Exploratory Business (EXB)
The Exploratory Business pathway is the starting point for most students who plan to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) through the Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa.
Why It Exists
EXB gives students a clear path into business while they complete BBA admission requirements.
Who Advises You
EPA advisors support EXB students with planning, progress checks, and general questions.
What Is Required
Complete mandatory advising each semester and submit an application to be admitted to Shidler by junior year.
What Happens Next
After admission, students become official Shidler majors and transition to Shidler advising.
EXB to BBA Timeline
A step-by-step view of how students progress from Exploratory Business into the BBA program and on to graduation.
Semesters 1–2: Build your foundation
Begin completing general education and business admission preparation courses while meeting with EPA for planning and mandatory advising.
Use this time to understand the Shidler admission requirements and stay on track for future application eligibility.
Semester 3: Complete key prerequisite work
Take ACC 200. Students must have 30 earned credits to register for ACC 200.
Semester 4: Apply to Shidler
Complete ACC 210 and any remaining admission courses, confirm your intended BBA major, and submit your Shidler admission application by the priority deadline.
You should be on track to reach 60 earned credits by the semester of admittance.
Application deadlines
Semesters 5–8: Continue as a Shidler major
After admission, students become official Shidler majors, complete upper-division business coursework, and continue working toward degree completion.
Advising transitions from EPA to Shidler College of Business advising.
End of Semester 8: Graduation
Complete remaining BBA, graduation, and university requirements, then apply for graduation through the Registrar’s Office.
Resources
Helpful Shidler planning tools, forms, degree information, and admission links in one place.
BBA Degree Program Requirements Sheet
Review the full degree requirements sheet for the BBA program.
Four-Year Academic Plan
See a sample four-year plan to help map out your BBA coursework.
Hawaiian/Second Language/Culture (HSL) Options
Review Shidler-approved options for fulfilling the HSL requirement.
BBA Majors
Explore the different majors available within the Shidler College of Business.
Shidler Downloads
Access forms, downloads, and other undergraduate business resources.
Application Deadlines & Link
Check current deadlines and access the BBA application information.
When You May Meet with the Shidler Admissions Advisor
Most students work with EPA, but some situations require more specialized Shidler support.
In most cases, students in Exploratory Business will meet with EPA for general questions, semester planning, and support while working toward admission.
In some situations, students may be referred to the Shidler Admissions Advisor, Mark Nakamoto, when a more specialized review is needed.
You may be referred to Shidler Admissions if:
- You have a more complex admission-related question or situation
- You need specialized clarification related to business admission planning
- You are an ROTC student who needs an academic plan approved
How to make an appointment with Shidler Admissions
- Select the button below to open STAR Balance.
- Log in using your UH username and password.
- Look under Specialized Academic Services.
- Select Shidler Admissions.
- Choose an appointment up to 7 days in advance.
- You may need to select the box for “Mark”.