For students interested in pursuing careers in the counseling field, finding the best master’s in psychology degrees in Hawaii can ensure the right start toward these goals. These advanced degree programs can provide a solid foundation for future career opportunities in the psychological field and can allow successful students to pursue further educational opportunities. This can significantly expand the career options available to graduates of these master’s degree programs and can assist students in building a brighter future for themselves and their families.
University of Hawai’i at Hilo
College of Arts and Sciences
The University of Hawai’i at Hilo (UH Hilo) was founded in 1941 as the Hawai’i Vocational College and today comprises six different colleges offering 33 undergraduate degree programs. While most of the students who attend UH Hilo are residents of the state of Hawaii, international students are welcomed to this inclusive institution. Specialty areas of study at UH Hilo include marine biology, astronomy, Hawaiian studies and volcanology. The university also holds the distinction of being the only institution of higher learning to offer a master’s degree program in an indigenous language.
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
The counseling psychology master’s degree at UH Hilo is designed to provide a solid grounding in counseling theory and practice and to serve as the basis for licensure in the state of Hawaii. Students must successfully complete 60 semester hours of coursework that includes the study of psychological assessment methods, statistics, ethics, family systems, psychopathology and abnormal psychology and counseling theory and methods for individual and group therapy sessions. Hands-on experience is also emphasized in the UH Hilo curriculum; a practicum involving at least 100 hours of supervised client contact is required for all master’s degree students. A research thesis is also required and is performed under the supervision of select faculty members. The project must pass review by the thesis committee before the student can be awarded a master’s degree in counseling psychology.
Accreditations
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Contact
200 W. Kāwili Street
Hilo, HI 97620-4091
(808)932-7446
bryankim@hawaii.edu
Program Link
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Division of Behavioral Sciences
A private Catholic university located in the state capital of Hawaii, Chaminade University of Honolulu was founded in 1955 by the Society of Mary, a Catholic sect committed to extending educational opportunities throughout the world. The university serves just over 2,800 students each year and offers acclaimed programs in forensic science, criminal justice, education and nursing. Chaminade serves a diverse student population and provides a Native Hawaiian perspective for most of its major fields of study, including the curricula for programs in the Division of Behavioral Sciences.
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
The classes required for Chaminade’s master’s degree in counseling psychology are divided into four categories that must be completed in approximate order. Foundation courses are dedicated to the study of the personality and the varieties of abnormal psychology. Core courses encompass statistics, tests and measurements, introductory and intermediate counseling theory and skills, ethics and lifespan issues. During the practicum and internship phase, students must choose to focus on school counseling, marriage and family counseling or mental health counseling as a primary concentration. Finally, added courses may be required to provide specialized skills needed for the student’s chosen emphasis. Students must complete all core coursework before beginning an internship and must maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout all 60 hours of the Chaminade master of arts program. Successful completion of this program generally qualifies students for licensure in their specific field of study.
Accreditations
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Contact
3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808)735-4751
jmartin@chaminade.edu
Program Link
University of Phoenix, Honolulu
College of Social Sciences
The University of Phoenix operates 112 campuses and serves more than 300,000 students around the world each year. This for-profit institution offers a wide range of degree programs, most of which are delivered to students online. In Hawaii, the University of Phoenix maintains two campuses. The Hawaii Learning Center in Kapolei focuses primarily on business degree programs and online coursework in other fields of endeavor. In Honolulu, students can take advantage of computer lab facilities and other amenities to enhance their online learning experience. For those willing to take on the challenges of online coursework, these programs offer optimal flexibility and are designed specifically to meet the needs of working adults.
Master of Science in Psychology
The master’s degree in psychology offered by the University of Phoenix provides an in-depth look at some of the most important concepts in counseling. Topics covered include theories of personality, cognitive traits and issues, developmental stages and expectations, abnormal psychology, assessment strategies, collaboration and communication, research methods, multiculturalism, ethics and statistics. Students must successfully complete 39 credit hours, including a capstone project that evaluates past psychological methods and how they relate to the practices currently in use in the field. This degree program is not designed to prepare students for licensure or certification and does not qualify graduates to practice in the field of counseling. The University of Phoenix does not offer doctorate programs in psychology; however, successful completion of this degree program may allow students to gain acceptance to doctorate programs at other universities.
Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology
Hawaii students can earn a master’s degree in psychology with an emphasis on industrial and organizational environments through the University of Phoenix online platform. The coursework required includes a comprehensive overview of organizational structures and industrial environments, allowing students to acquire the skills necessary to succeed in the business world. Other classes include statistics, the psychology of human performance and personnel decisions, cognitive psychology, psychometrics, motivation and attitude in the work environment, ethics and issues associated with multiculturalism. A capstone project is also required. Students can benefit from the hands-on approach and the practical approach offered by University of Phoenix faculty members in the online environment. Because instructors typically work in the specific field of psychology in which they teach, the coursework is designed to be relevant and current to ensure a greater degree of student success.
Accreditations
• Higher Learning Commission
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Contact
745 Fort Street, Suite 2000
Honolulu, HI 96813
866-766-0766
admissions@phoenix.edu
Program Link
For students seeking to advance their skills and improve their employment options, these programs offer real opportunities to shine in the job market. Choosing the right master’s in psychology degrees in Hawaii can provide a solid foundation for future careers in this challenging field.
See also: Psychology Doctoral Programs in Hawaii