Chaminade Core Curriculum
Chaminade Core Curriculum
Foundations, Values and Integration of Knowledge – General Education Requirements
Approved Chaminade University of Honolulu General Education Model Structure including clarifications & changes accepted on 8-21-2019 by faculty.
Academic Programs
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Accounting
Accounting
Accounting is certainly a timeless profession, but it’s also one that’s evolving and adapting rapidly in the digital age. Chaminade’s Accounting major is designed to prepare you for those new challenges and new opportunities, offering a rock-solid foundation of coursework, an ethical framework, hands-on learning and analysis on developments and trends in the profession.
Bachelor's
Minor
Anthropology
Anthropology
Are you hungry to learn about the cultures of different populations? If so, you’ll enjoy studying the different beliefs and practices of various cultures and have the opportunity to compare the similarities and differences among diverse groups. The Anthropology minor will give you insight on ethnic identity in varied cultural settings.
Minor
Asian and Pacific Studies
Asian and Pacific Studies
Explore the rich religious traditions of Asia and the Pacific with this specialized minor. Key courses consider the dialogues between Christianity and Buddhism, the diversity of religions across India and religious experience in the development of Hawaiian society, from pre-contact to the monarchy.
Minor
Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral Sciences
Why do we behave the way we do? What motivates us to act in certain ways? And what influences human behaviors and motivations? If you’re fascinated by these questions—like we are—then the Behavioral Sciences major might be right for you.
Bachelor's
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Central to all natural sciences, biochemistry lies at the intersection of chemistry, biology, genetics and medicine from which new disciplines have emerged—bioengineering, immunochemistry and neurochemistry, among others.
Bachelor's
Minor
Biology
Biology
Biology is, put simply, the study of life.
Life in all of its forms. And living organisms in all their complexities, structures and relationships. Chaminade’s biology program is designed to give students the intellectual freedom to pursue their interests in a vast field of study while ensuring a core of foundational knowledge that’s required for research and lab work, graduate studies, and careers in the sciences.
Our program is excellent preparation for medical school or health professions, graduate programs, careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, science policy and academia. Students are also able to take advantage of the rich biological diversity in the islands—along with the incredible breadth and depth of scientific inquiry underway in Hawaii.
As part of your studies in biology, you’ll be exposed to cutting-edge and contemporary coursework and rigorous laboratory courses that feature advanced instrumentation and technique. Students also receive individualized instruction, including through a capstone research experience, and access to career preparation opportunities and internships.
Bachelor's
Minor
Business Administration
Business Administration
We believe that learning doesn’t just take place in a classroom, but wherever you’re building new relationships in your field of study or completing a real-world project in a hands-on learning experience. That’s why the Business Administration program seeks to individualize learning, offering faculty mentorships, peer-to-peer learning and opportunities for personal growth.
Bachelor's
Master's
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration (Online)
- Master of Business Administration in Accounting
- Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration (Online)
- Master of Business Administration in Island Business
- Master of Business Administration in Not-For-Profit
- Master of Business Administration in Science and Technology Innovation (Online)
Minor
Associate's
Certificate
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is dubbed “the central science.” And for good reason. Chemists study matter — everything that makes up the universe. With observations, theory and field and laboratory work, they work to better understand the properties of all the substances that we can see along with the stuff that we can’t — and how and why those substances combine, separate and interact.
Bachelor's
Minor
Christian Studies
Christian Studies
The Christian Studies minor stresses a robust and reflective exploration of Christian scripture and faith in the context of a multicultural, interfaith dialogue. Along the way, students are challenged to consider problems facing the world through the lenses of Christian ethics, morality and teachings.
Minor
Communication
Communication
The power of communicating effectively shouldn’t ever be underestimated. Effective communication can change minds. It can move people, stir them. It can trigger tears or laughter. “The art of communication,” speechwriter James Hume said, “is the language of leadership.”
Indeed, it is.
