NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
Academic Advising & Course Registration
Do you have a passion for discovery? A burning need to figure out the "why?" to the challenges our world faces? Do you envision yourself changing the landscape of our world through innovation and research? You have a place at the College of Science.
We welcome all investigators, puzzlers, thinkers and problem solvers. Check out the programs we offer and the opportunities that await you. We look forward to welcoming you to campus, and we're here to help you succeed.
ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
You must complete your New Student Orientation modules before you meet with an academic advisor. If you have questions about how to complete the Orientation modules, you can find more information here.
You can contact the Office of Orientation & Transition with further questions by emailing orientation@utah.edu from your UMail account or by calling 801-581-7069.
During Orientation you will meet with a department academic advisor to create your Spring 2025 First Semester Course schedule.
Prepare for Your Advising Session
- Make sure your FERPA pin is set up
- Check out the Math Informed Self Placement website and come with an idea of what math class you think you should be in (a list of the math classes you took in high school is also helpful here)
- Complete the First-Year Writing Assessment at least 5 days prior to your Orientation date
- List of AP/IB classes taken and the scores you received on tests
- