2026-2027 UH Mānoa Catalog [DRAFT]
Interdisciplinary Studies Program
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Physical Science Building 203/205
2505 Correa Rd
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7297
Email: isp@hawaii.edu
Web: manoa.hawaii.edu/undergrad/is/
Director: A. Schiffner
The objective of the Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) Program is to provide students with an opportunity to pursue an integrated course of study that is not restricted to conventional departmental or unit boundaries. The IS Program promotes academic innovation, emerging fields, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The IS program offers a BA degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with different thematic areas of focus. Students pursuing a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies will follow a predesigned or self-designed program of study. Pre-designed IS programs have a course of study articulated by faculty experts from multidisciplinary fields. Self-designed IS programs have a course program of study proposed by the student in collaboration with faculty experts.
The BA in Interdisciplinary Studies requires coherent coursework from a minimum of three discipline areas under a specific thematic area of focus (i.e. sports leadership, health studies, peace studies, social sciences of oceans, sustainability, etc.). Area focus titles are listed on the BA Interdisciplinary Studies diploma.
IS majors must satisfy the UH Mānoa degree graduation requirements and General Education Core to be eligible for a bachelor’s degree. Students must also maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for the major courses. These courses may not be taken CR/NC, unless mandatory.
For details on admission and IS program options, please contact the ISP Office and visit our website.
Students interested in pursuing an IS degree should contact the Interdisciplinary Studies Office to schedule an orientation with an IS advisor.
Certificates Offered
One Health Interdisciplinary Studies Undergraduate Certificate
The One Health concept is rooted in the understanding of the interdependence of human and natural systems. It recognizes that the health of people is closely connected with the health of animals and the environment. It is in harmony with Mauli Ola, the Hawaiian concept of physical, spiritual and mental health and of social and cultural wellbeing and is deeply rooted in the indigenous belief that the health of the individual and the community are inextricably linked to the health of the environment.
The One Health Undergraduate Certificate Program at the University of Hawai’i prepares students with the skills and knowledge to work collaboratively across disciplines to solve real-world problems. Based in the UH Manoa Interdisciplinary Studies Program, it is a partnership of faculty from the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), the Office of Public Health Studies (OPHS) in the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health (TSSWPH), the Pacific Biosciences Research Center (PBRC) in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).
The One Health certificate will benefit students pursuing a wide range of professions in human, animal or environmental health. Examples of career opportunities include professionals in human health (doctors, nurses, public health practitioners, epidemiologists, research scientists), animal health (veterinarians, veterinary technicians, agricultural workers), and environmental health (ecologists, wildlife experts). Other One Health-related careers include science writing, food safety, disaster preparedness, global disease surveillance, policy, and sustainability practices.
Degrees Offered
Please see the “Programs” section below for more information.
ProgramsBachelor’sUndergraduate Certificate
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