UH Manoa Master’s in Education: Programs & Specializations

In Hawai‘i, a master’s in education can mean either a direct route to a teaching license or a focused study of curriculum and instruction. The University of Hawaii at Manoa, the state’s flagship public university and its only nationally accredited educator preparation program, offers M.Ed. specializations that span both paths, from Early Childhood Education and Special Education to Curriculum Studies. That range exists because Hawai‘i’s schools need classroom teachers who can serve diverse learners and instructional leaders who can shape culturally sustaining curriculum. Few institutions blend local context with national accreditation as intentionally as UH Manoa.

A Closer Look at UH Manoa’s M.ed. Specializations

Hawai‘i's education system is at a pivotal moment, as schools increasingly seek culturally grounded leadership and inclusive teaching practices to reflect the state's diverse communities. The University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education (COE) stands at the center of this movement, preparing master's-level educators who can navigate masters in education hawaii and shape the state's unique educational landscape.

College of Education Mission and Impact

Rooted in a commitment to Na Hopena A‘o (HA), the COE prioritizes a sense of place, community, and learner well-being. Its mission: to advance equity, excellence, and innovation in education through research-informed practice and partnerships across the islands. The college is a key pipeline for K-12 leadership, curriculum design, and specialized instruction in Hawaii, where local context and indigenous knowledge systems are integral to effective teaching.

Available M.Ed. Pathways

UH Manoa offers a range of M.Ed. specializations that reflect both local needs and national trends. While each program has distinct requirements, all share a foundation in reflective practice and applied research. The current lineup includes:

• MEd in Curriculum Studies: Offers concentrations in areas like Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and more. The K-12 curriculum and instruction strand is especially popular among in-service teachers seeking advanced pedagogical skills.
• MEd in Special Education: Prepares educators to support students with disabilities across learning environments, with emphasis on high-incidence disabilities and inclusive practices.
• MEd in Learning Design and Technology: Focuses on educational technology integration, online learning, and instructional design for school and workplace settings.
• MEd in Educational Administration: Develops aspiring principals and school leaders through case-based learning and field-based internships (note: leads to licensure via a separate licensure track).

Many of these programs are designed to accommodate working professionals, with summer intensive formats, online seminars, and part-time pacing. For example, the MEd (Early Childhood Education) option is a 30-credit, hybrid 30-month cohort built around summer residencies and online collaboration.

Accreditation and Quality Assurance

All M.Ed. programs at UH Manoa fall under the COE's CAEP accreditation (previously NCATE), ensuring they meet rigorous national standards. This accreditation signals to employers that graduates have experienced a program with a strong clinical practice component and continuous improvement framework.

Below, you will find a detailed, autogenerated listing of each M.Ed. program, including links to specialized degree pages where you can explore admission requirements, curriculum maps, and faculty profiles.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Inside the M.ed. In Curriculum Studies: Admissions, Curriculum, and Faculty

The M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies at UH Manoa is a curriculum and instruction degree designed for educators who want to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning without leaving their current roles. Because official details shift from year to year, the best first step is always to consult the university's own College of Education website. The points below map out exactly where to look and how to get answers to your most pressing questions.

Where to Find Official Admissions Requirements

Admissions criteria such as minimum GPA, GRE expectations (if any), prerequisite coursework, and application deadlines are updated for each enrollment cycle. The most reliable source is the UH Manoa College of Education's Graduate Degree Programs page. That central hub typically lists general requirements for all M.Ed. tracks and links to program-specific pages. Pay close attention to whether the Curriculum Studies concentration asks for a statement of purpose, professional experience, or letters of recommendation. If a requirement seems ambiguous, note the contact information provided on the admissions section of the site. Admissions staff can clarify whether a test score waiver applies or if provisional admission is an option.

Navigating the Curriculum and Format Options

The Curriculum Studies program often publishes its own page under the department's 'Programs of Study' area. There you can find the required core courses, elective clusters, and any culminating project or exam. Look for a breakdown of credit hours and a sample course sequence. Delivery format is another crucial detail: some cohorts are offered fully online, others meet on-campus in the evenings, and a few blend synchronous and asynchronous work. If the website only shows an overview, don't hesitate to reach out. An email to the department coordinator listed on the site can yield a current syllabus or a link to a recent info session recording. Mention your preferred schedule and ask whether the program can accommodate full-time working teachers.

Getting to Know the Faculty

Faculty research expertise directly shapes course content and advising opportunities. To explore this, open the UH Manoa College of Education faculty directory and filter by department or program area. For Curriculum Studies, look for scholars who focus on areas like multicultural education, STEM integration, early literacy, or educational technology. Click through to individual profiles to scan recent publications and grants. This gives you a sense of who you might study with and whether their interests align with your career goals. If a professor's work stands out, you can often mention it in your statement of purpose to show genuine engagement.

