A crucial feature is the advising process, which aims to develop the student's ability to formulate a major equivalent comprised of upper division courses with thematic integrity and continuity. This ensures flexibility in the curriculum while precluding loss of academic substance and rigor. Thus students create their own degree proposals that must draw upon no less than three disciplines in the UH Manoa Catalog in the study of a particular problem or theme, along with specifically designed IS courses.

Degree proposals must focus upon the identified academic theme, be made in writing, and be accepted by the interdisciplinary studies faculty before the student enrolls for 21 of the 36 credits required in the major equivalent.

In all cases, IS students must satisfy the UH Manoa degree graduation requirements and General Education Core in order to be eligible for a bachelor's degree. Students must also maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for the major equivalent courses. These courses may not be taken CR/NC, unless mandatory. Successful candidates earn a bachelor of arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences in the appropriate interdisciplinary program.

Details about admission to the IS program offered in the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, and assistance in preparing an individually designed major are available at the program office.