University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This master's emphasises a blend of theory and applied practice across core human resources functions. Core topics typically include organisational behaviour and development, strategic human resource management, employment law and labour standards, compensation and benefits, and training, learning and talent development. Quantitative and investigative skills are developed through courses in HR analytics, research methods, and workforce planning.

Students usually choose between a thesis or practicum/capstone option: the thesis route focuses on independent research in areas such as employee engagement, diversity management or labour relations, while the practicum places students with local employers for hands‑on HR project experience. Electives often cover areas such as global HR, change management, conflict resolution and HR information systems. The programme also incorporates regional issues relevant to Hawaiʻi and the Asia‑Pacific, including multicultural workforce management and sectoral needs in tourism, health care and the public sector.

Entry requirements

• A recognised bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; degrees in business, social sciences, or related fields are typical, though applicants from other backgrounds with relevant work experience are considered.
• A competitive undergraduate GPA; applicants may be advised to provide evidence of academic readiness where the GPA is borderline.
• Professional experience in human resources or related fields is advantageous for admissions and for placement in practicum projects, though it may not be mandatory.
• Academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the programme, and two or more professional/academic references.
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests and minimum scores are set by the university).
• Some applicants may be asked to submit a resume/CV and attend an interview; standardised test scores (e.g. GRE/GMAT) are accepted where required but may be optional depending on the department’s policy.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of HR and people‑management roles across sectors. Common career paths include HR generalist and HR manager roles, talent acquisition and recruitment specialist, compensation and benefits analyst, training and development manager, organisational development consultant, and HR analytics or HRIS positions. The programme also prepares graduates for roles in labour and employee relations, diversity and inclusion coordination, and human capital strategy in industries important to Hawaiʻi such as tourism and hospitality, public administration, healthcare, education and non‑profit organisations.

Many students build professional networks through practicum placements, faculty contacts and ties with local employers in Honolulu and the broader Pacific region, which supports transition into regional and international HR roles.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a learning environment that integrates Pacific and Asia‑Pacific perspectives with mainstream HR practice, valuable for professionals working in multicultural and transnational settings. Its location in Honolulu provides direct access to a diverse regional economy where tourism, government, healthcare and education are major employers, giving students practical opportunities for internships and employer projects.

Students benefit from faculty with expertise in organisational behaviour, labour relations and workforce development, and from connections with local businesses, unions and public agencies. Smaller cohort sizes support personalised supervision for research or practicum work, while campus resources across relevant disciplines—such as business, law and public policy—enable interdisciplinary learning applicable to contemporary HR challenges.