Ten graduate programs at the are in the nation’s top 50, and an additional 17 programs are in the top 100, according to the 2026 , released on April 7.

UH Mānoa’s (JABSOM) also placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care, and UH �ᾱ����’s ranked in a in the nation.

The highest ranked UH Mānoa programs were in the , ranking No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs.

The ranked No. 22 (tied) for best international programs, and the (SOEST) placed No. 40 (tied) for best Earth sciences programs. JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas and No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care.

“UH Mānoa’s strong showing in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research and student success,” said UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis L. Syrmos. “These results reflect the talent and dedication of our faculty, students and staff, and �鶹��ý can take pride in knowing their university is preparing the next generation of leaders and changemakers for our community and the world.”

Rankings were based on multiple factors, including research activity (such as publications and citations), student and alumni outcomes (employment and earnings), quality assessments (from peers and recruiters), student selectivity (GPA and test scores), and faculty resources (doctoral degrees awarded and student-to-faculty ratios).

Note: not all programs are ranked every year. See these UH News stories on previous years’ rankings: 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

Jump to program rankings:
William S. Richardson School of Law  |  John A. Burns School of Medicine  |  Shidler College of Business  |  School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology  |  School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene  |  College of Education  |  Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health  |  College of Social Sciences  |  College of Engineering  |  College of Natural Sciences  |  College of Arts, Languages & Letters

William S. Richardson School of Law

The William S. Richardson School of Law was ranked in 16 categories by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to its ranking of No. 18 (tied) for best environmental law programs and law schools with most grads in federal clerkships, No. 24 for best part-time law programs, No. 41 (tied) for best international law programs, No. 47 (tied) for best dispute resolution programs and No. 48 (tied) for best legal writing programs, the �鶹��ýlaw school placed No. 91 (tied) among the top law schools in the nation.

Other law school rankings include:

• Tax law: No. 80 (tied)
• Criminal law: No. 88 (tied)
• Contracts/commercial law: No. 92 (tied)
• Health care law: No. 92 (tied)
• Constitutional law: No. 95 (tied)
• Business/corporate law: No. 101 (tied)
• Clinical training: No. 102 (tied)
• Intellectual property law: No. 127 (tied)
• Trial advocacy: No. 175 (tied)

John A. Burns School of Medicine

JABSOM was one of 16 schools that placed in the nation’s top tier (tier 1) for best medical schools for primary care. JABSOM also placed in tier 3 for best medical schools for research.
In addition, JABSOM ranked No. 42 for most graduates practicing in rural areas, No. 45 for most graduates practicing in primary care, No. 139 for speech language pathology and No. 171 for most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas. .

Shidler College of Business

The Shidler College of Business placed in nine subject areas. Leading the way were international programs at No. 22 (tied), accounting programs at No. 68 (tied), information systems programs at No. 72 (tied) and marketing programs at No. 91 (tied). In addition, Shidler ranked at No. 104 (tied) for best management programs, No. 113 (tied) for best executive programs, No. 123 (tied) for best finance programs, No. 125 (tied) for best entrepreneurship programs and No. 142 (tied) for best part-time MBA programs.

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

SOEST placed No. 40 (tied) among the nation’s best Earth sciences programs.

School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene

The School of Nursing and Dental Hygiene placed No. 55 (tied) for best nursing school–master’s and No. 62 (tied) for best nursing school–doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Both were the only programs in �鶹��ý to be ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

College of Education

The College of Education ranked No. 57 (tied) in the U.S., the 21st straight year the college has been listed as one of the nation’s top 100 education programs. Nationally accredited since 2000, the College of Education continues to be recognized for its award-winning programs and people.

Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health

The ranked No. 89 (tied) among the nation’s top public health schools and programs in the U.S. accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. The Department of Public Health Sciences offers a ; a , with specializations in , , and , and a , as well as PhD program in , specializing in community-based and translational research and a PhD in . The Department of Public Health Sciences is also home to an online master of public health program to meet workforce demands.

College of Social Sciences

The College of Social Sciences placed among the nation’s best in at No. 90 (tied) and at No. 92 (tied).

College of Engineering

The ranked among the nation’s best in at No. 91 (tied), at No. 92 (tied), and at No. 128 (tied). The College of Engineering overall ranked No. 164 (tied) among the top engineering schools in the U.S. that grant doctoral degrees.

College of Natural Sciences

The placed among the nation’s best in at No. 97 (tied), and at No. 115 (tied), and at No. 125 (tied).

