Master's in Education at Chaminade University of Honolulu: Programs and Pathways

How much does a master’s degree increase a teacher’s salary in Hawaii? In public schools, an advanced degree can move you up several steps on the salary schedule, often adding $10,000 or more annually. Chaminade University’s M.Ed. helps you earn that raise while specializing in teacher leadership or curriculum and instruction. Its Marianist tradition of service and community grounds your learning in Hawaii’s cultural realities.

Online and hybrid formats let you earn the degree without leaving your teaching job. Specializations align with roles schools urgently need, such as instructional coach or curriculum specialist. With Hawaii’s persistent teacher shortages, the credential positions you for leadership roles that bring higher pay and a wider impact.

Chaminade M.ed. At a Glance

Chaminade’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) program consists of 30 credit hours and four specializations, with full-time students typically graduating in two years. It serves both new and experienced teachers through flexible scheduling, with evening and weekend courses, and a curriculum grounded in the Marianist tradition.

- Credits Required: 30 credit hours, including core courses and a capstone project. - Concentrations: Available specializations include Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Montessori Education, and Special Education. - Delivery Options: Choose from online, on-campus, or hybrid formats to fit your schedule. - Time to Completion: Full-time students complete the program in about two years; part-time study extends the timeline. - Licensure Preparation: The curriculum aligns with Hawaii Department of Education requirements for teacher licensure. Graduates emerge prepared for leadership roles in Hawaii’s public and private schools, with strong alumni networks across the islands.

Master's in Education Programs and Specializations

Chaminade University of Honolulu's Master of Education (M.Ed.) program is designed to accommodate working educators through fully online delivery and a range of specializations that align with different career goals. Whether you aim to become a teacher leader, deepen your understanding of child development, or step into administration within a faith-based school, the 30-credit curriculum combines practical experience with a culminating capstone project¹.

Instructional Leadership

This specialization is ideal for teachers who want to influence curriculum and instruction without leaving the classroom. The 30-credit program includes a self-designed action research project² that allows you to investigate a real challenge in your own school setting and develop evidence-based solutions. Coursework emphasizes coaching peers, analyzing student data, and leading professional development, responsibilities central to a master's in teacher leadership.

Child Development

For educators focused on early childhood and elementary education settings, the Child Development track blends core courses in educational sociology and research methods with 12 credits of electives² that you can tailor to your interests. The program builds expertise in how children learn and grow, preparing you for roles such as curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, or lead teacher. It also includes the common M.Ed. culminating experience (EDUC 794)² that integrates learning across the program.

Montessori Emphasis

If you already hold a Montessori credential from a MACTE-accredited institution, you can transfer up to 12 credits² into this emphasis, completing the remaining 18 credits at Chaminade. This path deepens your understanding of Montessori philosophy and leadership, preparing you to guide Montessori programs at the classroom or school level. The curriculum draws connections between Montessori principles and contemporary educational research.

Cohort-Based Programs

Two specialized cohorts offer community-focused learning. The Teach For America cohort is designed for current corps members seeking initial licensure in Elementary, Secondary, or Special Education alongside their M.Ed.³ The Catholic School Leadership cohort prepares educators to take on administrative and leadership roles in Catholic school settings¹, with coursework grounded in the Marianist tradition of service and community engagement.

Marianist Mission in Action

Throughout all specializations, faculty weave the university's Marianist values into discussions, assignments, and field experiences. You will be challenged to consider how education can promote social justice, serve diverse communities, and foster personal growth, not just academic achievement. The capstone project often becomes a vehicle for addressing equity gaps or improving access, reflecting the program's commitment to making a difference.

Online, On-Campus, and Hybrid Delivery Options

Chaminade University of Honolulu structures its Master's in Education programs around the realities of a full-time teaching career, offering distinct online and hybrid paths that match your professional goals. Whether you are seeking non-licensure advancement or an initial Hawaii teaching license, Chaminade’s delivery format aligns with your classroom responsibilities.

Online M.Ed. for Licensed Educators

The online M.Ed. is a 30-credit, non-licensure program built for working teachers who already hold a license.¹ Delivered fully online with no on-campus requirement, it runs on 10-week terms, four times per year. This accelerated format lets you finish in as little as 18 months while maintaining a full-time teaching position. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you log in and complete work on your own schedule, without any required live sessions. Specializations like Curriculum and Instruction and Teacher Leadership are available entirely online, and the program includes no clinical hours or practicum.¹

Hybrid Licensure Pathways

If you are pursuing an initial Hawaii teaching license, Chaminade offers hybrid M.Ed. tracks that blend online coursework with in-person components. These programs require on-campus attendance and include supervised field placements in Honolulu-area schools. The hybrid design ensures you get the hands-on classroom experience needed for licensure while still benefiting from flexible online learning. Practicum logistics are coordinated with local schools, so you can complete your student teaching close to your community.

