The Philosophical Doctorate degree is awarded by the Graduate School through the Botany Department for outstanding scholars who have completed a course of research and study and have met all of the graduation requirements of the Graduate School and Botany Department. 

Entry into the program is competitive. Accepted students are those with the highest academic qualifications, clear commitments to advancement of science, advanced experiences (i.e. prior research experience, publications, advanced degrees, Peace Corp experience, etc.), a clear understanding of the field of ethnobotany, and strong motivations to make the world a better place.

Application: Students apply for admission to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa Graduate School and must declare a major prior to admission.  Applications are available through the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to submit separate copies of all materials to both the graduate school and the Botany Department. See the advice for graduate student applicants for additional recommendations.

Research conducted by PhD students is expected to test hypotheses about human interactions with plants and plant environments. Research is expected to result in new hypotheses and scientific theories. Research results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Courses are not required as part of the PhD training process. However, all graduate students are expected to complete the Botany Department Ethnobotany Track Proficiencies and these are most commonly met by completing course work. PhD students are encouraged to work with their graduate advisor and dissertation committee to develop a program of practical experiences, courses, and other training to meet a set of educational goals.