Overview

       The Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, offers graduate programs and facilities for instruction and research training in Developmental and Reproductive Biology. Degrees offered include Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences (Developmental and Reproductive Biology). The program is administered by the Graduate Program Committee of the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology. You can find more details under "About Us".

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Application procedures

Application form
Applicants can obtain the Application Form and other information from the University's Office of Graduate Education (OGE; formerly Graduate Division):

Exam scores and transcripts
Applicants must arrange to have their scores on the GRE general exam or the MCAT exam, and transcripts from all institutions of higher education which they have attended submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office (University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Graduate Admissions Office, 2540 Maile Way Rm. 354, Honolulu HI 96822). Transcripts and test scores must be official copies, mailed directly from the respective organizations to the Office of Graduate Education Office. Foreign applicants are required to score at least 550 (or equivalent computer test score) on the TOEFL to be considered for admission. TOEFL scores are to be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.

Recommendation letters
Applicants must arrange for three persons who are familiar with their academic ability to send confidential letters of recommendation to the DRB Program Chair (Dr. Monika Ward) by email (mward@hawaii.edu).

CV and Personal Statement
Applicants must also submit CV and personal statement to the DRB Program Chair (Dr. Monika Ward) by email (mward@hawaii.edu). CV does not require any specific format, but it should contain sufficient information on academic training and experience. Personal statement should include "why you are interested in the DRB graduate program" and "what you expect to gain or achieve in the program". You may use "Statement of Objective Form", available in the OGE website.

Application deadlines
New applications with supporting documents should be received by the Office of Graduate Education and the DRB Program Chair no later than February 15 for Fall admission. Application for Spring admission is not encouraged. Note that review process and first acceptance decisions starts early March for Fall admission.

Admissions process
The DRB Graduate Program Committee will evaluate all applicants on the basis of their formal application and supporting documents. The Chair of the Graduate Program Committee will mail a statement of admission or rejection to the applicant when the committee decision is reached, as will the Office of Graduate Education.

For application questions, please contact Dr. Monika Ward (email: mward@hawaii.edu).


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Kosasa Graduate Student Assistantship
(10/28/2019)

       The Kosasa Graduate Student Assistantship (Kosasa Assistantship) is funded by Thomas Kosasa, a Director of the Pacific IVF and a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii. The purpose of this Fund is to provide support, Graduate Assistantship (GA), to a student in the Developmental and Reproductive Biology (DRB) graduate program. The Fund will be used for costs associated with research that would enable the awarded student to be hired as Research Assistant (RA) and pursue an MS or PhD research project in the laboratory of a DRB Graduate Faculty. Students interested in applying should carefully review Eligibility and Conditions. Click here for more details. To apply, students should provide a rationale for applying and confirm eligibility and acceptance of conditions in Personal Statement (incoming students) or in an e-mail sent to DRB Chair.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is the minimum GPA to apply?
    3.0 average. However, the DRB selection committee will consider lower GPAs if there were special circumstances.
  2. What are the minimum GRE scores to apply?
    The selection committee would like to see minimum GRE scores of at least 50 percent across the board.
  3. Are there any pre-requisite courses that need to be taken before I apply?
    There are no pre-requisite courses required for entry into the program; however, previously demonstrated competency in a lab or science environment is desired.
  4. Can I apply to both the Master program and PhD program?
    Our program is currently structured so that all applicants first enter into the Master program. However, if one already possesses a Master degree in a related field, she/he may enter into the PhD program. Applicants who are interested in PhD program are encouraged to consult the Program Chair before applying.
  5. Is there a limit to how many people you accept into your program every year?
    No, the selection committee only considers the qualifications of the student when making their decisions. Therefore, new student class size will differ each year.
  6. If I do not get my application ready in time to apply for the Fall semester, can I apply for the Spring semester?
    Spring semester applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  7. It is February and I have not taken the GRE exam yet. Can I still apply for the Fall semester?
    The application deadline is February 15th and the selection committee will meet for the first time about one week following the deadline to review all complete applications. If your application is not complete, then your application will be put on hold and be considered at a later time. The selection committee hopes to send out decision letters to all applicants by the end of March.
  8. Do you offer any financial assistance to incoming students?
    Teaching and research assistantships are limited in availability. However, they are usually offered to current and new students at the end of summer/beginning of the Fall semester based on funding availability and the qualifications of the students. If you are particularly interested in a research assistantship, then it is recommended that you email a faculty member who is doing research in a topic that you are interested in. You can also check out the following websites in consulation with a faculty member:


Visiting us

Students who are interested in the Graduate Program in Developmental and Reproductive Biology are welcome to contact or visit the Institute for Biogenesis Research (IBR) and the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology of the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). If interested in meeting with particular faculty members, please contact them directly and make an appointment.


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Kakaako BSB

Manoa IBR

Biomedical Symposium

Laboratory Research