College of Arts, Languages & Letters

UH Mānoa placed No. 106 (tied) among the nation’s best for fine arts programs.

Other rankings

UH Mānoa also received these notable rankings:

• 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject, March 25, 2026
• 2025 U.S. News and World Report best online programs, January 27, 2026
• 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject, January 21, 2026

Graduate and advanced undergraduate students from across the University of �鶹��ý System and around the world gathered February 12–15, for the (IGSC) at the East-West Center, marking a milestone year for the long-running, student-led event.

Organized entirely by a graduate student team and supported by the , the 2026 conference centered on the theme, “Legacies Through Time: Rethinking the Past, Confronting the Present, Shaping the Future.” Over three days, approximately 140 participants representing more than 25 countries and regions across North America, the Asia-Pacific and Europe, representing more than 65 institutions, transformed the �鶹��ý Imin International Conference Center into a hub of interdisciplinary exchange.

“Planning this conference reminded us that scholarship is not just about individual achievement—it’s about building relationships and creating spaces where emerging scholars feel seen, challenged and supported,” said Xiaoyun Neo, a master’s student in at UH Mānoa and one of the conference’s organizers. “Watching students step into that space with confidence and generosity was the most rewarding part of this milestone year.”

Neo added, “I also echo the sentiment expressed by IGSC co-chairs Tiến Nguyễn Minh (MA, ) and Oliver Lilford (MA, ) that as scholars, artists and practitioners, we do not simply inherit legacies—we negotiate, challenge and reshape them in the present, using them to reinterpret the past or set the course for different, more hopeful futures.”

Nearly 30 themed panels—including paper presentations, poster sessions, a roundtable discussion and an evening session featuring creative projects and films—highlighted the depth and diversity of student scholarship. Topics ranged from intergenerational memory and language preservation to environmental change and artistic expression, reflecting how legacies shape identities, institutions and futures.

For many presenters, the conference offered a first opportunity to share research in a supportive, peer-centered environment. Graduate student moderators guided discussions, facilitated questions and fostered dialogue across disciplines, creating space for feedback and collaborations.

“Besides the intensive three-day conference, this year’s IGSC also curated pre- and post-conference activities supported by our incredible partners and sponsors,” said Minh. “Our participants enjoyed a field trip to the Mānoa Heritage Center; a tour at the East-West Center Art Gallery; a keynote address in honor of the 25th IGSC by renowned scholar, also an alumna of UH Mānoa, Dr. Katerina Teaiwa, sponsored by the Asian American-Pacific Islander, Environmental Humanities and Environmental Justice Initiative; and a play about Joseph Kekuku and his steel guitar invention at the Honolulu Theatre for Youth. These activities not only fostered connections between our participants with local institutions, they also provided opportunities for us to introduce �鶹��ý’s own legacies through diverse and interactive approaches.”

Launched in 2002, the International Graduate Student Conference continues to serve as a meeting place for emerging scholars to test ideas, build networks and experience academic exchange beyond the classroom.

Professor Emeritus Jim Roumasset dreamed that he gave a substantial gift to the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa in the . On awakening, he realized what a good idea it was. In discussions with Chair Nori Tarui and (UHERO) specialist Kimberly Burnett, he decided that the gift should be in the form of a research assistantship in ecological resource economics.

The Ecological Resource Economics Research Assistantship Fund will support graduate students at UH Mānoa who show aptitude in resource economics and a strong interest in the natural environment. Roumasset has pledged support for four years, with renewal eligibility for recipients.

A career rooted in �鶹��ý

Roumasset first came to UH Mānoa as a graduate student, earning an MA in economics in 1969. He was drawn by an affinity for Asia and a strong, personal letter from the department chair. He had just completed his Peace Corps service in the Philippines, and �鶹��ý felt like a natural fit.

He spent his career at UH Mānoa, teaching and researching economics, and mentoring students from the Philippines and around the world. Along with former students, his work helped shape policy discussions surrounding agricultural risk, sustainable development, institutional change, competition policy, and resource economics, especially concerning water and energy.

Economies are embedded in nature

Ecological resource economics is distinct from traditional environmental economics. While the latter often centers on pollution and climate change, ecological resource economics examines how multiple natural resources interact, such as groundwater, the watershed, coastal marine resources, invasive species and protective infrastructure.

“Resource economics focuses on managing a single resource,” he said. “Ecological resource economics allows for the interaction of these resources, and how one affects the other.”

A fellowship with real-world impact

Burnett, one of Roumasset’s former graduate students, said the new assistantship will open doors for students in a rigorous, deeply relevant field.

