How to Apply Instructions

The University of Hawaii Graduate Division application period for PhD programs is from October 1 to February 1. All documents must be submitted by February 1 (Final Deadline).

Foreign student deadline is January 15.

All applications to the Ph.D. program are considered new applications (applications by petition are not accepted).

Deadline to apply:

• Fall Admissions*: February 1 Application Deadline

*This program does not admit students every year; intake depends on when there are enough students to run a cohort. Please contact the PhD Education, Exceptionalities coordinator (Dr. Kavita Rao, kavitar@hawaii.edu) to express interest in program prior to applying.

If you would like to receive updates, notifications, and application tips, please be sure to complete the “Request More Info” form for this program to be added to the contact list. 

Once applications are open, all applicants must complete the following two online application forms. You do not need to complete the applications in the given order, as both applications can be worked on and submitted anytime before the final deadline.

(1) Complete and submit online application to UH Manoa Graduate Division ($100)

• Start a new UH Graduate Application.
  1. Institution: UH Manoa
  2. Site: UH Manoa Main Campus
  3. Application Type: “Graduate Studies-Fall”
  4. Application Term: Fall <year>
  5. Planned Course of Study: Education-PhD
  6. Concentration: leave blank, as no options are provided
• Application fee $100 (non-refundable)
• Send Official Transcripts from each institution attended (except for UH system transcripts)
  • Address for transcripts:
    • Graduate Division
      2540 Maile Way
      Spalding Hall 354
      Honolulu, HI 96822

(2) Complete and submit online Mākālei application to the College of Education (free)

Go to makalei.coe.hawaii.edu

• Degree: Doctoral Degree
• Program: PhD, Education: Exceptionalities
• Select Program Options
  • Verify everything is correct:
    • Fall <year>
    • Exceptionalities
    • Manoa Campus
• Complete Application Checklist
  • Apply to UHM Graduate Division
    • This was step 1 above. Check the box when complete.
  • Completed Master’s Degree
    • Check the box if you have a master’s degree or will finish your degree prior to starting the program.
  • Submitted Transcripts
    • Part of Step 1 above. Check off that they have been sent (or not needed if you have only attended UH System). You do not need to wait until they have been received to check the box. 
  • Statement of Objectives
    • Upload using the link and naming conventions provided
  • Resumé
    • Upload using the link and naming conventions provided
  • Sample of Scholarly Writing
    • Upload using the link and naming conventions provided
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
    • You need to include the name, email, phone number, and relationship for your three references. They will automatically be emailed a link where they can upload your letter of recommendation for you. Once their information has been inputted, you can check the box and submit. You do not need to wait until all the letters have been received.
    • If you already have a letter, you can uncheck the box at the end of their row and then upload the letter directly.  

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

To inquire about your application status, email phdeduc@hawaii.edu.

If you would like to send your supplemental materials (letters of recommendation, resumé, professional writing sample) directly to the office:

 

Doctoral Program (Exceptionalities Track)

UHM College of Education

1776 University Ave

Wist Hall 113

Honolulu, HI 96822