PhD Nutritional Sciences at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The PhD in Nutritional Sciences prepares independent nutrition researchers to take an interdisciplinary approach to nutrition issues serving Hawaii, the Pacific and global communities. It integrates faculty and resources from instructional and research programmes across the university, with Human Nutrition, Animal Science and Food Science tracks.

Faculty: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience | Department: Nutritional Sciences (inter-college PhD programme) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

Students pass a qualifying exam, complete coursework, a teaching experience, a combined dissertation proposal and comprehensive exam, and defend a dissertation. Students entering with an MS need at least 18 graduate credits beyond the MS (excluding research), and those entering with a BS at least 36 credits beyond the BS; all take Program Seminar for two semesters and complete 12 credits of FSHN/ANSC 699 plus FSHN 800 dissertation research.

Career pathways

University educators, research scientists and specialised professionals in nutrition.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

BS or MS in nutritional sciences or a closely related biological science (other degrees considered with excellent academic background and strength in biological sciences); adequate preparation in nutrition, biochemistry, physiology and statistics. Minimum GPA 3.4/4.0 for BS applicants and 3.6/4.0 for MS or other advanced degree applicants. GRE General Test scores above the 50th percentile in all areas; three letters of recommendation; resume; Graduate Admissions Application with personal statement of objectives. International applicants: TOEFL minimum 600 paper, 250 computer or 100 internet. Interview (in person or by phone) required of all applicants deemed admissible. Deadlines: February 1 (fall), September 1 (spring).

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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