Hawaii Pacific University MSW

Hawaii Pacific University (HPU), the largest private nonprofit university in Hawaii, opened its doors in 1965. Students experience a unique blend of urban energy and oceanfront research facilities in Honolulu, where academic excellence meets real-world experience.

The university’s main campus thrives in downtown Honolulu, the Pacific’s business and financial hub. Students benefit from this prime location at the heart of Hawaii’s professional community. The College of Business operates from Pioneer Plaza with modern computer classrooms and meeting spaces. The Aloha Tower Marketplace serves as a vibrant downtown hub that features student housing, the Welcome Center, Learning Commons, and several restaurants and businesses.

HPU’s reach extends to the Oceanic Institute at Makapu’u Point on Oahu’s windward coast. This 56-acre research facility has over 100,000 square feet of laboratory and office space. Both graduate and undergraduate students get hands-on research experience and advanced marine science courses here.

HPU serves 4,921 students, with 3,533 undergraduates and 1,388 graduate students. The university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 15:1. Students come from all 50 states and more than four dozen countries, creating a rich multicultural learning environment. The student population consists of 37.4% male and 62.6% female students, with diverse ethnicities including White (28%), Hispanic (25%), Asian (16%), and multiracial students (16%).

The university runs Military Campus Programs at several military installations throughout Oahu, including Pearl Harbor Naval Base and Hickam Air Force Base. These programs help U.S. service members, dependents, and U.S.D.O.D. personnel reach their educational and professional goals.

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has granted HPU regional accreditation, validating the quality of its academic programs. Students access comprehensive resources through campus libraries, research labs, and tutoring centers, supporting their success in all programs, including the MSW.

Programs offered

Hawaii Pacific University has a strong Master of Social Work (MSW) program that lets students choose from several paths based on their needs. Students learn cultural skills that work well with the diverse communities in the Hawaiian islands.

The MSW program uses an advanced generalist model with two main tracks:

• Traditional Track: A 57-credit curriculum that works for students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work
• Advanced Standing Track: A 30-credit curriculum designed for students who got their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years

Students can finish the traditional track in 18 months full-time or 36 months part-time. The Advanced Standing track takes 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.

Students can also pick from three focus areas that match their career goals:

1. Advanced Generalist Practice: This builds on foundation courses and helps students tackle complex social issues at multiple levels by combining micro, mezzo, and macro views
2. Global Indigenous Focus: Students learn social work through a decolonial Indigenous lens that brings together Indigenous and Western worldviews
3. Military and Veterans Affairs (MLVA): HPU’s unique program in Hawaii is one of just 16 similar programs in the country

The MLVA focus started in Fall 2017. Students can focus their studies on veterans, military service members, and their families. They learn the specific details of social work in local, state, and federal government programs.

Students complete 900 hours of fieldwork across four semesters. They can work locally, federally, or even internationally. Field education starts right after classes begin to give students the best possible experience.

A required cultural immersion experience helps build a strong foundation. First-year students see social work from a Native Hawaiian view.

HPU makes scheduling easy for students. No other School of Social Work in Hawaii gives students the option to study part-time, evenings/weekends, and year-round. Most core social work classes happen on Saturdays and weekday evenings, with some online and hybrid options.

The program’s success shows in the numbers – 70% of HPU graduates pass their licensing exam on their first try. This prepares them for jobs in healthcare, schools, youth development, and family services.

About the online program

Hawaii Pacific University’s online MSW program takes a unique approach to social work education. The program blends Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. Students learn through a multicultural framework that sets this program apart from other online social work degrees. You’ll gain skills for practice that honors different cultural viewpoints.

The online program puts flexibility first. HPU’s courses run asynchronously, unlike programs that require scheduled attendance. Students can access the learning management system at their convenience. This setup lets you balance your studies with work and personal life without compromising on quality.

Students can choose between two tracks based on their previous education:

• Traditional Track: A 57-credit curriculum combines up to 19 courses, concentration options, and clinical experiences. Students finish in 18 months full-time or 36 months part-time.
• Advanced Standing Track: A 30-credit curriculum includes up to 10 courses, concentration options, and clinical experiences. Students complete it in 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time.

The program offers two focus areas after foundation courses:

1. Global Indigenous: This specialty advances social work practice through a decolonial Indigenous lens. Students learn to decolonize their thinking and understand practice by combining Indigenous and Western worldviews.
2. Military and Veterans Affairs: This focus explores social work within government programs for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. The coursework tackles key problems like homelessness, substance abuse, deployment stress, and military sexual trauma.

A cultural immersion experience strengthens your foundational learning. Students can complete this requirement in their local community or through a multi-day visit to the Oʻahu campus. Faculty helps arrange alternative experiences if travel isn’t possible, though students must cover immersion-related costs.

Clinical training starts soon after classes begin. Students complete 900 hours of fieldwork across four semesters. These hands-on experiences address community needs and build competencies set by the Council on Social Work Education. HPU adds a tenth competency focused on Indigenous approaches.

The program’s results speak volumes: 70% of HPU graduates pass their licensing exam on their first try. This achievement shows the program’s success in developing culturally aware social work leaders ready for complex challenges in diverse communities.

Accreditation

Professional accreditation acts as a vital quality check for your social work education at Hawaii Pacific University. The MSW program at HPU holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), America’s leading accrediting body for social work education. This professional recognition stands separate from the university’s institutional accreditation.

The CSWE granted full accreditation to HPU’s MSW program in June 2009, and later extended it through 2021. The program continues to hold this prestigious status, as the Online HPU MSW program remains approved by the CSWE Board of Accreditation. This recognition shows the program’s steadfast dedication to educational excellence.

