Exploring the Diverse Programs at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu

The University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu (UH West Oʻahu) offers a wide array of programs designed to cater to diverse academic and professional interests. This article provides an overview of the university's offerings, encompassing bachelor's degrees, certificates, and other specialized programs, while also touching upon student life and resources.

Academic Overview

The University of Hawaiʻi-West Oʻahu General Catalog serves as a primary resource for prospective and current students. It contains vital information about the University’s policies, services, and general information. However, the university emphasizes that the catalog is not a legally binding contract and that changes to courses, program requirements, tuition, fees, and services may occur without prior notice. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with faculty and academic advisors for the most up-to-date details.

With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1 and 47% of classes having fewer than 20 students, UH West Oʻahu aims to provide a personalized learning environment. The university's freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, stands at 70%.

Popular Majors and Programs

UH West Oʻahu boasts a range of popular majors, reflecting the evolving needs of the job market and student interests. Some of the most sought-after programs include:

Business Administration and Management, General
Social Sciences, General
Public Administration
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
Education, General
Humanities/Humanistic Studies
Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism
Natural Sciences

Degree and Certificate Programs

The university offers a diverse selection of degree and certificate programs, catering to a wide range of academic and professional aspirations. These programs are offered in various modalities, including on-site and distance education.

Bachelor's Degrees

Applied Science: This program was initially offered on-site starting in 2008, with a distance education option added in 2022.
Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media: Available both on-site and via distance education since 2019.
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities: Offered via distance education since 2021.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, concentration in Sustainable Community Food: A new on-site program starting in 2024.
Bachelor of Education: Available via distance education since 2021, with an additional distance education option launching in 2024.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity: An on-site program since 2020.
Bachelor of Science in Natural Science: An on-site program since 2019.
Business Administration: Available both on-site and via distance education since 1981.
Education: An on-site program since 2007.
Humanities: An on-site program since 1978.
Public Administration: Available both on-site and via distance education since 1981.
Social Sciences: An on-site program since 2001.

Non-Degree Certificates

Applied Forensic Anthropology: An on-site program since 2006.
Asian Studies: An on-site program since 2017.
Certificate in Digital Marketing: A distance education program starting in 2024.
Certificate in Hawaiian Language: Offered both on-site and via distance education since 2022.
Certificate in Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing: Offered both on-site and via distance education since 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Certificate in Hawaiian-Pacific Studies: Offered both on-site and via distance education since 2022.
Certificate in Labor Studies: A distance education program since 2022.
Certificate in Long Term Care: A distance education program since 2021.
Certificate in Sustainability Issues: Offered both on-site and via distance education since 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management: An on-site program since 2014.
Gender Studies: An on-site program since 2019.
Health Care Administration: An on-site program since 2007.
Music: An on-site program since 2018.
Risk Management and Insurance: An on-site program since 2012.
Social Science Health and Medicine Certificate: A distance education program starting in 2024.
Substance Abuse and Addictions Studies: Offered both on-site and via distance education since 2003.

Health Professions Concentration

The Health Professions concentration provides students with a foundation for careers in healthcare. The curriculum includes courses in natural sciences, social sciences, and liberal arts, along with application-based coursework.

A General Health Sciences plan is designed to prepare pre-nursing students for nursing academic pathways.
Specializations allow students to follow specific career paths and fulfill prerequisites for graduate or professional schools in medicine and health sciences.

Internships/Practicums

All Health Professions students are required to complete an approved, graded, and supervised internship/practicum. This experience integrates classroom learning with practical application in a healthcare environment, allowing students to develop clinical skills and contribute to community organizations. UH West Oʻahu has partnerships with various healthcare organizations, offering students a wide range of opportunities. Potential sites include hospitals, healthcare clinics, private physician offices, physical therapy clinics, long-term care facilities, and community-based services.

Careers and Earning Potential

Health professions is one of the fastest growing career areas in Hawaiʻi, with an increasing need for healthcare support staff. Data indicates that health science careers occupy a significant portion of the fastest-growing jobs in Hawaiʻi.