3 Top Masters in Counseling Hawaii Schools (2025 Guide)

Searching for the right masters in counseling program in Hawaii? The islands are a chance to pursue your counseling studies. Students can blend traditional and online learning in a beautiful tropical setting.

Hawaii has three counseling degree programs across three universities. Your choices are specific but cover all major areas. The programs include mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling.

Students who can’t attend traditional classes have good options. Four schools in Hawaii provide hybrid and online counseling degrees. Chaminade University of Honolulu’s online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology helps Neighbor Island residents get their licensure through flexible study options.

A master’s degree in counseling leads to becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the United States. Most students complete these programs in about 2 years of full-time study. Some specialized tracks like Chaminade’s School Counseling concentration take 30 months.

This guide explores the top three masters in counseling programs in Hawaii for 2025. You’ll find the perfect match to achieve your career goals.

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu is a leader in counseling education in Hawaii. It has one of the state’s most complete counseling psychology programs. The program started in 1985 after a 1978 needs assessment survey showed the community needed qualified counselors.

Program overview

Chaminade University’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology (MSCP) program follows a well-laid-out curriculum that matches the university’s Marianist educational values. Students need 60 credit hours and can finish in just 30 months. The program moves through foundation courses, core courses, and a practicum/internship sequence that combines classroom learning with supervised field experience.

Foundation courses build the knowledge base with subjects like Abnormal Psychology and Personality. Core courses get students ready for their practicum/internship series. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete all foundation courses and most core courses before starting their practicum.

The program takes a comprehensive approach. It looks at mental, behavioral, emotional, and spiritual aspects to prepare students for mental health careers. This thorough preparation helps graduates work with diverse populations in different settings.

Specializations offered

The MSCP program has four focus areas:

1. School Counseling (60 credit hours): Trains counselors for P-12 school settings to boost the learning process. Students work at both elementary and secondary levels, with at least one placement in Hawaii’s Department of Education public schools.
2. School Counseling with Community Pathway (60 credit hours): This track mixes school counseling training with community-based experience.
3. Mental Health Counseling (60 credit hours): Prepares counselors to help people of all ages adapt to various life situations and environments.
4. Marriage and Family Therapy (60 credit hours): Started in Fall 2000, this track focuses on systemic therapy approaches for couples and families.

Each focus area includes supervised practicum and internship experiences. School Counseling students must prove their basic skills as defined by Hawaii Teacher Standards Board before taking School Counseling courses.

Accreditation and licensure

Chaminade University has maintained accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since February 1960. Additionally, the School Counseling program has received specialized accreditation through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through December 31, 2030.

In February 2024, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission evaluated the School Counseling program and determined that all four standards were met, confirming the program prepares candidates to work effectively as professional educators who can adapt to different contexts and continue to grow professionally.

Regarding licensure, the MSCP program leads to professional licensure in Hawaii only. For students planning to obtain licensure in other states, Chaminade recommends consulting with that state’s licensing agency for curriculum requirements.

For School Counseling students seeking licensure in Hawaii, verification of Content Knowledge as defined by HTSB is required before registering for internship courses, which can be accomplished by submitting a passing score on the PRAXIS II Professional Counselor Exam.

Online/hybrid format

Chaminade offers remarkable flexibility through both fully online and fully in-person MSCP program options. In 2025, the university launched a groundbreaking fully online School Counseling graduate cohort program specifically designed for Neighbor Island students.

This innovative program allows participants to attend classes remotely while benefiting from robust support systems, mentorship, and career development resources. The cohort consists of approximately 20 students who can earn their degree in as few as 30 months while remaining in their communities.

The online format features a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning, providing working professionals the flexibility they need while ensuring clinical discussions remain possible. Course fees for online classes are $93.00, compared to $40.00 for hybrid courses.

Dr. Darren Iwamoto, clinical director of Chaminade’s School Counseling program, notes that the pandemic helped demonstrate how quality clinical courses can be offered remotely without compromising educational standards.

Tuition and affordability

Tuition for Chaminade’s graduate programs is charged per credit hour. For the 2025-2026 academic year, MSCP tuition rates vary by specialization:

Additional costs include course fees for all graduate programs, books and supplies (approximately $1,600 per year), and optional housing and meal plans.

For financial aid, 70% of first-year students at Chaminade received need-based financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant of $21,481. Merit-based aid (non-need-based) averaged $12,833 for first-year students. Overall, Chaminade University meets approximately 68% of its students’ financial aid needs.

The acceptance rate for the program stands at 92%, with 46 students accepted out of 50 applicants and 34 ultimately enrolling. This high acceptance rate, combined with financial aid opportunities, makes the program accessible to qualified candidates.