And that’s all the more true in the digital age—the age of “going viral” and of nearly instantaneous impact. When the medium can be just as important as the message, and when there’s always a new or emerging digital platform to get comfortable with.
Bachelor's
Minor
Community and Public Health
Community and Public Health
When people consider the health care system in the US, they often think of hospitals, clinics and doctor’s offices. But a rapidly growing segment of patient care is now delivered in communities. Health educators, nonprofit administrators, community advocates, data analysts and others are contributing to a holistic continuum of care aimed at helping patients live longer, more active and healthier lives.
Chaminade’s B.S. in Community and Public Health is designed to prepare you for a significant role in this network of care at a time of double-digit growth in the sector.
Bachelor's
Computer Information Systems
Computer Information Systems
Computer architecture. Internet and network management. Cybersecurity essentials.
Those are some of the foundational study areas students will master as part of our individualized and hands-on core in the Computer Information Systems minor. Open to all majors, this minor also stresses critical thinking on relevant ethical issues.
Minor
Counseling Psychology
Counseling Psychology
The study of psychology is, of course, about the brain—about how we behave, about interactions we have with others, about how we cope. For many of our students, though, it is also about how we can learn to help others lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
It’s for that reason that our bachelor’s degree in psychology program emphasizes the whole person—mental, behavioral, emotional and spiritual, giving our students the tools they need to succeed in mental health professions that are both emotionally taxing and incredibly rewarding.
Our world-class faculty also stresses compassionate practice and individualized mentorship opportunities. And as a program, we seek to: Broaden student perspectives and life experiences, emphasize multicultural-attuned teaching and learning, and stress service learning opportunities.
In our program, students can choose from traditional or online coursework. Either way, participants will get a broad understanding of psychological concepts, including counseling theory, applied psychology, cross-cultural psychology and research methods.
Graduates of our program are prepared to seek advanced degrees in psychology, including Chaminade’s master of science in counseling psychology and doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.). Other potential career options include in the fields of business, medicine, education, government and law.
Master's
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Let’s face it: Crime happens.
And if you want to solve crime, study it or seek out justice, you’ve come to right place.
Our Criminology and Criminal Justice program is the largest, oldest and most notable in Hawaii. Our award-winning program offers theory-based and experiential learning experiences, a suite of internships and career development programs, and a supportive, vibrant and innovative learning environment.
We offer a bachelor’s degree through daytime or online coursework, which prepares our graduates to pursue careers in law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice or criminology or an advanced degree, including in law or criminology research. Our curriculum gives students an understanding of: the complexities of the American criminal justice system, causes of crime, criminal justice law and research and the basic techniques of crime scene investigation.
We are particularly proud of the immersive learning experiences we offer students. In crime scene re-enactments, for example, students learn a host of invaluable skills such as how to secure a crime scene, interview a witness and properly collect and preserve evidence. We also offer a number of exciting and unique electives, including underwater evidence recovery.
Bachelor's
Master's
Minor
Associate's
Police Academy Credit
Students enrolling who are actively employed in law enforcement may receive up to 18 credit hours for their academy instruction based on an examination of the academy curriculum.
Pre-Law
The pre-law student will select a major field of study in any of the majors offered University-wide. All majors require electives and those electives can be chosen in areas other than the student’s major field of study. Students who choose a pre-law path would select courses with the assistance of their pre-law advisor.
Data Science, Analytics and Visualization
Data Science, Analytics and Visualization
The Data Science, Analytics and Visualization program is about preparing graduates for the data revolution that is occurring in every sector of the economy. Data science is the fastest growing sector in computer science with millions of high-paying jobs emerging rapidly. That’s why we developed Hawaii’s first-ever data science degree. An exceptional technical foundation is paired with an emphasis on data ethics and communication. Tailored programs allow you to specialize in business analytics, healthcare informatics, environmental analytics or science and technology analytics. You'll participate in internships and real-world projects with big businesses, small businesses, agencies and community organizations and have numerous opportunities to connect with future employers.
