Best Online MBA Programs in Hawaii

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

Salary and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates in Hawaii

Hawaii is not only known for its tourist spots and rich cultures and traditions, but the state is also known for offering some of the best opportunities for business professionals, and according to Zip Recruiter, Hawaii’s MBA salaries averaged $132,674. Pearl City, Kahului, and Kaneohe are the state’s top three cities where MBAs earn more than the state’s average.

If you want to increase your earnings and surpass the yearly average, you should consider pursuing an MBA concentration that closely aligns with the biggest industries in Hawaii.

The GDP of Hawaii reached $75.42 billion in 2022. The top contributors to Hawaii’s high GDP are:

• Finance, insurance, real estate, and leasing
• Government and government enterprises
• Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services

It’s also essential to recognize that Hawaii’s particular ecological and cultural difficulties have increased the need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Companies that put cultural preservation and environmental responsibility first are becoming increasingly common.

For people who want to further their professions while also contributing to the state’s overall improvement, MBA concentrations in sustainability, environmental management, or cultural heritage can be solid options.

Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic and the most recent August 2023 Wildfire, Hawaii’s economy is projected to grow by 1.5 percent in 2024. Moreover, the state’s unemployment rate is only at 3.0 percent, significantly lower than the national average rate of 3.9 percent.

Hawaii’s ability to recover from natural disasters like wildfires demonstrates its dedication to disaster preparedness and recovery initiatives. The state remains stable because of the community’s resiliency and the government’s responsiveness, which makes it a desirable place to live and work.

Student Submitted Questions about Online MBA Programs in Hawaii

Do online MBA programs in Hawaii require the GMAT?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes — elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT or don’t.

Of the three online MBA programs in Hawaii, only Chaminade University of Honolulu does not require the GMAT.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum, you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. Therefore, we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects, and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have — test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There are a growing number of high-quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. If standardized testing isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

How long does it take to get an MBA in Hawaii?

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about two years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.

However, both Hawaii Pacific University and Chaminade University of Honolulu have accelerated online MBA programs that can be completed in as little as 12 months.

What are the courses like in an online MBA program?

MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations.

Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can and likely join web forums for class discussions. While online MBA courses can be “self-paced,” there usually are still mid-term and end-of-term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

What can you do with an online MBA in Hawaii?

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

What are the admission requirements for an MBA online?

The exact admission requirements for online MBA programs in Hawaii vary greatly. For instance, some online business schools may have strict and more demanding admission materials and processes, while others have an open admission policy. The educational philosophy of the school, the degree of competitiveness in the program, and reputation are three factors that could affect the required admission requirements.

More prestigious business schools—those with very low acceptance rates—often demand applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in the business sector, an undergraduate business degree, and high GRE/GMAT scores and GPAs. However, some reputable business schools aim to be more inclusive, accepting MBA candidates with various educational and professional backgrounds.

Nevertheless, some materials remain constant. MBA applicants are typically required to submit:

• Letters of recommendation
• CV or resume
• Official transcripts
• Accredited bachelor’s degree
• Personal essay
• Statement of purpose
• Interview

The best way to know the specific admission requirements is by visiting the school’s website and reaching out to them through email or phone calls.

What’s the value of accreditation in an online MBA program?

Accreditation comprehensively and meticulously evaluates an institution’s academic rigor and facilities. The higher education system in the United States has two main types of accreditations:

• Regional Accreditation is the gold standard for diverse higher education. Of the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits the three universities in our list.
• National Accreditation is for specialized, often for-profit institutions providing specific training.

Moreover, business education programs have their accreditation bodies to ensure quality and standards:

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • The AACSB is one of the most prestigious accrediting bodies for business schools. It fosters excellence in business education, emphasizing research, faculty qualifications, and curriculum standards.
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs
  • The ACBSP emphasizes teaching and learning in business education. It evaluates programs based on teaching quality, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education
  • The IACBE focuses on outcomes assessment, continuous improvement, and accountability. It emphasizes student learning and program effectiveness.

Studying in an online MBA program at a non-accredited university may damage your professional trajectory.

Will employers in Hawaii value an online MBA degree?

As long as your online MBA degree was earned from an accredited institution, employers are less likely to discriminate against your potential and degree.

Do online MBA programs offer financial aid?

Online accredited MBA programs frequently offer financial aid opportunities to their students. Accredited colleges and universities have strong connections to government agencies, private scholarship groups, and financial aid providers. If you want to obtain financial assistance, you need to complete your FAFSA Application.

Your eligibility for work-study, federal grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid, which increase the affordability and accessibility of your education, can be ascertained with the help of the FAFSA application. For specific information and dates about financial assistance opportunities, consult with the financial aid office at your preferred university.