Confirming the Most Up-to-Date Information

Even the best-maintained website may lag behind last-minute changes to deadlines or course scheduling. For that reason, plan to verify everything you have found. A quick call or email to the admissions office can prevent a missed deadline. Alternatively, many programs host virtual information sessions, check the College of Education events calendar. Attending one lets you ask real-time questions about enrollment caps, financial aid, or licensure pathways. Taking this extra step ensures you apply with confidence and enter the program fully prepared.

Online, Hybrid, and On-Campus: Your M.ed. Format Options at UH Manoa

The M.Ed. in Special Education at UH Manoa meets live online every week from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. HST, a schedule designed for full-time teachers across the islands.¹ That time slot is no accident: it reflects the university’s effort to accommodate working educators who need advanced credentials but cannot commute to Honolulu during school hours. The right delivery format can make the difference between successfully balancing teaching and a master's degree and a program that clashes with your job, family, and location.

Why Delivery Format Matters for Hawai‘i’s Working Educators

Geography and time zones shape the entire conversation. If you teach on Maui, Kaua‘i, or the Big Island, flying to O‘ahu for weekly classes is rarely practical. Even on O‘ahu, traffic and school-day commitments make late-afternoon or evening sessions essential. UH Manoa offers fully online, hybrid, and on-campus pathways, each with its own rhythm. The key is matching the format to your island, your work schedule, and how you learn best, whether you thrive with live, real-time discussions or need recorded lectures you can watch at midnight.

Format Breakdown by Specialization

Here is how the main M.Ed. specializations are delivered.

• M.Ed. in Special Education: Fully online and synchronous. All classes meet weekly via video conference at the fixed time of 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. HST. There is no on-campus requirement, making it accessible statewide.¹
• M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology (LTEC): Two hybrid paths. The campus-based option holds required courses in the evenings on the Manoa campus, while electives may be online or face-to-face. The online-focused LTEC path runs courses online but includes required weekend sessions on campus during the first semester. Both blend digital and in-person components.²
• Master’s in Educational Administration (K-12): Campus-based with mixed delivery. Courses combine online, hybrid, and in-person meetings. Some semesters may lean online, but you should plan for occasional trips to campus.³
• M.Ed. in School Counseling: Hybrid with a strong synchronous core. Same 4:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. HST live online windows as Special Education. Face-to-face requirements include in-person practicums and internships at Hawaii school sites, plus twice-yearly full-day sessions on campus.⁴

How to Choose the Best Format for You

Start with your location. If you live on a neighbor island and travel to O‘ahu is difficult, prioritize the fully online Special Education track or the online LTEC variant (with just a couple weekend visits). If you are on O‘ahu and can manage evening commutes, the campus-based LTEC or Educational Administration programs open up networking and cohort bonds. Next, consider your work hours: all synchronous sessions are designed for after-school timing, but you must block those evenings. If your schedule varies, look at programs with asynchronous components, but note that all UH Manoa M.Ed. options currently require some real-time participation. Finally, reflect on learning style. Live discussion builds community and immediate feedback; recorded content offers flexibility but demands more self-discipline. The hybrid models try to give you a taste of both, so weigh how much structure you need.

What a UH Manoa Master’s in Education Really Costs: Tuition, Fees, and Funding

As tuition costs continue to climb nationally, Hawaii has taken steps to keep graduate education within reach, with UH Manoa holding tuition steady through the 2026-2027 academic year.³ Understanding the real price tag for a Master's in Education (M.Ed.) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa requires looking beyond per-credit rates to mandatory fees, living allowances, and the substantial financial aid programs that can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expense.

Tuition and Fees at a Glance

For the 2025-2026 year, UH Manoa's College of Education charges a flat per-credit tuition of $650 for all M.Ed. students, regardless of residency.¹ This is paired with $451 in mandatory fees each term you enroll.² The total tuition you pay hinges on your pace and the number of credits your specialization requires:

• Per-course cost: A typical 3-credit course costs $1,950 before fees.
• Full-time semester: If you take 12 credits, the per-credit cost reaches $7,800¹ before the $451 fee.
• Estimated program total: Most M.Ed. programs require 30 to 36 credits. At the per-credit rate, total tuition ranges from $19,500 to $23,400. Adding fees for four full-time semesters brings the cost to approximately $21,304 to $25,204, depending on total credits.
• Summer sessions: Summer courses also cost $650 per credit³, giving you flexibility to accelerate or lighten your load.