“Every new problem I approach I see through an ecological resource economics lens,” she said. “Ecology and the economy are part of the same system, and decisions made within either will affect both.”

.

Groundbreaking research uncovering life in one of Earth’s most mysterious environments—the deep sea—has earned Gabrielle Ellis, a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa graduate, the 2024–25 Dr. Clifford K. Mirikitani, MD, JD & John M. Mirikitani, JD, PhD Outstanding Dissertation Award from the .

Ellis, who earned her PhD from the , focused her research on tiny deep-sea animals living more than two miles below the ocean surface in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast area between �鶹��ý and Mexico. The region holds valuable mineral deposits important for renewable energy, but is also home to fragile and little-known marine life.

Her dissertation looked at how deep-sea communities change over time and across different habitats, from the smallest larvae to adult animals. By studying thousands of samples, Ellis created one of the most complete pictures so far of deep-sea biodiversity in an untouched environment.

“The award of the Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award is an absolute honor both for me as an emerging scientist, as well as for the recognition of deep-sea ecology as a field,” Ellis said. “Despite increased attention to the deep sea emerging with discussions around deep-sea mining, more than 99.9% of the deep-sea is unexplored, and so many foundational questions are unaddressed. Working in the deep sea is inherently collaborative; we work on ships in the middle of the ocean for long periods of time and often rely on each other for ideas, data and support. As such, credit is also due to my collaborators, including my labmates and advisors, who have really inspired me throughout the years and are absolutely instrumental in the success of my research.”

Her findings include one of the largest collections of deep-sea larvae ever gathered and some of the first detailed information about how these species grow and survive. The work helps scientists and policymakers better understand how deep-sea mining and climate change could affect ocean ecosystems and what steps can be taken to protect them.

• Related UH News story: Rare glimpse at understudied ecosystem prompts caution on deep-sea mining, October 1, 2025

Ellis is now teaching environmental science at Georgetown University, continuing her mission to share the importance of ocean research and inspire the next generation of scientists.

The Mirikitani Outstanding Dissertation Award is given each year to one UH Mānoa PhD student whose dissertation demonstrates exceptional originality, significance and scholarly achievement.

The Department of Oceanography is housed in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s .

As the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa celebrates International Education Week from November 17 to 21, a current UH Mānoa student and alumna are reflecting on how their have expanded their academic and cultural horizons across the globe.

Exploring Taiwan’s archives, culture

For PhD candidate Nakota DiFonzo, the Fulbright experience has taken him to Taiwan, where he’s conducting archival research for his dissertation on the history of American education in late Qing and Republican-era China. Based at Academia Sinica in Taipei, one of East Asia’s leading research centers, DiFonzo said the experience has been both academically productive and personally enriching.

“My experience in Taiwan has been great so far,” DiFonzo said. “I am in the company of a great cohort whose research ranges from history to furniture design to medicine. Everyone is supportive of one another, and I have made valuable connections with leaders and rising stars in various fields.”

Beyond research, DiFonzo has embraced local culture by joining a language exchange club in Taipei. Weekend potlucks and casual gatherings, he said, have helped him improve his Chinese language skills and better understand Taiwanese perspectives. He’s also started producing street interview videos to further engage with the community and refine his speaking skills.

Empowering Colombian students through English teaching

Recent UH Mānoa history graduate Kaia Colborne spent the past year in Bogotá, Colombia, as a Fulbright English teaching assistant (ETA). Her work focused on teaching English to university students and leading conversation clubs to build confidence and fluency.

“Living in Bogotá has been a huge highlight,” Colborne said. “It’s a wonderful city with so much to explore, and having other ETAs here has created a great support network. I found meaning and growth in my time in Colombia.”

Colborne said her time in Colombia deepened her appreciation for international education and reaffirmed her desire to help students experience transformative learning abroad.

“The experience has strengthened my commitment to working in the international sphere (ideally in international higher ed) and helped me have a better insight into cross-cultural exchange,” she added.

Both scholars credit UH Mānoa Fulbright Program Adviser Kristen Connors for her guidance during the application process—a common thread in their journeys toward global engagement.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program will host an information session for students interested in the program on November 17 at 11 a.m. HST. . The webinar will be followed by a brief breakout session by campus where Connors will review steps for applying through UH Mānoa and how to start planning.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from UH ����ԴDz�’�� Ivy Yeung, operations director for in the College of Education.

Yeung shared: “PACMED candidates from UH Mānoa’s Master of Education program gather in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, during Summer 2025 to begin their graduate studies. This photo marks the start of their journey as they engage in culturally sustaining education across the Pacific region.”

