Online MBA in Hawaii
On this page, you will find information about online MBA programs in Hawaii, including study options, requirements, and resources, to help you select the best program for you.
Online MBA Programs in Hawaii
If a traditional program doesn’t meet your needs, you can complete an online MBA in Hawaii as well. Here are a few of the best online MBA programs in Hawaii offering general and concentrated programs.
(The below three online MBA programs in Hawaii are listed in alphabetical order.)
1. The University of Hawaii at Manoa – Shidler College of Business
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a 48-credit, AACSB-accredited Executive MBA online designed for Hawaiian students located in other parts of the state. The program takes 22 months to complete and has a cohort structure through which students progress from the beginning of the program to graduation together. One five-day, face-to-face visit is required at the beginning of the program to develop a collaborative atmosphere. Classes are then held online at set times; therefore, although the program offers flexibility in terms of location, you will still need to be available at particular times throughout the day and week to attend and participate in your classes online. You will also attend 14 Saturday classes on-campus throughout the program.
Program Admission
To be eligible for the program, you must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA and five years of work experience. To apply, send the online application form, the $100 application fee, your transcripts, GMAT scores, a resume, a statement of objectives, and two recommendation letters to the college. You may also need to attend an interview before being accepted into the program.
Foundational Coursework
Core Curriculum (27 credit hours) – Business Statistics, Economic Foundations of Strategy, Marketing Management, Accounting for Decision-Making, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Business, Government, and External Environment, Ethics, Managerial Finance, Managing Information Technology for Strategic Advantage, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business Policy and Strategy, MBA Consulting Practicum, and 21 credit hours of electives
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
One concentration is offered in Health Care Management. In this program, students complete the core curriculum, healthcare-related electives, and a healthcare consulting practicum.
2. Hawaii Pacific University – College of Business
Hawaii Pacific University established the College of Business in 1972 and began the MBA program in 1986. The school now offers an online MBA degree that follows the same curriculum as the traditional program; however, courses are taught one at a time in eight-week blocks throughout the year. All students must earn at least a 3.0 GPA in their coursework and complete two capstone projects consecutively to graduate.
Program Admission
To apply, complete either the online application or send a paper copy with your transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, and the $50 fee. In some instances, it may be possible to be given a GMAT/GRE waiver if you are a previous Hawaii Pacific University student in good standing. If you do not have previous business coursework with at least a C grade completed in the past seven years, you may need to take the foundational courses in accounting, statistics, and economics before you can begin the MBA curriculum.
Foundational Coursework
Core Curriculum (33 credit hours) – Accounting for Managers, Economics for Business, Financial Management and Strategy, Information System Management, The Regulatory and Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Strategy for Managers, Decision Models for Managers, one elective course in international business, Strategic Management I & II (Capstone project)
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
The following concentrations are offered or alternatively you can also complete nine credit hours of any business electives to earn a general MBA.
- Accounting (18 credit hours) – Intermediate Accounting I, II, & III, Managerial Accounting, Federal Income Tax-Individual, and Auditing
- Economics (9 credit hours) – Choose three economics electives
- Finance (9 credit hours) – Choose three finance electives
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (9 credit hours) – Choose three hospitality and tourism management electives
- Human Resource Management (9 credit hours) – Choose three human resource management electives
- Information Systems (9 credit hours) – Choose three information systems electives
- International Business (9 credit hours) – Choose three international business electives and one elective from another area in lieu of the international business elective requirement
- Management (9 credit hours) – Choose three management electives
- Marketing (9 credit hours) – Choose three marketing electives
- Organizational Change and Development (9 credit hours) – Choose three organizational change and development electives
3. Chaminade University
The online MBA offered at Chaminade University follows the same curriculum as their traditional general MBA and can be combined with on-campus classes if you want face-to-face contact or if you want to complete one of the specializations. If you would like to complete the degree fully online, each core course is offered at least once per year, and many electives are offered during each term to meet the requirements in as little as two years. This program is also designed for military students who may find it difficult to attend traditional classes.
Program Admission
You must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject to be eligible for the MBA program. If the degree is not in business, you need to show proof of coursework in accounting and statistics or complete foundational courses before beginning the core curriculum. When you are ready to apply, submit the online application and $25 application fee with your transcripts and a resume. Up to six credits of transfer coursework may be accepted if you have previously studied at another institution’s graduate level.
