The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu is unveiling a new slate of academic offerings – including another STEM degree – to address the state’s workforce needs, in time for the start of the Fall 2020 semester.

With a new degree – the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity – UH West Oʻahu grows its catalog to nine degree programs that are paired with concentrations in more than 40 disciplines. The additions align with UH West Oʻahu’s mandate to provide distinctive programs available to students living and working in West Oʻahu and also those who access classes through distance learning.

“As we welcome a record number of students to UH West O‘ahu, we’re delighted to be able to excite them with our newly expanded academic portfolio,” Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Jeffrey Moniz, said. “We add these new areas at the intersection of workforce demand, student interest, and our faculty’s areas of expertise, following a great deal of thoughtful planning. We’re elated to offer these valuable new choices to our West O‘ahu communities.”

The campus is also introducing diverse concentrations in Cyber Operations (Cybersecurity), Health Sciences (Natural Sciences), Life Science (Natural Sciences), and Film, Media and Popular Culture (Humanities). Furthermore, UH West O’ahu added certificates in Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing and Sustainability Issues.

UH West Oʻahu serves approximately 3,000 students with a range of degree programs that encourage students to explore courses outside of their degree disciplines to provide them with a multidisciplinary base while learning about different cultures. UH West Oʻahu offers traditional academic programs in addition to specialized programs in emerging fields, demonstrating its commitment to addressing workforce needs and preparing professionals for the area’s job market.

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity provides students with an advanced cybersecurity education in information security, mathematics, computer science, and computer engineering. This degree program prepares students to meet the advanced cybersecurity workforce requirements of public sector agencies and private sector enterprises. It supports both four-year students at UH West Oʻahu and pathway students from aligned Associate Degree programs from University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges.

UH West Oʻahu’s new concentrations:

• The Cyber Operations concentration builds upon the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity foundation in math, science, computer science, and cybersecurity with advanced technical cybersecurity topics including defensive and proactive activities, industrial control systems cybersecurity, cyber investigations, cyber detection and response, and communications and wireless technologies. Graduates will be able to holistically address the latest cybersecurity threats by applying the full spectrum of knowledge and advanced technical capabilities acquired. Cyber Operations is the first concentration under the new Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree.
• The Health Sciences concentration features courses that educate students on clinical healthcare, factors related to human health and disease, the human body, and cultural knowledge. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate appropriate laboratory techniques, triage methods based on CPR/AED/First Aid, and correct handling of bloodborne pathogens (via OSHA certification). Successful completion of the Health Sciences concentration prepares students for graduate studies in health professions or healthcare career options including health education, hospital management, health administration, health and wellness, and school health programs.
• Students with a concentration in Life Science gain experience in their chosen area of interest through a variety of electives. This includes courses in biology, zoology, cell and molecular biology, physiology, botany, marine biology, ecology, and microbiology. Students develop a high level of proficiency in laboratory techniques, research methods, experimental design, and science communication. Graduates can enter career fields as biologists, research coordinators, and specialists in connection with natural resource management, science policy, and science communication. 
• Students enrolled in the Film, Media, and Popular Culture concentration engage in analysis of cultural productions including film, television, popular music, and journalistic media. Students in the concentration select one of three tracks: Film and Television Studies, Music/Theatre, or Journalism/Media Analysis. This coursework provides a foundation for many career paths, including journalism or further study at the graduate level.

UH West Oʻahu’s new certificates:

The Certificate in Hawaiian & Indigenous Health & Healing strives to create an opportunity for non-traditional students and current healthcare professionals to add knowledge and value to their existing professional credentials. The certificate will also function as a pathway for the dissemination of traditional healing knowledge and skill that will serve as a model for other indigenous groups. Training consists of theoretical courses that focus on epidemiology and health disparities and practical courses in the Native Hawaiian traditional healing practices (hoʻoponopno or conflict resolution, lomi lomi or massage, and lāʻau lapaʻau or herbal medicines).

The Certificate in Sustainability Issues focuses on the analysis of key ecological and social issues in sustainability from the regional to the global scale. Through a holistic study of sustainability, the certificate aims to develop highly skilled and civic-minded graduates prepared to advance the green economy through new businesses and social enterprises, their chosen career path and preparing students for graduate-level training in disciplines such as Education, Hawaiian Studies, Anthropology, Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, Political Science or Urban and Regional Planning.