at UH Mānoa can be very sequential, so starting in the right math level is important.