University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, comprehensive examinations, teaching practicum and an original dissertation. Core work typically covers literary history and theory, research methods, and professional pedagogy, while elective study allows deep engagement with areas such as American literature, British literature, world literatures, comparative and transnational studies, Pacific and Indigenous literatures, Asian American studies, postcolonial studies, gender and sexuality studies, and digital humanities.

• Year 1–2: seminar work in major fields, research methods, and an introduction to teaching at university level.
• Comprehensive exams or equivalent assessment to demonstrate mastery of chosen fields and readiness for dissertation research.
• Dissertation proposal development, archival or field research (where relevant), and dissertation writing under faculty supervision.
• Pedagogical training through teaching assistantships or supervised teaching placements; opportunities to design and deliver undergraduate courses.
• Interdisciplinary options and language study: opportunities to study Hawaiian, other Pacific languages, or Asian languages relevant to research; collaboration with centres such as the Center for Pacific Islands Studies and related departments.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a master’s degree in English, comparative literature, or a closely related field with a strong academic record. Key application materials typically include:

• A research statement outlining proposed areas of doctoral study and intellectual preparation.
• An academic writing sample (usually 20–30 pages) demonstrating critical and theoretical engagement.
• Transcripts from all post‑secondary study.
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees familiar with the applicant’s research potential.
• Evidence of readiness to teach at the undergraduate level (curriculum vitae, prior teaching experience or TA experience where applicable).

Additional materials such as GRE scores or language proficiency documentation may be requested depending on the applicant’s background and the department’s current requirements. Strong candidates show clear research focus, familiarity with relevant literatures and methods, and, for those working on Pacific or Indigenous topics, sensitivity to community‑engaged scholarship.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in English pursue a range of careers. Many move into tenure‑track and non‑tenure academic positions at colleges and universities, teaching and conducting research in areas such as American, British, Pacific, and postcolonial literatures. Other typical career paths include:

• Postdoctoral research and teaching fellowships.
• Public humanities roles in museums, cultural centres, archives and libraries—particularly those focused on Pacific and Indigenous collections.
• Publishing, editorial and communications work for academic and cultural organisations.
• Policy, advocacy or educational leadership roles in government, non‑profits and community organisations focused on language, cultural preservation and education.

The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research, language training and community engagement also prepares graduates for work that bridges academia and public scholarship.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive intellectual resources for literary scholars interested in Pacific, Asian and Indigenous contexts. The department’s faculty expertise includes Pacific and Hawaiian literatures, Asian American studies, transnational and postcolonial theory, and contemporary critical theory, enabling mentorship across diverse specialisms.

• Geographic and cultural advantage: Honolulu’s location provides ready access to Pacific archives, oral histories and community networks that enrich research on island, diasporic and Indigenous literatures.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: strong links with the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, Asian studies programmes, Hawaiian language and culture units, and the university’s research libraries and special collections.
• Teaching and professional development: doctoral students gain practical experience through teaching assistantships and opportunities to design courses, plus workshops on pedagogy and grantwriting.
• Supportive research environment: small cohorts enable close faculty supervision, peer networks and opportunities for conference presentation and publication.

Overall, the programme is well suited to scholars who want to pursue rigorous literary research with an emphasis on the literatures and cultures of the Pacific and Asia, while gaining the professional and pedagogical skills needed for academic and public humanities careers.