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.
2025 Best Online Psychology Programs in Hawaii
Finding the best online psychology programs in Hawaii is easier with counselingpsychology.org. We rank programs to help you choose the right one. Online programs offer flexibility, making it simple to study from anywhere. This is great for students who need balance. Distance learning lets you work at your own pace. Our rankings consider quality, cost, and more. Learn how we rank programs https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
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 with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling is a comprehensive online program tailored to meet Hawaii's DCCA Mental Health license requirements. This program, requiring 60 credit hours and a 600-hour internship, is designed for those aiming to excel in educational or clinical settings. It emphasizes advanced counseling, test administration, and research, culminating in a dissertation. Admission prerequisites include a master's degree, a professional resume, and a personal statement. The program's online format combines asynchronous and synchronous learning, making it accessible for working professionals. Notably, it prepares graduates to address mental health challenges with culturally responsive and evidence-based practices.
- 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
The Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology with a concentration in School Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu is an online program aimed at developing scholar-practitioner researchers. Focused on school psychology, the curriculum prepares students for impactful roles in educational settings or academia. This 60-credit program can be completed in as few as 36 months and includes a dissertation, emphasizing evidence-based research and culturally responsive practices. Admission requires a master's degree, official transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement. The program's flexible online format, blending asynchronous and synchronous learning, is ideal for professionals seeking to advance their careers in school psychology.
- 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 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 offers an online Master of Education in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), tailored for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in behavior change techniques. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that includes behavior assessment, intervention strategies, and ethical practices, preparing students for BCBA certification. With a requirement of a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA, it caters to educators aiming to specialize in ABA within clinical, educational, or community settings. The program's online format features synchronous sessions and early evening classes, ensuring flexibility for working professionals. Financial aid and faculty advisor support further enhance the learning experience, making it a top choice for those dedicated to making a difference in special education through ABA.
- 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
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 offers a unique Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, tailored for PhD and PsyD clinical psychologists seeking to integrate psychotropic medication into their practice safely. This hybrid program combines the convenience of online learning with the depth of live workshops, making it ideal for professionals balancing work and study. Participants benefit from remote access to comprehensive resources, including library services and expert faculty guidance. The curriculum delves into biochemical therapeutics and human physiology, complemented by hands-on clinical training. Admission is exclusive to holders of a doctoral degree in psychology, with no entrance exam required. Notably, the program extends special considerations for military personnel, reflecting its commitment to serving those who serve.
- 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.
2025 Affordable Psychology Program Options
Finding affordable psychology programs in Hawaii for 2025 is key for students aiming for Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, or Doctorate degrees. The table highlights options with low-cost tuition and cost-effective features. It lists schools, their programs, what makes each stand out, and price ranges. This helps students pick the best fit for their budget and goals in Hawaii's vibrant educational landscape.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Chaminade University of Honolulu |
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| Hawaii Pacific University |
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University of Hawaii at Manoa
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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
- Campus-based doctoral program
- Clinical psychology professional track
- Multicultural training environment
- Comprehensive clinical preparation
- Research-focused curriculum
University of Hawaii at Manoa
- 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