University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme combines core coursework in psychological science with advanced methods training, topical seminars and supervised research or practicum experience. Typical modules include:

• Research Methods and Statistics — advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, experimental design, multivariate statistics and data analysis.
• Biological and Cognitive Psychology — foundations of cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning and memory, and biological bases of behaviour.
• Developmental and Lifespan Psychology — theory and research on development from infancy through older adulthood, with attention to cultural variation.
• Social and Personality Psychology — social cognition, attitudes, group processes and personality assessment.
• Clinical and Health Psychology — assessment, intervention approaches, psychopathology and health-behaviour research; practicum options vary by placement availability.
• Specialist Seminars — electives or seminars reflecting faculty strengths, such as cross-cultural and indigenous mental health, applied behaviour analysis, neuropsychology, or environmental influences on wellbeing.
• Thesis or Non-thesis Options — students typically choose between completing an original research thesis under faculty supervision or a non-thesis track with a practicum/project and additional coursework.

Students gain hands-on experience in campus laboratories and through community partnerships. The department emphasises ethical research practice and culturally informed approaches, drawing on Hawaiʻi's diverse populations and Pacific-focused scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor's degree, preferably in psychology or a closely related field. Typical requirements include:

• A competitive undergraduate GPA; meeting the department's minimum grade-point expectations is expected.
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees who can address research potential and suitability for graduate work.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests, career goals and fit with faculty expertise.
• A writing sample or evidence of prior research experience is recommended for research-track applicants.
• International applicants must demonstrate English-language proficiency through recognised tests unless exempted by university policy.

Some applicants without a psychology undergraduate degree may be admitted conditionally and asked to complete prerequisite coursework. The department may consider professional experience and alignment with faculty research when evaluating applications. Prospective students should consult the department for details about any additional requirements such as interviews or specific portfolio materials.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master's in Psychology pursue a range of pathways. Many use the degree as preparation for doctoral study (PhD or PsyD) in psychology or related fields. Others move directly into professional roles, including:

• Research assistant or coordinator positions in university, hospital or industry research settings.
• Behavioural health and community services roles, including case management and programme coordination in non-profit and government agencies.
• Human resources, organisational development, user-experience research and market research roles that draw on expertise in assessment and data analysis.
• Educational settings, such as school support services, programme evaluation and curriculum development.
• Clinical work in certain settings under supervision; graduates should check state licensure regulations, as a doctoral degree or additional supervised hours are typically required to become a licensed psychologist.

The programme's emphasis on research methods and culturally informed practice also equips graduates for roles that require strong analytic, communication and ethical decision-making skills.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a unique setting for psychological study, combining a research-active department with a strong commitment to Pacific and indigenous perspectives. Students benefit from:

• Access to faculty whose research spans cognitive neuroscience, developmental and social psychology, clinical and health psychology, and culturally grounded mental health studies.
• Opportunities for fieldwork and practicum placements with community organisations across Oʻahu, allowing work with diverse populations and real-world service settings.
• Laboratory facilities and collaborations across campus, including resources for psychophysiology, behavioural experiments and community-based research.
• The cultural and ecological diversity of Hawaiʻi, which supports research on cross-cultural processes, indigenous wellbeing and environmental influences on mental health.

These features make UH Mānoa an appealing choice for students seeking rigorous research training alongside applied experience in a distinctive Pacific context.