College of Education, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

PhD in Education

PhD Students and Faculty

One Program, Multiple Tracks

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD in Education) degree is awarded for distinguished academic preparation in the field of education, and prepares students to be both educational researchers and leaders in professional practice. The PhD in Education is one program, made up of multiple track options. Students select a track within the program and adhere to the requirements of that track. Review our track options below.

PhD in Education students are expected to successfully complete a variety of experiences, which include the COE PhD in Education core courses, specific courses for required by each track, field project or internship, a set of comprehensive and/or final examinations, and a dissertation. The dissertation is based on a selected research problem and is a significant part of the PhD candidate’s experience.

PhD in Education: Track Options

Curriculum & Instruction (opens in a new window)

The specialization in Curriculum and Instruction develops educational leaders in curriculum development, teaching, curriculum evaluation, and/or teacher education and professional development.

Educational Administration, Higher Education (opens in a new window)

The PhD degree with an emphasis in higher education is designed to enhance organizational leadership by providing advanced study for individuals with demonstrated leadership skills and capacity to conduct scholarly research.

Educational Administration - K-12 (opens in a new window)

The PhD degree with an emphasis in K-12 education is designed to enhance organizational leadership by providing advanced study for individuals with demonstrated leadership skills and capacity to conduct scholarly research.

Educational Foundations (opens in a new window)

The specialization in Educational Foundations prepares educational professionals with an understanding of the historical, philosophical, cultural, social, and political contexts of education.

Global & International (opens in a new window)

This track is designed to prepare individuals in range of leadership, academic, policy, and research positions to meaningfully incorporate global perspectives into their professional practice.

Exceptionalities (opens in a new window)

The Exceptionalities track is designed to prepare professionals to work as leaders in the education and support of individuals with disabilities.

Kinesiology (opens in a new window)

The Kinesiology track prepares students to work as leaders in a broad range of career pursuits related to the diverse fields of professional practice in the field of Kinesiology.

NOTE: In addition to the PhD in Education, the COE also offers three other doctoral programs: EdD in Professional Education Practice, PhD in Learning Design & Technology & PhD in Educational Psychology. Refer to our program directory to view all doctoral options.

PhD in Education Student Profiles

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Joakim M. Peter

Joakim M. Peter PhD in Special Education Alumnus (opens in a new window)

"… I am always interested in how well special education programs are serving and improving lives of children with disabilities and their parents."
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Manca Sustarsic

Manca Sustarsic PhD Student in Educational Foundations (Global & International Education) (opens in a new window)

As much as I have been challenged and motivated academically, I have also felt the warmth and support of the faculty and staff, which has made my PhD journey enjoyable.
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Paul Tauiliili

Paul Tauiliili COE Doctoral Candidate (opens in a new window)

"I view lessons as memory makers, and I want to make memories that will last them a lifetime."