General Information

The School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) was established in 1988. It combines and integrates the Departments of Geology and Geophysics, Meteorology, Ocean and Resources Engineering, and Oceanography, as well as the Hawai‘i Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, and the Hawai‘i Natural Energy Institute. The Sea Grant and Space Grant College Programs, the Hawai‘i Undersea Research Laboratory, and the Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, all jointly supported by state and federal funds, are also part of SOEST. In 1997 the International Pacific Research Center was established in SOEST under the U.S.- Japan Common Agenda. The center is jointly supported by the state, Japanese, and federal funds. 

Although the Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering offers several undergraduate courses, baccalaureate degrees are not offered in this area. The Department of Oceanography offers the BS in global environmental science. Baccalaureate degree programs are offered in the Department of Geology and Geophysics and the Department of Meteorology. Those with long-range plans for graduate work in oceanography or ocean and resources engineering should prepare themselves with an undergraduate course of study that will satisfy the entry requirements for admission to these graduate programs. Information on entrance and degree or certificate requirements for all SOEST graduate programs (MS and PhD in geology and geophysics, meteorology, ocean and resources engineering, and oceanography, and a certificate in Graduate Ocean policy) is in this Catalog. Candidates for advanced degrees and the graduate certificate program apply through the Graduate Division of the UH. The school has developed a number of interdisciplinary courses at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels, which are listed under OEST within the “Courses” section of the Catalog.

Mission

The mission of SOEST is to make UH a leading center in ocean and earth science and technology. Scientists of SOEST intend to understand the subtle and complex interrelations of the seas, the atmosphere, and the Earth in order to learn how to preserve the quality of our lives and to bring to Hawai‘i an enrichment of intellect and culture along with technological advances well suited to the needs of these islands. To that end, the objectives of SOEST are as follows:

1. Enhance educational opportunities in ocean and earth science and technology for the people of Hawai‘i, the nation, and the Pacific Basin;
2. Accelerate the growth of UH to preeminence in research and development in ocean and earth science and technology;
3. Build the strength of UH for public service and outreach in the Pacific Basin; and
4. Provide a foundation for economic interaction and development of marine-related industries within the state of Hawai‘i.

degrees and Certificates

Bachelor’s Degrees: BA in geology, BS in geology and geophysics, BS in meteorology, BS in global environmental science

Master’s Degrees: MS in geology and geophysics, MS in meteorology, MS in ocean and resources engineering, MS in oceanography

Doctoral Degrees: PhD in geology and geophysics, PhD in meteorology, PhD in ocean and resources engineering, PhD in oceanography

Certificate Program: Graduate Ocean Policy Certificate

advising

For general information about the school and its programs, contact the associate dean’s office at POST 802, 1680 East-West Road; tel. (808) 956-9109 or Leona Anthony, Student Services Specialist at (808) 956-8763.
For information on specific degree programs, contact the appropriate departments. For information on the certificate program, contact the Department of Oceanography.

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Please note: This Catalog was prepared to provide information and does not constitute a contract. The University reserves the right to change or delete, supplement or otherwise amend at any time and without prior notice the information, requirements and policies contained in this Catalog.