Liberal Studies

UHH Home > Academics > College of Arts and Sciences

The Liberal Studies Program is designed for the student in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) who wishes to (1) study a particular problem or theme through a multi-disciplinary constellation of courses, or (2) create an academic major-equivalent for which there are relevant courses but for which there is no approved degree program.

The major-equivalent must be an academically sound, interdisciplinary course of study with thematic integrity and continuity. A student seeking a Liberal Studies degree must work closely with an academic advisor to formulate the particular course of study to ensure academic substance and rigor. University regulations applying to prerequisites and graduation requirements apply to all students at UH Hilo, including those with approved Liberal Studies major-equivalents.

Any student in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or better) may apply for admission to the Liberal Studies degree program. At the time that the degree proposal is submitted to the Senate, a student must have at least 21 more credits of course work still to undertake in the major-equivalent beginning with the subsequent semester or term.

An application form for the major-equivalent must be completed, which will include the following: (a) a cover letter addressing the student’s intentions in applying for a Liberal Studies major-equivalent; (b) educational goals for the proposed program; (c) an explanation of why these goals cannot be achieved through an existing major program; (d) justification of the courses that will comprise the major-equivalent, which have a minimum of 33 semester hours, of which at least 24 hours must be in upper-division courses.

University regulations applying to prerequisites and graduation requirements apply to all students at UH Hilo, including those with approved Liberal Studies major-equivalents. (Please see the appropriate chapter in the Catalog which outlines baccalaureate degree and graduation requirements.)

The application form must be approved by the Faculty Advisor, the Liberal Studies Coordinator and the College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Senate. The form must be submitted to the Liberal Studies Coordinator no later than November 1 for the fall semester or April 1 for the spring semester. Once the proposal is accepted, the student should meet with the academic advisor each semester before registering.

Pre-Approved Programs of Study

In addition, the University offers two approved Liberal Studies programs: Recreational Management and Religious Studies. Details on these programs of study are below. Students should apply directly to the faculty member coordinating their area of interest:

In order to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, students must not only fulfill the requirements for the major but also meet all of the University's other baccalaureate degree requirements. Students wishing to make timely progress toward graduation are urged to pay careful attention to all degree requirements. In addition, when planning a schedule of courses, it is imperative to be aware of course prerequisites and the frequency with which courses are offered, information that is available for each course online. To ensure progress toward degree completion, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor each semester before registering.

Liberal Studies Faculty and Staff

  • Mikkelson, Douglas, Ph.D., Columbia University, History
  • Takahashi, Robin K., Ph.D., University of Hawaii, Recreation management, Elementary and Secondary physical education, School health concerns, Coaching