Bachelor's
Minor
Economics
Economics
Students in the Economics minor will learn not only how to evaluate real-world economic decision-making, but how to apply economic tools to real-world problems. A key part of this minor: A hands-on, student-driven research project designed to demonstrate critical thinking skills—and an understanding of key economic principles.
Minor
Education
Education
Teachers build the future, shaping tomorrow’s leaders one by one. Or, as the historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.”
Bachelor's
- B.S. Elementary Education
- B.S. Elementary Education (Online)
- B.A. Elementary Education for Oceania (Distance Learning Online)
- B.S. Early Childhood Education (Online)
- B.S. Early Childhood Education with Montessori Credential (Online)
- B.S. Secondary Education (Online)
- B.S. Special Education (Online)
- Child Development Associate Credential (Online)
Master's
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood (PK-3)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Montessori (PK-K)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (K-6) (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education (6-12) (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (K-12) (Online)
- Master of Education
Doctorate
Minor
Associate's
Certificate
English
English
English majors come with all sorts of passions: passions for reading, for writing, for copy editing, for literary analysis, for teaching. But they all share one thing: a love of a language as beautiful and multifaceted and alive as it is challenging to master.
Our English major stresses creativity, analysis and critical thinking. Students are given the tools they need to pursue graduate or professional studies and careers that require robust writing skills, clear and effective communication and critical thinking.
Bachelor's
Minor
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
Climate change. Ecosystem degradation. The extinction of species. Our world is facing environmental threats unprecedented in the history of humanity — and needs professionals armed with the tools to not only understand environmental problems but who also know how to address them.
The multi-disciplinary approach in Chaminade’s bachelor’s of science in Environmental Science offers just that. Building on a foundation of knowledge and using observation and research, students are challenged to consider environmental problems and their solutions from different perspectives, from a scientific lens to a legal, social or cultural one.
Bachelor's
Certificate
- Environmental Pre-Law Certificate
Environmental Studies
Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies major offers a multi-disciplinary approach, allowing you to analyze environmental problems—and their potential responses—through a variety of perspectives, including policy and law, science, economics, ethics, values and cultural sensitivity and awareness. You’ll learn how to bring communities together to develop lasting solutions to some of our most pressing environmental issues. Today, amid growing threats to our planet, the need for experts who are able to navigate the complex web of environmental issues and offer insight and solutions has never been higher.
Bachelor's
Certificate
- Certificate in Environmental Studies
- Environmental Pre-Law Certificate
Environmental + Interior Design
Environmental + Interior Design
The mission of Chaminade University’s Environmental + Interior Design Program is to educate, engage and empower students to optimize design of the built environment as it relates to our global, multi- cultural, multi-generational living and working communities. Graduates are prepared to make the transition to entry-level professional practice and to collaborate with architects and related industry professionals.
Bachelor's
Associate's
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
Do you speak through your art? Become fluent with a minor in Fine Arts, which offers a special concentration in Studio Art. The program includes foundational courses in art appreciation and art history, but stresses individualized growth, self-expression and creativity through hands-on courses.
Minor
Forensic Sciences
Forensic Sciences
The Forensic Sciences program will give you the skills you need to advance justice through the application of science and technology. 86 percent of our graduates secure science-related positions after graduating, including as forensic investigators or laboratory scientists. Our world-renowned faculty will teach you how to document, collect and analyze physical evidence, review the legal system and understand the ethical guidelines that govern forensic sciences. As a forensics student, you’ll complete a rigorous, 135-hour internship and gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art labs and on-campus crime scene house.
Bachelor's
Minor
Hawaiian and Pacific Studies
Hawaiian and Pacific Studies
The Hawaiian and Pacific Studies minor isn’t simply a course of study, it’s a transformative scholarly community. Students seek to contextualize contemporary Hawaiian and Pacific cultural, political and environmental issues across a wide range of disciplines, taking advantage of Chaminade’s diversity and location in the Pacific.
