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

#1

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

University of Hawaii at Manoa's Master's in Communication offers a dynamic graduate experience focusing on cutting-edge communication studies. Students explore diverse specializations including communication policy, global communication, intercultural communication, and social media. The program provides flexible learning paths with thesis and practicum options, allowing students to tailor their academic journey. Admitted annually in the fall, the program requires 33 credits, emphasizing both theoretical foundations and practical applications in communication technologies and research strategies.

• 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

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Master's in Communication, focusing on communication policy, global communication, and information technologies. This program prepares students for careers in various sectors by emphasizing intercultural communication and public relations. Admission requires a statement of academic objectives, three recommendation letters, and a minimum TOEFL score for non-native English speakers. The program spans 33 credits, including foundation courses, core courses, and a capstone project. Students can complete the program in 18 to 24 months, with options for a thesis or practicum. This degree equips students with the skills for impactful careers in communication.

• 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

Dive into the dynamic world of communication at the University of Hawaii at Manoa's Master's program. Designed for ambitious professionals, this comprehensive degree offers specialized tracks in global communication, intercultural studies, and emerging technologies. Students explore cutting-edge communication strategies through a unique Pacific lens, preparing for diverse careers in media, policy, and international relations. The program combines rigorous academic training with practical skills, emphasizing research, intercultural understanding, and innovative communication technologies.

• 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

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

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 offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, designed for students aiming to excel in the dynamic field of communication. This program blends theory with practical skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various sectors. It emphasizes strategic thinking, digital media, and effective communication strategies. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, offering flexible scheduling options. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a passion for communication. Costs are competitive, with financial aid available. This program is ideal for those seeking to advance their careers or pivot into the communication field.

• 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 introduces an innovative online Master's in Health Communication designed to meet critical industry demands. This 15-month program equips professionals with advanced communication skills for healthcare settings, targeting diverse populations. Students learn to develop effective health campaigns, understand communication theories, and navigate complex healthcare messaging. With a projected 12% employment growth and high market demand, graduates can pursue roles in government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, and healthcare organizations. The program emphasizes ethical communication practices and provides practical skills for improving 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

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Original data: IPEDS 2023, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

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