Prospective Student Information

The Department of Psychology at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa receives approximately 200 applications for graduate study each year. Of those applicants, approximately five students are accepted by the Clinical Studies Program with an additional six students accepted across the remaining graduate program areas.

Note: As the graduate application process is rigorous, and admissions competitive, we strongly encourage you to review the following thoroughly before beginning the process.

Academic and Research Experience

Students admitted to the PSY graduate program typically possess the following:

An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a major in psychology or related field.
Undergraduate coursework that included statistics, methodology, abnormal psychology, and other basic areas such as physiological, cognitive, learning, behavioral, social, and developmental psychology.
A cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.
An average of 1-2 years of research experience in their desired graduate program (often from working as undergraduate research assistants).
Research interests that are highly compatible with current faculty in the department.
Strong letters of recommendation (often from supervising faculty in a psychology research setting).

GRE Exams

We no longer require GRE General test scores. In addition, the Community, Cultural, and Developmental (CCD) program and Cognition, Neuroscience, and Social (CNS) program do not require GRE Subject test scores. The GRE Subject test is optional for the Clinical program (please see details on the Clinical program page).

Program Area and Mentor Focus

Students admitted to the PSY graduate program also tend to:

Be familiar with the three program areas offered by the Department of Psychology.
Have a particular program area they wish to study in mind prior to applying.
Be familiar with the research interests of faculty members in their intended program area.
Have corresponded directly with their program area faculty members to discuss mutual interests.

Application Requirements

It is important to note that there is a separate Department of Psychology application in addition to the UH Graduate Division application. Both must be submitted, along with the required recommendations, by the application deadline. Be sure to carefully review the instructions for Applying for Graduate Study.