Hawaiian/Second Language Requirement

The Hawaiian or Second Language (HSL) requirement varies depending on the student’s major.  Students should check with their college advisor to learn about their requirements.  The College of Arts, Languages & Letters requires that students demonstrate competence at the 202 (or equivalent) level in Hawaiian or a second language by doing one of the following:

1.  Complete a four-semester sequence (usually 101, 102, 201, and 202) in a single language.

The College of Arts, Languages & Letters (CALL) regularly offers first- and second-year courses in more than 25 languages. Students placed at levels above the 101 level in a second language offered at UHM can also receive, at no additional cost, credits for the course(s) they are exempted from upon completing the next course in the sequence with a letter grade of C (not C-) or better. Those whose level is above that of 202, including native speakers of the languages, can receive credit for the 4-semester course sequence provided they complete, with a letter grade of C (not C-) or better, an appropriate course above 202 in which the student makes significant use of the language. “Significant use” of a language is normally determined by the course prerequisites and content. Additional restrictions apply. Read the back-credit policy carefully and check with the appropriate language department for details.

2. Demonstrate 202-level second language competency through evaluation.

Multilingual speakers who grew up with two (or more) languages or native speakers of a language other than English may demonstrate 202-level second language competency through evaluation. If the non-English language you speak is taught at Mānoa, you should see the undergraduate advisor of the department where the language is taught and have your proficiency evaluated by using the Evaluation of Second Language Competency Form.

If the non-English language you speak is taught at Mānoa, please see your CALL advisor.