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The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa is celebrating a record milestone with 43 active recipients of the —the most in the institution’s history. Since 1996, UH Mānoa has produced 135 fellows, with this year’s record group representing nearly one-third of all recipients over the past 29 years.

NSF GRFP is one of the nation’s oldest and most competitive graduate fellowships, supporting outstanding students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees. Recipients receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 and a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance that covers tuition and fees, giving students the flexibility to focus on innovative research that advances science and benefits society.

for the next cycle of NSF GRFP, with deadlines in November for the 2026–27 academic year. Students interested in applying are encouraged to start early and take advantage of resources available through .

From exploding stars to native bees

Among the current fellows is Willem Hoogendam, a PhD candidate in who studies how stars end their lives in explosive supernovae. His research helps explain how essential elements such as iron and calcium are formed and dispersed across the universe, while also exploring rare interstellar comets discovered by �鶹��ý-led sky surveys. Through the fellowship, Hoogendam also spent time at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and collaborated with leading astronomers in Australia and �鶹��ý, experiences that broadened his research and professional network.

“It’s given me academic freedom at an early career stage,” Hoogendam said. “I’ve been able to work with whom I want on what I want to explore. Without this fellowship, I would not have had the freedom to learn about and write papers on interstellar objects.”

The program’s flexibility has also benefited students such as Sami Akiba, a master’s student in who studies Hawaiian yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus spp.), the only bees that are native to the state. Her work focuses on understanding the habitat factors that support healthy native bee populations and the threats they face from invasive species. Akiba conducts her fieldwork in Haleakalā National Park on Maui, and has used the fellowship’s resources to expand her research and training opportunities across the country.

“I am grateful for the flexibility of the NSF GRFP,” Akiba said. “I get to design my own project, make shifts as needed and put effort into aspects of my research I think are particularly important or exciting, even if the ideas are a little unconventional.”

Since its creation in 1952, NSF GRFP has recognized more than 60,000 fellows, including Nobel Prize winners and members of the National Academy of Sciences. At UH Mānoa, the growing number of fellows highlights the university’s strong research culture and commitment to developing talent across scientific disciplines.

The University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa (SONDH) is relaunching its program. Set to welcome its first new cohort in fall 2026, the PhD program aims to prepare nurses to become researchers, educators and leaders capable of generating knowledge that improves health outcomes and strengthens the profession.

“This program is designed to grow the number of nurse scientists equipped to tackle the complex health challenges that exist in �鶹��ý and beyond” said Clementina Ceria-Ulep, dean of SONDH.

PhD-prepared nurses conduct research that leads to real-world solutions—from improving patient care to shaping health policy. With the global nurse shortage, they are needed now more than ever to help educate the next generation and expand the evidence base that supports effective and equitable care.

“When people hear the word ‘nurse,’ most picture someone in scrubs, offering hands-on care at the bedside. While that image is accurate, it’s only one role in a much larger profession,” said Lorrie Wong, associate dean for academic affairs. “Nurses are also clinicians (nurse practitioners), educators, researchers and leaders. PhD-prepared nurse scientists are actively shaping health care delivery.”

“There’s a critical need for more nurse scientists, especially in �鶹��ý and across the Pacific,” said Holly Fontenot, associate dean for research. “This program is designed to build that workforce; plus, support the development of knowledge needed to advance health promotion, shape nursing practice, and improve health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. We hope to foster innovative research that is reflective of our local needs and strengths.”

Rooted in �鶹��ý, aimed at global change

The relaunched program is grounded in place. Students will be encouraged to pursue research questions that are important to the communities they serve, whether improving access to care in rural areas, addressing health disparities, or developing culturally responsive care models. Students will learn how to conduct culturally relevant, community-based research, ensuring that findings are meaningful and will have a positive impact within their communities.

They’ll learn how to be a leader in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.
—Molly Altman

“Students won’t just be learning how to do research,” said Molly Altman, associate professor and PhD program director. “They’ll be learning how to be a leader, in ways that are rooted in aloha and responsive to the people they serve.”

Using the unique nursing perspective, faculty mentors will guide students in the development of innovative research and foster the growth of leadership skills so that graduates are able to become agents of change in academic, clinical and policy settings.

By relaunching its PhD in Nursing program, SONDH is committed to investing in the future of nursing and in the health of our islands.

Apply now for fall 2026

SONDH is currently accepting applications for its fall 2026 PhD cohort. Applications will become available on September 1, 2025. To attend informational sessions, visit the for upcoming dates. For more details or to apply, visit the or email phdnurs@hawaii.edu.