Foundational Coursework
Core Curriculum – Leading People in Organizations, Economic Analysis for Managers, Managerial Ethics and Decision Making, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Finance, Managerial Marketing, Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, and four electives
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
Online students also have the option of completing a specialization in Accounting or Not-for-Profit; however, it may take slightly longer to fulfill these course requirements due to online classes’ timing or may require you to complete a hybrid program rather than a fully online degree by attending some on-campus classes.
- Not-for-Profit – Non-for-Profit Organizations, Social Enterprise Management, Governmental Relations, Strategic Issues in Philanthropy
- Accounting – Not-for-Profit Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Advanced Financial Accounting, Corporate and Partnership Taxation, Advanced Accounting Theory
MBA Programs in Hawaii
Are you interested in MBA programs in Hawaii? This section provides details about traditional and hybrid options for students across the state and further afield.
(The below three MBA programs in Hawaii are listed in alphabetical order.)
1. The University of Hawaii at Manoa – Shidler College of Business
The Shidler College of Business offers several MBA degree options, including full-time and part-time AACSB-accredited Global MBA degrees. Students are looking to focus on Asian business and markets, an Executive MBA for working professionals (with a Vietnam concentration option), and online MBA degrees (see below). The curriculum includes 48 credit hours and takes 21 months to complete full-time. Many internships and international learning experiences are available in various Asian countries depending on your interests, including specific China and Japan-focused tracks. The program’s first year follows a cohort structure, and students progress through the required coursework together. In the second year, students complete electives, internships, or international experiences. According to US News and World Report, in 2016, 59 students were enrolled in the program full-time, and 94 students were studying part-time.
Program Admission
You will need a bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least a 3.0-grade point average (GPA) and at least two years of work experience for the global MBA and five years experience for the Executive MBA. You will also need to take the GMAT and submit your scores as part of the application. Unlike many other MBA programs, the University of Hawaii at Manoa does not accept GRE scores instead of GMAT scores for admission. To apply, complete the online application and submit it with your $100 application fee, transcripts, a resume, essay answers, and two letters of recommendation. Executive MBA students may also need to attend an interview.
Foundational Coursework
Core Curriculum (27 credit hours) – Business Statistics, Economic Foundations of Strategy, Marketing Management, Accounting for Decision-Making, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Business, Government, and External Environment, Ethics, Managerial Finance, Managing Information Technology for Strategic Advantage, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Business Policy and Strategy, MBA Consulting Practicum, and 21 credit hours of electives
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
As part of the Global MBA, you can complete the China Track or the Japan Track or complete the Vietnam Executive MBA.
- China Track – You must take Mandarin language classes in your first year and complete an international experience and study abroad coursework in China during the second year. Your degree will specify that you have an MBA with a certificate in Chinese business.
- Japan Track – You will take Japanese classes during the first year of the program and then complete an international experience and relevant coursework in Japan during the second year. Your degree will note that you have both an MBA and a certificate in Japanese business.
- Vietnam Executive MBA – This program is open to working professionals living in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City who can attend classes in Vietnam. Students can take summer study courses in Manoa as well.
2. Hawaii Pacific University – College of Business
Hawaii Pacific University has three locations on Oahu as well as on military bases in Hawaii. The College of Business offers MBA degree programs for full-time or part-time students through traditional, hybrid, and online methods. The full-time MBA program takes as little as 18 months to complete, offers classes during the day, and admits students for the fall and spring terms. This program is also offered as a 12-month intensive MBA in a cohort-based structure, both on-campus and on-base for military students. Students who need more flexibility may be interested in the part-time MBA program that provides access to weekend and evening classes and daytime classes and can be started in the fall, spring, or summer term. It is also possible to register for the MBA Flex Plus program, which allows students to seamlessly move back and forth between on-campus and online coursework during each term based on individual needs.
MBA Program Admission
You can apply for the program either through the online application system or by sending a paper copy. You must also send your transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, GMAT or GRE scores, a resume, and the $50 fee. If you do not have an undergraduate business degree, you will need to take accounting, statistics, and economics courses before you begin the MBA.
