Online MBA Programs in Hawaii

An online master of business administration is ideal for busy individuals. Explore online MBA programs in Hawaii to take your career to the next level.

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Waikiki Beach on a sunny day in Honolulu, Oahu Credit: M Swiet Productions / Moment / Getty Images

MBAs build the practical business skills that graduates need to take on a variety of management roles. Students typically graduate with a strong knowledge of accounting, financial markets, communications, business strategy, and statistical analysis. Many MBA programs rely on case studies to teach students about various business situations and concepts.

Students thinking about pursuing a business degree should strongly consider enrolling in a Hawaii online MBA program. According to data from The Chronicle of Higher Education, only 6.8% of Hawaii residents hold a master's degree, and only 2.2% hold a doctoral degree. Thus, companies in the state may have an elevated demand for highly educated management professionals.

The next section features a list of some schools where students can earn their online MBA in Hawaii. Additionally, this page includes helpful information for aspiring business students in the state. Read on to learn more about Hawaii's largest employers and important industries.

How to Choose a Quality MBA Program

Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in Hawaii

Hawaii has a diverse economy with many industries, including healthcare, trade, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and education. Honolulu houses many of the state's largest employers. The top three employers include a human resources consulting firm and two healthcare organizations. Each of Hawaii's top industries require professionals with skills in business, finance, organization, and strategy -- skills often held by MBA graduates.

Some of the fastest growing jobs in Hawaii include business analyst, certified nursing assistant, finance manager, recreation leader, and management consultant. While many positions only require a bachelor's degree, earning an MBA can increase a worker's earning potential and lead to more career advancement opportunities. Many MBA programs offer concentrations that allow students to better align their degree with their career goals.

Hawaii's economy is healthy, due in large part to its growing tourism numbers. Projections show that the state's GDP should increase by about 2.6% over the next year, and it should continue to grow modestly over the next few years. Hawaii's largest industries play a big role in the state's economy, but challenging factors -- such as climate change -- may lead Hawaii to consider further diversifying its economy.

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HAWAII'S TOP 3 LARGEST EMPLOYERS

CompanyLocationMain IndustryNumber of Employees
Altres IndustrialHonoluluHuman Resources Consulting Services10,000
Kapiolani Medical CenterHonoluluHospitals5,000
Pearl Harbor Naval ShipyardPearl HarborShip Building and Repairs5,000
Source:Career One Stop

Most organizations, regardless of the industry, require marketing professionals, supply chain specialists, finance or accounting managers, and human resource managers. MBA programs typically develop the critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills students need to excel in these positions across a variety of fields.

Careers for MBA Grads in Hawaii

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers coordinate the recruiting process for their organizations, leading activities related to attracting, interviewing, and hiring new talent. They also make sure that their organizations make effective use of workers' skills. To this end they may arrange training programs, recommend new policies, or identify areas of improvement with respect to staffing. They also supervise HR staff, resolve disputes, and direct compensation and benefits programs. Some high-level HR managers need an MBA.

Projections Central expects an 8.8% increase in job growth for human resources management in Hawaii from 2016-2026. The state's HR managers earn a mean annual income of $104,300.

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Financial Manager

Financial managers help businesses maximize profits, reduce costs, and achieve long-term financial stability. Sometimes called controllers, treasurers, or cash managers, financial managers prepare financial documents, analyze market trends, and make sure that their organization complies with financial regulations. They also supervise lower-level financial employees such as budget analysts and financial analysts. Top-level managers consult with financial managers when making financial decisions. Many employers prefer to hire financial managers who hold an MBA or a master's in finance, economics, or accounting.

Hawaii's financial managers earn a mean yearly salary of $118,740. Projections Central expects that the financial management profession will grow by more than 17% from 2016-2026, much faster than the total for all U.S. occupations.

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International Trade Specialist

International trade specialists develop strategies to ensure that their business finds success in other countries. They also analyze the effects of economic globalization on their business. Their other responsibilities include setting policies with regard to international trade and coordinating shipments. Additionally, international trade specialists research exchange rates and legal issues related to international trade.

International trade specialists may work in the public or private sector. While a bachelor's degree may suffice for an entry-level role, most senior-level positions require a master's or doctoral degree.

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Supply Chain Manager

Supply chain managers coordinate an organization's supply chain and logistics operations. They oversee activities such as procuring raw materials, warehousing, manufacturing, and distributing finished products. They work to maintain quality, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profits. Another important part of a supply chain manager's job is maintaining relationships with suppliers, distributors, and retailers. They often need a degree in business administration or a similar field.

