Political Science

Political science at UH West O‘ahu is distinctive in the inclusiveness of its concerns. It differs from the other social sciences in drawing from all the disciplines, from psychology and anthropology to history and philosophy, in offering a ‘big picture’ perspective on our public and private lives. The discipline goes beyond simply understanding the way things are, to an ethical consideration of ‘what could and should be.’ In this sense a political science education is transformational, enlightening the political culture and strengthening democracy.

Today the big picture allows us to see our most pressing local problems as increasingly influenced by global economic and environmental forces in a world where multinational corporations are becoming more powerful than nation-states. At the same time there is a move back to localism in all its positive and negative aspects from place-based community building and identity politics to xenophobic ethnic nationalism and militant sectarianism. New electronic information technologies and social media are giving individuals and non-governmental organizations unprecedented access to the global stage in shaping politics. The goal of the program is to offer students an in-depth understanding of this rapidly changing landscape as a frame for self-understanding.

In so doing, it helps students cultivate the motivation, skills, and creativity necessary for constructive participation in public life through civic engagement. Teaching strategies are personalized and promote holistic, democratic, active, service and multi-cultural modes of learning. All of this makes Political Science at UH West Oʻahu central to a well-rounded education. This also gives the degree wide application in most areas of public, personal, and work life

Since its inception in 1976, the University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu has been committed to delivering accessible, affordable higher education to residents on the Leeward Coast through dynamic, flexible, and responsive methods.

University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu moved to its current campus in 2012 and continues to construct new facilities to meet the needs of its growing enrollment. The university strives to be a good community partner by meeting the educational requirements of its community by providing educational programs responsive to the local job market.

University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu offers unique programs such as creative media, cybersecurity, health sciences, hospitality and tourism, and sustainable community food systems – developed to address workforce needs and leverage today’s technologies to train the next generation of community leaders.