PhD Chemistry at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The PhD in Chemistry centres on a research project that culminates in a dissertation, supervised by a research director from the chemistry graduate faculty.

Faculty: College of Natural Sciences | Department: Chemistry | Duration: Minimum of six semesters of graduate study (at least three in residence) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

Candidates complete at least six semesters of graduate study, at least three in residence at UH Manoa, with courses drawn from graduate chemistry and related disciplines as directed by the faculty. Each candidate selects a research director before the second semester, who chairs the dissertation committee, and passes a comprehensive oral examination defending an original research proposal and a resume of the dissertation research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Graduate Division English proficiency (applicants whose native language is not English; programme minimums may be higher): TOEFL iBT 61 (pre-2026 scale) or 3.5 (2026 scale), IELTS Academic 5.5, Duolingo 90. Catalog lists no programme-specific admission criteria.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

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