Minor
Historical and Political Studies
Historical and Political Studies
The major in Historical and Political Studies will help you shine a light on our social structures and understand global political systems. You’ll graduate ready to pursue a career in law, government, politics or teaching, or to continue your graduate studies. Our faculty will challenge you constantly to consider different perspectives and to reflect on your daily practices and understandings of the world.
Bachelor's
Minor
History
History
The History minor challenges students to analyze historical events and political developments using a diversity of perspectives, including those that emerge from communities across the Pacific. In this way, students use the tools and methods of modern historians, learning by doing rather than by memorization.
Minor
Hogan Entrepreneurial Program
Hogan Entrepreneurial Program
Students interested in starting their own business are invited to participate in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Program. It’s a one- or two-year certificate program open to undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students. As a participant, you’ll learn first-hand from experienced Hawaii business leaders and entrepreneurs about the business of getting a new idea up and running. You’ll learn what it takes to start your own business by participating in academic coursework, weekly lectures, mentorships and internships with local business leaders, study abroad trips, business competitions and community service projects.
In this program, students learn first-hand from experienced Hawaii business leaders and entrepreneurs about the business of getting a new idea up and running. This involves:
Academic coursework
Carefully chosen mentorships and internships with seasoned business leaders
Attendance at our weekly lecture series
Broadening horizons by study trips to other locales, such as our trips to China
Broadening perspectives, contributing to the community and honing people skills through community service
An opportunity to participate in planning an actual venture with our non-profit business plan competition
Certificate
Interdisciplinary Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
The major in Interdisciplinary Studies is designed to be flexible--it’s up to you to craft it into what suits your passion. You’ll take courses across the social sciences and arts, from English Literature to Environmental Studies, before designing your own course of study in an area you’re passionate about. Also required for the degree: An extended research project that culminates in the completion of a senior thesis under the direction of an advisor.
The Interdisciplinary Studies major offers an academic experience in the liberal arts tradition, full of opportunities for personal exploration, reflection and growth. It also stresses analytical thinking and bringing together perspectives across broad and diverse fields of knowledge.
Bachelor's
International Studies
International Studies
Hawaii has long been known as the crossroads of the Pacific—a central and multicultural gathering place. The International Studies degree program reflects the unique nature of our island home. As a student, you may choose to concentrate in International Relations through the School of Humanities and Fine Arts, or in International Trade through the School of Business and Communication. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for graduate level work in a number of disciplines as well as careers in government, diplomacy, international business, NGOs, international development, humanitarian aid and international affairs.
Bachelor's
Minor
Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts is an interdisciplinary program that offers the opportunity to explore issues and ideas across academic disciplines. You will learn to think critically and broadly in a variety of different ways.
The liberal arts program will challenge you to consider not only how to solve problems, but also to ask the questions of “how” and “why,” necessary to prepare you to become a leader in your career and the larger community.
Associate's
Management
Management
Our Management degree will help you understand the power of effective leadership and the myriad elements required to ensure organizations are run effectively and are able to compete in the marketplace. You’ll learn key concepts in accounting, marketing and finance, and you’ll gain an understanding of organizational structure, culture, human resource management systems and how leadership styles influence employee effectiveness. Courses are offered in an accelerated format online.
Bachelor's
Marketing
Marketing
Marketing is multi-faceted.
There’s brand management, professional sales, market research, customer service. A marketing minor prepares you for a career or further studies in any of these areas with an emphasis on strategies for transforming an idea into a successful brand message or product positioning platform.
Minor
Communication
Communication
The power of communicating effectively shouldn’t ever be underestimated. Effective communication can change minds. It can move people, stir them. It can trigger tears or laughter. “The art of communication,” speechwriter James Hume said, “is the language of leadership.”
Indeed, it is.
And that’s all the more true in the digital age—the age of “going viral” and of nearly instantaneous impact. When the medium can be just as important as the message, and when there’s always a new or emerging digital platform to get comfortable with.
