Catalog 2026–2027

Indigenous Public Health Certificate

Program Coordinator: Helen “Yolisa” Duley, Ph.D.
Email: hduley@hawaii.edu

Certificate Description:

Students will learn the purpose and practice of public health with a specific focus on Indigenous communities. The curriculum covers Indigenous practices of health and well-being, conventional versus traditional health perspectives, and the specific health concerns and disparities facing Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other Indigenous groups.

This certificate provides a unique cultural lens on public health that is essential for working effectively in Hawaiʻi and the broader Pacific region. It equips students with the cultural competence to address health disparities and promote wellness in Indigenous populations. It supports careers in community health coordination, health education, social work, public health policy, and medical fields where culturally responsive care is critical.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

  • Understand the purpose and practice of public health.
  • Explore indigenous communitiesʻ practices of health and well-being including Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, as well as other groups.
  • Compare conventional and traditional health perspectives.
  • Understand indigenous health concerns and disparities.

Curriculum: (18-19 Credits)

Required Core (9-10 credits)

  • KES 250 Foundation of Public Health (3)
  • KES 371 Indigenous Health & Wellness (3) or SOC 470 Indigenous Health & Well-Being (3)
  • Any 3 or 4 credit HAW, KHAW, HWST, KHWS course

Electives (9 credits)

A minimum of 6 credits must be at the 300 or 400 level:

  • ANTH 386 Hawaiian Culture Before 1819 (3) or ANTH 387 Modern Hawn Cult 1819-Present (3)
  • HIST 336 Epidemics in Hawaiʻi (3)
  • HIST 339 Athletics & Health in Hawaiʻi (3)
  • KES 302 Sport & Spirituality (3)
  • KES 375 Indigenous Kinesiology (3)
  • KES 450 Health Promotion Practicum (3)
  • SOC 360 Health Care Policy (3)

Notes

  1. Students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA for all courses for the Certificate
  2. Students must pass all courses for the Certificate with a C or Better