University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme centres on independent research leading to a doctoral dissertation, supported by coursework and seminars tailored to each student’s research focus. Typical research areas include marine biology and coral reef ecology, island and tropical ecology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology, molecular and cellular biology, plant biology, and neurobiology. Students normally take core graduate-level courses in ecology, evolution, and molecular methods together with specialised electives relevant to their lab group. Training emphasises experimental design, quantitative analysis, scientific communication and grant writing.

Structure commonly involves initial coursework and laboratory rotations or research apprenticeships, followed by a qualifying examination or committee review to advance to candidacy. After advancement, students concentrate on original research, participate in regular seminar presentations and lab meetings, complete a dissertation proposal and conduct the research that culminates in a written thesis and oral defence. Many students also gain teaching experience through assistantships.

• Core topics: evolutionary theory, population and community ecology, molecular genetics, physiological ecology, and research methods.
• Common practical skills: field methods (marine and terrestrial), molecular techniques, microscopy, bioinformatics and statistical modelling.
• Research training: developing and executing an independent research programme, publishing results and presenting at conferences.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with strong preparation in biology; many successful applicants hold a master’s degree or equivalent research experience. Recommended background includes coursework in genetics, ecology, organismal biology, and statistics or quantitative methods. Admissions take into account prior research experience, academic transcripts, two or three academic references, a statement of research interests, and a curriculum vitae.

International applicants whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of English proficiency according to the university’s standard requirements. Some programmes or faculty may specify additional prerequisites or ask applicants to contact potential supervisors prior to application. Standardised test requirements (if any) vary over time; applicants should consult the department for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Biology pursue careers across academia, government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Typical roles include university faculty and postdoctoral researchers, ecological and conservation scientists in governmental and NGO settings, marine scientists with research institutes and aquaria, policy advisers, environmental consultants, and positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.

Because of the programme’s strengths in marine and tropical biology, many alumni work on coral reef conservation, island biodiversity, invasive species management, and marine resource management in the Pacific and tropical regions. Graduates also contribute to public outreach, science communication and education at museums, botanical gardens and arboreta.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers unique access to exceptionally diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems in the middle of the Pacific, making it an outstanding location for field-based and applied biological research. The university hosts specialised research centres and facilities that support doctoral research, including marine research stations and laboratory infrastructure that enable studies ranging from molecular to ecosystem scales.

Students benefit from faculty expertise in island, marine and tropical biology, collaborations with regional and federal agencies, and opportunities for interdisciplinary work across oceanography, conservation, and resource management. The campus setting also supports community-engaged research focused on native species, cultural perspectives on conservation and the practical management challenges facing Pacific island environments.