The College of Social Sciences Global Experience

The College of Social Sciences (CSS) is cognizant of its special role in bridging social theory and practice in applied settings as it prepares its undergraduate students for employment or further graduate study in an increasingly globalized work environment. Thus, CSS is spearheading new internationalization initiatives at UH-Manoa. The CSS Global Experience Preferred Option (GEPO) is one such initiative.

Currently, all students pursuing a BA in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences (A&S) must complete either the “breadth” or “depth” requirement in order to fulfill their degree requirements. 

• The “breadth” option, which is designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of different areas within the four A&S Colleges, requires 12 credits (3 each from Arts & Humanities (AH), Natural Sciences (NS), Social Sciences (SS), and Languages, Linguistics & Literature (LLL).
• The “depth” option, which is designed to provide students with a concentrated knowledge of a subject area within the A&S Colleges, usually requires 15 credits that culminate in a minor or certificate or may be fulfilled by completing a second major.

 

Effective Spring 2013, Social Science students will have the additional option of the College of Social Sciences (CSS) Global Experience Preferred Option (GEPO), which can be used in place of the Arts & Sciences “breadth” or “depth” requirement for graduation.

Instead of taking 12-15 credits to fulfill “breadth” or “depth,” a CSS student would participate in an approved UHM Study Abroad Center program, earning 12-15 credits towards their degree requirements.  All courses taken on UHM Study Abroad Center programs are Manoa resident credits and can be used to fulfill foundation, diversification, HSL, focus, major, minor, or certificate requirements.

Students may also fulfill GEPO through a semester abroad on Mānoa International Exchange (MIX). All courses taken at MIX partner universities are transferrable to UHM, and some courses may be applied towards students’ major, minor, and general education requirements (including GEPO) with approval from UHM academic advisors.