Bachelor's
Minor
Mathematics
Mathematics
Humans have been crunching numbers for just about as long as we’ve been around. Mathematics, after all, isn’t simply about solving equations but applying those answers to bigger questions in society. The Mathematics minor honors that tradition by stressing application while ensuring a strong foundation of theory.
Minor
Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences
The Natural Sciences program offers a broad and interdisciplinary foundation in the sciences: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, forensic sciences and physics. You will learn a skills to research, evaluate and analyse information as well as the ability to work methodically and accurately.
Hands-on learning is so central to what we do, we’ve built service-learning projects into our curriculum, giving students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they’ve learned in real-world settings.
Associate's
Nursing
Nursing
Our Nursing degree program immerses students in “the life of a nurse” from day one, enrolling students in community outreach projects and supervised clinical experiences designed to develop the whole person professionally — mind, body and spirit.
Along the way, students receive mentorship, state-of-the-art learning tools and robust academic advising.
Our accredited program, aligned with national academic standards, also offers students an educational foundation in the humanities and sciences, and fosters an attitude of intellectual and critical inquiry that promotes evidence-based, cutting-edge practice.
In other words, we’re here to prepare nurses-to-be for an ever-changing, dynamic health care system —and a singularly rewarding and incredibly fulfilling career.
Bachelor's
Pastoral Theology
Pastoral Theology
Theological reflection as preparation for active ministry.
That approach underscores our Master of Pastoral Theology degree—a program of study designed to stress personal growth, community connections and service-learning opportunities. Student coursework centers on moral theology with an emphasis on the Roman Catholic tradition, and graduates can go on to serve as ministers, chaplains or educators.
Master's
Certificate
Performing Arts
Performing Arts
The minor in Performing Arts is not simply aimed at arming students with an understanding of theatre and music. Instead, the program stresses informed experience – knowledge gained not merely by seeing, but knowledge gained by doing, flexing creative muscles and growing as an artist.
Minor
Philosophy
Philosophy
Humans have studied philosophy for centuries. And while the Philosophy minor treks back in time to examine arguments hatched generations ago, its students are challenged to push forward—and apply traditional Western and Eastern philosophical themes and critical thought to key issues facing the world today.
Minor
Physics
Physics
The minor in Physics, geared toward students majoring in the sciences, is designed to provide a strong academic core in the discipline while also stressing key skills, including critical problem solving, applying reasoning to explain natural phenomena, and deploying theory to inform data.
Minor
Political Science
Political Science
The minor in Political Science is designed to offer a robust preparation for graduate studies or careers in the areas of government, law, journalism or policy-making. Through engaging courses, students dig into historical and contemporary issues to critically analyze political structures and settings.
Minor
Psychology
Psychology
The study of psychology is, of course, about the brain—about how we behave, about interactions we have with others, about how we cope. For many of our students, though, it is also about how we can learn to help others lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
It’s for that reason that our bachelor’s degree in psychology program emphasizes the whole person—mental, behavioral, emotional and spiritual, giving our students the tools they need to succeed in mental health professions that are both emotionally taxing and incredibly rewarding.
Our world-class faculty also stresses compassionate practice and individualized mentorship opportunities. And as a program, we seek to: Broaden student perspectives and life experiences, emphasize multicultural-attuned teaching and learning, and stress service learning opportunities.
In our program, students can choose from traditional or online coursework. Either way, participants will get a broad understanding of psychological concepts, including counseling theory, applied psychology, cross-cultural psychology and research methods.
Graduates of our program are prepared to seek advanced degrees in psychology, including Chaminade’s master of science in counseling psychology and doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.). Other potential career options include in the fields of business, medicine, education, government and law.
Bachelor's
Doctorate
Minor
Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Our Religious Studies program is grounded in Roman Catholic theology and Marianist educational philosophy. And it stresses in-depth reflection on the nature of religious experience in the context of an interfaith and multicultural dialogue in our communities and globally.
