University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, original research and teaching experience, culminating in a doctoral thesis. Students normally undertake core and elective modules that build depth in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and spectroscopy, alongside specialist subjects in optics and quantum chemistry.

• Core topics: advanced quantum mechanics, molecular electronic structure theory, statistical thermodynamics and chemical dynamics.
• Optics and spectroscopy: laser spectroscopy, ultrafast and nonlinear optics, time-resolved spectroscopic techniques, and instrumentation for optical measurement.
• Quantum chemistry and computation: ab initio and density functional methods, excited-state methods, quantum dynamics, and simulation of optical properties and spectra.
• Experimental methods: photophysics of materials, thin-film and nanomaterial characterisation, detector and laser technologies, and laboratory safety and good research practice.
• Research training: independent research under a faculty advisor, research seminars, journal clubs and presentation skills. Students prepare a research proposal, pass departmental qualifying or comprehensive examinations, and complete a written dissertation and oral defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a strong bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics or a closely related discipline; many incoming students also hold a master's degree. A strong background in physical chemistry and in mathematics (quantum mechanics, linear algebra, differential equations) is essential. Relevant research experience—such as undergraduate or postgraduate laboratory projects in spectroscopy, photophysics, computational chemistry or optics—is highly desirable.

• Academic record: competitive undergraduate and, if applicable, postgraduate transcripts.
• Research potential: evidence of research experience, for example project reports, publications or detailed descriptions of laboratory work.
• References and statement: strong letters of recommendation and a research statement outlining interests in optics, spectroscopy or quantum chemistry and potential faculty supervisors.
• English language competence: applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency according to university regulations.
• Funding and support: admission may be linked to available research assistantships, fellowships or teaching assistant posts; prospective students should discuss funding with potential advisors during the application stage.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a range of research and technical careers. Typical career paths include academic positions in chemistry or physics departments, postdoctoral research in spectroscopy, quantum dynamics and materials science, and research roles in national laboratories.

• Industry roles in photonics, optoelectronics, semiconductor and materials companies, developing and characterising optical materials, lasers and devices.
• Computational and modelling positions in chemical and materials research, including software development for electronic structure and spectroscopy simulation.
• Technical and R&D roles in instrumentation companies producing lasers, detectors and spectrometers, and in applied research for defence, telecommunications and renewable energy sectors.
• Science policy, patent science and technical consulting where advanced expertise in quantum chemistry and optics is required.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers an interdisciplinary research environment with faculty who work at the interface of chemistry, physics and engineering on optical and quantum chemical problems. Students benefit from well-equipped laboratories for laser spectroscopy and materials characterisation, access to computational resources for large-scale quantum chemical calculations, and collaborations across departments and local research institutes.

Located on Oʻahu, the campus provides a distinctive setting for focused research with opportunities for industry engagement and partnerships in the Pacific region. The department emphasises close mentorship, a collaborative graduate community and training that prepares students for academic and applied scientific careers.