Educators pursuing careers as professors, researchers, specialists, administrators, or other types of leadership positions may want to consider a masters degree or PhD in the field of Educational Psychology. The Department of Educational Psychology (EDEP) promotes inquiry in human learning and development within the context of a diverse society.

The primary employers are educational institutions, both public and private, at all levels: K through 12, postsecondary (community colleges and universities). Also, government and private agencies like testing companies, non-profit agencies, research institutes, and private or public educational organizations.

There is no single job title for educational psychologists in organizations, but some examples include professor, program evaluator, educational consultant, test developer, statistician, psychometrician, and educational specialist.

Eligibility Requirements

• Master’s Degree: It is strongly recommended that applicants have graduated, or will graduate, from a UHM recognized, accredited, master’s degree program prior to beginning the PhD, Educational Psychology program
• GPA: 3.0 or above

How to Apply Instructions

Submit Graduate Division Application

• Submit UHM Graduate Application – click on “Apply Here”
  • Select “Educational Psychology – PhD (selected semester)”
  • Complete all four sections
    • Personal Information
    • Academic History
    • Supporting Information
      • ‘Documents’ section:
        • Update (Spring 2026 admissions): GRE scores are no longer required. 
        • Select “I Am Not Adding Any Documents” at the bottom of the page.
        • Note: International students may need to submit English proficiency test scores. Please see below for more information.
    • Program Materials
      • Statement of Objectives (Purpose). Provide a 2-4 page statement of purpose in which you describe why you are interested in the PhD in Educational Psychology, what you hope to learn in the program and would like to accomplish after graduation. In addition to your overall statement of purpose, please address the following:
        • Emphasis. Which strand of the program are you interested in: General Educational Psychology or Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation (MSE)? If relevant, suggest ways that your interests align with faculty expertise and research interests.
        • Research Skills and Experience. Briefly describe your research skills and experiences, including any coursework or other preparation in research methods and statistics you have completed.
        • Quantitative Coursework and Experience. List coursework or experience in statistics, math, or other quantitative methods that have prepared you to conduct quantitative research.
        • Other Relevant Experiences. Briefly describe any other relevant experiences you have had that prepared you for this program.
      • Curriculum Vitae or Resumé. Either attach a vitae or briefly summarize your academic and career development to date.
      • Writing Sample. Please submit a master’s thesis or other individual writing samples that demonstrate your academic writing skills and ability to synthesize information. Please submit 1-3 samples.
    • Recommendations
      • The program requires applicants to use and submit three (3) departmental recommendation forms directly to the department. Academic recommendations—such as those from former or current professors—are strongly preferred. Recommenders may attach their letters if they wish, IN ADDITION to the REQUIRED recommendation form. For the Recommendations Tab on the Graduate Division website, please select “I Am Not Adding Any Recommendations”, as all recommendation forms must be sent directly to the department at edpsych@hawaii.edu

• • Pay $100 Application fee
  • Send Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended (except for UH system transcripts)
    • Send Electronically: gradss@hawaii.edu
    • Mailing Address:
      • Graduate Division, Student Services
        2540 Maile Way
        Spalding Hall 354
        Honolulu, HI 96822

• International Students may need to submit additional requirements, such as:
  • Applicants who are not native English speakers may need to take the TOEFL, IELTS (Academic), Duolingo English Test or Cambridge English tests. We require the minimum score to be the Required Minimum Scores for ELI Placement Test Exemption as stated on the Graduate Division website. For more information on the standardized exams, view the Graduate Division Standardized Exam website.
  • Admitted international students are required to complete a Confidential Financial Statement, which includes identification documents and show proof of sufficient funding. More information can be found at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/forms/

Visit the UHM Graduate Application Help Center for assistance with the application process.

Campus-Based Program (Evening, hybrid, and online courses at UH Mānoa)

EDEP courses are generally offered face to face with one to two classes offered online or using a hybrid model each semester. Classes are usually offered in the late afternoon to accommodate students’ work schedules.

All doctoral students will be required to take 33 credits of required core coursework. Students will need to receive a grade of no lower than B (B- will not be acceptable) in each of these core courses.

Core Courses

• Introductory Courses (6 credits)
• Learning and Development (12 credits)
• Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation (12 credits)

Note: see EDEP handbook for specific courses

Additional Degree Requirements

• Cognate Area of Specialization (Nine credits in learning & development or measurement, statistics, and evaluation)
• College Teaching Experience
• Minimum residence of three semesters of full-time work or equivalent in credits at UHM
• Dissertation
• Minimum of one course of dissertation credit (1 credit minimum) during final semester

For more information regarding degree requirements beyond core courses please see the EDEP Student Handbook.

The current tuition rate is $650 per credit for residents and $1402 per credit for non-residents. Information on tuition and fees can be found under the “General & Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified” heading on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

There are many resources available to help graduate students pay for college, including College of Education scholarships. There are also several scholarships listed generally through the UH Manoa General Scholarship List, STAR website (please note that this is only accessible to students with a valid UH ID number – must be admitted as a student prior to looking for scholarships on this site) and the Financial Support section of the Graduate Division website. For more information on financial aid and additional resources, please visit the UH Manoa Financial Aid Office (finaid@hawaii.edu).

Some students may find employment as graduate assistants (GAs) which includes a tuition waiver as well as a stipend.