The Pre-Engineering program offers five pathways to different engineering degrees offered at UH Mānoa or another engineering program of your choosing. Select one of the following academic paths that aligns with your interests.
Students enrolled at UH Hilo may complete the first two years of engineering degree requirements for UH Mānoa's Electrical Engineering program or Mechanical Engineering program (including the Aerospace Engineering concentration), or the first three semesters of course requirements in Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering.
Please note that actual course pathways may vary depending on your preparation in previous studies. The Pre-Engineering Program can be completed in two years if students place into Calculus I and General Chemistry in their first semester.
For more information about the courses listed below, visit the UH Hilo Course Catalog.
Design, development, and analyze machines, vehicles, and systems that move. Mechanical Engineers work on a broad range of technologies, from engines and robotics to manufacturing systems. As a mechanical or aerospace engineer, you'll create efficient, innovative designs that push the boundaries of transportation, energy, and exploration.
Required Courses
Year 1: Fall Semester
Course
Credits
ENG 100 Composition I (3) (Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 140X or 5+ in all 3 parts of math placement test)
3
MATH 241 Calculus I (4) *
3
CHEM 161-161L General Chemistry I (3), General Chemistry I Lab (1) **
Note: Deadline to apply for fall semester is Apr. 1st.
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is the study and design of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. It combines principles of physics, mathematics, and engineering to develop cutting-edge technology for use in aviation, space exploration, and defense. Aerospace engineers work on projects such as designing commercial airplanes, building satellites, and creating rockets for space missions.
Required Courses
Year 1: Fall Semester
Course
Credit
ENG 100 Composition I (3) (Prerequisite: C or better in MATH 140X or 5+ in all 3 parts of math placement test)
3
MATH 241 Calculus I (4)
3
CHEM 161-161L General Chemistry I (3), General Chemistry I Lab (1)
ME 201: Space Exploration (If not offered, select COM 251 Public Speaking (3) (or) ECON 100 Intro To Economics (3) /ECON 130 Intro To Microeconomics (3) /ECON 131 Intro To Macroeconomics (3)
Note: Deadline to apply for fall semester at UH Mānoa is Apr. 1st.
Civil Engineering
Design, build, and maintain vital infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Civil Engineers apply math and science to solve real-world problems and improve public spaces, ensuring they are safe, efficient, and sustainable. They play a key role in shaping the built environment and work on projects that impact daily life.
Required Courses
Year 1: Fall Semester
Course
Credit
ENG 100 Composition I (3)
3
MATH 241 Calculus I (4)
4
CHEM 161-161L General Chemistry I (3), General Chemistry I Lab (1)
The study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to design and develop electrical systems. This includes everything from power generation and distribution to communication systems, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. Electrical Engineers work on solving complex problems and innovating new technologies that power modern life, from smart devices to large-scale electrical grids.
Required Courses
Year 1: Fall Semester
Course
Credit
ENG 100 Composition I (3)
3
MATH 241 Calculus I (4)
4
CHEM 161-161L General Chemistry I (3), General Chemistry I Lab (1)
Note: Deadline to apply for fall semester at UH Mānoa is Apr. 1st.
Construction Engineering
Plan, design, and manage infrastructure projects by combining the principles of civil engineering with practical skills in construction. As a construction engineer, you'll work on solving real-world problems and bringing designs to life, often overseeing projects from concept to completion.
Required Courses
Year 1: Fall Semester
Course
Credit
ENG 100 Composition I (3)
3
MATH 241 Calculus I (4)
4
CHEM 161-161L General Chemistry I (3), General Chemistry I Lab (1)