Best fit for

Chaminade’s MSCP program is particularly well-suited for:

• Neighbor Island residents seeking counseling education without relocating to Oahu, especially through the online cohort program
• Working professionals who need flexible scheduling options
• Individuals interested in school counseling careers, as Chaminade offers the only School Counseling program in Hawaii
• Students who value small class sizes and personalized attention (the program has 177 total graduate students with a faculty-to-student ratio that allows for individualized mentorship)
• Those who appreciate diverse learning environments (the student body comprises 29.94% Asian, 22% White, 17.51% multiracial, and 15.82% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander students)
• Individuals aligned with Chaminade’s humanistic, Marianist educational values that emphasize service and community contribution

Also, the program is designed for students interested in practice-based work in communities and schools, helping children and adults adapt to various demands and problems associated with emotional and mental disorders. The university’s emphasis on multicultural-attuned teaching and service learning opportunities prepares graduates to work effectively in Hawaii’s diverse communities.

University of Hawaii at Hilo

The University of Hawaii at Hilo runs a powerful masters in counseling psychology program that trains students to meet critical mental health needs across the Hawaiian islands. This program stands out with its distance learning approach and strong emphasis on clinical mental health counseling.

Program overview

UH Hilo’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology is a complete 60 semester hour program run by the Psychology Department in the College of Arts and Sciences. This 18-year-old program has full approval from the University of Hawaii System and Hawaii State Legislature. Students get multicultural, student-centered training that specializes in clinical mental health counseling.

Students learn through a scientist-practitioner model that uses empirical research and evidence-based practices. This approach helps them develop skills to help personal and interpersonal functioning throughout life. They learn to handle emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related, and developmental concerns.

Full-time students can finish this well-laid-out two-year program by taking 12-15 credits each semester. Year one covers theory, classroom instruction, and role-playing. Year two features an internship and practicum where students work hands-on in community organizations. Students must complete 300 direct hours of counseling time under licensed practitioner supervision to finish their practicum.

Students become knowledgeable, skillful, ethical, and reflective mental health counselors ready to serve Hawaii’s diverse communities. The program also creates a strong foundation for students who want to pursue doctoral studies in related fields.

Specializations offered

The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization offers two distinct paths:

1. Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) Concentration – Students learn to treat substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. This qualifies them for Hawaii’s CSAC Certificate. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division of Hawaii’s Department of Health partnered with Hawaii County Mayor’s Office to fund this concentration, responding to rising substance abuse issues.
2. Research Concentration – This path suits students planning doctoral work after their MA. They gain experience in advanced independent research.

The program will welcome 30 new students yearly starting Fall 2024. This growth shows the program’s success and Hawaii’s rising need for qualified mental health professionals.

Accreditation and licensure

The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has accredited this MA program from June 2021 through June 2029. MPCAC approves academic programs that champion scientific training in professional psychology and counseling at master’s level.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission accredits UH Hilo. Students can transfer their credits to other American or foreign universities just like credits from other accredited American universities.

The curriculum meets Hawaii’s educational requirements for Mental Health Counselor licensure. All the same, getting licensed requires extra steps after graduation:

• Passing the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification
• Getting at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate experience in mental health counseling practice

Each state’s licensure board sets its own education requirements. Students planning to practice elsewhere should check those state’s specific requirements.

Online/hybrid format

UH Hilo switched its counseling psychology program to an innovative hybrid format in 2019 to make it more available. Hawaii Island students attend traditional classroom sessions, while neighbor island students join through videoconferencing.

Students connect through the Hawaii Interactive Television System (HITS), which links all 10 UH System campuses. Fall 2025 will see all courses move to Lamakū, a new Learning Management System powered by D2L Brightspace.

Students must visit the Hilo campus four times during their program. Fall and spring classes happen live via video software, usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am to 3:45 pm.

Students must live in Hawaii while studying. Second-year students should plan to complete their Practicum and Internship during regular business hours.

Tuition and affordability

UH Hilo offers some of Hawaii’s most competitive counseling program rates:

These rates beat the national average of $12,201 for in-state and $29,084 for out-of-state tuition. Average costs after aid and scholarships vary by family income:

• $0-$30,000: $10,172
• $30,001-$48,000: $11,457
• $48,001-$75,000: $14,132
• $75,001-$110,000: $16,462
• $110,001+: $19,247

Students should budget around $38,000 (residents) and $50,000 (non-residents) yearly for all expenses.

UH Hilo graduates typically have $20,500 in federal loan debt, with $217 monthly payments based on 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest.

Best fit for

This program works great for:

• Hawaii residents wanting quality counseling education without leaving home
• Neighbor island residents who like distance learning
• Students passionate about fixing Hawaii’s mental health professional shortage, especially in rural areas
• People interested in multicultural counseling that respects Hawaii’s diverse population
• Those seeking substance abuse counseling certification or doctoral studies
• Working professionals who want evening classes that fit their schedule

The program boasts a 90% graduation rate with over 200 graduates working statewide. Alumni work in various places like Education and Health Departments, non-profits such as Big Island Substance Abuse Council, Care Hawaii, Child and Family Service, and Hale Kipa, plus group and private practices.

