Hawaii has two universities, both located in Honolulu, that offer a total of three campus-based master’s in communication programs. The University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University both have master’s programs in communication, and students can specialize in the fields of strategic communication, organizational and intercultural communication, global communication and journalism, and human communication. In addition to the programs offered by these two universities, prospective applicants can also explore online master’s in communication programs offered by colleges and universities in the Continental U.S. that accept students from Hawaii. The majority of online master’s programs in communication can be completed fully online.

Both the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University are non-profit institutions that have been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in Hawaii

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Communication and Information within the College of Social Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Communication program with specializations in Organizational and Intercultural Communication, Telecommunication and New Media, and Global Communication and Journalism. The program requires students to complete foundational courses in communication theory and inquiry before branching out into courses in their desired specialization. Depending on their specialization, students take courses on such topics as strategic organizational communication, intercultural communication, information and communication technologies (ICT), digital storytelling, global communication and journalism, and social media. Beyond their specialization courses, students must take a communication topics seminar and also choose several electives that explore such areas as intervention in multicultural organizations, intensive communication research, and ICT policy and planning. Students must also complete either a communication practicum (a supervised internship) or a master’s thesis for program credit.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa also offers a Master of Arts in Communicology through its Department of Communicology. This program emphasizes interpersonal and intercultural communication, as well as message processing, persuasion through rhetoric, and other topics in the history of communication. Students learn the history of human communication in its various forms, and how the definition of communication shifts according to context, culture, objective, and other factors. Classes in this program cover topics in communicology theory (including how psychology, sociology, and other disciplines intersect with different models of human communication), as well as courses in communicology research methods and applied communication principles for business communication, instructional communication, and rhetoric for social influence. Students also have the flexibility to take courses from related disciplines in other departments, with the approval of their program advisor. In addition to completing the required course credits, students must complete either a master’s thesis on an original research question, or an applied research project that seeks to solve a communication problem in their community.

Hawaii Pacific University’s (HPU) Department of Arts, Communication, Languages, & Media offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication with an Emphasis in Technical Design Training. Students in this program first complete core courses in communication theory, media ethics and intellectual property considerations in communication, and research methods for communication before progressing to courses in applied technology such as digital graphic design and web design. From there, students choose a course in global communication, and five elective classes that can cover topics such as organizational communication management, speechmaking, communication campaigns, digital photography and videography, social media strategy, and crisis communication. Students must also complete a capstone course during which they research a topic in communication and complete a master’s thesis.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs for Hawaii Residents

At present, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Hawaii Pacific University do not offer online master’s in communication programs. However, there are numerous out-of-state schools that have online programs that admit applicants who are residents of Hawaii. This is especially important for students who do not live near Honolulu or do not live on Oahu. Online programs may also be a good option for students who cannot routinely commute to campus to attend classes. While many graduate programs offer night classes for working professionals, online programs provide greater flexibility for students who have personal or professional commitments that would otherwise interfere with traditional on-campus programs. Students should note that out-of-state schools have to seek authorization before enrolling online students from Hawaii. Therefore, students should contact the admissions offices of programs that interest them to confirm they are eligible for admission.

While most online master’s in communication programs are fully online, some programs require students to attend campus intensives, also known as campus residencies, which are typically multi-day events held at the school’s campus or at an off-site location. During these sessions, students engage in in-person lectures and discussions, networking events, written or practical examinations, and hands-on learning activities. Campus intensives and residencies vary by program. For some programs, intensives can span three to five days, while others require students to attend in-person classes and events on campus for a week or longer. If students select a program that has a campus residency requirement, they should factor in lodging and travel costs into their education budget, as these costs are typically not included in tuition and university fees.

For more information about online master’s in communication programs, please reference our Online Master’s in Communication Degree Programs page.

Directory of All Master’s in Communication Programs in Hawaii

Campus programs, Campus/Hybrid programs, Online programs (fully online to two campus visits per year)

Hawaii Pacific University

(Honolulu)

Department of Arts, Communication, Languages, & Media

• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (with an Emphasis in Technical Design Training)

University of Hawaii at Manoa

(Honolulu)

School of Communication and Information

• Master of Arts in Communication (with Areas of Specialization in Organizational and Intercultural Communication, Telecommunication & New Media, and Global Communication & Journalism)

  Interview with Jenifer Sunrise Winter, Ph.D. - University of Hawaii at Manoa

• Master of Arts in Communicology (with an Emphasis in Human Communication)

  Interview with Hye-ryeon Lee, Ph.D. - University of Hawaii at Manoa