University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises hypothesis-driven research alongside advanced coursework and professional development. Students undertake tailored coursework in areas such as cellular and molecular physiology, cardiovascular and respiratory physiology, neurophysiology, immunology, molecular pathology, and translational medicine. Training typically includes advanced methods in molecular biology, biochemistry, imaging and microscopy, electrophysiology, animal models, bioinformatics and statistics.

Programme components commonly include:

• Core and elective graduate seminars and lecture courses to build conceptual depth and technical skills.
• Laboratory rotations or early research placements to identify a dissertation mentor and project.
• Regular participation in departmental seminars, journal clubs and research presentation series.
• A qualifying/major field examination to progress to candidacy, followed by development and defence of an original dissertation proposal.
• Independent dissertation research culminating in a written thesis and oral defence, with expectation of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Opportunities for teaching, grant writing, and professional skill workshops.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master's degree or a strong bachelor's degree with substantial research experience in physiology, biomedical sciences, molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline. Typical application materials include an academic transcript, curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests, contact information for academic references, and examples of prior research (such as a thesis or publications).

International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency through approved tests or exemptions recognised by the university. Admissions committees look for demonstrated laboratory experience, clear research goals, and fit with potential faculty supervisors. Specific departmental expectations for prerequisites and preparation may apply; prospective students are encouraged to contact potential advisors and the programme office for guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of careers across academia, industry and the public sector. Common paths include:

• Academic research and tenure-track faculty positions, leading independent laboratories and teaching at universities.
• Research scientist roles in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical-device companies, including drug discovery, preclinical development and translational research.
• Positions in government and non-profit research institutes focused on public health, environmental physiology and disease surveillance.
• Clinical research coordination, regulatory science and roles in clinical trials units, particularly where physiology and pathology expertise are relevant.
• Science policy, science communication, patent law (with additional training), and industry management roles that benefit from advanced scientific training.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive research environment informed by strengths in tropical and Pacific health, environmental physiology and translational medicine. The programme benefits from close interactions with the John A. Burns School of Medicine and affiliated research institutes, providing access to clinical collaborations and specialised core facilities.

Students have opportunities for field-based and community-engaged projects relevant to regional health issues, as well as access to modern laboratory infrastructure—imaging suites, animal care facilities and genomics/bioinformatics cores. The campus provides a diverse and international academic community, mentorship from faculty with wide-ranging expertise, and a supportive setting for developing interdisciplinary research programmes that address both basic physiological mechanisms and applied health challenges.