In February, Trade Media Hui announced a partnership with Hawai‘i Pacific University and the General Contractors Association of Hawaii to create a new master’s degree in construction management — the first program of its kind in Hawai‘i.
Since the announcement, much progress has been made while word of the new program continues to spread.
“To date, the University has generated over 300 inquiries from prospective students,” says Allison Gough, dean of HPU’s College of Business. HPU academic counselors have been working with prospective students to navigate the application process.
Course curriculum is now being developed by GCA Hawaii with an eye towards making the program accessible and its content relevant for the needs of the industry.
“Workforce development is an important priority for the GCA and we believe this program will equip the next generation of construction management professionals with the knowledge they need to join a construction company and make a meaningful impact from day one,” GCA Executive Director Cheryl Walthall says.
In a speech during Building Industry Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors Luncheon on June 26, HPU Provost Dr. Jennifer Walsh proudly declared that, following a rigorous application process, the master’s program had received formal accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission — a major milestone that’s crucial for HPU to achieve in order to be able to launch and begin offering courses this fall.
“In that short amount of time between last July, when [HPU and Trade Media Hui] had an initial brainstorming conversation … to today, we had a full-blown master’s program identified, developed [and] blessed by the GCA,” said Walsh. “We’re so fortunate and thankful to have sponsorship from both Trade Media Hui and the GCA to get us up and running.”
Gough says HPU expects the upcoming Fall 2024 semester to include “an initial cohort of five to 10 students, driving towards a full launch [of the program] in the spring semester.”
HPU is still seeking construction industry professionals to fill roles as instructors with the program. Those interested should contact Gough via email at [email protected].
