Best Psychology Schools in Hawaii
Hawaii is a great place to obtain a psychology degree. If you’re currently considering your options for either undergraduate or graduate psychology programs in the state, you will have a lot to consider. In this piece, we provide the most important information to help you get started - no matter your current education level.
2026 Best Online Psychology Programs in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, HI - Public 4-Year - manoa.hawaii.edu
Master's - Master of Education in Special Education
Concentration: Applied Behavior Analysis - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Manoa's Online Master of Education in Special Education with Applied Behavior Analysis concentration offers a comprehensive pathway for professionals seeking advanced skills in behavioral intervention. Designed for educators and clinical practitioners, this program provides rigorous training in behavior change principles, preparing students for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Students explore foundational and advanced ABA techniques, including positive behavior support, ethics, and single-case research methodologies. The 31-35 credit hour program features synchronous online sessions, early evening classes, and mandatory online orientation. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and the curriculum emphasizes practical fieldwork, professional collaboration, and advanced intervention strategies. Financial aid options are available to support student success.
- Online program delivery
- Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis
- 31-35 credit hours
- Prepares for BCBA certification
- Requires bachelor's degree
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Financial aid available
- Synchronous online sessions
- Early evening classes
- Mandatory online orientation
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - Private 4-year - chaminade.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology
Concentration: Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Chaminade University of Honolulu's Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology offers a unique online Mental Health Counseling concentration that prepares professionals for transformative careers. This comprehensive 60-credit program delivers a robust curriculum meeting Hawaii's DCCA Mental Health license requirements. Students engage in a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning, completing a rigorous 600-hour internship while developing advanced counseling skills. The program requires a master's degree for admission and includes a substantive dissertation component. Tailored for aspiring mental health professionals, the curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive approaches, evidence-based practices, and potential employment in educational and clinical environments. International students must provide TOEFL scores for consideration.
- 100% online
- 60 credit hours
- Finish in 36 months
- Dissertation included
- DCCA Mental Health License
- 600-hour internship
- Advanced counseling courses
- Culturally responsive approaches
- Evidence-based practices
- Serve in educational settings
Doctorate - Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology
Concentration: School Psychology - Online Learning - Visit Website
Chaminade University's online Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology with School Psychology concentration cultivates scholar-practitioner researchers prepared for educational leadership roles. This meticulously designed 60-credit program enables completion in approximately 36 months, featuring a comprehensive curriculum focused on advanced school psychology principles. Students develop expertise through evidence-based research methodologies and culturally responsive practices. Admission requires a master's degree, official transcripts, professional resume, and personal statement. The program's unique structure combines asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities, ensuring flexible yet rigorous academic engagement. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in educational settings, academia, and specialized research environments.
- 100% online
- 60 total credit hours
- Finish in 36 months
- Dissertation included
- Concentration in School Psychology
- Prepares for educational roles
- Evidence-based research focus
- Culturally responsive practices
- Master's degree required
- Official transcripts needed
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Hilo, HI - Public 4-Year - hilo.hawaii.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Hawaii at Hilo's Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology offers a cutting-edge hybrid program uniquely tailored for practicing PhD and PsyD clinical psychologists seeking advanced medication management skills. Blending online lectures with immersive live workshops, the program provides exceptional flexibility for working professionals. Students explore comprehensive biochemical therapeutics and human physiology, gaining practical training through clinical site experiences. Military-friendly policies accommodate service members' schedules, while remote access to university resources ensures seamless learning. Doctoral-level entry requirements emphasize advanced professional development, making this program an excellent pathway for psychologists expanding their clinical intervention capabilities.
- Hybrid learning format.
- For PhD/PsyD psychologists.
- Flexible schedule.
- Access to UH Hilo resources.
- Military-friendly policies.
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.
2026 Affordable Psychology Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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| Chaminade University of Honolulu |
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| Hawaii Pacific University |
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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.
Hilo, HI
University of Hawaii at Hilo
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 120 credits required
- Campus-based program
- 2.0 GPA in major courses
- 'C-' or better to pass
- Core courses in statistics
- Research methodology included
- Choice of psychology courses
- Regular advisor meetings advised
- Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format.
- For PhD/PsyD psychologists.
- Flexible schedule.
- Access to UH Hilo resources.
- Military-friendly policies.
Honolulu, HI
Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Bachelor's - B.S. Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- B.S. in Psychology program.
- Emphasizes whole person development.
- Focus on compassionate practice.
- Multicultural-attuned teaching.
- Service learning opportunities.
- Prepares for advanced degrees.
- Career options in various fields.
- World-class faculty mentorship.
- Doctorate - Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology
Concentration: Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online
- 60 credit hours
- Finish in 36 months
- Dissertation included
- DCCA Mental Health License
- 600-hour internship
- Advanced counseling courses
- Culturally responsive approaches
- Doctorate - Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology
Concentration: School Psychology - Online Learning - Website
- 100% online
- 60 total credit hours
- Finish in 36 months
- Dissertation included
- Concentration in School Psychology
- Prepares for educational roles
- Evidence-based research focus
- Culturally responsive practices
- Doctorate - Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
Campus Based - Website
- Five-year generalist clinical psychology program
- Only APA-accredited PsyD in Hawaii
- 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 150+ psychological assessment instruments
- Diverse population focus
- Practitioner-scholar training model
- Multiple practicum and internship sites
- Marianist values integration
Hawaii Pacific University
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
- Campus-based program.
- Comprehensive psychological foundation.
- Covers cognitive and social topics.
- High school diploma required.
- Doctorate - Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Campus Based - Website
- 5+ years doctoral program
- On-campus clinical training
- Estimated $168,320 total cost
- Pursuing APA accreditation
- Diverse mental health practitioner preparation
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Multiple career pathway options
- Evidence-based clinical approach
University of Hawaii at Manoa
- Bachelor's - Psychology
Concentration: developmental psychology - Campus Based - Website
- BA and BS degrees available.
- Concentration in developmental psychology.
- STEM designated program.
- Enhances critical thinking skills.
- Prepares for diverse careers.
- Master's - Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Concentration: General Educational Psychology - Campus Based - Website
- 30-credit graduate program
- Campus-based with hybrid options
- Flexible evening course schedule
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Research-focused curriculum
- Tuition: $650 resident credits
- Thesis and non-thesis tracks
- Six core courses required
- Master's - Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Concentration: Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation (MSE) - Campus Based - Website
- 2-year program length
- Campus-based delivery
- Nationally accredited
- Focus on MSE concentration
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- $650 per credit resident
- $1402 per credit non-resident
- Financial aid available
- Master's - Master of Education in Special Education
Concentration: Applied Behavior Analysis - Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery
- Focus on Applied Behavior Analysis
- 31-35 credit hours
- Prepares for BCBA certification
- Requires bachelor's degree
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Financial aid available
- Synchronous online sessions
- Doctorate - Clinical Studies Program
Campus Based - Website
- APA-accredited since 1972.
- Focuses on clinical science.
- Includes practicum training.
- Competitive admissions.
- Cultural competence emphasis.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Requires GRE Psychology Test.
- Strong research component.
- Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology
Concentration: Human Learning and Development - Campus Based - Website
- 5-year program length
- Campus-based delivery
- Nationally accredited
- Focus on Human Learning
- GRE scores required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Master's degree prerequisite
- $650 per credit resident
- Doctorate - PhD in Educational Psychology
Concentration: Measurement, Statistics, and Evaluation - Campus Based - Website
- 5 years typical length
- Campus-based delivery
- Nationally accredited
- Requires master's degree
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- GRE scores required
- Statement of purpose needed
- CV or resume submission