According to the BLS, Hawaii's managers earn an annual mean salary of $93,760 per year. The BLS projects a 6.7% increase in job growth in the state from 2016-2026.

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Purchasing Manager

Purchasing managers evaluate suppliers, speak with vendors, and compare pricing to determine where their organization should buy goods. They negotiate contracts; maintain communication with suppliers; and keep records of inventory, items bought, and costs. Additionally, they supervise buyers and purchasing agents and attend trade shows and conferences. Purchasing managers need a degree in business, finance, or supply management.

Projections Central expects positions for Hawaii's purchasing managers to increase 6.9% in the coming years. Purchasing managers in the state take home a mean yearly pay of $108,870.

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MBA Concentrations for Hawaii Students

Choosing the right concentration for your MBA may expand your career options and make it easier to secure the highest paying MBA jobs in Hawaii. While you should only choose a concentration area that interests you, you may also want to consider Hawaii's top employers and growing job fields when designing your curriculum. Judging by Hawaii's largest employers, some major industries in the state include tourism, healthcare, and shipping. An accelerated MBA program may help you earn a related degree at a much faster pace.

Regardless of the concentration you choose, an MBA can help you build a solid foundation in general business administration areas such as leadership, business strategy, and finance. To learn more about MBA specializations, take a look at this page.

Online MBA Programs in Surrounding States

Hawaii's Online MBA Programs

The list below details some MBA programs in Hawaii that students can pursue in a distance format. Read through the list to compare schools and identify your favorite programs. Hawaii MBA programs differ greatly in terms of course offerings, concentration options, tuition, and class format, so be sure to carefully research each university before applying.

All of the schools below are properly accredited, meaning they have undergone a rigorous academic review process. Learn more about MBA program accreditation here.

  • Chaminade University of Honolulu
    Location

    Honolulu, HI

    Tuition

    $32400

    Located at the "crossroads of the Pacific," Chaminade offers an education tailored towards working professionals. Addressing business education from a global perspective, the school's Hawai'i MBA online program focuses on management education for social good.

    In addition to its general business degree, the MBA program offers five concentrations, each comprising of 12 credits: nonprofit, accounting, healthcare management, science and technology innovation, and island business. Students complete coursework in small classes following an accelerated 10-week format. Core courses include managerial finance, strategic management, and economic analysis for managers. Elective course options include international finance, services marketing, and strategic issues in philanthropy. Most students complete the program within 18-24 months.

    Prerequisites include quantitative and accounting skills. Chaminade offers four start dates per year, and conducts admission evaluations using a holistic model. While admitted students typically have three years of work experience and GPAs above 3.0, qualified students without these benchmarks may still apply for provisional acceptance.

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Not-For-Profit Management MBA
    • Island Business MBA
  • Hawaii Pacific University
    Location

    Honolulu, HI

    Tuition

    $42000

    HPU offers a diverse education recognized for its respect for the land, local ecology, and commitment to serving the community. For students seeking an online MBA, Hawai'i Pacific offers a flexible program including 27 credits of core coursework and six credits of capstone courses in strategic management.

    Students select one of seven concentrations, each comprising of nine credits: finance, human resources management, information systems, international business, management, marketing, and organizational development. All concentrations include a paid internship. Core coursework includes information system management, management accounting, and decision models for managers. The school also offers an accelerated one-year MBA option for exceptionally qualified students.

    Admission requirements include GRE or GMAT scores and prerequisite coursework in accounting, finance, statistics, and economics, waivers are granted to qualifying applicants. The MBA program at HPU is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
    Location

    Honolulu, HI

    Tuition

    $44880

    Established in 1949, UH Mānoa stands proud as a premier institution among business schools focused on the Asia-Pacific region. Emphasizing emerging technologies, UH Mānoa provides a multicultural, collaborative learning environment.

    The University of Hawai'i online MBA administers a distance learning executive MBA program comprised of 48 credits and designed for completion in 22 months. After an initial five-day residential intensive, students attend online classes synchronously with their cohort during evenings and weekends. The school also offers a healthcare management track, including a pathway to complete both an MBA and a doctor of nursing practice degree in three years. The core curriculum includes business analytics, managerial finance, and a consulting practicum.

    Admission requirements include a 3.0 GPA, GMAT or GRE scores, an interview, and at least five years of work experience. The same tuition rates apply for residents and nonresidents. Many Hawai'i companies also sponsor scholarships and transportation stipends for distance learning students on neighbor islands.

    Concentrations

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