Graduate Admissions

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Embarking on a graduate journey is about taking your thinking to new heights. It's a chance to dive deep into your chosen field, becoming not just a learner, but an innovator and problem-solver.

In graduate school, you'll become a master of your domain, but that's just the beginning. You'll learn to connect the dots between different disciplines, apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, and tackle complex problems with confidence.

We'll equip you with the research skills, technical know-how, and communication abilities to thrive as a professional. You'll develop the mindset and tools to keep growing long after you leave our university.

Your learning experience might include diving into research, dissecting case studies, working on applied projects, collaborating with organizations beyond campus, or gaining hands-on experience through internships. It's all about preparing you for the real world.

To cap off your educational journey, you'll take on a final challenge. This could be an in-depth research thesis, a professional-level project or case study, an internship, an original piece of art, or a comprehensive exam. It's your chance to showcase everything you've learned and prove you're ready to make your mark in your field.

Requirements

Admission into HPU graduate programs is based upon your prior academic record, professional experience, and potential for success in graduate studies. While each of Hawai‘i Pacific University’s graduate programs have unique admission standards, HPU has set minimum requirements for admission to master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs.

• Bachelor’s degree requirement

  • You must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

• GPA requirement

  • Competitive applicants typically have a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, your application may still be considered by the program. Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree (or the equivalent to a U.S. college or university degree for international students) with a GPA of 2.7 or higher are encouraged to apply for admission.

• Additional requirements by program

  • Factors that may also be considered include test scores (such as the GRE, PRAXIS or GMAT), the type of coursework completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you may be asked to submit for your application. Refer to desired program specific requirements for more information.

• International applicants

  • The application standards for international students are the same as for domestic students, with exception to the Chinese-language online MBA, the addition of submitting proof of English proficiency (for students whose native language is not English). After admission, international students applying to study in Hawai'i are also required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee.

    All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation. Photocopies and notarized transcripts are not acceptable.