With demand for master’s-level professionals rising across the state, Hawaii’s colleges and universities offer a growing number of online and hybrid graduate programs designed to meet local workforce needs. This guide highlights top programs, popular fields of study, cost considerations, and key details to help you pursue an online master’s degree in Hawaii with confidence.
Author: Michael Hoffman, JD, MA
Expertise: Graduate EducationOnline LearningStudent SuccessEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
Which Master's Program Track Fits You Best?
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Top Fields in Hawaii
The most promising fields in the state, based on job outlook, earning potential, affordability, and local opportunities…
Read more - Accreditation Details
What accreditation is, why it matters, and the accrediting bodies relevant for students in this state…
Read more - Program Types
The variety of online master’s programs offered in the state, from full-time and part-time to accelerated formats…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Schools
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Hawaii
Read more
Which Master’s Program Track Fits You Best?
Choosing a master’s program is really two decisions at once: which subject to study, and which format to study it in. The second choice gets overlooked constantly, yet it often determines whether you finish on schedule or end up covering extra semesters. The guide below was built to help with exactly that.
What Type of Master’s Student Are You?
The Career Starter
Between finishing your bachelor’s degree and starting a master’s, there’s one thing still unresolved: the field. That’s what has you scanning Hawaii’s programs broadly instead of zeroing in on one subject.
You’ll notice differences in admissions requirements, program length, and typical outcomes much faster by comparing fields side by side than by researching one at a time. Programs that skip the work-experience requirement keep every option open while you decide, and an accelerated, hybrid format lets you make real headway without locking into one field’s typical schedule too soon.
The Career Changer
You’re moving into a new career that has little to do with your current one, and you’re weighing Hawaii programs designed to accept students without a related undergraduate background.
Search specifically for programs that say they admit career-changers, since many graduate programs otherwise assume you already hold a degree in that field or a nearby one. Foundational or bridge coursework closes the gap without sending you back for a second bachelor’s degree, and studying fully online lets you build that base while you’re still working your current job and before you’ve fully committed to something new.
The Promotion Seeker
Your career is already established, and you’re pursuing a master’s degree to move into something more senior or specialized, weighing Hawaii programs as you decide between staying in your field and branching into something adjacent.
New coursework can feed directly back into your current job under part-time pacing, which often helps build a promotion case in real time. A program with a range of concentrations lets you shape the degree once your direction is clear, whether you stay the course or move toward something related, and a hybrid format offers some in-person connection without requiring a full return to campus.
The Working Balancer
Between full-time work and family or other responsibilities, you need a master’s degree that fits around your life, whichever field you eventually settle on among Hawaii’s programs.
There’s no set class time with a fully online, asynchronous format, so coursework adapts to your job and home life instead of the reverse. Part-time pacing keeps the weekly workload realistic, and since that flexibility isn’t unique to any one field, it’s worth prioritizing early, before you’ve even picked a subject.
The Resident Searcher
Since you already live in Hawaii, you want to compare master’s programs close to home, ideally at a price that reflects your residency status.
Public universities in Hawaii typically charge lower tuition to in-state residents than to out-of-state or private students, and that difference can meaningfully affect your total cost. Staying local also keeps in-person or hybrid formats realistic without relocating, and you get to keep the network — professional and personal — you’ve already built nearby while you finish your degree.
The Interstate Researcher
You live outside Hawaii and don’t plan on moving there, so you’re researching fully online programs based in the state that you can complete from wherever you already are.
A fully online format means you don’t need to live where the university is, so coursework, exams, and even cohort-based interaction can happen from home. Look for programs that explicitly confirm they enroll out-of-state or non-resident students without requiring residency or in-person attendance, since some public university programs still restrict online enrollment by state for certain licensure-track or state-funded degrees.
Featured Online Master’s Programs in Hawaii
Hawaii’s universities offer online and hybrid master’s programs across most major fields, each with its own mix of delivery formats, costs, and completion timelines. To help you compare options, we’ve highlighted three accredited Hawaii-based schools with standout online or hybrid master’s programs.
University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UH Mānoa), the state’s flagship public university, offers dozens of master’s degrees that can be completed fully or mostly online. Programs span education, business, nursing, engineering, and more, supporting a wide range of workforce needs across the islands.
Hawaii residents benefit from significantly lower tuition rates, and the university provides strong support for military-affiliated students. UH Mānoa delivers high-quality graduate education with a local focus — ideal for students who want to advance professionally without leaving Hawaii.
Featured Program: Master of Public Health (MPH) — Health Policy & Management
Duration: 21 months | 42 credits
Format: 100% online | Asynchronous
Tuition: $650/credit (Hawaii resident) | $1,402/credit (non-resident) | Students from the Freely Associated States pay the in-state rate
Admissions:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Hawai’i Pacific University
Hawaiʻi Pacific University is a private university in Honolulu known for its flexible online and hybrid graduate programs. HPU offers about 20 master’s degrees across disciplines such as business, education, nursing, public health, and criminal justice.
Most programs can be completed online, on campus, or in a hybrid format, giving students flexibility to choose what works best. Hawaii residents receive a tuition discount, and standardized tests are often optional or waived.
Featured Program: Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Duration: 18-24 months | 36 credits
Format: Fully online or hybrid
Tuition: $1,030/credit
Admissions:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution
- Recommended 3.0 GPA
- Application submittals include transcripts, a resume, and statement of purpose
- Standardized tests are optional or waived entirely
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a small private Catholic institution offering six master’s programs across teaching, business, counseling psychology, criminal justice, and pastoral theology. Programs are available online, on campus, or in hybrid formats.
