In the exploratory program, you spend the first part of your university experience in courses that expose you to a variety of topics that interest you. This is an ideal option for you if you aren’t sure which major to choose, are interested in multiple majors or want to explore before making your decision.
In your chosen track, you’ll take courses that allow you to explore your passions, while ensuring you stay on a path to graduation. If your interest areas change, you can switch from health and life sciences to another track at any time. Additional tracks include:
- Exploratory humanities, fine arts and design.
- Exploratory math, physical sciences, engineering and technology.
- Exploratory social and behavioral sciences.
Your academic advisor is an integral part of your exploratory program experience, from finding classes to choosing your major. As an exploratory student, you can declare a major anytime before you reach 45 credit hours. Whichever path you choose, your advisor will be there every step of the way.
Is the health and life sciences exploratory track right for me?
Living organisms are at the heart of the health and life sciences. Whether you’re interested in tiny microbes or climate change, there’s a science-related major that fits your interests. Exploratory studies allow you to discover specialties of interest and make informed decisions about your major. Health and life sciences topics you can explore include, but aren’t limited to:
- Biology.
- Health care administration.
- Health informatics.
- Human nutrition.
- Nursing.
- Research.
You can explore a variety of industries related to the health and life sciences, such as health care, biology, counseling, speech therapy and more. The experience you gain may even lead you to a career that doesn't exist yet. Your academic advisor will keep your career interests in mind when helping you select a major.
The health and life sciences exploratory track introduces you to the many ways you can build a career centered on living organisms. From people to plants and animals, opportunities to explore are endless. While you’ll eventually choose a major, you can earn general education credits as you refine your interests.
In this exploratory program, you’ll take courses that cover general education requirements for a variety of majors across the health and life sciences. You’ll also take a series of exploratory courses focused on learning about yourself and defining your career interests. Your course selections will depend on your interests, but may include:
Our award-winning faculty are accomplished across industries and locations around the world. They include researchers, authors, artists and more. No matter where you study, you’ll take courses from the same faculty who teach on campus. Learn side-by-side with faculty dedicated to your success as you participate in research opportunities and attend virtual office hours.
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT.
best online bachelor’s programs.
best global universities.
of graduates reported that their experiences at ASU inspired them to explore new career opportunities.
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
To be admitted to ASU, you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 14 of the following courses.
- Four years of math.
- Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses).
- Three years of lab sciences (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences or physics).
- Two years of social sciences (including one year of American history).
- Two years of the same second language.
- One year of fine arts or career and technical education.
Note: You cannot have course deficiencies in both math and lab sciences competencies.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Top 25% in your high school graduating class.
- 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A).
- ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents).*
*Additional information about ACT / SAT:
- ASU doesn’t require the writing portion of these tests.
- ACT or SAT scores are not required for admission but may be submitted for ASU course placement.
Besides a high school diploma, applicants may also meet undergraduate admission requirements through one of the following:
- GED*
- 50 or above for tests completed before 2002.
- 500 or above for tests completed between 2002 and 2013.
- 170 or above for tests completed after 2013.
- HiSet*
- Total score of 75.
- TASC (Test Assessing Secondary Completion)*
- A minimum total score of 2700.
- A minimum score of 500 on each of the five content areas.
- A score of two or above on the essay.
- California High School Proficiency Examination
- Please contact your enrollment coach at 866-277-6589 if you’ve completed the California High School Proficiency Examination or other high school equivalency diplomas.
*Some higher requirement programs require ACT/SAT scores or additional coursework to satisfy aptitude and/or course competency requirements.
Homeschool applicants must meet all general admission requirements for ASU. You may also need to provide additional documentation after you submit your application. If needed, you'll be notified after we receive your transcript.