Master’s in Communication in Hawaii
For one of the smallest and least populous states in the entire country, Hawaii has a sizable postsecondary education landscape and graduate degree programs in communications are no exception. Sure, there are only two schools in the entire state that offer Master of Arts degrees in Communication and the opportunities will be less plentiful than they would be in California or Washington. But Hawaii is still among the country's leaders in state spending per student on higher education (more than $8,000) per student and its residents continue to remain some of the most-educated and least indebted.
The state of Hawaii has exactly two public, doctoral universities within its borders but only one of them - the University of Hawaii at Manoa - offers graduate education in Communications specifically. The other school that offers a similar degree is Hawaii Pacific University, a private liberal arts school with more than 7,000 enrolled students from a wide-range of backgrounds and origins. The fundamental curriculum of the two programs will be very similar. There will be core classes and advanced classes that will be mostly the same at each of the two schools. But there are also plenty of differences including but not limited to: cost; pre-requisites; networking opportunities and electives.
This isn't like picking a university for four years of undergraduate study. Picking a graduate school needs to be more thought-out, because the focus of the school will be very narrow and it is such an important investment, that it needs to be considered from all angles.
2026 Best Masters in Communication Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI - Public 4-Year - manoa.hawaii.edu
Master's - Communication
Concentration: communication policy and planning - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Communication Policy and Planning Master's program offers a strategic academic pathway for communication professionals. Specifically tailored to policy development and strategic communication planning, this program prepares students to analyze complex communication landscapes. Students explore theoretical frameworks and practical applications in communication policy, learning to design comprehensive communication strategies across various organizational contexts. The 33-credit curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, with opportunities for thesis or practicum completion. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and a commitment to understanding communication's broader societal implications.
- MA in Communication offered
- Fall semester admission only
- 33 total credit hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
- Thesis or practicum options
- Five specialization areas
- Interdisciplinary program focus
- International communication emphasis
- Requires three recommendation letters
- Non-communication undergrads welcome
Master's - Communication
Concentration: global communication - Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Hawaii at Manoa's Global Communication Master's degree provides an immersive educational experience designed for international communication professionals. Focused on intercultural dynamics and global communication strategies, the program equips students with advanced skills in cross-cultural understanding and strategic communication. The comprehensive 33-credit curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, emphasizing public relations, social media, and international communication technologies. Students benefit from a unique Pacific perspective, exploring communication challenges in diverse global contexts. With a TOEFL requirement of 80 and options for thesis or practicum, graduates are prepared for leadership roles in multinational organizations and international communication sectors.
- MA in Communication offered.
- Focus on global communication.
- Intercultural communication specialization.
- Public relations and social media.
- 33 credit hours required.
- Thesis or practicum option.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- TOEFL score of 80 needed.
- Three recommendation letters.
- Statement of academic objectives.
Master's - Communication
Concentration: information and communication technologies - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Information and Communication Technologies Master's program at University of Hawaii at Manoa represents a cutting-edge approach to digital communication studies. Designed for technology-driven communication professionals, this innovative degree explores emerging communication technologies, digital media strategies, and technological transformation in communication landscapes. Students engage with sophisticated research methodologies, learning to analyze and implement advanced communication technologies across various sectors. The program's interdisciplinary framework allows for specialized tracks in global communication and technological innovation, providing a comprehensive understanding of how digital technologies reshape communication practices. With flexible completion options and a focus on practical skills, graduates are well-positioned for dynamic careers in technology-driven communication fields.
- MA in Communication offered
- Interdisciplinary program focus
- Admits fall semester only
- Minimum 33 credit hours
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Thesis or practicum options
- 15-60 month completion time
- Multiple specialization tracks
- International communication perspective
Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - hpu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's Master of Arts in Strategic Communication delivers a comprehensive program targeting professionals seeking advanced communication expertise. Tailored for career-driven individuals, the curriculum integrates strategic thinking with digital media techniques, preparing graduates for leadership positions across diverse industries. Students gain practical skills through a flexible learning approach that accommodates working professionals. The program uniquely balances theoretical foundations with real-world application, enabling graduates to develop sophisticated communication strategies. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, and the program offers competitive tuition with financial aid options. Ideal for both career advancement and professional transitions, this degree empowers students to become dynamic communication strategists.
- Master of Arts degree.
- Focus on strategic communication.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Blends theory and practice.
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Competitive tuition costs.
- Financial aid available.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Ideal for career advancement.
- Suitable for career changers.
Master's - Master of Arts in Health Communication
Online Learning - Visit Website
Hawaii Pacific University's online Master of Arts in Health Communication represents an innovative 15-month program addressing critical communication challenges in healthcare settings. Designed for aspiring healthcare communication professionals, the curriculum focuses on developing advanced skills for crafting effective health messaging across diverse populations. Students explore communication theories, ethical practices, and strategic campaign development, positioning themselves for emerging opportunities in a field projected to grow by 12%. The program prepares graduates for roles in government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations. With a practical, research-driven approach, students learn to navigate complex health communication landscapes and create impactful interventions that improve community health outcomes.
