University of Hawaii at Manoa

What you'll study

This master's programme builds advanced knowledge in clinical assessment, nursing leadership, health systems, and research methods. Core topics commonly include advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, pharmacology for advanced practice, healthcare policy and finance, epidemiology, and biostatistics. Students then follow a specialist pathway:

• Nursing Administration: courses in organisational leadership, strategic management, human resources in nursing, quality improvement, and health policy. Practical learning emphasises operational leadership of units, service line development and performance metrics.
• Nursing Research: coursework in research design, qualitative and quantitative methods, data analysis, grant writing and evidence synthesis. This pathway culminates in a thesis or research capstone that develops skills to design and lead clinical or community health studies.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced clinical decision-making, care coordination, specialty practicum placements and advanced practice seminars. Students complete supervised clinical hours tailored to the clinical focus and gain competence in evidence-based direct care.

All tracks combine classroom instruction, simulation lab experience and supervised clinical or practicum placements. Depending on the pathway, assessment methods include written exams, practicum evaluations, scholarly projects and a final capstone or thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) or an equivalent nursing qualification and an active Registered Nurse (RN) licence. Admissions typically expect a solid academic record at undergraduate level and relevant clinical experience; specific requirements such as minimum GPA, prerequisite coursework (for example in statistics, anatomy and physiology) and professional references vary by applicant profile.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide documentation of equivalent qualifications and licensure. Applicants to the research pathway may be asked to submit a statement of research interests and faculty references; applicants to clinical pathways should be prepared to document clinical hours and complete background and health screenings required for practicum placements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of advanced nursing roles across hospitals, community health organisations, public health agencies and academic settings. Typical career destinations include:

• Nurse manager or director roles leading clinical units or programmes
• Clinical specialists and advanced practice roles focusing on complex patient care and care coordination
• Research nurse or clinical research coordinator positions supporting or leading studies
• Nurse educator roles teaching in clinical settings or higher education
• Positions in health policy, quality improvement, population health and non-profit leadership

Many graduates use the master's as a stepping stone to doctoral study (PhD or DNP) or to national certification in specialty areas.

Why study at University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Nursing sits within a distinctive Pacific and island health context, giving students experience with diverse populations and health challenges specific to Hawaiʻi and the wider Pacific region. The programme emphasises culturally responsive care and community engagement, with opportunities for practicum placements across urban and rural clinical settings in the islands.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration with other health sciences units, access to clinical simulation facilities and faculty active in applied research on indigenous health, chronic disease management and health systems. The programme’s strong local partnerships help students gain practical leadership and research experience relevant to employers across the health sector in Hawaiʻi and beyond.