MBA Programs - Application Process
Candidates may apply to more than one MBA program, but a separate statement of objectives should be submitted for each program to which the candidate is interested. Note that those applying to multiple programs need only pay the application fee of $60 one time (not $60 for each program). Please notify your admissions representative if you plan to apply for more than one MBA program.
You may apply for admission for the Fall semester by following these steps:
- Download and submit application checklist cover sheet
- Submit graduate programs application
- Submit transcripts
- Submit scores for GMAT (required), and TOEFL or IELTS (if necessary)
- Submit statement of objectives and resume (must be hard copies via mail or drop-off)
- Submit two letters of recommendation (must be hard copies via mail or drop-off)
- Keep in touch
- Schedule an academic advising appointment
Download and Submit Application Checklist Cover Sheet
Graduate application checklist cover sheet - Your application packet must include this form and all required information requested on this form to ensure that your application is not delayed due to missing documents. Please mail or deliver in person to the following address:
Shidler College of Business
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2404 Maile Way, G-202
Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Submit Graduate Programs Application
Apply online 
or download the graduate programs application. For further questions contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 808-956-8544 or email admissions@grad.hawaii.edu.
The UHM Graduate Division accepts online and paper applications. Both types of applications receive equal consideration. However, prospective students are encouraged to apply online .
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Submit Transcripts
All applicants are required to submit one current official transcript from each institution of higher education attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution to the Graduate Admissions Office , or received in a sealed institutional envelope if submitted with the application materials.
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Graduate Admissions Office
2540 Maile Way, Spalding 354
Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
UH Transcripts
Applicants who attended college in the UH system do not need to submit official transcripts for course work completed at UH. The Graduate Division will obtain these transcripts on behalf of the applicants.
MBA Course Transfer Credit Policy
(Credit for Courses Taken Elsewhere)
Part-time MBA students may transfer up to nine credit hours of graduate-level coursework (600-800 level) from an AACSB-accredited program with the approval of the Master Programs Coordinator. Credits used to fulfill the degree requirements of other Masters programs may not be transferred in for credit. Transfer credit will only be awarded for classes in which the student received a grade of “B” or better.
Due to the nature of the full-time MBA program, students in all full-time MBA programs may not transfer in any courses.
All requests for the transfer of credits must be completed by the first semester of a students program. Requests made after the completion of the first semester of coursework will not be approved.
To have coursework reviewed for transfer credit, students must submit a course description, syllabi and transcript from the course. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the Master Programs Coordinator in conjunction with the Graduate Division.
The following credits will not be accepted for transfer credit:
- Credits with grades of S, Cr, and P or any equivalent grade
- Credits earned for directed reading/research (x99) or thesis
- Credits more than seven years old
- Credits used to earn a previous degree
International Transcripts
Transcripts must be issued in the original language and indicate dates of attendance, all courses, credits or hours and grades received. The original transcripts must be accompanied by English translations. All English translations must be complete and exact word for word translations of the original documents. They must bear the official seal or stamp of the institution, and the translator's original signature. Do NOT convert numerical grades to letter grades. A complete grading scale or system of evaluation is required, if not indicated on the official transcript. Transcripts must indicate any degree, diploma, professional title, certificate or other academic credentials received. If not, submit official copies and English translations of all academic credentials.
Note to Students from Certain South Asian Countries
Students or graduates from institutions in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan must submit properly attested mark sheets for each year of study showing the subject included in each exam, the maximum mark in each subject, the minimum mark for passing, the mark obtained, and the "Division" or "Class" received. Academic records are accepted if attested by the registrar, assistant registrar, head of department, dean of student affairs, controller of exam, USEFI student advisor, professor-in-charge or principal.
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GMAT, TOEFL, and IELTS Standardized Test Scores
GMAT
Schedule a testing session for the GMAT via the Web site or by phone in the U.S.A. by calling 1-800-717-GMAT (1-800-717-4628) or 1-952-681-3680. In Hawaii, you may schedule an appointment to take the exam by calling the Pearson Professional Centers testing location at (808) 834-8909 or by visiting www.mba.com . Please request that your scores be sent to the University of Hawaii by using the following school codes:
- MBA applicants = PBQ-59-09
Plan for sufficient time to review and study for the GMAT, as it is a lengthy and challenging exam. At minimum, test takers are encouraged to utilize the free practice exam offered by GMAT upon registration, as well as review additional practice tests available in various study guides for sale at bookstores. Many applicants find that taking a review course helps improve their test scores. On exam day, ensure that you have directions to the test center and leave time to find parking; bring snacks and drinks with you in case no vending machines are accessible.
TOEFL and IELTS
Most applicants whose native language is not English need to submit official scores for either of these tests. Test scores cannot be more than two years old. An international applicant is exempt from the TOEFL, if he or she has earned a bachelor's or advanced degree within the last five years at a regionally accredited or recognized institution in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore or the United Kingdom.
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Submit Statement Of Objectives and Resume
Your resume should indicate work experience, internships and related activities. Please keep the length to 1-3 pages.
The Statement of Objectives should address the following questions:
- Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree at the Shidler College of Business at the University of Hawaii and how does it relate to your career objectives.
- Summarize what you expect to gain from participating in a graduate business program and how you plan to contribute to UH and your community with a graduate business degree.
- Describe your managerial experience and/or potential.
Your Statement of Objectives should be submitted by filling out the statement of objectives form and then printing and mailing it to the following address:
Shidler College of Business
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2404 Maile Way, G-202
Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Submit Letters of Recommendation (2)
All MBA applicants must submit two letters of recommendation by using the letter of recommendation form. The letters may be written by the applicant’s employer or by the applicant’s previous professors. Peer recommendations from friends, classmates, or co-workers are not acceptable. The letters should be written on company/university letterhead and sent in sealed envelopes. Please address the letters to the MBA Admissions Director, Jennifer Tutak, and mail them to:
Shidler College of Business
University of Hawaii at Manoa
2404 Maile Way, G-202
Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Only printed hard copies will be accepted by mail or drop-off. Letters of Recommendation may NOT be submitted electronically or via email.
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Keep in Touch
Keep in touch with us in the months prior to the admissions deadline to see how your application is progressing and if any required information is missing. You may e-mail busgrad@hawaii.edu, call us at (808) 956-8266 or fax (808) 956-2657. You may expect to hear about your admission within a month of when your file is complete. If you miss the application deadline, we will be glad to roll over your application to be considered for admission to the next semester. However, you will have to pay the $60 application fee again.
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Schedule an Academic Advising Appointment
Students will receive an initial academic advising session upon being admitted to the program. Thereafter students should consult their advisers on a regular basis to monitor their academic status and progress toward degree completion.
Contact us at busgrad@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-8266 to schedule an academic advising appointment.
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