Admissions Requirements

Applicants applying to a Doctoral, Master's or Certificate program must complete the online application.

All applicants are required to submit a non-refundable application fee. Payment will need to be paid by credit card to complete the online application. Current applcation fee is $55.

A statement of purpose and/or essay questions are to provide the admission committee insight on your career aspirations, your ethics, your technical aptitude, etc. This is your chance to explain to the admission committee why you are seeking higher education and what is your main purpose or objective.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MARINE SCIENCE (MSMS)

Individuals applying to the Marine Science program must submit an essay of up to 1000 words stating your purpose in undertaking graduate study at Hawai'i Pacific University.  Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans.  Discuss how your unique background would contribute to the diversity of Hawai'i Pacific University’s Marine Science program and to the educational experiences of your fellow classmates.  You may also take this opportunity to provide information about related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned in the application. The essay portion is a requirement on the online application.

DOCTORATE OF NURSING PRACTICE (DNP)

Individuals applying to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program must submit a statement of purpose of up to 1000 words answering the following question: describe (1) your understanding of what the doctor of nursing practice education will add to your current advanced practice role, (2) preparations you have made, or plan to make, to ensure successful completion of the program and (3) a practice change initiative that would directly or indirectly improve healthcare for a population of interest (include citations and references). The essay portion is a requirement on the online application

ALL OTHER GRADUATE PROGRAMS

State your purpose in undertaking graduate study at Hawai'i Pacific University, describing your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss how your unique background would contribute to the diversity of Hawai'i Pacific University’s graduate programs and to the educational experiences of your fellow classmates. You may also take this opportunity to provide information about any related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned in the application. The essay portion is a requirement on the online application.

Based on program requirements, either the final official transcript showing conferred degree or all official transcripts for each institution attended may be required.  Official transcripts/records are defined as original documents issued by the institution (not photocopies) that bear the signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. Transcripts must be sent in their original, sealed envelopes. College seniors should submit current transcripts followed by a final official transcript showing the award of a conferred degree.

HPU accepts eTranscripts, please be sure that the eTranscript is sent and issued directly to Hawai'i Pacific University. eTranscript should be sent to grad@hpu.edu or to your dedicated admissions counselor email.

By postal mail to: 

Graduate Admissions

1 Aloha Tower Drive

Honolulu, HI 96813

By fax to: 808-544-1136

International Students or students who have completed coursework at a non-US college/university must provide third-party certified evaluations (COURSE-BY-COURSE WITH GPA CALCULATION) and translation from a NACES member organization. Third-party certified evaluations must be sent directly to HPU from the issuing NACES member organization. We recommend requesting the transcripts to be sent electronically, if possible, as it may be faster than having them sent out through standard postal service.

This NACES evaluation and translation will convert your non-US coursework to the US equivalency so that HPU can evaluate your material for admission. You may wish to contact a few member organizations to determine the best price and timeline. The NACES member evaluation (COURSE-BY-COURSE WITH GPA CALCULATION) will complete the official transcript requirement for admission.

Letters of recommendation must be submitted by individuals who can attest to your ability to perform graduate level work successfully (e.g., former professors, academic counselors, employers, business colleagues). You will be able to request letters of recommendation from your recommeders in the online application. All programs require 2 letters of recommendation with the exception of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. Letters of recommedation can be requested via email in the online application.

Standardized entrance exams are specific to each program and may include: Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). Official scores should be sent to Hawai'i Pacific University (code: 4352).  Standardized entrance exams must be less than five years old.

Programs requiring a GMAT or GRE exam score include:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

Programs requiring a GRE exam score include:

• Master of Science in Marine Science (MSMS)

International Students are required to meet specific English language requirements. Official IELTS/TOEFL score reports must be submitted directly to HPU by IELTS/TOEFL.

CLICK HERE to try the GMAT® Mini Quiz, for free!

GMAT Fee Waiver

Hawaii Pacific University participates in the Graduate Management Admission Council’s GMAT Fee Waiver Program.  The Program is intended to help economically disadvantaged students access to graduate business education. If approved, the student will receive a fee waiver that can be used for one test administration (valued at $250). The number of waivers available is very limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are not eligible for multiple fee waiver awards.     

Students must have applied for admission to an HPU College of Business graduate program, paid the application fee, and have official transcripts on file with Hawaii Pacific University to be considered for a GMAT fee waiver award.

To request a GMAT fee waiver, email Jasmine Kauhane.

The purpose of a resume is to provide the admission committee insight regarding your professional experience. Specific programs require applicants to submit a resume to support their application.  Please refer to your program of interest. Resume may be uploaded to the online application.

Doctor of Nursing Practice applicants have to confirm the completion of at least 500 APRN practicum hours.

The Verification of Field Clinical Hours Form has to be completed and uploaded to the application.