University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This programme emphasises advanced legal research methods and substantive study across thematic legal areas relevant to the Asia–Pacific and island jurisdictions. You will study core topics in legal theory and research practice and choose electives to build expertise in specialist fields.

• Research methods and legal scholarship — advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, doctrinal analysis, legal writing, source criticism and empirical methods for law-based projects.
• Hawaiian and Indigenous law — legal frameworks relating to Native Hawaiian rights, customary law, land tenure, cultural resource protection and co-management models.
• Environmental, ocean and natural resources law — marine governance, coastal resource management, biodiversity protection, climate adaptation law and treaty-based conservation mechanisms.
• Comparative and international law — comparative constitutional and administrative law across Pacific and Asian jurisdictions, international human rights and regional institutions.
• Policy and regulatory analysis — public policy formation, regulatory design, compliance systems and impact assessment for government and non-governmental settings.
• Thesis or capstone — an original research thesis or a supervised applied capstone project grounded in primary research, legal reform proposals or policy evaluation.

Programme delivery typically combines seminars, directed reading, supervised research and independent thesis work. Students may pursue the degree full‑time or part‑time, and can often tailor their elective choices to align with interdisciplinary offerings across the university.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree; applicants with a professional law degree (such as an LLB or JD) or substantial relevant work experience in legal, policy or research roles are competitive. Typical documentation includes academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining proposed research interests, a curriculum vitae, and references that speak to academic or professional potential.

Where English is not the first language, evidence of English proficiency is required according to the university’s published standards. Specific admissions may require a writing sample or research proposal, and some applicants may need to demonstrate preparatory course work or experience in legal analysis depending on their background.

Career prospects

Graduates use the degree to advance or pivot into roles that require strong legal research and policy skills rather than qualification for legal practice. Common career pathways include:

• Researcher or analyst roles in government agencies, legislative bodies and public policy units
• Positions with non-governmental organisations and community groups focusing on indigenous rights, environmental protection or development
• In-house research or compliance roles in private sector companies, particularly in sectors interacting with natural resources, maritime operations or regulatory affairs
• Legal research or support roles in courts, tribunals and international organisations
• Further academic research leading to doctoral study or teaching positions in law and related disciplines

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a distinctive setting for advanced legal research with direct access to Pacific and Indigenous legal issues. The campus is home to the William S. Richardson School of Law, and students benefit from faculty expertise in Native Hawaiian law, ocean and environmental law, and Asia–Pacific legal studies.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is a strength at Manoa: students can draw on resources and centres specialising in environmental law, Pacific Islands studies and public policy. The university’s geographic location and community connections also provide unique opportunities for field research, engagement with local stakeholders and practitioner networks across the region.