Because UH Manoa does not distinguish between in-state and out-of-state rates for this program, your location won't inflate the sticker price.¹

Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities

Most graduate students don't pay the full price out of pocket. Here's how to lower your net cost:

• Graduate assistantships: These competitive positions require 10 to 20 hours of work per week⁴ in research or teaching support and often come with a full or partial tuition waiver plus a living stipend. Apply through the College of Education.
• Grow Our Own Teacher Stipend: This state-funded program targets aspiring educators committed to working in high-need Hawaii schools. For qualifying M.Ed. students, the net cost drops to as low as $1,000 per semester.⁵
• Federal aid and loans: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for federal unsubsidized loans and work-study by submitting the FAFSA. Graduate PLUS loans are also an option.
• Scholarships: The College of Education offers its own scholarships based on merit and need. Also check external sources like the Hawaii Education Association and community foundations for M.Ed. scholarships.

Budgeting for Additional Expenses

Tuition and fees are only part of the picture. Plan for:

• Books and supplies: Budget $500 to $1,200 per year, depending on your course load and whether you buy or rent.
• Technology fee: Some online or hybrid courses carry a per-course technology fee, typically $30 to $50.
• Living expenses: UH Manoa estimates off-campus housing and board at around $16,000 for a nine-month academic year. Factor in transportation, health insurance, and personal costs.
• Professional development: Attending conferences, joining professional organizations, and maintaining licensure fees can add a few hundred dollars annually.

Many students combine assistantships with part-time work to cover living costs while keeping loan debt low. Start your financial planning by contacting the UH Manoa Financial Aid Office and the College of Education's graduate advising team.

Related Articles

How to Apply: Admission Requirements and Key Deadlines for UH Manoa M.ed. Programs

General Admission Requirements

All Master's in Education (M.Ed.) applicants to UH Manoa must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.² The university typically expects a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for graduate admission, though holistic review may consider candidates with slightly lower GPAs who demonstrate strength in other areas. The application itself is submitted online through the Graduate Division's system using ApplyWeb.²

A complete application package includes:

• Statement of objectives: A focused essay outlining your academic and professional goals, and how the specific M.Ed. program aligns with them.
• Letters of recommendation: Most tracks require two or three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate study.
• Resume or CV: A current document detailing relevant work experience, certifications, and educational background.
• Official transcripts: One official transcript must be sent from every postsecondary institution attended. UH Manoa alumni may have some transcripts waived.²
• English proficiency tests: International applicants for whom English is not a native language must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores meeting the Graduate Division's minimums.²

GRE Policy

The GRE is not a blanket requirement for UH Manoa education graduate programs. Some M.Ed. specializations require or recommend the GRE, while others have eliminated the requirement entirely, effectively functioning as no-GRE master's in education programs. Since this policy is determined at the departmental level, applicants must verify their chosen track's current stance. Where the GRE is required, scores should be sent directly to the university using institution code 4867. If you plan to petition for a waiver, be prepared to submit an alternative demonstration of quantitative or verbal ability, such as prior graduate coursework or professional experience.²

Application Deadlines by Program

Deadlines vary across M.Ed. tracks, and all dates below are for the Fall 2026 intake (unless otherwise noted). Applications open on August 1 for fall and summer terms, and on April 1 for spring terms.³

• M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: June 1, 2026
• M.Ed. in Counseling: February 1, 2026
• M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision: April 1, 2026
• M.Ed. in Higher Education (face-to-face): February 1, 2026
• M.Ed. in Higher Education (online): April 1, 2026
• M.Ed. in Special Populations: April 1, 2026¹

Some programs may also accept applications for spring or summer entry; contact the academic department directly to confirm term availability. Because the system experienced a processing delay for applications submitted on or after December 3, 2025, it is wise to apply several weeks before the listed deadline to allow time for transcript and test score processing.⁴

Prerequisites and Special Requirements

While a background in education or a related field is often beneficial, most M.Ed. tracks do not mandate specific undergraduate majors. However, the M.Ed. in Counseling typically requires prerequisite coursework in psychology or human development, and the M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision commonly expects applicants to hold a teaching license and have at least two years of classroom experience. The M.Ed. in Special Populations may give preference to those already working in inclusive or special education settings. For all tracks, check the program's handbook or contact the graduate coordinator to confirm any additional requirements before you apply.²

Earning Your License: Which UH Manoa M.ed. Programs Lead to Certification?

Earning a master’s degree in education can open doors to the classroom, but not every M.Ed. path leads directly to a teaching license. At UH Manoa, the licensure outcome depends entirely on the specific master’s track you choose, making it essential to confirm whether a program grants initial licensure, adds an endorsement to an existing license, or is designed for professional development without a new credential.

