Admissions and Application Requirements

The online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program from Hawai‘i Pacific University is designed to prepare new and experienced educators for leadership and administrative roles in classrooms, schools, and higher education institutions.

We look for applicants who are passionate about education and want to create positive change in the field. To be eligible for admission into the program, you will need a bachelor’s degree and a 3.0 GPA. Those without the required GPA will be considered for probationary admission.

See below for more information on the application process and requirements. 

Start Dates

The online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program offers three start dates per year.

January

May

August

Application Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive an admissions decision and begin planning your future. If you apply by the priority deadline, you are eligible to have your application fee waived.

Program Start DateEarly Action DeadlinePriority DeadlineFinal Deadline
December 16, 2024
Monday, September 23, 2024
Monday, October 21, 2024
Monday, November 18, 2024
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Admissions Criteria 

To be eligible for admission into the online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program, you must have earned a bachelor’s from an accredited institution, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered for probational admission. 

Application Requirements

Hawai‘i Pacific University reviews applications holistically. No GRE or other standardized test scores and no prerequisite courses are required to apply. You will need to submit the following materials to be considered for admission:

  • Complete the online application. The application fee is $55. If you submit your application by the priority application deadline, you are eligible to receive an application fee waiver.

  • You will need to submit transcripts reflecting your bachelor’s degree. Both official and unofficial transcripts can be submitted for application review. To submit unofficial transcripts, request them directly from the university/school(s), and upload them yourself to your application (your transcript(s) will be considered unofficial). You can also choose to provide official transcripts directly as you apply to the program. 

    All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language, accompanied by an official English translation and certified U.S. bachelor’s equivalency evaluation.

    Please note: If you are admitted to the program but have not yet provided official transcripts, you will need to provide official transcripts before you can register for your second term of the program. For your transcript(s) to be considered official, the transcript must be sent directly from your institution(s) or through an electronic transcript vendor retained by that institution. 

    Transcripts submitted by enrolled or prospective students are considered unofficial documents, even if they are in a sealed envelope provided to you by the issuing university.

    If you are an international applicant, see the section below for specifics on submitting your transcripts.
    If you need to submit any other application items, use the following email address: edappsvcs@onlinedegrees.hpu.edu

  • Submit your current résumé or CV, and be sure to list any relevant professional and academic experience, including volunteer work.

  • Submit an essay that expands on any additional information you wish to share with Hawai‘i Pacific University that is not found elsewhere in your application.

  • Letters of recommendation are optional. You may choose recommenders, both professional and academic, who can explain how your experience and qualifications have prepared you for this program. You must provide contact information for your recommenders in your application.

  • Transcript Evaluations

    All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language, accompanied by an official English translation and certified U.S. bachelor’s equivalency evaluation. Please note that no U.S. student visa will be issued for this 100% online program. Translations of any non-English document must be literal and complete versions of the originals and translated/evaluated by one of the following: 

    English Proficiency

    International applications who come from a country that’s not on the Hawai‘i Pacific University English Speaking Country and Territory List can show that they meet English language proficiency requirements for entry to a graduate program in one of the following ways:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) 
      • Score of at least 550 (pBT) or 80 (iBT) 
      • HPU’s Institution code is 4352
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
      • Overall band score of at least 6.5 
      • The general training exam is not accepted. No institutional code is needed.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE)
      • Score of at least 55
    • Duolingo English test
      • Score of at least 110
    • Cambridge Score
      • Score of at least 176
    • Step Eiken
      • Test level of Grade 1
    • iTEP (International Test of English Proficiency)
      • Score of at least 3.9
    • GTEC (Global Test of English Communication)
      • Score of at least 1200

    International applicants can also demonstrate their English proficiency in several other ways. To learn more about international application requirements and English proficiency requirements, visit our international students webpage.

Ready to Move Forward?

Request information to learn more about the online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program — or start your application today.

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