UH Hilo’s counseling psychology program helps address Hawaii’s mental health needs while offering students quality education that opens doors to meaningful careers across the islands.

University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Education provides graduate-level counseling education that combines academic excellence with real-world experience. Their programs help meet the workforce demands for rehabilitation and school counselors in Hawaii’s diverse communities.

Program overview

The College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa runs the Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program (RCEP). Students can earn a 48-credit master of science degree in kinesiology and rehabilitation science. The program gives students both theory and hands-on skills through three field experiences. Students complete one practicum and two internships over three semesters.

The counseling programs focus on these essential areas:

• Social justice, multiculturalism, and advocacy
• Trauma-informed and strength-based approaches
• Culturally responsive strategies that reflect Hawaii’s multicultural environment

Graduates develop a strong ethical framework based on Hawaii’s unique cultural context. They gain a deep understanding of social dynamics in diverse communities and learn to build effective counseling relationships.

Specializations offered

UH Manoa features two main counseling paths:

1. School Counseling Program: This three-year, part-time program prepares students for PreK-12 counseling careers. Students earn a Master of Education (MEd) in School Counseling through 48 credit hours that match the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model. Students learn:
   • Individual and group support techniques
   • Academic and career guidance
   • Program creation and implementation
   • Emergency response skills
2. Rehabilitation Counselor Education Program: This track trains counselors to work with people who have disabilities. Students who want mental health counseling licensure need 12 extra credits and fieldwork under licensed mental health professionals. Job opportunities include:
   • Public-sector vocational rehabilitation agencies
   • Veterans’ agencies
   • Private-sector rehabilitation support organizations
   • Substance abuse agencies
   • Correctional facilities

Accreditation and licensure

The counseling programs hold prestigious accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). UH Manoa’s master’s degree program stands out as one of just 18 counseling programs among 600 nationwide that have three counseling specializations accredited.

CACREP granted accreditation to the community counseling specialization through June 2008. This joined the already-accredited school counseling and rehabilitation counseling specializations. Such complete accreditation means graduates meet national standards for counseling professionals.

Students must finish all program requirements plus any state-specific requirements for licensure. The Department of Educational Psychology guides students through the licensure process.

Online/hybrid format

UH Manoa makes some degree programs available online. Students from neighbor islands (Hawaii, Molokai, Kauai, Maui, or Lanai) can access programs through distance education technology.

Students join interactive classes using computer-based learning platforms, webcams, microphones, and televisions. The online format works on a cohort model with both live and self-paced components. This helps students balance their education with other commitments.

Students should note they might need to visit the Oahu campus occasionally for in-person sessions, depending on their program.

Tuition and affordability

Here’s what graduate students pay at UH Manoa for 2025-2026:

The total cost includes tuition, fees, housing, books, and personal expenses. In-state students pay $32,331, while out-of-state students pay $54,363. After financial aid, in-state students pay an average of $24,185.

Graduate assistantship or achievement scholarship recipients must pay any remaining tuition and fees. Students with graduate assistantship tuition waivers still need to cover student activity fees.

Best fit for

UH Manoa’s counseling programs work best for:

• People who want to address Hawaii’s diverse populations’ mental health needs
• Future rehabilitation counselors planning to work with people who have disabilities
• Aspiring school counselors seeking PreK-12 credentials that match national standards
• Neighbor island residents who can use distance education
• Students wanting a program with triple specialization accreditation
• People looking for affordable in-state tuition compared to national rates

Fall admission applications are due by April 1, with early submissions getting priority consideration. Applicants need to submit a Graduate Division online application, required standardized exam scores, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-native English speakers.

UH Manoa combines strong academics, practical experience, and flexible learning options. Their programs create counseling professionals who can serve Hawaii’s communities with cultural awareness and proven practices.

Conclusion

The right counseling program is a vital step toward reaching your professional goals in Hawaii’s mental health world. These five programs are all different. They come with various specializations, formats, and prices that can match what you need.

Chaminade University of Honolulu stands out with four different specializations. It’s the only place in Hawaii that offers a School Counseling program. The university’s online cohort helps Neighbor Island residents get licensed without moving.

University of Hawaii at Hilo runs a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that tackles substance abuse and research. Students from all islands can access their hybrid format at reasonable tuition rates.

University of Hawaii at Manoa shines with its triple CACREP accreditation in multiple counseling specializations. Only 18 programs nationwide share this difference. Their rehabilitation counseling helps fill Hawaii’s workforce needs.

Students who want to prepare for graduate studies will find great foundations at University of Hawaii at West Oahu and Brigham Young University-Hawaii. These schools’ psychology concentrations are designed to lead into advanced counseling degrees.

Becoming a licensed counselor in Hawaii needs you to think over program specializations, accreditation, format, and cost. All the same, each program here brings its own strengths that fit Hawaii’s community needs.

These five schools create paths to rewarding careers serving Hawaii’s unique multicultural population. You might want specialized training in school counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, or rehabilitation counseling. Your choice will shape your professional future and how you’ll help your communities by a lot.