University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This programme builds on core MBA disciplines — accounting, finance, marketing and strategy — while placing particular emphasis on operations, supply chain management, process improvement and quantitative decision-making. Study typically combines required core modules, specialised management and operations electives, and a hands-on capstone or practicum project that applies classroom learning to a real organisational problem.

• Core MBA subjects: managerial economics, financial reporting for managers, organisational behaviour, corporate strategy, marketing for managers and business analytics.
• Management and operations electives: operations management, supply chain strategy, logistics and distribution, project management, service operations, quality and process improvement (e.g. Lean/Six Sigma principles), procurement and contract management.
• Quantitative and analytical tools: operations research, decision models, forecasting, data analytics for operations and simulation techniques.
• Experiential learning: company-based consultancy projects, an operations-focused capstone, internships or applied research with industry partners in the Honolulu and Pacific region.
• Optional topics: sustainability in operations, global supply chain risk management, information systems for operations, entrepreneurship and innovation in operations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The programme typically seeks candidates with relevant academic preparation and professional experience; many applicants have two or more years of full-time work experience, although requirements vary by intake and pathway.

• Academic transcripts: official records from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• Standardised tests: GMAT or GRE may be required for some applicants; the university considers waivers for candidates with significant professional experience or prior graduate study.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose prior education was not in English (accepted tests include TOEFL or IELTS, subject to the university’s threshold).
• Supporting documentation: a current CV/resume, personal statement describing career goals and fit with the Management and Operations emphasis, and letters of recommendation.
• Interview: an interview (in person or online) may be requested as part of the final assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for operational and managerial roles across manufacturing, logistics, retail, hospitality, healthcare, government and consulting. The combination of management knowledge and operations expertise makes alumni competitive for positions that require both strategic thinking and practical process improvement skills.

• Operations Manager / Director
• Supply Chain Manager or Planner
• Logistics and Distribution Manager
• Project Manager (operations-focused)
• Operations Analyst or Business Analyst
• Management consultant specialising in operations and process improvement
• Roles in procurement, quality assurance, and service operations design
• Entrepreneurship or operations leadership in start-ups and small businesses

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Shidler College of Business is situated at the crossroads of the Asia–Pacific region, offering distinctive regional perspectives on global supply chains, tourism and island logistics that are highly relevant to operations roles. Students benefit from faculty who research operations, supply chain and business analytics, and from close links with industry partners across Hawaii and the wider Pacific for practicum projects and internships.

The programme emphasises practical, applied learning — small class sizes, experiential capstones and opportunities to work on real organisational challenges. For professionals seeking to manage operations in multinational, regional or island contexts, the university provides both the technical training and the regional networks to advance careers.