Online Master’s Degrees in Hawaii: Finding a Program

Top Schools Offering Online Master’s Programs

Hawai’i’s universities are bringing graduate education to you, whether you’re on Oʻahu or even the mainland. Online and hybrid-formatted master’s programs are offered in practically all common degree fields, each featuring its own unique blend of online course components and delivery methods. Hawai’i-based online master’s programs also vary in terms of program costs and completion times, admissions requirements, and more.

To give you a better idea of how online master’s programs in the state work, we’ve highlighted below three accredited Hawai’i-based schools with standout online or hybrid master’s programs. We’ve included general information on each school’s degree offerings and featured a specific program with key details (duration, format, cost, admissions).

Hawai’i’s Top 5 Master’s Fields of Study

What master’s degree fields are most in-demand in Hawai’i? Here are five of the top fields for graduate study based on local job demand, return on investment, and Hawai’i’s industry strengths. Each offers strong career prospects both in the islands and beyond. Online and hybrid formatted programs are often available from Hawai’i universities in all of these areas.

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)

A Master of Business Administration is one of the most popular graduate degrees in Hawai’i, and for good reason. You’ll gain skills in finance, management, marketing, and strategy that can lead to opportunities as a business owner, corporate manager, or nonprofit director in nearly all industries. Local companies in tourism, finance, and real estate seek MBA grads for management roles. And an MBA from a Hawai’i university gives you insight into the unique Pacific-Asia business environment. ROI can be high, with MBA holders nationally earning about 20% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Plus, many MBA programs in Hawai’i offer networking opportunities that can open doors in the islands’ close-knit business community.

2. Master of Science in Engineering

A master’s degree in engineering (M.S. or M.Eng.) allows you to specialize and advance in fields like civil, electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering. This advanced degree deepens your analytical and problem-solving skills and often leads to leadership or project management positions. In Hawai’i, engineering grads play crucial roles in building resilient infrastructure (bridges, roads, airports, etc.), developing renewable energy solutions, and supporting high-tech ventures. While Hawai’i’s engineering sector is smaller than in some states, graduates with an MS in Engineering often command higher salaries and have a competitive edge for local positions (for example, in government agencies or engineering firms contracting in Hawai’i). Many grads also pursue opportunities across the Pacific Rim. An engineering master’s can additionally enable you to teach at the college level or engage in research.

3. Master of Social Work (MSW)

Social Work is a critical field in Hawai’i, and a Master of Social Work is the standard credential for advanced practice. In fact, Hawai’i’s second most common master’s degree area is social work. MSW programs emphasize cultural competence and practical training. Students learn to work with diverse groups including keiki (children) and kūpuna (elders), veterans, recovering addicts, and others in need throughout the state. Earning an MSW prepares you to provide counseling, connect clients with resources, and lead programs that strengthen communities. With an MSW, you can become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or take on supervisory roles in government agencies and nonprofits.

4. Master of Public Health (MPH)

A Master of Public Health degree is a valuable credential for those passionate about healthcare improvement and policy. Public health professionals tackle health challenges at the community level, an area of great importance in Hawai’i where geographic isolation and diverse communities present unique public health challenges. With an MPH, you can work in a range of settings (government health departments, healthcare systems, research institutes, nonprofits) focusing on issues like disease prevention, health education, epidemiology, and policy-making. In Hawai’i, MPH graduates additionally address topics such as Native Hawaiian health disparities, rural healthcare delivery on neighbor islands, and emergency preparedness. MPH holders often move into well-paying roles as epidemiologists, health program managers, or policy analysts.

5. Master of Education (MEd) or Teaching (MAT)

Educators looking to advance their careers will find a Master of Education (MEd) or Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) incredibly worthwhile, as these degrees are in high demand in Hawai’i. An MEd can help you become a curriculum specialist, instructional coordinator, or school administrator, while an MAT is often pursued by those seeking initial teacher licensure or a switch to teaching from another career. Graduate education programs in Hawai’i focus on culturally responsive teaching, curriculum development, and effective strategies to inspire students. You’ll learn to design engaging lessons and improve student outcomes — skills that can directly address Hawai’i’s educational challenges. A master’s in education also equips you to make a greater impact in Hawai’i’s schools, from improving literacy in under-resourced communities to mentoring other teachers.

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Master’s Programs

For your potential online master’s program, accreditation means a school or program meets established quality standards. It’s your assurance that the degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions. All major Hawai’i universities are regionally accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This matters because only accredited schools can offer federal financial aid. It’s also a key factor in credit transfer and graduate admissions. Many programs also hold specialized accreditations, further ensuring that curriculums meet critical professional standards. The bottom line here is that attending an accredited online program in Hawai’i gives your degree value and legitimacy, and you can be confident that your education is rigorous and respected.

Different Online Master’s Programs for Prospective Students

Hawai’i colleges and universities offer a variety of program formats and schedules to meet different student needs. You can choose a full-time program to finish faster or go part-time while working. Additionally, some programs are accelerated, allowing you to earn a master’s in as little as one year. Admissions options also vary from program to program. Whether you need flexibility or want an intensive experience, Hawai’i’s schools likely have an option for you. Here’s a look at several common program types with examples of each:

Full-Time Online Master’s Programs

Full-time programs typically feature full course loads (usually two to three classes per term) and program lengths of about two years, with students often completing 30-36 credits per year. You’ll find both synchronous (set meeting times) and asynchronous formats are common for Hawai’i online master’s programs. The benefit of full-time study is immersion, with students building strong connections with faculty and classmates and moving through their programs at a steady clip. Full-time online programs in Hawai’i are particularly popular with recent bachelor’s earners and those who can pause full-time work while pursuing their graduate studies.

