Hawaii Pacific University is the largest private school in the state. In recent years, HPU has been recognized among the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report and deemed a “Best Western College” by the Princeton Review. The student body at HPU is recognized among the most diverse in the nation by USA Today. Students represent more than 65 countries. The College of Business has also been named a top tier business school by U.S. News and World Report and is AACSB accredited. The CoB has mastered the art of creating global leaders and places emphasis on international commerce. Alumni work for Fortune 500 Companies in the fields of finance, marketing, and technology.
Education
Undergraduate students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students can specialize in Accounting, Business Economics, Finance, General Business, Hospitality and Tourism Management, International Business, Management, Management Information Systems, or Marketing. Every class provides practical experience to prepare students for their future careers. For example, freshmen help plan and host the career fair to give high school students exposure to hospitality and tourism careers. The majority of professors have lived abroad, so they can truly teach first-hand about economies and business practices in foreign countries.
Graduate students can take a step forward in their career by earning a MBA, Master of Arts in Organization Development and Change, or a Master of Science in Information Systems. The on-campus MBA can be completed in 20 months. Students who wish to gain specific skills in a shorter amount of time may be interested in the Information Systems or Organization and Professional Development professional graduate certificates. Other professional development and continuing education programs are also offered during the spring and summer semesters. Some of the professional development courses available are Decision Models for Managers, Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership, Consulting and Group Process Consultation, and Financial Management and Strategy.
Student Life
Honolulu is known as a business epicenter. Through the innovative Hana Ka’ Ike Program, all students are guaranteed an internship or experiential learning opportunity. Students are a valuable asset to local businesses and gain internship experience that will make them more marketable. It’s a win-win for the students and employers. Internship sites include Pueo Business Solutions, Hawaii State Legislature, YMCA of Honolulu, and the DKI Asian Pacific Center for Security Studies. Professional business clubs offered include the Accounting Club, HPU Entrepreneur Club, International Society of Organization Development, IT Club, MBA Club Hawaii, Net Gen Consulting Club, and the Travel Industry Management Student Organization. The Career Development Resources Center offers three-day workshops on topics covering appropriately utilizing social media, standing out in the application process, nailing the interview, and researching career prospects.
Online Programs
Working professionals will be happy to know all three of the master’s programs are offered fully online and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The online MBA can be completed in 16 months. The MBA is also offered in a hybrid format at every military base in Oahu.