University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme is organised around sustained doctoral research supported by coursework that develops regional expertise, theoretical grounding and methodological skills. Students typically take core seminars in area studies theory and comparative approaches, regional specialisation seminars (for example on Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, East Asia or Southeast Asia), and advanced methodological courses such as qualitative field methods, archival research, oral history, ethnography or historical methods.

• Language training: Intensive study of one or more regional languages appropriate to the dissertation research (Hawaiian, other Pacific languages, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, etc.).
• Theory and methods: Core courses in area studies theory, historiography, postcolonial and Indigenous methodologies, and research design.
• Regional seminars: Thematic or country/area seminars that provide depth in political, social, cultural and environmental topics for your chosen region.
• Research preparation: Qualifying examinations or portfolio review, comprehensive exams, and a doctoral dissertation proposal leading to independent fieldwork and dissertation writing.
• Interdisciplinary electives: Students commonly take courses across departments such as anthropology, history, political science, education, geography, Asian studies, Pacific Islands studies and ethnomusicology to support their project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant graduate degree (usually an MA or equivalent) or demonstrate equivalent preparation for doctoral work. Admissions emphasise a clearly defined research focus on the Asia–Pacific region and evidence of language preparation or plans for language study.

• Academic transcripts showing strong performance in previous tertiary study.
• A research statement or proposal that articulates research questions, regional focus, theoretical framework and preliminary methodology.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees familiar with the applicant's research potential.
• A CV and an academic writing sample (such as a thesis chapter, peer‑reviewed article or seminar paper).
• Proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests vary).

Some specialisms also expect or prefer prior language study relevant to the intended fieldwork. Applicants should consult the department for details on degree prerequisites, funding opportunities and any additional programme-specific requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Area Studies pursue careers in academia as researchers and lecturers, often within departments of area studies, anthropology, history, political science and related fields. The programme also prepares graduates for roles beyond the university, including:

• Policy research and advisory positions in government agencies and think tanks focused on the Asia–Pacific and transnational issues.
• International development, NGO and community-based organisations working on cultural heritage, education, health or sustainability in the region.
• Museum, archive and cultural resource management, including curatorial and public history work.
• Media, consultancy and communications roles that require regional expertise and language skills.

The emphasis on language competence, field-based research and interdisciplinary training equips graduates to work where nuanced regional knowledge and research skills are required.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is uniquely positioned for Asia–Pacific area studies due to its geographic location in the middle of the Pacific and its long-standing institutional strengths in regional scholarship. The campus hosts specialised centres and programmes that support doctoral research, with rich library holdings (including extensive Pacific and Asian collections), archives and language resources.

• Regional networks and fieldwork access: Proximity to diverse Pacific and Asian communities facilitates field research and collaborative projects across island and continental settings.
• Interdisciplinary faculty expertise: Faculty across departments bring expertise in Indigenous studies, history, anthropology, political economy, migration and environmental issues affecting the Asia–Pacific.
• Specialist resources: Access to archives, oral history projects, museums and language programmes supports both archival and ethnographic dissertation work.
• Community and cultural engagement: Strong ties with local Indigenous and diaspora communities offer opportunities for engaged, ethical research and public scholarship.

These strengths make UH Mānoa a leading environment for doctoral students intent on producing rigorous, regionally informed scholarship with practical relevance to the Asia–Pacific and its diasporas.