MSN Admission Process
When reviewing an application for admittance into the graduate program, the Admission Committee considers several factors including:
- Completion of a baccalaureate nursing degree from a nationally accredited school of nursing. Non-U.S. nursing program graduates must have their educational program evaluated by the Nursing Program.
- Undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Those with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission.
- Evidence of full time (or its equivalent) of one year of experience over the preceding 36 months as a registered nurse.
- Outcome of an interview with a graduate program faculty member either in person or by telephone.
A holistic approach is used, and no one factor will exclude an applicant from consideration. The University is seeking students who have demonstrated the ability and motivation to do graduate level work.
Applicants who have not satisfied prerequisite requirements may still apply to the graduate program. However, prior to beginning certain graduate-level courses, students may be required to complete the required prerequisite courses.
The University has a rolling admission process and reviews applications throughout the year. In order to ensure adequate time for evaluation and correspondence, it is strongly recommended that applications be submitted early.
All applicants must submit the following documents to the address shown below:
- A signed and completed application form
- U.S. $50.00 nonrefundable application fee
- An official/certified transcript from every college or university attended, showing course work, grades, and conferral of bachelor's degree. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the college or university to Hawai'i Pacific University. Applicants may also submit official transcripts in unopened enveloped sealed by the college and university.
- Two original and current letters of recommendation (one from a professional associate preferably with a graduate degree, who is able to assess your practice and potential for graduate study and one from your immediate supervisor detailing your clinical performance)
- Two essay questions
- Resumé
- A current license as a registered nurse in the state of Hawaii
- Applicants to Hawai'i Pacific University's nursing program who have taken the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should have their scores sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office
Students may apply for admission to Hawai'i Pacific University's MSN program by submitting our printed application or by applying online:
Downloaded applications may be mailed to the address listed below:
Hawai'i Pacific University
Graduate Admissions Office
1164 Bishop Street, Suite 911
Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813
Tel: (808) 544-1135
Toll free: (800) 669-4724, ext. 2 (U.S. and Canada)
Additional Requirements for International Students:
- Mail certified copies or have official copies of transcripts sent directly from your postsecondary school or testing authority, including an English translation.
- Submit a completed and signed Hawaii Pacific University Statement of Financial Sponsorship Form.
- Submit an original or certified copy of a bank statement or letter showing that you, your sponsor, or guardian (s) have an account which provides sufficient funds to cover at least one year of study at HPU. (This is a requirement of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.)
- Official acceptance into HPU graduate programs requires the following minimum English language test scores:
TOEFL internet-based test (iBT) - 80 overall and at least 25 in writing
TOEFL computer-based test (cBT) – 213 overall and at least 5 in TWE
TOEFL paper based test (pBT) – 550 overall and at lest 5 in TWE
International English Language Training System (IELTS) – 6 overall and at least 6.5 in writing
