FAQs

Graduate Program FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about the CMB Graduate Program.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact the Graduate Program Administrator at thordars@hawaii.edu.

To download a .pdf of the Frequently Asked Questions listed below: Frequently Asked Questions (rev. 2025)

  • I am looking for graduate programs that are related to the biomedical field. Can you tell me more about your program?

Please have a look at our graduate program website.

CMB website:
 
CMB handbook:

 

  • Is the CMB MS program a one- or two-year program?

The CMB MS program is a 2-year program.

  • How long is the PhD program typically?

There is a range of 4-6 years for graduation with a majority finishing around 5 years.

  • Does your program offer any Master’s to PhDs tracks?

After a student on the Masters track passes their qualifying exam (written and oral), they have an option to transfer to the PhD track if they have identified a lab that will fund their research assistantship, and their mentor agrees to become their PhD advisor or they identify a new mentor who will fund their research assistantship.

  • How many credits are required for graduation from the MS program?
Plan A MS:  A minimum of 30 credits is required and 6 credits CMB699 and 6 credits of Thesis CMB700. A minimum of 18 credits is required of level 600 or greater not including 699 and 700.

Plan B MS:  A minimum of 30 credits is required and 6 credits of CMB699. A minimum of 18 credits is required of level 600 or greater not including 699 and 700.
 
  • Is the program traditionally only offered as an in-person, on campus program? Is it a full-time program?  Daytime program?

This is a full-time, in-person on campus program.  It is a daytime program.

  • Are any online courses required for degree completion?

No.

  • Does the CMB Program have an age limit to apply?

No, there is no age limit.

  • What is the website and what are the deadlines to apply to the UH Graduate Division?

MS: March 15 for Fall admission, September 15 for Spring.  PhD: December 15 for Fall (no Spring admission).
Please use the following link to apply:  https://manoagraduate2025.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login

  • Does your department provide application fee waivers?

No, we do not offer fee waivers.  The University of Hawaii Graduate Division requires the application fee, and the CMB Graduate Program does not have the provision for application fee waivers. We understand that this may pose a challenge for some, and we truly appreciate your understanding of our current constraints.

  • Regarding the application deadline for a MS, is there is a deadline for priority consideration?  Does the program take applicants on a rolling basis?

The deadline for Fall is March 15 and September 15 for Spring.  If you submit your application in full before the Dec 15 deadline, we will assess these MS applicants before the March 15th deadline.  Applicants are not accepted on a rolling basis.

We don't have a priority consideration deadline for this program.  To be considered, please be sure to have all of your documents submitted.  This includes: 
- CV
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of objectives
- Copy of transcript(s). Unofficial is adequate, but official ones must be sent to Graduate Admissions before enrollment.

  • Can you clarify what should be included on the Statement of Objectives? Specifically, I would like guidance on the appropriate subject matter focus and the expected length of this essay.

 See below for a brief description.  The statement should be between 1 and 1.5 pages.

- Introduction
- Briefly introduce yourself and state your interest in the biomedical field.
- Highlight a formative experience or a significant inspiration that motivated you to pursue graduate studies. 
- Describe your academic journey.
- Explain your past research experiences.
- What are your research interests and short- and long-term goals?
- Why do you want to join the CMB program?
- What experiences do you have that would allow you to be successful in the CMB program?
- Explain why you would be a great addition to our program.

  • Is it appropriate to submit supplementary materials detailing my research background, research interests, potential mentors or labs, etc.

Yes, you can submit any supplementary material that will support your application. Remember to highlight them in the Statement of Objectives.

  • Is the requirement below asking for 2 semesters upper division biology, 2 semesters upper division genetics, and 2 semesters upper division cell biology, or is it asking for just 2 semesters of upper division of any one of these?
    2 semesters: Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, 300/400 level 
It is 2 semesters of upper division Biology, Genetics or Cell Biology.

  • How many applicants are admitted each year?

Over the past 3 years, the number of students entering the program has ranged from 5-8 students, including Master’s and PhD students.

  • What makes an applicant stand out in your program?

Students who have research experience and publications.

  • Do you accept late applications for the CMB graduate program?

 No, we do not.

  • Is there a list available of professors accepting Ph.D. students?

If you click on the CMB Graduate Faculty Directory tab, https://cmb.jabsom.hawaii.edu/graduate-program/faculty-directory.html, there is a list of our graduate faculty with their research interests.  Research assistantship positions are dependent on faculty funding and space availability. For more information, contact faculty members whose research interests align with your interests. 

  • Do I need to secure a supervisor in the department prior my application?

No, acceptance is independent of having secured a research or teaching assistantship.  Please refer to the funding section below. 

  • Are GRE scores required for admission into the CMB graduate program?

No, the GRE test is optional but scoring well on the GRE exam can increase your competitiveness.  GRE scores may also bolster your application if other components are borderline.  We only expect results from the General GRE, and our institution Code is 4867. 

  • Are unofficial transcripts and TOEFL/GRE scores allowed when applying?

 Yes; however, you will need to provide official documentation once admission is granted.

  • Do I need to have my GRE scores ready and sent before the application deadline?

