Various social work programs in Hawaii are available to prepare you for a career in social work. To become licensed as a social worker in the state, you must earn at least a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) can help you prepare for advanced careers in social work practice and research. In addition to traditional on-campus degree options, the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers an online MSW program focused on child and family social work.
Quick Facts
- 3 schools offering social work programs in Hawaii are in our database (see below)
- Of the social work schools in Hawaii, none offer associate’s degrees or certificates, 3 offer bachelor’s degrees, and 2 offer a master’s or advanced degree1
- No schools ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges
- 2 schools ranked in US News Best Graduate Social Work Programs
- No schools ranked in Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs4
- Across 3 schools, 5 bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs in Hawaii are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)5
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Top-Ranked Schools with Social Work Programs in Hawaii
US News Best Graduate Social Work Programs
- University of Hawaii-Manoa (#59 tie)
- Hawaii Pacific University (#147 tie)
Schools with Social Work Programs Accredited by the CSWE
- Brigham Young University-Hawaii
- Hawaii Pacific University
- University of Hawaii-Manoa
Schools in Hawaii with Social Work Degree Programs
BSW and Other Undergraduate Programs
Brigham Young University – Hawaii
Brigham Young University is a private university affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students in the Department of Social Work’s BSW program are prepared to work with many different populations in generalist practice after graduating. Past students have completed the required field education placements in organizations across Hawaii and internationally at both religious and secular institutions. While completing the BSW students can become involved in the university’s many student clubs, including the Social Work Student Association and the Phi Alpha Honor Society. The university was ranked #22 among regional universities in the West by US News and World Report in 2016.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public university with over 14,000 undergraduate students. The UH School of Social Work offers a CSWE-accredited BSW program that is structured around the university’s General Education Core, which includes courses in multicultural perspectives, Pacific issues, ethics, writing, and either Hawaiian or a foreign language. The social work curriculum includes general social work practice, human development, and social research; students can choose liberal arts electives to fulfill remaining required credits. Two field education placements must be completed during the junior and senior years. It is also possible to complete an undergraduate certificate in gerontology, ethnic studies, interpretation and translation studies, peace studies, or women’s studies. The university was tied at #161 among national universities by US News and World Report in 2016. The University of Hawaii at Manoa also offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program as well as a PhD in social work.
MSW and Other Graduate Programs
Hawaii Pacific University
Hawaii Pacific University is a private institution with a CSWE-accredited MSW program. HPU School of Social Work’s MSW program uses an advanced generalist focus that prepares future social workers for work with diverse populations through coursework in social policy, research, and practice. The program curriculum also focuses on developing cultural competency skills in all contexts given the cultural diversity of the islands. Students can complete either the traditional two-year program or the one-year advanced standing program, which is offered to students with a CSWE-accredited BSW degree on a full-time or part-time basis. New MSW students are offered additional support through the School of Social Work’s Peer Mentorship Program, which matches new graduate students with second-year social work mentors to help them adjust and become integrated into university life. The university tied for 77th place among regional universities in the West in 2016 by US News and World Report.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Social Work offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program. In the first year of the program, students learn about generalist social work practice and the ethical and philosophical foundations of the profession. In the second year of the program, students learn about advanced social work in a particular area of practice. Students can choose from specializations in mental health, health, children and families, gerontology, or criminal justice. The MSW with child and families specialization is also available through an online curriculum. Most students complete their field education placements in Hawaii, but it may be possible to arrange a placement in another state or internationally. Candidates who have a CSWE-accredited BSW degree may be eligible for advanced standing, which enables students to skip the foundational year courses. Students can also complete a dual degree or related certificate in urban planning or aging.
Accreditation Information for Hawaii Social Work Schools
| School | Graduation Rate1 | Transfer-Out Rate1 | Associate’s SW Program | Bachelor’s SW Program | Graduate SW Program | CSWE Accredited5 | US News Best Social Work Grad Schools Ranking3 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 55% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $11,948 |
| Hawaii Pacific University | 42% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #147 tie | $21,275 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | 56% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #59 tie | $12,163 |
*The net price is calculated by the National Center for Education Statistics by subtracting the average amount of aid (including grants and scholarships) from the total published cost of attendance for in-state/in-district students, which includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses. To gain a better understanding of how to interpret the statistics discussed in this table, see our list of important definitions.
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Directory of Hawaii Social Work School Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Brigham Young University-Hawaii*
55-220 Kulanui St
Laie, Hawaii 96762-1294
(808) 675-3211
http://www.byuh.edu
Hawaii Pacific University*
1164 Bishop St
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 544-0200
http://www.hpu.edu
University of Hawaii at Manoa*
2500 Campus Rd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2217
(808) 956-8111
http://www.manoa.hawaii.edu
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best College Values: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=all
3. US News & World Report Social Work Best Grad Schools Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings
4.
Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs: /degrees/masters/online/
5. Council on Social Work Education: https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx