Hawaii Psychology Doctorate Programs
Table of Contents:
- Hawaii PsyD Programs
- Other Psychology Doctorates
- Program Comparison Table
- How to Become a Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii
- Hawaii Psychology Doctorate Salary Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
Like the rest of the United States, mental health is a growing concern in Hawaii. Rates of anxiety, severe mental illness, and other emotional problems continue to rise across the islands. Hawaii is also experiencing a critical shortage of trained mental health professionals, making it increasingly difficult for residents to access quality psychological care.
Fortunately, Hawaii offers several high-quality APA-accredited psychology doctorate programs for students committed to addressing these mental health challenges. Whether pursuing a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), aspiring psychologists have excellent educational opportunities in the Aloha State.
This comprehensive guide explores Hawaii psychology doctorate programs, licensing requirements, and career prospects for graduates seeking to make a difference in their communities.
Hawaii PsyD Programs
Students in Hawaii have access to two APA-accredited PsyD programs, each offering distinct approaches to clinical psychology training. These practitioner-focused programs emphasize hands-on clinical experience while maintaining strong academic foundations.
Chaminade University – Hawaii School of Professional Psychology
Chaminade’s School of Education and Behavioral Sciences houses the Hawaii School of Professional Psychology (HSPP), offering a PsyD in Clinical Psychology. This program has a distinguished history spanning over 40 years and received full APA accreditation through 2030.
The program is ranked as the 16th-best PsyD program in the nation, providing students with access to Hawaii’s largest psychological assessment library containing over 150 testing instruments. The 10:1 student-to-core-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention and mentorship throughout the five-year generalist program.
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
- Campus: Honolulu
- Annual tuition: $42,080
- Degrees offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA (Full Accreditation through 2030)
- Program length: 5 years
- Visit school: Chaminade PsyD Program
Hawaii Pacific University (NEW)
Hawaii Pacific University launched its PsyD in Clinical Psychology program and received APA accreditation on contingency status effective April 26, 2024, through April 26, 2029. This new program plans to apply for full accreditation in 2027.
HPU’s program utilizes a scientist-practitioner-advocate model and offers unique training opportunities at the intersection of Eastern and Western approaches to mental healthcare. The program emphasizes multicultural clinical competency with specialized training in Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian-American mental health.
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
- Campus: Honolulu
- Annual tuition: Contact school for current rates
- Degrees offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA (Accredited on contingency, 2024-2029)
- Program length: 5 years
- Unique features: Telehealth training, forensic assessment, behavioral medicine
- Visit school: HPU PsyD Program
Other Psychology Doctorates in Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology that has maintained APA accreditation since 1972. This research-focused program combines traditional PhD training with enhanced clinical experiences through an on-site cognitive behavioral therapy clinic.
The program has graduated 48 students over the past decade, with 79% achieving professional licensure—typical for PhD programs where many graduates pursue research or academic careers. Students benefit from Hawaii’s unique multicultural environment and opportunities for research in indigenous psychology and cross-cultural mental health.
- Institution type: Public
- Campus: Manoa
- Annual tuition: $15,600 in-state, $33,648 out-of-state (many students receive tuition remission)
- Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA (since 1972)
- Program focus: Research-oriented with clinical training
- Visit school: UH Manoa Clinical Psychology Program
Hawaii Psychology Doctorate Program Comparison
| Program Features | Chaminade PsyD | HPU PsyD | UH Manoa PhD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Focus | Clinical Practice | Clinical Practice + Cultural Competency | Research + Clinical Training |
| APA Accreditation Status | Full (through 2030) | Contingency (2024-2029) | Full (since 1972) |
| Program Length | 5 years | 5 years | 5-7 years |
| Annual Tuition | $42,080 | Contact School | $15,600 (in-state) |
| Special Features | Largest assessment library in Hawaii | Telehealth & multicultural focus | On-site CBT clinic |
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii
State licensure is required before an individual can legally practice as a psychologist in Hawaii. The licensing process follows established steps that ensure practitioners meet Hawaii’s professional standards.
Educational Requirements
Complete a bachelor’s degree program, ideally in psychology. While Hawaii doesn’t explicitly require undergraduate psychology majors, this foundation significantly helps with doctoral program admission and advanced coursework. Students from closely related fields like social work or biology may need to complete remedial psychology courses or earn a master’s degree before doctoral studies.
