Programs

In Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing our primary goal is to train 21st century health professionals to interface with concepts of Native Hawaiian well-being and practitioners of traditional Hawaiian healing modalities. There are two programs available for learners who are interested in HIHH at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu: a 4-year Bachelor of Applied Science as well as an 18-credit Certificate.

The BAS and Certificate in HIHH are transdisciplinary in nature and prepare graduates to solve the problems of the future by utilizing cutting-edge social sciences and traditional knowledge.

HIHH Degree

The Bachelor of Applied Science degree option can be completed in as little as 2 years of full-time study as a transfer student from a community college or other university or 4 years if starting as a first-year college student. Following or concurrent to completion of general education credits, there are three main categories of core HIHH courses.

Program Learning Outcomes:

CLO-1: Identify, analyze, document and write about local and global issues affecting Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health and healing within physical, mental, social, and spiritual domains.

CLO-2: Demonstrate knowledge of and communicate orally aspects of Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health and healing values, methods, and practice.

CLO-3: Conduct research involving Native Hawaiian and Indigenous health and healing issues utilizing cultural research methodologies.

CLO-4: Provide solutions to Native Hawaiian and indigenous healthcare disparities and ethical and cultural dilemmas through policies, principles, and practices within the fields of social work, public health, and healthcare.

CLO-5: Identify and apply Native Hawaiian and Indigenous frameworks, models, values and protocols within health and healing practices.

Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Introductory Requirements: 9 credits

  • PUBA 104 Introduction to Community Health (3) OR
  • HLTH 117 Survey of Health Professions (3) OR
  • HLTH 123 Introduction to Clinical Skills and Patient Care (3)
  • HLTH 204 Introduction to Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (3)
  • HLTH 205 Hawaiian Ways of Healing (3)

Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Theoretical Requirements: 6 credits

  • HLTH 360 Health Disparities and Pacific Peoples (3)
  • HLTH 450 Theories of Disease Distribution Across Cultures (3) 

Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Practical Requirements: 9 credits

  • HLTH 300 Hoʻoponopono Novice Level A (3)/HLTH 400 Hoʻoponopono Novice Level B (3)
  • HLTH 305 Laʻau Lapaʻau Novice Level A (3)/HLTH 405 Laʻau Lapaʻau Novice Level B (3)
  • HLTH 310 Lomi Lomi Novice Level A (3)/HLTH 410 Lomi Lomi Novice Level B (3)

A Bachelor of Applied Science in HIHH will prepare graduates for future graduate work in public health, social work, or any other allied health profession with the proper preparation. This degree will also prepare graduates for entry-level positions in public health such as research assistant or program assistant in a government or non-profit agency aimed at addressing Hawaiian and Pacific health disparities.

See the full program sheet for the BAS in HIHH here.

Student working in front of a bright computer screen in a dark room.

HIHH Certificate

The Certificate in HIHH is an 18-credit program that can be used as a “minor” in combination with another Bachelorʻs degree from UHWO or as a standalone degree for individuals who want to learn the core concepts of the HIHH program, but cannot commit to full 4-year program such as retirees or working professionals. As a standalone program, the Certificate in HIHH is an excellent way to supplement existing knowledge or professional credentials for those already working in health professions, political science, sociology, nutrition, or even non-health or science careers such as law, education, business administration, public administration, or justice administration. This program is designed to be completed in 3-4 semesters of coursework, but could be completed in as little as two semesters for working professionals who are returning to school and already have a previous degree.

The course requirements for the Certificate in HIHH is a streamlined version of the Bachelor of Applied Science.

Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Introductory Requirements: 6 credits

  • HLTH 204 Introduction to Hawaiian and Indigenous Health and Healing (3)
  • HLTH 205 Hawaiian Ways of Healing (3)

Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Theoretical Requirements: 6 credits

  • HLTH 360 Health Disparities and Pacific Peoples (3)
  • HLTH 450 Theories of Disease Distribution Across Cultures (3) 

Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing Practical Requirements: 6 credits

  • HLTH 300 Hoʻoponopono Novice Level A (3)/HLTH 400 Hoʻoponopono Novice Level B (3)
  • HLTH 305 Laʻau Lapaʻau Novice Level A (3)/HLTH 405 Laʻau Lapaʻau Novice Level B (3)
  • HLTH 310 Lomi Lomi Novice Level A (3)/HLTH 410 Lomi Lomi Novice Level B (3)

See the full program sheet for the Certificate in HIHH here.