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 also submit English proficiency test scores. 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.

If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact edpsych@hawaii.edu