Students seek to explore the meaning of faith in action, the role of spiritual growth, and the importance of seeking justice through sacred service. Among the themes explored in both online and day courses: The historical development of Catholic theology, Christianity’s relationship with other major world religions, ethics and morality, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
As a Catholic institution and one of only three Marianist universities in the nation, we are honored to offer this robust and action-oriented major at Chaminade. Graduates are prepared to teach in religious-affiliated schools, enter seminary or continue on to graduate studies.
Bachelor's
Minor
Secondary Education
Secondary Education
One of the most-watched TED Talks about education is from teacher Rita Pierson, whose grandparents and parents were educators, too. Speaking to a packed hall, Pierson said that she’s seen plenty of educational reforms in her 40 years as a teacher. But, she said, what’s rarely talked about in education is the value of making connections—of positive relationship-building.
Young people, Pierson said, need people in their lives who will encourage them when they’re making progress, applaud them when they succeed, and remember how tough it was to be a kid.
“Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be,” Pierson said, adding, with a wide smile, “We’re educators. We’re born to make a difference.”
We couldn’t agree with her more.
Teachers make a positive difference in young people’s lives every single day, and that’s especially true in secondary education. Need proof? Just think back on how important your positive relationships with teachers were when you were in middle and high school. Think back on that high school literature teacher who made Shakespeare’s works come alive or that seventh-grade pre-algebra teacher who wasn’t happy until you understood a concept fully.
We won’t lie. Teaching is not easy, especially at the secondary level. You’ll have good days, some not so good days and a few really tough days. But we’re here to give you the educational foundation you’ll need to succeed, creating learning environments that will help students thrive.
Once you complete the Secondary Education program, you’ll be licensed to teach grades 6 through 12 in your core content area (English, Mathematics, Science or Social Studies) in Hawaii and most other states. The best part: Much of your coursework can be completed online, giving you extra flexibility while you gear up for student teaching opportunities in your area.
Bachelor's
Sociology
Sociology
Social institutions and functions are all around us—so much so that we sometimes neglect to consider their significant roles in our lives. The Sociology minor offers students opportunities to better inspect and understand society, considering such constructs as class, gender and race—and societal groups like the family.
Minor
Special Education
Special Education
It’s about giving everyone a chance, and having the compassion and to teach students with disabilities to be successful learners.
The Bachelor of Science in Special Education 3+1 Program is for students transferring from Leeward Community College. It is designed to prepare you for special education careers in diverse and multicultural schools. Graduates of this program can be licensed to teach Special Education K-12, K-6, or 6-12.
Bachelor's
Teaching
Teaching
Teaching isn’t just a profession, it’s an art form.
A good teacher is as skilled at a difficult, rewarding and beautiful craft as a noted sculptor, a concert pianist or a professional ballerina. Teaching takes perseverance, it takes skill, and it takes practice. Lots of practice. That’s why our master of arts in teaching program stresses theory and the application of knowledge, and prepares teachers for all the challenges of leading a classroom.
Master's
Certificate
Teaching
Teaching
Teachers build the future, shaping tomorrow’s leaders one by one. Or, as the historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.”
Bachelor's
- B.S. Elementary Education
- B.S. Elementary Education (Online)
- B.A. Elementary Education for Oceania (Distance Learning Online)
- B.S. Early Childhood Education (Online)
- B.S. Early Childhood Education with Montessori Credential (Online)
- B.S. Secondary Education (Online)
- B.S. Special Education (Online)
- Child Development Associate Credential (Online)
Master's
- Master of Arts in Teaching
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood (PK-3)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Montessori (PK-K)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education (K-6) (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education (6-12) (Online)
- Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education (K-12) (Online)
- Master of Education
Social Studies
Social Studies
Government, law, history, political science, economics, geography—it’s all covered in Chaminade’s interdisciplinary, career-oriented Social Studies program, which aims to help students design their own degree pathways based on their passions and professional pursuits.
Our program offers small class sizes and individualized instruction and advising. Faculty mentors partner with students to help identify their intellectual interests and how to set off on an academic journey to achieve their desired careers.
Bachelor's