Flexibility for Working Educators

The program calendar is designed around the academic year, with four start dates that let you begin when it suits your schedule. The 10-week terms keep the pace brisk but manageable, allowing you to balance teaching and a master's degree balancing teaching and a master's degree without overwhelming your commitments. Because the online courses are asynchronous, you can read, post, and submit assignments early morning or late evening, whatever fits your classroom day. There are no set login times or mandatory chat sessions, so you retain control over your weekly rhythm. For the hybrid licensure tracks, on-campus meetings are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to minimize disruption to your workday.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Understanding the cost of your graduate degree is essential. Here’s a breakdown of tuition, fees, and financial aid options for Chaminade University of Honolulu’s Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) programs.

Tuition and Required Fees

The published tuition rate for graduate education courses is $925 per credit hour during the 2025, 2026 academic year.¹ The M.Ed. curriculum requires 30 credit hours⁴, bringing the estimated total tuition to $27,750. This figure covers coursework only; additional expenses such as textbooks, technology fees, and living costs are not included.

Beyond tuition, several mandatory fees apply:³

• Application fee: $100 (non-refundable)
• Online course fee: $93 per online course
• Hybrid course fee: $40 per hybrid course

On-campus courses do not carry these specific surcharges, so delivery format directly affects your total bill. If you take multiple online or hybrid sections, those per-course fees add up. Check with the bursar’s office for the most current fee schedule.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Chaminade University participates in all major federal student aid programs. Start by filing the FAFSA to determine eligibility for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, and federal work-study. Private education loans are also available but often have less favorable terms.

The university’s website does not list dedicated, named scholarships for education graduate students at this time.⁴ However, general graduate scholarships, often based on academic merit or financial need, may be awarded through the university’s financial aid office. Contact that office directly and explore our M.Ed. scholarships guide for additional funding opportunities.

• Employer tuition assistance: Many school districts and educational employers in Hawaii offer reimbursement or direct payment for graduate study. Check with your human resources department.
• Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness: If you later teach in a low-income school or high-need subject area, you may qualify for forgiveness of up to $17,500 in federal loans.

Hawaii-Specific Aid Options

Hawaii educators have access to state-level support. The Hawaii Department of Education periodically administers tuition waivers or stipends for teachers seeking advanced credentials, particularly in hard-to-staff areas; this support applies to programs at schools like UH Manoa M.Ed. programs. Additionally, the Hawaii State Legislature occasionally funds incentive programs for teachers. Contact the HIDOE or the Chaminade financial aid office for current opportunities.

Together, these resources can substantially reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Always confirm eligibility requirements directly with the funding source, as state and federal programs change yearly.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements and Application Checklist

Review the essential criteria and materials needed to apply for Chaminade's Master of Education programs.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution

  You must hold a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75

  A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is required. Applicants with lower GPAs may be considered for provisional admission on a case-by-case basis.
• Two years of relevant work experience

  The program prefers candidates with at least two years of professional experience, typically in education or a related field.
• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

  Submit official transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
• Application fee

  A non-refundable application fee is required when you submit your application.
• Priority application deadline

  Submit your application at least 30 days before the start of the term to receive priority consideration.
• Spring 2026 application deadline: March 20, 2026

  For the Spring 2026 term, the final application deadline is March 20, 2026. Late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
• English proficiency (international applicants)

  If your native language is not English, you must provide proof of English proficiency through standardized test scores.
• International transcript evaluation

  International applicants must have their transcripts evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service.

Career Outcomes and Salary Impact for Education Graduates

How much more do teachers with a master's degree earn in Hawaii?

The return on your investment starts with the roles a Chaminade M.Ed. makes possible and the salary gains built into the state's teacher contract. Instructional coach, curriculum specialist, department chair, and teacher leader positions all become reachable, and each carries formal recognition on the salary schedule.

Typical Roles and Career Paths

A master's degree signals readiness for leadership beyond the classroom without requiring you to leave instruction entirely. Graduates from Chaminade's programs regularly move into school-based roles such as: - Instructional coach: Support colleagues with curriculum and teaching strategies. - Curriculum specialist: Design and implement district or school-level academic plans. - Department chair: Guide a team of teachers and manage resources. - Teacher leader: Mentor new teachers, lead professional development, and shape school culture.

These positions not only offer greater autonomy and impact but also come with higher pay scales in Hawaii's public schools, a masters in education salary advantage.

Salary Gains Under the Hawaii DOE Contract

The Hawaii Department of Education salary structure rewards advanced degrees directly. For the 2025-26 school year, a teacher holding only a bachelor's degree (Class II) earns a base of $69,662, while a Class III teacher with a master's degree earns $75,235, an immediate differential of $5,573 per year.¹ Even for new teachers, the gap is clear: a first-year teacher with a master's starts at $57,662, about $4,200 more than a counterpart with a bachelor's.² Over a career, that annual difference compounds into a substantial lifetime earnings advantage.

