Start Your Engineering Degree Journey at UH Hilo
Welcome to the Pre-engineering program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo! This program is designed to offer graduating high school students the opportunity to take engineering courses at UH Hilo in preparation for an Engineering Degree at University of Hawaiʻi, Mānoa. The advantages of starting at UH Hilo are many: lower tuition, smaller class sizes, local internship options, and it's easy to find a parking spot.
Choose an Engineering Track
The Pre-Engineering program offers five pathways to different engineering degrees offered at UH Mānoa and beyond. Choose from one of the following academic paths that aligns with your interests. Pre-engineering students should select the BA Physics (pre-engineering) degree option when applying to UH Hilo. Although students will officially be part of the BA Physics program, and thus eligible for federal financial aid, academic advisors will guide them through the specific course requirements of the pre-engineering program.
Transfer Options
Upon completion of the pre-engineering program, students may elect to transfer all of their courses into the B.S. Engineering program at UH Mānoa, or complete a B.A. in Physics at UH Hilo. Courses may also be transferred to other institutions, but requirements for entry to an outside engineering program may vary.
Our Mission
The mission of the Pre-Engineering Program is to provide students with a comprehensive background in the natural science disciplines of chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as foundational engineering courses. With this academic experience, students will be prepared to enter engineering programs at UH Mānoa or other institutions.
Our Degrees and Campus
Undergraduate
Pre-Engineering is a new program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, housed in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, with faculty expertise encompassing the disciplines of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, and construction engineering.
The University
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, diverse, regional university. Scholarship and research are an important part of faculty work and student engagement, but the primary focus is on providing high-quality baccalaureate and postgraduate education.
Program Partners
PISCES
The Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems (PISCES) is an aerospace research and education program at UH Hilo’s College of Natural & Health Sciences. The Center studies innovative and sustainable technologies for Earth and space while helping students gain skills in engineering, coding, materials science, and related fields.
Institute for Astronomy
The UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA) manages observatories on Haleakalā and Maunakea and conducts essential research on stars, planets, and galaxies in the universe. IfA offers academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of physics and engineering.