Chaminade emphasizes culturally informed education, small class sizes, and personalized attention. Several programs follow accelerated schedules, allowing students to graduate in about two years.
Featured Program: Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP)
Duration: 30 months | Accelerated options available
Format: Fully online, hybrid, or campus
Tuition: $1,120/credit | $67,200 total
Admissions:
- Bachelor’s degree (psychology or a related field recommended)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is expected
- Application submittals include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement
Hawaii’s Top Master’s Fields of Study
What master’s degree fields are most in-demand in Hawaii?
Here are five of the top fields for graduate study based on local job demand, return on investment, and Hawaii’s industry strengths. Each offers strong career prospects both in the islands and beyond.
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A Master of Business Administration remains one of the most popular master’s degrees in Hawaii. Graduates gain skills in finance, management, marketing, and strategy, opening doors in tourism, real estate, finance, and nonprofit leadership. An MBA from a Hawaii institution also provides insight into the Pacific-Asia business environment and access to local professional networks.
2. Master of Science in Engineering
A master’s degree in engineering (M.S. or M.Eng.) allows professionals to specialize in areas like civil, electrical, mechanical, or computer engineering. In Hawaii, engineers support infrastructure development, renewable energy initiatives, and government projects. Graduates often earn higher salaries and gain access to leadership or project management roles.
3. Master of Social Work (MSW)
Social Work is a critical field in Hawaii, and a Master of Social Work is the standard credential for advanced practice. Programs emphasize cultural competence and community engagement, preparing graduates to work with diverse populations across the islands. An MSW can lead to licensure and supervisory roles in healthcare, education, and social services.
4. Master of Public Health (MPH)
Public health professionals play an essential role in addressing Hawaii’s unique healthcare challenges, including rural access, emergency preparedness, and health disparities. MPH graduates work in government agencies, healthcare systems, research organizations, and nonprofits, often in roles related to policy, epidemiology, and health education.
5. Master of Education (MEd) or Teaching (MAT)
Graduate education degrees are in high demand in Hawaii. MEd programs can prepare educators for leadership or specialist roles, while an MAT supports initial teacher licensure or career transitions into teaching. Programs emphasize culturally responsive teaching and curriculum development.
Accreditation for Hawaii Online Master’s
Accreditation ensures that your degree meets recognized academic standards. Hawaii’s major universities are regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Accreditation affects eligibility for financial aid, employer recognition, and credit transfer, making it a critical factor when choosing a program.
Types of Online Master’s Available in Hawaii
Hawaii colleges and universities offer a variety of program formats and schedules to meet different student needs. Whether you need flexibility or want an intensive experience, Hawaii’s schools likely have an option for you. Here’s a look at several common program types with examples of each:
Full-Time Programs
Full-time programs typically involve two to three courses per term and take about two years to complete. Both asynchronous and scheduled formats are common.
HI Examples:
- Hawaii Pacific University — MSN (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Hawaii Pacific University — MS in Criminal Justice
Part-Time Programs
Part-time programs allow students to take one or two courses at a time, making them ideal for working professionals. Completion often takes three to four years.
HI Examples:
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — MEd in Early Childhood Education (Hybrid)
- University of Hawaii at Manoa — MS in Nursing (Hybrid)
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs
Many Hawaii universities waive GRE requirements, focusing instead on academic performance and professional experience.
HI Examples:
- Hawaii Pacific University — Master of Social Work
- Hawaii Pacific University — MS in Medical Science
Accelerated Programs
Accelerated master’s 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. Online learning makes acceleration feasible because you can often take courses back-to-back without waiting for a new semester to begin.
HI Examples:
- Hawaii Pacific University — MS in Product Management
- Chaminade University — Master of Pastoral Theology (Hybrid)
How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost in Hawaii?
Tuition costs depend on the school, program, and residency status. Public universities typically charge lower rates for Hawaii residents, while private institutions charge the same rate regardless of residency. Students should also budget for fees, books, and technology costs.
Helping with total costs, financial aid resources are available to qualifying online master’s students, including scholarships often exclusively for students in specific Hawaii-based master’s programs.
Tuition & Credit Comparison (Hawaii Schools):
| University | Cost per Credit | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | $650 per credit | 30 to 60 credits |
| Hawaiʻi Pacific University | $861–$1,750 per credit | 30 to 45 credits |
| Chaminade University | $895–$1,155 per credit | 30 to 45 credits |
Note: Tuition estimates above are for illustration; actual rates may change year to year. Always consult with the school for the latest fee amounts.
FAQs for Hawaii’s Online Master’s Students
Q: Can I enroll in a Hawaii online master’s program if I live outside the state?
A: Yes, you can enroll in one of the state’s fully-online degree programs if you live outside the state.
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 Hawaii-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-Hawaii resident student taking an online UH program, you generally pay a higher tuition than your Hawaii 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 Hawaii often qualify for the resident tuition rate.
Q: Are online master’s degrees from Hawaii universities respected by employers?
A: As long as you earn your degree from a properly accredited Hawaii institution, your online master’s carries the same weight as an on-campus degree. Hawaii’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 Hawaii?
A: Degree timelines for online master’s programs in Hawaii vary depending mostly on the specific major/program and student’s chosen study pace. Generally, a full-time online master’s in Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 Hawaii-based online master’s program.
Top Online Master’s Degree Programs in Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Best for: in-state students
Hawaii Pacific University
Best for: in-state students
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Best for: in-state students
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Best for: in-state students
