Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) is the only school in Hawaii that currently offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program. The HPU online MPA curriculum focuses on addressing organizational and societal issues, with an emphasis on enhancing the managerial and leadership skills of mid- and upper-level professionals within the field of public administration. HPU is a private university accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Read more about Hawaii Pacific University’s online MPA program below, as well as additional online MPA program options for residents of Hawaii.
Schools in Hawaii with Online MPA Programs
Hawaii Pacific University (HPU) offers an online MPA program through its Department of Public Service, which is housed within the school’s College of Professional Studies. HPU is an applied learning institution, focusing on enhancing skills through hands-on research and relevant real-world experience. The 36 graduate-credit-hour curriculum centers around the formal and practical study of executive management, including eleven core courses and a final capstone project. Beyond the traditional MPA program, HPU also offers an MPA+ program in which students can gain additional subject-matter expertise in one of five areas of study: Criminal Justice, Public Budgeting and Financial Management, Public Service Management, Ethics for Public Service, or Nonprofit Management. These Graduate Certificates require 12 additional graduate credit hours following the completion of the general MPA curriculum.
HPU utilizes the learning management system Blackboard to conduct its online degree programs. Online students are provided access to similar resources as on-campus cohorts, including academic counseling and advising, university libraries, the Career Development Center (CDC), and the alumni office of university advancement.
Both the MPA and MPA+ programs can be completed fully online, with no on-campus or residential requirements. Following a fixed, accelerated track, online courses are offered in eight-week terms. The full-time MPA program (two classes per term) can be completed in 12 months and the MPA+ can be completed in 16-18 months depending on the chosen certificate.
Additional Online MPA Programs for Residents of Hawaii
Students interested in pursuing an MPA specialization not currently offered by HPU can research online MPA programs in other states that accept applicants who reside in the state of Hawaii. Many MPA programs can be completed fully online, without travel or residential requirements. However, a limited number of programs do incorporate mandatory in-person elements such as on-campus residencies, orientations, or networking events. Students interested in out-of-state programs should research residential and other degree requirements prior to applying. Most schools have dedicated admissions advisors who can assist with answering degree-specific questions.
View a comprehensive listing of MPA programs that can be completed online with limited or no on-campus requirements on our General Online MPA Programs page.