Best Psychology Schools in Hawaii

How to Find a Psychology Program in Hawaii

Searching for psychology educational programs in Hawaii requires long and careful consideration. Choosing the right college is important, but so is a careful comparison of those programs for your intended career outcome.

Psychology Degree Pathways in Hawaii

Which degree do you need? As an undergraduate, you have two choices: there is the two-year associate's degree, and the four-year bachelor’s. If you intend to pursue further study, you will need the latter option.

Graduate certificates are shorter courses that educate you in a niche area of psychology. These are only open to students who already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, and result in a certificate and not a stand-alone degree. Psychology master's degrees are also an option (MA or MS).

In psychology, there are two types of doctorate degree choices – the Ph.D. and the PsyD.

Choose a Psychology Specialty

Typically, psychology undergraduate programs aren't in a specialist area, though there are some instances. This changes with master's degrees (MA or MS).

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is one of the best places in the state to study psychology, offering a BA in Psychology, an MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology, and an MA in Counseling Psychology. Only their Manoa campus offers doctorates (PhD) in clinical psychology.

Hawaii Pacific University offers one of two of the state's PsyD program choices. They also offer bachelor’s degrees, undergraduate certificates, and other graduate degrees.

Accreditation

Why should you choose an accredited rather than a non-accredited psychology degree program?

• Accredited programs have been evaluated and checked for minimum teaching standards

• With a non-accredited program, you will not be permitted to work as a clinician

• Non-clinical roles may also be as stringent as their medical counterparts in insisting on accreditation

• Some professional associations and organizations may only permit membership to those with accredited qualifications

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits programs for Hawaii while the American Psychological Association (APA) is the national authorizing body.

Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in Hawaii

With web technology expanding, students have flexibility and choice more than ever before. You may pursue both campus (the traditional method) or online where available.

Online study is aimed at students who need flexible scheduling, such as working parents or those with other responsibilities during the day. Asynchronous classes allow you to go at your own pace while synchronous classes mimic the structure of campus-based programs. You will lack the social element of college life, though.

This is of course an advantage to offline study, but in campus-based programs, you will have to adhere to a highly structured day and semester, which is not suitable for everyone. Night classes are far less available.

You can also look for hybrid psychology programs which mix the best of online and offline study.

Becoming Licensed as a Psychologist in Hawaii

Only doctoral graduates are permitted to practice as clinical psychologists in Hawaii. This program – and all other degrees that led to it – must be accredited by the bodies discussed above.

You will then need to complete 1,900 hours of supervised work experience over 12 months. At this point, you are required to submit your application for a license.

If all is well, the Hawaii Board of Psychology will invite you to sit the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Assuming you pass this exam, you will then be eligible for practice in Hawaii.

List of Psychology Degree Programs in Hawaii

Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Hawaii? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.