No, you can submit your scores after the deadline.

  • How recent should the GRE scores be?

We accept GRE scores that are within 5 years.

  • Would it be possible to send my MCAT scores instead of GRE scores?

We will accept your MCAT scores but they are not required.

  • I tried to send my MCAT score; however, I'm not sure how to send the score to a non-medical program. Would it be possible to send a copy of the printable score report via email?

Yes, you can submit your MCAT scores as supplemental documents.

Funding – General

  • What is the estimated cost of attendance?

Further information on estimated costs can be found at:  https://manoa.hawaii.edu/fas/cost/

  • How do I officially become a Hawaii resident so I can pay resident tuition?

You do not become a resident immediately upon moving to Hawaiʻi.  The University of Hawaiʻi, like all public institutions of higher learning, has residency requirements for payment of resident tuition. Similar to those in other states, these requirements are complex.  If possible, call 808-956-8975 or 1-800-823-9771 and ask for a residency counselor before you arrive in Hawaiʻi. There is a time sensitive component to the establishing of residency process. This time sensitive component will determine the earliest semester you could qualify for resident tuition status.  However, with all this being said, full-time GAs, RAs or TAs do not pay tuition as they get tuition waivers.  Further information can be found at:  https://manoa.hawaii.edu/admissions/financing/residency.html 

 Funding – MS Students

  • Does the CMB Program offer graduate assistantships?

Master’s students must find their own funding.  To obtain tuition waivers, MS students must either obtain a teaching assistantship or find a lab that will sponsor them under a research assistantship.  We have a list of graduate faculty on our website with whom you can inquire about possible funding.  Occasionally, we receive announcements of other departments offering TAships which are shared with our students and accepted applicants.

Funding – PhD Students

  • Does the CMB Program offer graduate assistantships?

A select group of first year PhD students are covered by the program. These students are compensated in their first year at NIH recommended pay levels. These GAships require three rotations, two must be within University of Hawaii Cancer Center member labs.  We expect that all PhD students will complete their dissertation research in laboratories that can sponsor a research assistantship that may be occasionally substituted with a teaching assistantship.

Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the laboratory principal investigators (PI) regarding graduate research assistantships. A list of the CMB graduate program faculty can be found at:
https://cmb.jabsom.hawaii.edu/graduate-program/faculty-directory.html

  • What is the process of recruitment and appointment?

 See the following page for further information. https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/recruitment-appointment/

  •  How much will I be paid?

 For graduate students, the compensation that you will receive is based on your appointment.  See the following page for more information, including the minimum step level. 
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/compensation-tax-withholding/

  • Do graduate assistantships provide benefits?

Graduate assistantships (GA, RA, TA) provide a salary with medical benefits and a tuition waiver.  GAs must serve for a minimum of three months to be eligible for health plan benefits. 

  • What is the web site for international graduate students?

Information for international graduate students can be found at:
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/international-students/

  • What is the application deadline for international applicants?

The application deadlines are the same for local, mainland, and international applicants.
PhD Fall applicants (no Spring admission): December 15
Master’s Fall applicants: March 15
Master’s Spring applicants: September 15

  • Due to financial hardship, paying the application fee and the TOEFL scores report from ETS is difficult for me. Is it possible to waive the application fee and not consider the official TOEFL score report for the initial review?
Unfortunately, at this time, we regret to inform you that University of Hawaii Graduate Division requires the application fee and that the CMB Graduate Program does not have the provision for application fee waivers. We understand that this may pose a challenge, and we truly appreciate your understanding of our current constraints.  As far as the TOEFL scores, you will need to provide official scores once admission is granted.
 
  • I am not a native English speaker. What English language proficiency exams are required?
The Graduate Division requires English proficiency exam results from applicants who are not native speakers of English.  The Educational Testing Service (ETS) code for University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is 4867.  Test scores cannot be more than two years old. 

Applicants are exempt from the English proficiency exams if they are native speakers of English or have received within the last five years a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree from an accredited/recognized college or university in the English Language Proficiency Exempt Countries.  Further information can be found at: 
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/english-proficiency-exemption-eligibility/
 
  • I have a Duolingo test result. Can it be used instead of a TOEFL score? 

Yes, further information about English language requirements can be found at:
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/english-proficiency-exemption-eligibility/

  • Although I am not a native English speaker, I have a degree from a US university. Do I still need to take the English test? 

Applicants are exempt from the English proficiency exams if they are native speakers of English or have received within the last five years a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree from an accredited/recognized college or university in the English Language Proficiency Exempt Countries.

Further information and a list of these countries can be found at:
https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/english-proficiency-exemption-eligibility/

  • Where can I find the university's graduate program website?

The Graduate Division website has much more information on graduate programs, admissions, financial support as well as information for current graduate students.  Please visit: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

  • Can you give me information about student housing and other lodging?

The university has a Student Housing Services department that can assist you.  Please see the following website for information.  https://manoa.hawaii.edu/housing/

  • Can you give me some information about financial aid?

The university has a Financial Aid Services department that can assist you.  Further information on financial aid can be found at:  https://manoa.hawaii.edu/fas/