// EXPLORATORY CURRICULUM //

USF Health and Natural Sciences Pathway

Do you love learning about the wonders of the world? Do you have a keen interest in biology or a passion for impacting lives through public health? If you’re interested in these areas, but not quite ready to commit to a major, consider the Health and Natural Sciences Exploratory Pathway Curriculum at the University of South Florida.

Is it hard to choose just one specific area in health and natural sciences?
USF students taking notes In class.

In health and natural sciences, you’ll certainly have many options. Health and natural sciences encompass a wide range of fields that seek to understand the workings of the natural world and the living beings that inhabit it. This includes areas like:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Geology
  • Environmental science
  • Public health

Freshmen can take our flexible Exploratory Curriculum, giving you up to 36 credit hours to survey various subjects as you decide between pursuing a health sciences degree, a natural sciences major or another option that captures your imagination. Keep in mind that those hours ALSO include any hours you’ve earned through AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment, etc.

Whether you’re craving a career in the fast-growing health care field or long to cultivate your curiosities in other areas, the exploratory curriculum in health and natural sciences at USF is a perfect place to find your path.

What will your USF Exploratory Pathway be like?

The heart of the Exploratory Curriculum Pathway is a personalized student success course called U-Decide. This first-year course helps you explore different majors and careers.

Through engaging coursework, hands-on experiences, and guidance from experienced faculty, you’ll move toward deciding on a health sciences major, a natural sciences major or something else. You’ll also connect with other students who share your interest in health or natural science.

These experiences help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to help you make a confident decision about your future.

Discover Where You Belong

“The Exploratory Curriculum made it easier for me to get help with counselors to decide exactly which major was best for me … Without it, I would have been forced to choose a major even though I was not 100% sure about it.”

—Elena Brazee, Environmental Biology

Follow a suggested plan of study to help you navigate unfamiliar territory. If the Global and Social Sciences pathway isn’t a fit, you can switch to another and stay on track to graduate.

Health and natural sciences pathway courses include:

  • Cellular Processes
  • Contemporary Health Science
  • General Chemistry
  • Introduction to Aging Science
  • Introduction to Health Professions

Electives can include:

  • Introduction to Ethics
  • Communication Skills for Health Professionals

Why should you pick USF for an exploratory curriculum?

With the exploratory curriculum at USF, you can learn about our health and natural sciences majors and find a career path that’s right for you. Just a few examples of the wide range of careers open to you include:

A student using a microscope.
  • Chemical Technician
  • Community Health Worker
  • Dietician or Nutritionist
  • Field Analyst
  • Health Care Social Worker
  • Health Education Specialist
  • Geological and Petroleum Technician
  • Lab Technician
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Research Assistant
  • Respiratory Therapist

With overall employment in health care and science projected to grow faster than all occupations over the next decade, your future is brimming with possibilities — and the exploratory curriculum in health and natural science will help steer your way.

USF continually fosters relationships with organizations in the greater Tampa Bay area and greater Florida — home to the nation’s second-largest medical device manufacturing industry, second-largest pharmaceuticals manufacturing industry and the fifth-largest biotech R&D industry. These contacts help drive your opportunities for internships and future career.

Outside of the classroom, enjoy the Tampa Bay area’s vibrant neighborhoods, beautiful beaches, and thriving arts, music and food scenes. Here, there’s something for everyone.

If you want an education at a diverse university in a booming region, USF is the perfect place for you.

Two USF students walking together on campus during an event.

Want to learn more about the Health and Natural Sciences Exploratory Curriculum?

Our Exploratory Curriculum is designed to help you find your way in the health and natural sciences field. If you’re ready to get more information, download our brochure or contact us with any questions.

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