MA/DMS Admission Process
Admission to the MA/DMS Program at Hawai'i Pacific University is based on academic ability and potential for success at the graduate level. Academic ability is evaluated by the applicant's past academic performance, recommendations, and performance on the GRE (if taken). Although not required for admission, involvement in organizational or community activities may be used in the evaluation. 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 must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or an equivalent degree from another country. All applicants must submit certified copies of their postsecondary work showing completion of the undergraduate degree, plus letters of recommendation. These letters should be from professors, counselors, employers, and others who can attest to your attainments and potential for success at the graduate level.
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.
When reviewing an application for graduate admission, the Admission Committee considers several factors including:
- Completion of a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited college or university
- Undergraduate grade point average
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE results (if applicable)
- Work experience (if applicable)
- Personal statement/essay questions
(Students interested in starting the MA/DMS program immediately following their undergraduate program should apply in their senior year.)
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 an unopened enveloped sealed by the college or university.
- Personal Statement /Essay describing your academic and career goals
- Resume (optional)
- Applicants to Hawai'i Pacific University's MA/DMS program who have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) should have their scores sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office.
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
