University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This PhD is a research-focused programme that combines advanced coursework, methodological training and sustained dissertation research. Core study areas typically include communication theory, advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, media and cultural studies, political and health communication, intercultural and indigenous communication, and digital media studies.

• Core seminars: seminars in contemporary communication theory, ethics and research design that establish a foundation for doctoral research.
• Methods training: advanced courses in statistics, experimental design, survey methods, network analysis, ethnography, discourse analysis and mixed methods approaches.
• Area specialisation: students select advanced seminars aligned with their interests — for example political communication, journalism studies, health communication, environmental and risk communication, media policy, and communication and culture in the Asia–Pacific.
• Teaching and professional development: opportunities to develop university-level teaching skills, grant-writing and public scholarship through practicum and assistantship positions.
• Research and dissertation: progression to candidacy requires passing qualifying exams or proposal milestones; the degree culminates in an original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision and public defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in communication, journalism, media studies, or a closely related social science or humanities field) with strong academic performance. Exceptional applicants with a strong record of research or a relevant professional background may be considered.

• Academic record: an undergraduate degree and usually a master’s degree in a relevant discipline; evidence of strong academic preparation.
• Research potential: a research statement outlining proposed doctoral research, a writing sample (such as a thesis chapter or published article) and, where relevant, examples of professional or creative work.
• References: academic letters of recommendation that speak to research ability and preparedness for doctoral study.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted tests include recognised international English tests or institutional equivalents.
• Additional materials: a current curriculum vitae and any required departmental forms. Some applicants may also be invited to interview with faculty.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue a range of careers that draw on advanced research, analytical and communication skills. A common path is academic employment — tenure-track faculty positions, postdoctoral research and university teaching. Other career trajectories include research roles in government agencies, policy institutes and NGOs; senior positions in public affairs, strategic communication, media analysis and journalism; roles in health communication and public health research; and consultancy or leadership in technology firms, think tanks and international organisations.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a distinctive research environment shaped by its location in the Asia–Pacific, close engagement with Indigenous and Pacific communities, and strong interdisciplinary links across social sciences and health sciences. Doctoral students benefit from faculty whose expertise spans political and health communication, media and cultural studies, and digital media; from research centres and facilities that support regionally focused and comparative work; and from opportunities for fieldwork and community-engaged research across diverse cultural contexts. Small-group supervision, teaching assistantships and access to a major academic library further support doctoral development.