PhD Epidemiology at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The PhD in Epidemiology draws on faculty from Public Health Sciences, the UH Cancer Center, Tropical Medicine, Microbiology and the Pacific Biosciences Research Center. Graduates teach, conduct independent and collaborative epidemiologic research, and provide consultative services to academic, not-for-profit, governmental and private organizations.

Faculty: Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health | Department: Public Health Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

Candidates complete required epidemiology and biostatistics courses and core courses in infectious and chronic disease epidemiology, then take a qualifying exam (usually after the first year), followed by electives in their area of interest, a teaching practicum, an oral comprehensive examination and dissertation research.

Career pathways

Teaching in academic settings, independent and collaborative epidemiologic research, and consulting for academic, not-for-profit, governmental and private organizations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A master's degree in epidemiology or a related field is not required, but a strong natural and/or social science background is expected; research and work experience are important. Three letters of recommendation required; GRE General Test optional; written statement on why the applicant wants a doctorate in epidemiology at UH Manoa. Applicants are expected to contact a graduate faculty member or the programme chair and be accepted by a faculty member before admission. A few teaching and research assistantships and East-West Center fellowships are available. 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.

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/

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences