University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

The programme emphasises advanced theoretical foundations in social and cultural anthropology together with methodological training in ethnography, participant observation, and qualitative analysis tailored to organisational settings. Core areas of study typically include organisational theory from an anthropological perspective, political economy, institutional ethnography, the anthropology of work, migration and labour, governance and policy, and the ethics of intervention and consultancy.

• Advanced seminars in anthropological theory and critical approaches to organisations
• Methodological courses in ethnographic fieldwork, interview techniques, visual methods and mixed-methods integration
• Electives that may cover topics such as indigenous governance, development and NGOs, public policy, labour and migration, medical and educational institutions
• Training in research design, grant writing, and professional skills for public engagement and applied research
• Major research milestone: an original doctoral dissertation based on sustained fieldwork in an organisational or institutional setting

Students typically work closely with supervisors to shape a dissertation that can be comparative, site-specific or collaborative with partner organisations. There are opportunities to draw on regional specialisms—particularly Pacific and Asia–Pacific contexts—and to use UHM’s resources for interdisciplinary research.

Entry requirements

Admissions favour applicants with a relevant MA in anthropology or a related social science, and a demonstrable record of research training. Typical expectations include:

• A completed master’s degree with a substantial research component (thesis or equivalent)
• A strong academic transcript showing capacity for independent research
• A research proposal that outlines a clear anthropological question, theoretical framing and feasible fieldwork plan focused on organisations or institutional settings
• Letters of recommendation from academic referees who can speak to research potential
• Evidence of relevant field or professional experience can strengthen an application, especially for applicants coming from practitioner backgrounds
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required in line with university policy

Applicants should consult the department for details about application materials, funding opportunities and specific faculty research interests to ensure a good fit.

Career prospects

Graduates of the programme pursue diverse careers where expertise in organisational dynamics and qualitative research is valued. Common pathways include:

• Academic careers in anthropology, organisational studies, and related fields, including teaching and research positions
• Applied research roles in think tanks, NGOs, international development agencies and governmental departments
• Consultancy and practitioner roles in organisational development, human resources, change management and corporate social responsibility
• Research roles in cultural resource management, public policy units, and community-based organisations—especially those engaged with indigenous and Pacific communities
• Positions in research management, evaluation and monitoring where qualitative expertise and ethnographic insight enhance programme design and impact assessment

Because the programme trains students in both rigorous theory and practical ethnographic methods, graduates are well placed to bridge academic and applied worlds.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers distinctive strengths for organisational anthropology, including deep regional expertise in the Pacific and Asia–Pacific and strong interdisciplinary networks. The Department of Anthropology is embedded within a research environment that supports work on indigenous governance, migration, development and transnational labour—areas that often intersect with organisational studies.

• Access to specialised centres and programmes focused on Pacific Islands, Asian studies and indigenous knowledge that enrich comparative and collaborative research
• Faculty whose research combines ethnographic depth with applied engagement in organisations, public institutions and community initiatives
• Fieldwork opportunities across island, urban and transnational settings, supported by local partnerships and archival resources
• A supportive doctoral community with training in grant preparation, publication and professional development for both academic and non-academic careers

These institutional strengths make UHM a strong choice for students who want to pursue organisational anthropology with a global perspective grounded in the Pacific region.