Examples of Full-Time Programs:

• Hawai‘i Pacific University — MSN (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
• Hawai‘i Pacific University — MS in Criminal Justice
  

Part-Time Online Master’s Programs

If you need to keep working or juggle family responsibilities, part-time programs offer a more reasonable pace. Part-time online master’s students in Hawai’i might take just one or two courses at a time. This means completion will take longer, often three to four years instead of two. The key advantage is flexibility. You won’t feel overwhelmed by your academic workload. And if you’re working, you can apply what you learn to your job in real time.

Examples of Part-Time Programs:

• University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa — MEd in Early Childhood Education (Hybrid)
• University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa — MS in Nursing (Hybrid)
  

No-GRE Online Master’s Programs

Many Hawai’i universities have dropped the GRE requirement for online master’s applicants. No-GRE programs evaluate your application based on your undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, etc., instead of relying on an entrance exam score. Plus, no-GRE programs are fantastic if test-taking isn’t your strength or if you’re applying on short notice. Just remember that you’ll need to showcase your strengths through other means. Programs often go out of their way to indicate on their webpages that “no GRE is required”.

Examples of No-GRE Programs:

• Hawai‘i Pacific University — Master of Social Work
• Hawai‘i Pacific University — MS in Medical Science
  

Accelerated Online Master’s Programs

Accelerated programs are designed for speed, allowing students to earn their master’s in as little as 12 to 18 months. These programs compress their curriculums into a shorter time frame, often by using year-round courses or shorter eight-week terms. In Hawai’i, an accelerated online master’s is a great option if you’re eager to graduate quickly (for a promotion, career change, etc.) and can handle an intensive workload. Online learning makes acceleration feasible because you can often take courses back-to-back without waiting for a new semester to begin.

Examples of Accelerated Programs:

• Hawai‘i Pacific University — MS in Product Management
• Chaminade University — Master of Pastoral Theology (Hybrid)

Cost Comparisons of Online Master’s Programs

The cost of an online master’s in Hawai’i depends primarily on the specific school and student’s residency status. For example, public universities often charge higher tuition rates to out-of-state students. Private universities, however, generally charge the same per-credit tuition for all students regardless of state residency. In addition to tuition, all online master’s students will need to factor in the costs of such items as program fees, books and study materials, online access, the cost of a laptop, etc.

Helping with total costs, financial aid resources are available to qualifying online master’s students, including scholarships often exclusively for students in specific Hawai’i-based master’s programs.

Here are current tuition rates for the three schools highlighted above.

Tuition & Credit Comparison (Hawai’i Schools):

Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Online Master’s Students

Q: Can I enroll in a Hawai’i online master’s program if I live outside the state?

A: Yes, if you enroll in one of the state’s fully-online degree programs. Remember, though, that some programs are presented in a partially-online format that requires some on-campus participation which will likely make it difficult (if not impossible) to pursue a Hawai’i-based master’s program. This, however, may depend on the extent of on-campus requirements and your ability to travel to the islands to attend to them.

Q: Do online master’s students pay in-state tuition at the University of Hawaiʻi?

A: If you’re a non-Hawai’i resident student taking an online UH program, you generally pay a higher tuition than your Hawai’i resident counterparts. However, there are a few ways you may be able to save. For example, UH participates in the WICHE WRGP program that provides for students from Western states to enroll in certain programs at 150% of resident tuition (much lower than the rate for other non-residents). Also, active-duty military stationed in Hawai’i often qualify for the resident tuition rate.

Q: Are online master’s degrees from Hawai’i universities respected by employers?

A: As long as you earn your degree from a properly accredited Hawai’i institution, your online master’s carries the same weight as an on-campus degree. Hawai’i’s main universities (UH, HPU, Chaminade) are all regionally accredited by WSCUC, which is the gold standard in institutional accreditation. And most schools’ online programs have the exact same curriculum and faculty as their campus-based programs. Employers typically care only that you have a relevant degree from a reputable school, regardless of delivery format.

Q: How long does it take to finish an online master’s in Hawai’i?

A: Degree timelines for online master’s programs in Hawai’i vary depending mostly on the specific major/program and student’s chosen study pace. Generally, a full-time online master’s in Hawai’i takes about two years to complete, which is similar to on-campus programs. In addition, many programs offer accelerated formats that allow students to finish in as little as 12 to 18 months. On the other hand, if you opt for a part-time schedule, your degree completion time could be three to four years.

Q: Will I ever need to visit campus for an online program?

A: Most online master’s programs in Hawai’i can be completed entirely online with no required campus visits, but there are exceptions. Many programs advertised as 100% online may include some in-person requirements such as internships, clinical residencies, or field experiences. And, as discussed earlier, some online programs are presented in a hybrid format that combines online and in-person components. So, be sure you understand all aspects of a program’s delivery format before you enroll in any Hawai’i-based online master’s program.