Many students choose to pursue higher education because it helps get them closer to their career goals. This is especially true for Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, as they can lead to roles in leadership and management.
Hawaiian students don’t have to leave their island to earn an MBA. Flexible online MBA degrees are available in the state as well as throughout the country.
Top-Ranked Online MBA Degree Programs in Hawaii
Because Hawai’i is a small state, it doesn’t have a lot of colleges and universities. Of those, only a few offer online MBA programs. We’ve highlighted those below, and all schools listed hold regional accreditation through the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
1. Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chaminade University of Honolulu is a private, nonprofit Catholic school in Honolulu. Its School of Business and Communication offers an online MBA with coursework that covers topics like:
- business strategy and decision-making
- economics
- international business
- marketing management
This program requires a total of 36 credit hours, and full-time students can finish as quickly as one year. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, but GMAT/GRE test scores are not required.
2. Hawai’i Pacific University
At Hawai’i Pacific University, MBA students can earn their master’s degree online through the College of Business. HPU is a private, nonprofit university based in Honolulu.
This business degree includes core courses that cover concepts like business analytics, financial decision-making, marketing, and strategic management. Applicants will need an undergraduate degree, but GRE/GMAT scores, essays, and letters of recommendation are optional.
3. University of Hawai’i at Manoa
Through the Shidler College of Business, the University of Hawai’i at Manoa offers a distance learning executive MBA. This program offers a healthcare management track and a travel industry track. Core courses and electives cover topics like business analytics, economics, information systems, and marketing management.
The University of Hawai’i at Manoa is a public research institution in Manoa, HI, and offers multiple financial aid options to help lower the tuition rate for students. For this MBA, students must have a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of professional work experience. GMAT/GRE waivers are available to qualifying students.
This is the only online MBA in Hawai’i that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Other Online MBA Programs in the U.S.
Students in Hawai’i aren’t limited to in-state programs if they’re studying online. Below, we’ve highlighted a few additional programs listed at the top of the rankings, all AACSB accredited.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. Its W.P. Carey School of Business offers an online MBA with several concentrations, including:
- business analytics
- entrepreneurship
- international business
- supply chain management
This online degree requires a total of 49 credit hours. Students must have at least a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, but no test scores are required.
2. Indiana University Bloomington
Students at Indiana University Bloomington can earn an online MBA through the Kelley School of Business. Indiana University Bloomington is a public research institution in Bloomington, IN.
This program is ranked the number one online MBA by U.S. News and World Report and offers concentrations in several areas, including digital technology management, entrepreneurship and corporate innovation, and supply chain and operations. Test scores are optional.
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Through the Kenan-Flagler Business School, grad students can earn an online MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It offers concentrations that include data analytics and decision making, management and leadership, marketing, and strategy and consulting.
UNC Chapel Hill is a public research university and the flagship campus of the UNC System. Full-time and part-time MBA programs are available online, and GMAT waivers are offered to eligible students.
4. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a private, nonprofit research institution in Los Angeles. It offers an online MBA through its Marshall School of Business that puts a strong emphasis on business fundamentals and management skills.
The program takes about two years to complete. Some courses are asynchronous, while others offer set log-in times.
FAQs About Online Master of Business Administration Degrees
Below, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions about online Master of Business Administration Degrees.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online MBA Program?
All online MBA programs require students to first have a bachelor’s degree, and many have a minimum GPA requirement as well. Other admissions requirements may include:
- GRE/GMAT scores
- a certain amount of professional work experience
- resume or personal statements
- essays
- letters of recommendation
You can typically find admissions requirements on the program websites, so you’ll know what requirements you need to meet before you apply.
What Types of Specializations Are Available in an Online MBA Program?
Online MBA programs offer a variety of specializations or concentrations. Common options include:
- business analytics
- entrepreneurship
- finance
- healthcare administration
- human resources management
- international business
- marketing
- operations management
- project management
- supply chain management
Specializations and concentrations provide a set path of courses that help students focus on a career path. Most programs list their concentrations on their website.
What Is the ROI for MBA Programs in Hawai’i?
According to MBAGuide, MBA programs in Hawai’i have an average ROI of 189%, which is relatively high. ROI is calculated by looking at how much debt students graduate with versus how much MBA graduates make during their first year out of school.
Because this is how ROI is calculated, there are a number of factors that can impact that number, including the type of job you land, how much the tuition rate at your school is, and what financial aid you qualify for.
Enroll in an MBA Program Online Today
Start your path toward achieving your career goals today by exploring the online MBA programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about their program options, admissions, enrollment, and more.