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University of Hawaii at Manoa

Geography

Field of study · Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

  • Level

    Bachelor

  • Duration

    4 years

  • Campus

    Honolulu

  • Intl. Tuition

    US$33,792 (2026-27)

  • Home Tuition

    US$11,760 (2026-27)

  • Intake

    Fall 2027

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Course Overview

Geography at University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.

  • Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
  • Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
  • Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
  • Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
  • Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.

Career snapshot (indicative)

Geography graduates pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, GIS analysis, development consultancy, the civil service and environmental sectors. Chartered Geographer (CGeog) status and RTPI planning accreditation are common progressions.

Student life (indicative)

Life in Honolulu revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.

The University at a Glance

Undergraduate Population

15,029

Staff Ratio

15.0:1

International

3.1%

Career Prospects

Completion Rate

63%

finish their degree (not an employment rate)

Avg Starting Salary

£37,920

First-year earnings

Costs & Living

Intl. Tuition

US$33,792

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

US$11,760

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

University Life

Urban

City & Location

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Course Curriculum

Year 1

  • Foundations of Geography
  • Academic and Research Skills
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Introduction to Theory and Practice
  • Optional language or breadth module.

Year 2

  • Intermediate Geography topics
  • Applied Methods and Tools
  • Group Project
  • Two optional pathway modules
  • Career and Industry Insights.

Year 3

  • Advanced Geography
  • Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
  • Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
  • Employability and Professional Development.

Entry Requirements

No specific entry requirements listed.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.

Campus & City Life

Student Population

15,029

Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.

Staff Ratio

15:1

Students per staff

International Students

3%

Of student body

Campus at a Glance

Campus Type

Urban

City Size

Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)

Climate (indicative)

Mild coastal

Safety Index (indicative)

6.5/10

Transport

Excellent (direct city or on-campus rail, major airport nearby)

Social Scene

Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle

Student Life & City (indicative)

Life in Honolulu revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.

  • Life in Honolulu revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.

What Students Love

  • Beach lifestyle
  • Vibrant nightlife & bars
  • Diverse international food scene
  • Major sports culture

University Stats

Undergraduate Students15,029
Student-to-Staff Ratio15:1
International Students3%
Safety Index (indicative)6.5/10

Career & Outcomes

Completion Rate

63%

Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.

Avg Starting Salary

£37,920

Average first-year salary

Placement Year

✗ Not offered

Industry work experience

Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)

Geography graduates pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, GIS analysis, development consultancy, the civil service and environmental sectors. Chartered Geographer (CGeog) status and RTPI planning accreditation are common progressions.

  • Geography graduates pursue careers in urban planning, environmental management, GIS analysis, development consultancy, the civil service and environmental sectors.
  • Chartered Geographer (CGeog) status and RTPI planning accreditation are common progressions.

Top Industries for Graduates

  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Education

Study Abroad Opportunities

Y

  • Y

Costs & Living Expenses

Intl. Tuition

US$33,792

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Home Tuition

US$11,760

per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Total Programme Cost

US$135,168

For full 4 years

Overall Cost of Living (indicative)

HIGH

This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.

Estimated Annual Costs

Tuition (International)US$33,792per year, 2026-27 Official fee page
Tuition (Home)US$11,760per year, 2026-27 Official fee page

Monthly Student Budget (indicative)

Housing£1,303/mo
Food & Groceries£410/mo
Transport£146/mo
Estimated Monthly Total£2,113
Annual living costs£25,359/yr

Cost Overview (indicative)

One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.

  • One of the most expensive student cities in the US — budget $2,675/month (housing $1,650 alone, plus $520 food and $185 transport).
  • A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.