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 application fee is $55.

Civic servants in the Peace Corp, Ameri Corp, or Teach for America are eligible for an application fee waiver code, click here.

U.S. Military affiliated individuals are eligible for an application fee waiver code, click here. This includes, active duty members and their dependents, veterans, reservists and national guardsman.

Depending on program, 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 may be sent to grad@hpu.edu or admission@hpu.edu

By postal mail to: 

Hawaii Pacific University
1 Aloha Tower Drive
Honolulu, HI 96813

By fax to: 808-544-1136

If you are an International student and/or attended a college or university outside of the U.S, click here. 

Depending on the program, a resume may be required. The purpose of a resume is to provide the admission committee insight regarding your professional experience. Resume can be uploaded to the online application in a PDF format.

Depending on the program, a statement of purpose and/or essay questions may be required. This allows 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

Depending on the program, letter/s of recommendation may be required. Recommendation letters should 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). Through the HPU online application, you will be able to enter the name and email address of your recommender and they will be sent an email link for completion. 

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.

International Students are required to meet specific English language requirements. Official scores must be reported directly to HPU.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) applicants must confirm the completion of at least 500 APRN practicum hours.
  The Verification of Field Clinical Hours Form must be completed and uploaded to the application. 
• MSN applicants must have two-years RN work experience, active U.S. RN license and undergraduate statistics course.