Universal Learner Courses
If you enjoy learning on Ask A Biologist, ASU’s Universal Learner Courses give you an affordable and flexible way to explore college-level courses at your own pace.
They’re open to everyone — middle schoolers, high schoolers, teachers, and adults — with no GPA, transcripts, or application required.
Think of them as a deeper, more guided version of the science you already love.
Want us to email you or a guardian with this info? Fill out a quick info request.
How do ULCs work?
Getting started is easy! With Universal Learner Courses, you only pay for credit if you’re happy with your grade.
Here’s how it works:
1
Choose what to explore
Choose from a variety of college-level courses and pay just $25 to get started. No applications, transcripts, or GPA required.
2
Build your skills
Learn valuable skills as you move through each lesson. ASU instructors are there to support you along the way. All ULCs are online and don't have live class times. Most have weekly due dates, but you can do the work when it fits your schedule.
3
Earn college credit
If you're happy with your final grade, you can pay $400 to earn college credit. That credit can go toward a degree at ASU or may transfer to other colleges.
What Universal Learner Courses are available?
Choose from more than 75 courses in areas like:
- Science & Environment — biology, ecosystems, oceans, climate
- Health & Human Body — anatomy, wellness, healthcare
- Mind & Society — behavior, psychology, culture
Plus courses in STEM, business, humanities and more.
There’s something for every curious learner — whether you’re exploring, preparing for college or just love to learn.
Want to share this with a parent or caregiver?
If you’d like someone at home to see what you found, we can email them with a quick explanation of how Universal Learner Courses work. Because these are real ASU courses, a parent or caregiver often helps with the $25 starting cost. And who knows — they may be curious enough to explore a course themselves.
Keep exploring
If you’d rather browse on your own, you can see all the courses offered at the main ULC site.
Be Part of
Ask A Biologist
By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.
