University of Hawaii at Mānoa Graduate Studies
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Contact Information
 

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
Department of Geography
2424 Maile Way
Saunders 445
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8465
Fax: (808) 956-3512
Website

Matthew McGranaghan, PhD
Graduate Chair
E-mail: matt@hawaii.edu

 
Degrees Offered
 

MA in geography

PhD in geography

 
Graduate Faculty
 
List of Faculty
 
University of Hawai'i Directory
 
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GEOGRAPHY
 

Quick Links:
Application Deadlines
| Admissions Requirements
Program Overview | Degree Requirements | Related Program(s)
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty

 
Application Deadlines
 
Fall Spring
I — January 15
D — January 15
No spring admission
 
Individual graduate programs may have priority consideration deadlines. Applicants are advised to contact the graduate programs for such dates. Any available funding support is limited and often awarded well in advance of the application deadlines.

Applicants who apply after the application deadlines MUST consult with the graduate programs before submitting an application. Application fees are non-refundable and may not be used for an application submitted at a later date.

I = international applicants
D = U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents
 
 
Admissions Requirements
 

Ways to Apply
Apply online or download PDF application forms.

Applicants need to meet:
1) Graduate Division admissions standard and documentation requirements, and 2) program specific admissions criteria and documentation requirements. Send all program specific documentation requirements directly to the graduate program.

GRE Scores
Refer to program specific requirements (see link above) to determine if the GRE is required by the graduate program. Click here for information on the GRE and when it is required by the Graduate Division. Official GRE scores must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
TOEFL Scores - 500/61 or above
TOEFL is required of most applicants who are non-native speakers of English. Click here for information on exemptions. Official TOEFL scores must be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
 
 
Program Overview
 

The study of geography provides a broad perspective on people as inhabitants and transformers of the face of the Earth. It explores the complexity of the cultures, economies, histories, and ecologies that lie behind places on a map — places that make up the world we live in and pass on to our children.

Three themes — the operation of interlocking systems of the natural environment, the relationship between nature and society, and the relationship between location and society — focus upon challenges in the contemporary world. Such challenges include global environmental change and its implications for human existence; resource management and regional development in the Third World; regional conflict fueled by long-standing economic, religious or territorial differences; the making of resource and location decisions; and the display and management of spatial information. Situated in the middle of the Pacific, the Department of Geography at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is uniquely positioned to examine these issues in the Asia-Pacific region. Hawai'i's historical, cultural, economic, social and environmental context provides a fascinating setting for learning and research, and serves as a springboard into the wider region.

The department offers graduate programs leading to the MA and the PhD. Faculty interests and supporting strengths of the university provide unique advantages for the study of the following general topics:

  • environmental studies and policies;
  • resource systems;
  • urbanization, and regional development;
  • cartography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems; and
  • Pacific and Asian regional problems.

Graduates find employment in research and administrative positions in county, state, federal, and international agencies; research positions in private business, especially consulting firms; and teaching positions in secondary schools, community colleges, colleges and universities.

 
 
Degree Requirements
 

All graduate students at UHM need to meet degree requirements set by the Graduate Division and their graduate programs. For general Graduate Division requirements, see Degree Requirements. Below is an overview of the degree requirements for this graduate program.

 

MA Degree Requirements
The MA program is available only in Plan A (thesis). It requires 31 credits (including six credits of thesis research), a written thesis and defense of the thesis.

PhD Degree Requirements
The PhD program requires the following:

  • completion of MA core courses or the equivalent,
  • attendance and participation in the geography colloquium (while in residence)*,
  • 30 credits of course work in a major field*,
  • 15 credits of course work in a minor field of departmental specialization*,
  • fulfillment of a research skills requirement including (a) one language and (b) nine credits in research technique courses (quantitative, computer applications, cartography, remote sensing, field, bibliography, or laboratory) or a second language;
  • comprehensive exams (oral and written),
  • dissertation,
  • final oral exam, defense of dissertation.

* Course work taken at the MA level may be used in partial fulfillment of the course requirements.

Courses
To view a listing of courses offered, visit www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/geog.htm.

 
 
Related Program(s)
 
anthropology, Asian studies, botany, conflict resolution, ecology, evolution and conservation biology, geology and geophysics, global health and population studies, Hawaiian studies, international cultural studies, meteorology, ocean policy, Pacific Islands studies, public policy, resource management, urban and regional planning
 
 
 

Application Deadlines | Admissions Requirements | Program Overview | Degree Requirements
Contact Information | Degrees Offered | Graduate Faculty | Related Program(s)

 

© University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Graduate Division

Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way Spalding 354 Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8544 Fax: (808) 956-4261
Email: admissions@grad.hawaii.edu

 
2009-11-16
 
This Web site is intended solely to provide general information. The UHM Graduate Division makes no representation and accepts no liability for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of information found in this site. Viewers of this site are advised to contact the appropriate offices for the most up-to-date information.