Hailey Hesseltine’s passion for international education has taken her from being a master’s student in the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa to teaching English more than 8,000 miles away in Ordu, Türkiye.

As Hesseltine was nearing the end of her educational administration degree, she was looking for the perfect opportunity that would allow her to become involved in international education. Reading about the and knowing former Fulbright grantees, Hesseltine began forming an idea of living abroad while participating in a cultural exchange.

Now residing in a small coastal town in the Black Sea region of Türkiye, Hesseltine teaches English at various levels to around 120 students at a local university. Her work also includes co-leading an English speaking club for all students at the university. While in Ordu, Hesseltine is taking free Turkish language courses through the university. She enjoys engaging with the local community through dance courses and local festivals, and has explored many different parts of Türkiye and neighboring countries.

“Overall, it has been a rewarding experience for me both professionally and personally, and my Fulbright experience has enhanced my knowledge as a global citizen,” Hesseltine said.

Once she completes her Fulbright grant, she hopes to apply her experience to future work with international students globally.

“Whether through advising, program development or research—my goal is to leverage my firsthand experience working with international students to create more inclusive and impactful educational opportunities that empower students to thrive in global learning environments,” Hesseltine said.

UH Mānoa students, alums around the world

UH Mānoa has a long list of nearly 100 students and alumni who have received Fulbright grants to study, teach or conduct research abroad. Since 1959, UH Mānoa finalists have traveled across East Asia and the Pacific, South and Central Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Canada. Hesseltine recommends applicants start early.

“Crafting an application takes time and research. It’s important to properly develop your ideas for each question,” Hesseltine said. “Learn about your country of application and provide a convincing argument as to why that particular country would be a good match. Fulbright promotes global exchange and understanding so it’s equally important to show how the community abroad can benefit from you as well as how you will benefit from them.”

2026–27 applications open this spring

For those interested in applying for the 2026–27 Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the competition is anticipated to open near the end of March 2025. UH Mānoa Fulbright Program advisers will host information sessions for prospective applicants to learn more. Keep an eye out for announcements in the What’s up this week @Mānoa emails in April. Applicants will be expected to submit all materials to the campus in September 2025 before the national deadline.

Graduate students at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa are tackling innovative projects, such as renewable energy modeling and pediatric heart diagnostics powered by artificial intelligence (AI), through a groundbreaking interdisciplinary program. Open to master’s and PhD students across diverse fields such as engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, business and medicine, the program offers funding for both research and tuition, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge discoveries.

The at UH Mānoa provides a transformative approach to AI and data science education and research. It empowers students with the tools to address issues, such as decarbonization, healthcare and communication networks, while emphasizing equity and inclusion.

“We’re not just training the next generation of AI researchers—we’re empowering them to create meaningful change right here in the state.” — London Thompson

“The DESCARTES program represents a unique convergence of cutting-edge AI education and �鶹��ý’s most pressing challenges, where our graduate students are developing solutions that directly benefit our island communities while gaining invaluable skills in emerging technologies,” said London Thompson, program coordinator. “By focusing on culturally relevant projects like renewable energy and healthcare improvements, we’re not just training the next generation of AI researchers—we’re empowering them to create meaningful change right here in the state.”

The program’s first cohort, consisting of 12 UH Mānoa graduate students, kicked off in fall 2024. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis with cohort 2 starting in summer 2025.

Participants in the program receive a fellowship of up to $34,000 annually, along with full coverage of their graduate tuition. Master’s students are funded for one year, while PhD students receive funding for two years. Additional opportunities, such as graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships, are also available. The curriculum combines modular, self-paced learning with core courses and practical, real-world projects guided by faculty mentors and external advisors. Trainees engage in bi-monthly seminars, workshops and community-driven research collaborations, fostering both academic and professional growth.

Students gain real-world skills with hands-on work

Through a unique blend of interdisciplinary coursework, mentorship and hands-on research, students gain expertise in data science, machine learning and their applications across fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, urban and regional planning and business. Trainees develop critical competencies in teamwork, project management, leadership and effective communication, all essential for success in academia, industry and government labs.

Key goals of the program include increasing the representation of women, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in STEM, developing culturally relevant curricula and fostering collaborations with Indigenous and local organizations.

The program is funded by a five-year, $3 million award from NSF. It is housed in the .

For more information and to apply, .

The DESCARTES program exemplifies UH’s strategic imperative to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, part of the UH System’s strategic plan’s focus on workforce development.