Earn a doctoral degree in psychology. Hawaii accepts doctoral degrees in psychology, educational psychology, or clinical psychology. While the state accepts both APA-accredited and non-APA-accredited programs, choosing an APA-accredited program streamlines the licensing process by reducing documentation requirements.
All doctoral programs must include a supervised internship period of at least 1,900 hours. Students should also consider the differences between PsyD and PhD programs when making their educational choice.
Post-Doctoral Requirements
Complete postdoctoral supervised experience. Hawaii requires 1,900 hours of postdoctoral supervised professional experience under a licensed psychologist. This requirement ensures new graduates gain practical experience before independent practice.
Pass the licensing examination. After completing educational and experience requirements, candidates become eligible to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Maintain active licensure. Hawaii psychologist licenses expire every two years, requiring ongoing continuing education and license renewal to maintain active status.
Hawaii Psychology Doctorate Salary Outlook
Psychology doctorate holders in Hawaii can expect significantly higher earnings than the state’s average worker. According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, clinical and counseling psychologists in Hawaii earn competitive salaries that reflect both the specialized nature of the profession and Hawaii’s unique economic landscape.
| Salary Metric | Hawaii Clinical Psychologists | Hawaii Average Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | $98,870 | $65,030 |
| Annual Median Wage | $97,700 | N/A |
| 75th Percentile | $111,240 | N/A |
| 90th Percentile | $122,440 | N/A |
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Hawaii earn approximately 52% higher wages than the state’s average worker. This significant premium reflects the specialized education, training, and licensure requirements necessary for psychology practice.
Job Growth Projections
The outlook for psychology careers in Hawaii remains exceptionally positive. While overall employment in the U.S. is expected to grow by approximately 4% over the next decade, clinical and counseling psychology positions are projected to grow by 7%—nearly double the national average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs, greater acceptance of psychological services, and ongoing efforts to address Hawaii’s shortage of mental health professionals. Explore additional psychology career paths and their earning potential.
Online Psychology Doctorate Options
While Hawaii’s on-campus programs offer unique advantages like multicultural training and island-specific clinical experiences, students may also consider accredited online PsyD programs to supplement their educational options.
Online programs can be particularly beneficial for:
- Working professionals seeking career transitions
- Students requiring schedule flexibility
- Those interested in specialized concentrations not available locally
- Military families with potential relocation requirements
However, students should carefully verify that any online program meets Hawaii’s licensing requirements and includes necessary practicum and internship components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between PsyD and PhD programs in Hawaii?
PsyD programs at Chaminade and HPU focus primarily on clinical practice and hands-on training, while the PhD program at UH Manoa emphasizes research alongside clinical training. Both prepare graduates for licensure, but career paths may differ based on individual goals.
How competitive are Hawaii psychology doctorate programs?
Hawaii psychology doctorate programs are highly competitive due to limited availability and strong applicant pools. Chaminade typically accepts 12-15 students annually, while UH Manoa accepts 4-6 students per year. Strong academic records, research experience, and clinical exposure improve admission chances.
Can I practice psychology in Hawaii with an online degree?
Hawaii accepts graduates from accredited programs, including some online programs, provided they meet all educational requirements including supervised internship experiences. However, students must verify that their chosen program fulfills Hawaii’s specific licensing requirements.
What specializations are available in Hawaii psychology programs?
Hawaii programs offer various specializations including cultural psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, and neuropsychology. HPU’s program specifically emphasizes multicultural competency and telehealth, while UH Manoa offers research concentrations in multiple areas.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Hawaii?
The complete process typically takes 7-9 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 5-6 years for doctoral studies (including internship), and 1-2 years for postdoctoral supervised experience before licensure eligibility.
Are there funding opportunities for psychology doctorate students in Hawaii?
UH Manoa frequently provides tuition remission and assistantships for PhD students. Private programs like Chaminade and HPU offer various financial aid options including scholarships, graduate assistantships, and federal student aid programs.
Hawaii offers excellent opportunities for aspiring psychologists through its APA-accredited programs and unique multicultural environment. Whether choosing the established programs at Chaminade and UH Manoa or the innovative new option at Hawaii Pacific University, students can prepare for meaningful careers addressing Hawaii’s critical mental health needs.
For more information about psychology doctorate programs nationwide, explore our comprehensive PsyD program rankings or learn about fully funded psychology doctorate programs.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists and Psychologists, all other. National labor market information and state labor market information also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2025.