Hawaii Pacific University also holds institutional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university has been WSCUC accredited since 1973. WSCUC reaffirmed HPU’s status on July 11, 2022, which now extends through 2028.

Why CSWE Accreditation Matters to You

CSWE accreditation will give a guarantee that your MSW education meets national quality and rigor standards. Your degree from an accredited program means you’ll share the same foundation of knowledge, skills, and values as all social work graduates across the United States. A degree from an accredited program is also what you need to qualify for licensure in most states.

The accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods, as long as the degree comes from that program and keeps its social work designation. This matters a lot if you’re looking at HPU’s online MSW option – your online degree has the same accreditation status as the campus program.

The accreditation process needs a complete evaluation against set standards through:

• Original candidacy review
• Progress toward full accreditation within set timeframes
• Regular reassessment to keep accreditation status

Programs can receive different types of accreditation: Fully Accredited, Accredited (Conditional), or Accredited (Withdrawal in Progress). HPU’s program holds full accreditation status without any conditions.

Quality education is a priority at HPU in a variety of disciplines. The university has specialized accreditations for programs in nursing, public health, education, and various healthcare professions. Your MSW education takes place at an institution that goes above and beyond professional standards in all its academic programs.

Admission Requirements

Hawaii Pacific University’s MSW program welcomes applications through a clear process that varies based on your education background. The university takes a comprehensive look at each application and values your professional experience, career goals, and dedication to social work beyond just test scores.

The Traditional track requires:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution with at least 30 Liberal Arts credits
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (you might qualify for provisional admission with a lower GPA)
• Statistics and Research Methods courses completed with “C” grades or better

Advanced Standing track needs:

• A BSW degree earned in the last five years from a CSWE-accredited program
• A 3.25 GPA or higher in social work courses
• A 3.0 or higher overall GPA

Your application package should include:

• A completed online application and $55 fee (priority deadline submissions can get this waived)
• Official or unofficial transcripts (you’ll need official ones before your second term)
• Two recommendation letters from academic or professional references
• A statement of purpose that shows your interest in HPU’s social work program, your unique background, academic goals, and career plans
• A resume (optional but helps with practicum placement)

Students from other countries must also provide:

• Language test scores if English isn’t your first language: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo (110+), Cambridge (176+), Step Eiken (Grade 1), iTEP (3.9+), or GTEC (1200+)
• An international transcript evaluation showing U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency

HPU believes in inclusive education. Small classes never exceed 15 students, which means you’ll get individual attention throughout your studies. The university reviews applications from first-time students with GPAs below 3.0 on a case-by-case basis, though some enrollment restrictions may apply.

The MSW program doesn’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Students interested in the May cohort should apply by March.

Tuition

Planning your finances carefully will help you pursue an MSW education at Hawaii Pacific University. The MSW program’s tuition costs $1235.00 per credit hour for the academic year. Your total program cost will depend on your chosen track.

Students in the Traditional Track need 57 credits, which brings the estimated total tuition to $70,395.00. The Advanced Standing Track requires 30 credits and costs $37,050.00. You’ll need to pay a $200.00 nonrefundable deposit after admission to reserve your spot. This deposit later applies to your first term’s tuition.

The tuition figures don’t include several other expenses:

• Required books and course materials
• Costs related to immersion experiences
• Standard program fees
• Travel costs for fieldwork or campus visits

HPU provides a complete Cost of Attendance Budget (COA) that shows the total cost based on full-time enrollment across two semesters. This budget helps you create a realistic financial plan for your graduate studies.

HPU students can access several financial aid options to reduce their costs:

• Federal Direct Stafford Loans give you up to $20,500.00 each year
• Graduate PLUS Loans provide extra funding when needed
• Merit-based scholarships range from $1,000.00 to $7,000.00
• Graduate assistantships offer stipends and reduced tuition

Military-connected students get reduced tuition rates for certain graduate programs. HPU’s partnership program gives tuition discounts to employees and members of partner organizations.

The university wants all students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with school code 007279. The priority deadline is March 1, 2025. This application lets you access both federal aid and university support options.

Social work students can also apply for many field-specific scholarships. These include the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund offering up to $15,000.00, the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program, and the AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness College Scholarship.

Additional Information

The Hawaii Pacific University MSW program offers much more than just classroom learning. Students get access to detailed library services that focus on social work research. A dedicated research guide and round-the-clock chat support help students with their research papers.

The program aims to create “qualified advanced generalist social workers who are competent, ethical, and effective practitioners”. Students learn to become skilled at critical thinking and leadership. They also learn to promote human rights and social justice at every level while embracing diversity in our changing world.

The Career Development Center makes your educational trip easier with one-on-one guidance. Trained advisors are ready to help from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. They provide:

• Career path guidance and internship assistance
• Assessment tools including Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ($15.00) and Strong Interest Inventory
• Resume development and interview preparation
• Employer information sessions for various academic programs

Field education serves as the “signature pedagogy” for social work. It gives students vital practical experience through well-designed, supervised, and evaluated placements. This approach helps students apply classroom theories to real-world challenges. Students develop their professional identity through hands-on experience.

HPU’s alumni network adds another layer of support after graduation. The university connects with more than 45,000 alumni across all 50 states and over 100 countries. Alumni get access to HPU Connect, an online community that helps with career growth. They also receive exclusive discounts, networking opportunities, and ongoing access to the Career Development Center.

The HPU MSW program provides detailed support beyond academics. The program’s effectiveness shows in its graduates’ success – 70% pass their licensing exams on the first try.