Hawaii Pacific University - Program in Elementary Education - Overview
Innovative, Comprehensive Teacher Education Program
The School of Education at Hawai'i Pacific University (HPU) offers a professional certificate and a master's degree in elementary education. Graduates leave fully prepared to pass licensure examinations in 46 other states.
The programs provide field-based, inquiry-oriented, and standards-based curricula that prepare teachers for the challenges they will face in classrooms. Students gain experience in culturally diverse classrooms and work with faculty mentors with expertise in specific content areas. Faculty members and students are also active collaborators on research and community development programs.
The program offers convenient evening courses and web-based courses.
Professional Certificate in Elementary Education
The Professional Certificate in Elementary Education can be obtained through a 16-month licensure program or a 24-month licensure program with a master's degree. Private and public school teaching mentors guide HPU teacher candidates as they complete field experiences at partner schools.
HPU's concurrent program also allows undergraduates to pursue undergraduate and graduate credit simultaneously for the same course. Students have the option of taking 3 additional courses to complete a master's degree in elementary education.
Master of Education in Elementary Education
The School of Education at Hawai'i Pacific University offers a Master of Education (MEd) degree in Elementary Education. Students must complete a minimum of 42 semester hours that include seminar and field experience courses, teaching internships, research, and concentration courses in elementary instruction, curriculum, and assessment. Students use their field experiences to create portfolios of proficiencies and relevant experience.
In addition to receiving their teaching licensure for kindergarten through 6th grade, certificate graduates have taken positions as school librarians, curriculum specialists, school counselors, corporate trainers, and chief academic officers.
Service Learning Program
The HPU service learning program pairs students with nonprofits and businesses in order to respond to real community needs while allowing students to test theory through real life applications. Service learning can take on several forms, including "pure," discipline-based, or problem-based service learning.
M.Ed. students complete their service learning through the course Service Learning for Elementary Education. Service internships and community-based action research opportunities are also available.
Financial Assistance and Scholarships for MEd Candidates
Hawai'i Pacific University is considered one of the most affordable private colleges in the nation. HPU tuition is almost half the national average for private US colleges. The university also offers students a wide range of institutional scholarships and assistantships.
Graduate scholarships include the Graduate Trustee, Graduate Dean, and Graduate Kokua Scholarship programs. Additional funding is available from the Alumni Scholarship program and the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program.
MEd Faculty
All professors within the MEd program hold doctoral degrees in the field. They provide specific expertise. Professor Mani Sehgal, for example, researches the use of technologies to enhance instruction in mathematics. He is a member of the HPU Math Department. Valentina M. Abordonado is professor of English whose scholarly interests include gender and linguistic variation in written communication.
Graduate Housing at Hawai'i Pacific University
Graduate students have the opportunity to secure housing with the independent housing company, Hawai'i Student Housing. The 100 percent student community offers the cultural environment of a residence hall, along with the privacy of an apartment. The complex is located in Waikiki, about 30 minutes from campus.
Students can search for housing through eAds (electronic advertisements) on the HPU Pipeline. Apartments, rooms for rent, and fellow students seeking roommates are among the options available.
About Hawai'i Pacific University
Founded in 1965, Hawai'i Pacific University is the largest private university in the state, located in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Hawai'i Pacific University is recognized as a top university in academics, international diversity, and affordability. Both the "US News and World Report" and "Princeton Review" listed HPU as one of the top universities in the country's western region. In fact, "Bloomberg Businessweek" awarded the university the distinction of "Best Return on Investment of any Undergraduate Degree in Hawai'i."
The university is known as having one of the most culturally diverse student bodies in the nation, with students hailing from over 100 countries and all 50 states. The university also prides itself on its strong and vibrant academic programs, small class sizes, and student-centered approach to lifelong learning. HPU offers 14 graduate degree programs, 25 graduate certificates, and a number of graduate joint degrees.