The University of Hawai'i at Hilo offers bachelor's degrees in physics and astronomy. We are located on the slopes of Maunakea, where some of the world's most productive observatories provide unparalleled opportunities for our students.
The University of Hawai'i Hilo Physics and Astronomy programs provide a unique and excellent undergraduate education within the College of Natural Science and Health Sciences. Faculty teach the vast majority of courses, using best practices from physics-education research. The faculty have active research projects that provide opportunities for students to gain valuable experience through internships and directed-studies courses. The programs are designed to prepare students for a wide range of careers in physics and astronomy, from fundamental research to education and public outreach, from data science to engineering. Many career options are available without the need for graduate studies.
Aloha - Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Hawai'i at Hilo
Physics is the study of how the universe works. We offer a bachelor of arts in physics and prepare students for a wide range of careers, with knowledge and skills applicable to engineering, computer or information systems, and other STEM fields, including education. In fact, physics majors generally score well on the MCAT and LSAT because of their highly developed problem-solving skills. Physics uses the tools of mathematics, and our students have a clear pathway to double majoring with math.
Astronomy is the study of how the universe began, evolved, and evolves. We offer a bachelor of science in astronomy and provide the training needed for students seeking careers in astronomy, as professional research astronomers, observatory technical staff, or educators. Our astronomy program provides students with unique access to professional telescopes on Maunakea. Astronomy uses the tools of physics; this is reflected a number of astronomy students double majoring with physics (it's only 3−5 more courses).
The University of Hawai'i at Hilo is characterized as a comprehensive, 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 limited postgraduate education.
Students learn in and out of the classroom, on and off campus. Unique internship opportunities exist via the Hawai'i/NASA Space Grant Consortium and the Akamai Internship Program.
We are currently building a new UH Hilo Educational Telescope (UHHET) for our majors, other UH Hilo students, and the broader Big Island community. It will have a modern 0.7-m telescope and 20-ft dome; it will operate in classical, queue, and robotic modes. Visit our UHHET site to learn more.
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General Manager
We are your academic `ohana. We teach the vast majority of courses, using best practices from physics-education research. We have active research projects that provide hands-on opportunities for students.
Kathy Cooksey
Associate Professor & Department Chair
Philippe Binder
Professor
John Coney
Support Staff
Heather Kaluna
Assistant Professor
R. Pierre Martin
Associate Professor & Observatory Director
Dan O'Connor
Instructor
Marianne Takamiya
UH Hilo faculty and students have access to all professional telescopes atop Maunakea, to carry out research and educational activities. We acknowledge the significant cultural role that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the indigenous Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain.
Hilo has a vibrant astronomy community, and students collaborate with observatory astronomers on research and technical projects, through internships at the observatories, obtainable year-round. Several of our alumni are working in the local community and can provide practical advice for pursuing a career in astronomy.
Videos, Physics and Astronomy Department walk through... and driving to work on Maunakea.
Questions? You can stop by our offices in the Sciences and Technology Building (STB), 2nd floor. Otherwise email for a site visit or a Zoom meeting.
© 2021 University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and a campus of the University of Hawaiʻi system.
Physics
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Astronomy