- Online 15-month master's program
- First Hawaii health communication degree
- Focuses on diverse population communication
- 12% projected job growth
- Professional micro-credential option
- Prepares for healthcare communication roles
- Covers communication theory, methods
- Starts summer 2024
2026 Affordable Hawaii Masters in Communication Degree Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Hawaii Pacific University |
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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But we aren't here to talk about the post-degree world just yet. We are here to talk about graduate degree programs in education. Here is a brief primer on the two programs.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The state's flagship university, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is home to more than 18,000 students and is the largest and most prestigious university on any of the islands. Founded in 1907, the university's School of Communications is housed within the College of Social Sciences and it offers four types of degree or certificate. The school offers a standard Bachelor's degree program and a standard Master's degree program in Communications. But it also offers a certificate program in Telecommunications and Information Resource Management for students with at least a Bachelor's degree and it also offers a PhD program in Communication and Information Sciences.
But for our benefit, let's talk about the Master's degree program. Applicants are not required to have an undergraduate degree in communications (although they will need an undergraduate degree of some kind) and students will only be accepted into the program in the fall semester. Applicants are expected to produce a statement of academic objectives and three letters of recommendation (from former professors if possible). To graduate with the degree, students need to complete a minimum of 33 credits with at least a 3.0 GPA and they will be expected to take a mix of core competency courses and electives and submit a thesis paper on a topic of their choosing. The school even encourages students to travel to conferences and workshops and seminars as an advocate for the program and offers per-diem funding on a competitive basis.
According to the school, recent graduates have been employed as college-level instructors, managers, consultants, and as specialists in social action programs and research units. Many graduates continue to a professional school or PhD program.
The most important distinction may be that as a state university, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is going to be considerably cheaper (especially for Hawaii residents) than Hawaii Pacific University. That doesn't necessarily make the program better or worse. In fact, both schools have pros and cons. But if cost is a mitigating factor, there will be a large discrepancy in tuition between the two schools.
Hawaii Pacific University
The liberal arts university that is also on Honolulu, Hawaii Pacific University was only found in 1965 but has grown quickly. It already has two campuses (although communications students will be in the downtown Honolulu campus) as well as an Oceanic Institute and a Military program. It has rapidly become one of the most diverse student bodies at any school in the entire country and that is one of the tangible benefits of earning a degree in communications at the school. The Master of Arts in Communication degree program is housed within the College of Liberal Arts and its requirements for both admission and graduation are very like those at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
HPU also requires students to submit a 500-word statement of academic purpose, three letters of recommendation, requisite transcripts, test scores, and even a resume. The required number of credits for graduation is also 33 although students at HPU do take some additional courses in related fields such as journalism and graphic design and even web design. The program also requires students to complete two capstone courses which are almost entirely made up of thesis papers or projects. One of the unique parts of the program is that it offers a concurrent option, meaning students can apply to take undergraduate and graduate degree credits at the same time and work toward both degrees in a reduced period. Students will need to already be enrolled at HPU as an undergraduate and they will complete four graduate level courses, but the expedited process makes things easier for students who have a clear path in their minds. There are also a series of graduate assistantships that pay stipends for students that are interested.
The cost is decidedly more prohibitive. Students, regardless of their home state, will pay at least $30,000 to earn a graduate degree as a full-time student at HPU, which includes room and board. This is almost triple what the program would cost for Hawaii natives, and at least $10,000 more than it would be for an out of state student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
Hawaii Colleges That Offer Accredited Master's in Communications Programs
Honolulu, HI
Hawaii Pacific University
- Master's - Master of Arts in Health Communication
Online Learning - Website
- Online 15-month master's program
- First Hawaii health communication degree
- Focuses on diverse population communication
- 12% projected job growth
- Professional micro-credential option
- Prepares for healthcare communication roles
- Covers communication theory, methods
- Starts summer 2024
- Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Campus Based - Website
- Master of Arts degree.
- Focus on strategic communication.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Blends theory and practice.
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Competitive tuition costs.
- Financial aid available.
- Bachelor's degree required.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Master's - Communication
Concentration: communication policy and planning - Campus Based - Website
- MA in Communication offered
- Fall semester admission only
- 33 total credit hours required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA needed
- Thesis or practicum options
- Five specialization areas
- Interdisciplinary program focus
- International communication emphasis
- Master's - Communication
Concentration: global communication - Campus Based - Website
- MA in Communication offered.
- Focus on global communication.
- Intercultural communication specialization.
- Public relations and social media.
- 33 credit hours required.
- Thesis or practicum option.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
- TOEFL score of 80 needed.
- Master's - Communication
Concentration: information and communication technologies - Campus Based - Website
- MA in Communication offered
- Interdisciplinary program focus
- Admits fall semester only
- Minimum 33 credit hours
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Thesis or practicum options
- 15-60 month completion time
- Multiple specialization tracks