Understanding Licensure Outcomes by M.Ed. Track

The UH Manoa College of Education houses multiple M.Ed. concentrations, and each one serves a different career stage. Some programs are built for aspiring teachers with no prior license, embedding student teaching and pedagogy coursework that satisfy Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) requirements for initial certification. Others function as “add-a-field” endorsements, allowing currently licensed educators to expand into areas like special education, literacy, or curriculum leadership. Still other tracks, such as those focused on curriculum studies or educational technology, may not lead to any new license or endorsement but instead provide advanced expertise for roles outside the traditional classroom. Reading the program overview carefully on the COE website is the first and most reliable way to determine the licensure pathway, as each program typically states its intended outcome upfront.

Verifying Your Pathway with Official Sources

Because state requirements and program approvals can shift, the HTSB website is the definitive resource for checking which educator preparation programs are approved for licensure in Hawaii. The HTSB maintains a list of state-approved programs, including specific endorsement areas tied to each UH Manoa degree or certificate. Cross-referencing that list with the program description on the UH Manoa COE site will give you confidence that the track aligns with your licensure goal. For those considering teaching outside Hawaii, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ occupational outlook pages include summaries of state-by-state certification requirements and reciprocity considerations that can help you plan a portable career. Keep in mind that reciprocity often depends on holding a fully valid license from the state where your program was completed, so an M.Ed. that leads to full Hawaii licensure typically provides the strongest foundation for transferring credentials later.

Steps to Confirm Your Eligibility

Before submitting your application, take three proactive steps. First, bookmark the HTSB website and search for the “Approved Educator Preparation Programs” list associated with UH Manoa. Second, navigate to each M.Ed. track of interest on the UH Manoa COE site and note the language around licensure, “initial licensure,” “add-on endorsement,” or “advanced studies” are the key phrases. Third, reach out directly to a COE academic advisor or to the HTSB licensure office with your specific situation; they can clarify whether the coursework you plan to take meets current requirements for the credential you need. A short email or phone call now can prevent years of rework later. Treat this verification as a critical step, not an afterthought, because earning a non-licensure M.Ed. when your goal is to lead a classroom can mean an unanticipated detour in your career timeline.

Questions to Ask Yourself

How Much Do Instructional Coordinators Earn in Hawai‘i?

While program-specific earnings data for UH Manoa M.Ed. graduates are not yet available, broad state data offers a useful benchmark. Instructional coordinators, a common career path for curriculum-focused M.Ed. holders, earned a median of $75,540 in Hawai‘i as of 2023, well above the national median. Specialized roles in curriculum design, educational technology, and leadership often command even higher salaries, making an advanced degree a strong investment.

Instructional Coordinators in Hawai‘i Earn a Median of $75,540

Frequently Asked Questions About UH Manoa’s Master’s in Education Programs

Getting accurate, up-to-date information is key when planning your graduate education. Below are answers to common questions about UH Manoa’s M.Ed. programs, but remember that official details can change. Always verify with the College of Education or admissions office directly.

1. What is the MEd in Curriculum Studies at UH Manoa?

   The MEd in Curriculum Studies is a graduate program designed for educators interested in curriculum design, instructional innovation, and educational leadership, complementing offerings such as the UH Hilo Master's in Education. It covers areas like curriculum theory, assessment, and research methods. Specific concentrations and coursework details are best confirmed through the UH Manoa College of Education’s website.

2. Does the UH Manoa MEd in curriculum studies require the GRE?

   GRE requirements can vary by program and admission cycle. Many education graduate programs have moved to test-optional policies or waive the GRE for certain applicants. For the most current policy, contact the UH Manoa admissions office or review the program’s official admission requirements.

3. Can I complete the UH Manoa MEd online?

   Some UH Manoa M.Ed. specializations may offer fully online or hybrid delivery options, but availability can differ each year. If you are interested in online study, check the program’s format details on the College of Education site or reach out to a program coordinator to learn about current offerings.

4. How much does the UH Manoa master’s in education cost?

   Tuition for UH Manoa graduate programs depends on residency status (Hawaiʻi resident or nonresident) and the specific program. Additional fees may apply. For accurate, up-to-date tuition and fee schedules, consult the UH Manoa Office of the Bursar or contact the financial aid office to discuss funding options and scholarships.

5. Which UH Manoa education master’s programs lead to teacher licensure?

   Some M.Ed. tracks at UH Manoa are designed to include or lead to initial teacher licensure, while others are for already-licensed teachers seeking advanced study. Licensure pathways are governed by the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board. Verify which programs currently offer licensure by speaking with an advisor or checking the latest program guides.

6. What are the career outcomes for curriculum and instruction graduates in Hawaii?

   Graduates often pursue roles such as instructional coordinator, curriculum specialist, or lead teacher in K-12 schools or districts, paths that can be advanced with a master's in teacher leadership. Salary and employment data for these roles in Hawai‘i can be found through the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Hawai‘i Department of Labor. For alumni-specific outcomes, reach out to the UH Manoa career services or alumni network.