Special education teachers earning a master's in special education may receive an additional $10,000 award¹, and the pathway from teacher to educational officer, a promotion that requires at least an 8% salary increase³, further rewards graduate-level preparation.

Long-Term Earnings Potential

Federal data offers an even broader view. Chaminade University of Honolulu alumni, including those who earned education degrees, have median earnings of $52,343 ten years after entering the institution. While this figure captures all graduates, it reflects the steady, reliable income trajectory that comes from a career in education, especially when paired with the predictable step increases and lane changes on the salary schedule.

Demand in Honolulu

Honolulu's mix of public, charter, and private schools creates consistent demand for master's-prepared educators. Chaminade's deep ties to the local education community and its focus on teacher leadership mean graduates are well positioned for roles that require exactly the advanced training the M.Ed. provides. As Hawaii's teacher shortage persists, the value of a teaching force with graduate-level expertise only grows, making the degree a durable asset in the islands' education landscape.

Earning my M.Ed. from Chaminade was the catalyst for a complete career transformation. I now work as a curriculum director, and my salary increased significantly within two years. The program gave me the tools to lead effectively as an educator.

How Chaminade's Marianist Mission Shapes Your Education

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a Catholic institution shaped by the Marianist tradition, which centers on three pillars: service, community, and holistic education. This mission isn’t a decorative statement. It directly influences how the Master’s in Education programs are designed and delivered, and the kind of educator you become.

Service and Social Justice at the Core

Marianist education calls for putting faith into action through service to others, especially the marginalized. In the M.Ed. curriculum, this appears as a deliberate focus on social justice, equity, and culturally responsive teaching. You’ll explore how systemic barriers affect learning and develop strategies to create inclusive classrooms. Coursework often includes community-based projects, where you apply research to real needs in Hawaii’s diverse schools. The goal is to prepare educators who see teaching not just as a job, but as a vocation that uplifts communities.

Community and Collaboration

Marianists believe that learning happens in community, not in isolation. Chaminade’s M.Ed. cohorts function as tight-knit professional networks. Through shared core courses, peer feedback, and collaborative action research, you build relationships that last beyond graduation. This mirrors the collaborative culture of effective schools and gives you a support system while balancing work and study.

Holistic Educator Formation

A Marianist education develops the whole person: intellectually, morally, and spiritually. Chaminade’s M.Ed. goes beyond instructional techniques to cultivate reflective practitioners. You’ll engage in self-assessment, ethical deliberation, and leadership development that nurtures your own well-being alongside that of your students. This approach is especially valuable in high-stress educational environments, fostering resilience and purpose.

What Sets a Marianist M.Ed. Apart

While secular or purely technical M.Ed. programs concentrate on data, policy, and pedagogy, Chaminade adds a values-driven layer. You won’t just learn how to raise test scores; you’ll examine why education matters for human dignity and community transformation. For educators who want their career to have deeper meaning, this mission-centered framework offers a distinctive and personally fulfilling path.

How Chaminade Compares to Other Hawaii M.ed. Programs

Hawaii’s education field is seeing a notable shift as more graduate programs expand online and hybrid options to meet the needs of working teachers across the islands. For educators weighing a Master's in Education in Hawaii, the choice often comes down to cost, flexibility, and institutional mission.

Side-by-Side Program Comparison

• University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa): Public institution; broadest M.Ed. selection, including Early Childhood Education. Tuition: $650 per credit (2025-2026) with full-time graduate load (8 credits) costing $10,400 per semester.¹ Delivery: online, hybrid, on campus.
• Chaminade University of Honolulu: Private Marianist university; M.Ed. programs emphasize leadership, curriculum, and community. Tuition: detailed in the Tuition section above, but typically competitive for a private institution. Delivery: fully online and hybrid options available.
• Hawaii Pacific University (HPU): Private, nonsectarian university; offers M.Ed. concentrations. Tuition is not published here, but private schools generally exceed public rates. Delivery: some online and on-campus formats.

What Sets Chaminade Apart

Chaminade’s Marianist foundation creates a distinctive learning environment centered on educating the whole person and fostering community. Smaller class sizes, a hallmark of Chaminade’s approach, enable closer mentorship and collaboration, a contrast with the larger public university setting. Its online M.Ed. pathways are designed for Hawaii’s working educators, often including cohort models that build strong professional networks.

Choosing Your Path

If affordability and breadth of specializations are top priorities, UH Manoa may be the strongest candidate. For those seeking a faith-infused, student-centered experience with flexible online delivery, Chaminade stands out. Hawaii Pacific University provides another private alternative, though its religiously independent identity differs from Chaminade’s Marianist mission. Ultimately, the best fit depends on your career goals, financial situation, and preferred learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Chaminade University of Honolulu's Master of Education programs, including specializations, online options, tuition, admissions, and career impact.

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