Foundational Coursework
Core Curriculum (33 credit hours) – Accounting for Managers, Economics for Business, Financial Management and Strategy, Information System Management, The Regulatory and Ethical Environment of Business, Marketing Strategy for Managers, Decision Models for Managers, one elective course in international business, Strategic Management I & II (Capstone project)
Degree Concentrations and Specialization Options
You must complete at least nine credits in one area with at least a 3.0 GPA to earn a specialization or at least nine credits in two different areas with at least a 3.0 GPA in both to earn a double specialization. Specific details related to each specialization are provided below:
- Accounting (18 credit hours) – Intermediate Accounting I, II, & III, Managerial Accounting, Federal Income Tax-Individual, and Auditing
- Economics (9 credit hours) – Choose three economics electives
- Finance (9 credit hours) – Choose three finance electives
- Hospitality and Tourism Management (9 credit hours) – Choose three hospitality and tourism management electives
- Human Resource Management (9 credit hours) – Choose three human resource management electives
- Information Systems (9 credit hours) – Choose three information systems electives
- International Business (9 credit hours) – Choose three international business electives and one elective from another area in lieu of the international business elective requirement
- Management (9 credit hours) – Choose three management electives
- Marketing (9 credit hours) – Choose three marketing electives
- Organizational Change and Development (9 credit hours) – Choose three organizational change and development electives
3. Chaminade University – School of Business and Communication
Chaminade University is a Catholic institution located in Honolulu that has offered an MBA program since 1975. The School of Business and Communication focuses on teaching students leadership skills in business and the community, linking global learning and social responsibility to key business concepts and skills. MBA classes can be taken on-campus in the evening through face-to-face teaching methods or in a hybrid format with online coursework to fit the needs of working professionals or full-time students. You can start the program in January, April, July, or October and finish the degree in as little as 18 months by taking two courses per quarter. While work experience is not required, many students have at least three years of relevant work experience before joining the program. It is also possible to complete an Advanced Professional Certificate in Business Administration by taking 15 additional courses customized to your interest area.
Program Admission
To apply for the program, complete the online application, and submit the $25 application fee, your transcripts, and a resume. Completed applications are assessed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Undergraduate degrees in any subject are accepted; however, if you have not taken two accounting and statistics course courses, you will need to take the university’s foundational courses before beginning the MBA. If you previously studied at another institution, you may be able to transfer up to six credits towards the MBA program.
Foundational Coursework
Core Curriculum (36 credit hours) – Leading People in Organizations, Economic Analysis for Managers, Managerial Ethics and Decision Making, Managerial Accounting, Managerial Finance, Managerial Marketing, Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, and four electives
Program Concentrations and Specialization Options
In addition to the general MBA, it is possible to complete the degree with one of two specializations by completing your electives in one area:
- Not-for-Profit – Non-for-Profit Organizations, Social Enterprise Management, Governmental Relations, Strategic Issues in Philanthropy
- Accounting – Not-for-Profit Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Advanced Financial Accounting, Corporate and Partnership Taxation, Advanced Accounting Theory
Hawaii MBA Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 36,620 people worked in management positions in Hawaii in 2015. They earned an average salary of $93,2001 This included 2,080 Chief Executives, 11,080 General and Operations Managers, 510 Marketing Managers, 2,100 Financial Managers, 520 Human Resources Managers, and 2,120 other types of managers.1 76% of all managers worked in the Urban Honolulu region (27,730), while 10% worked in the Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina region (3,840) and 14% worked in the Hawaii/Kauai nonmetropolitan area (5,050).2
Hawaii anticipates short-term growth of 2.9% between 2015-2017 and 1.0% long-term growth overall from 2012-20223,4 During the 2012-2022 period; it is estimated that 6,010 new jobs will be created in the Management, Business, & Financial area, which would be a 7.7% increase overall.4 The General and Operations Managers category was on the “Jobs with the Most Openings” list, and the Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists category was on the “Fastest Growing Jobs” list for 2016.5
The US Department of Labor also provides comparative data for the state and nation for the 2012-2022 period.
- Chief Executive positions will grow by 9% compared to a 1% decrease nationally, and will earn a median salary of $137,400 in Hawaii compared to $173,300 nationwide.6
- General and Operations Managers are projected to grow by 12% compared to 7% nationwide with a median salary of $82,000 compared to $97,300 nationally.7
- Management Analyst positions may not grow as much in Hawaii (6%) compared to nationally (14%) and the median salary is slightly lower in the state ($73,300) compared to nationwide ($80,900).8
- Financial Manager positions may increase by 10% in Hawaii compared to 7% nationwide and the median salary in the state may be $84,900 compared to $115,300 nationwide.9
- The Managers, All Others category may grow by 7% compared to 4% nationally with a median salary of $86,300 compared to $105,100 nationwide.10
Payscale.com also offers information about Hawaiian graduate salaries:
- Operations managers report earning a median salary of $59,477.
- MBA graduates reported a salary range of $39,487 to $105,422.
- MBA (Finance) graduates reported a median salary of $90,500.
- Master’s graduates from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (all programs) earn a median early career (0-5 years experience) salary of $50,100 and a mid-career (10+ years experience) salary of $71,600.