Philosophy for Children Hawai‘i Micro-Credential

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa · College of Education

Ready to earn a micro-credential? Start here.

Earn a stand-alone micro-credential or earn a micro-credential as a current student:

 

• To pursue a micro-credential as a professional or lifelong learner (outside of a degree program), please apply to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach College under the Non-Degree Seeking, Unclassified Programs option. There is no cost to apply and applications are generally processed within 5-10 business days.
• If you are currently a UH Mānoa student, you can add a micro-credential to your existing studies without any application.

 

Register for your courses:

 

• Once your application has been processed, or if you are currently enrolled, you can register for your courses via STAR GPS.
• Be sure to check the micro-credential program page for pre-requisites or specific course sequences.

 

Complete the Statement of Intent form

 

• Complete the Statement of Intent form and indicate the micro-credential you are interested in.
• You will receive an email notification confirming receipt of your form

 

Complete your courses and claim your digital badge:

 

• Complete and pass all of the required courses required for the micro-credential.
• After successfully finishing your coursework, you will receive information on how to claim your shareable digital badge to showcase your new skills.

About This Micro-Credential

Philosophy for Children (P4C) invites learners of all ages to think deeply, ask meaningful questions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. Rooted in Hawaiʻi and informed by global practice, this micro-credential introduces educators to culturally responsive, socially just approaches to teaching philosophy with children.

How to get started

• Complete any 200 or higher Philosophy (PHIL) or Education (EDUC) course (or obtain instructor consent), then register for PHIL 492.

• Complete PHIL 493 after PHIL 492

• Multicultural and Social Justice Education (EDCS 440) has no prerequisites, register at any time.

Coursework

This micro-credential includes three courses (9 credits total):

• PHIL 492—Philosophy with Children

• PHIL 493—Teaching Philosophy

• EDCS 440—Multicultural and Social Justice Education

Together, they combine theory, practice, and supervised field experience.

Who This Is For

• K–12 educators and teacher candidates

• HIDOE teachers seeking reclassification credits

• Scholars and researchers interested in P4C

• Community educators and facilitators

Skills You Will Gain

• Facilitating philosophical inquiry with children

• Applying multicultural and social justice frameworks

• Designing inclusive, dialogue-centered learning spaces

• Leading P4C communities of inquiry

What You Will Learn

You’ll learn how to blend philosophy, education, and Hawaiʻi-based perspectives—developing practical tools to foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and respectful dialogue in diverse learning environments.

Stackability

Credits apply toward the Philosophy for Children minor, Graduate Certificate, and the Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy M.Ed.

Learn more

Fill out the form below, and our knowledgeable staff will answer your specific questions about Micro-credentials available at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, the application process, and how to get started.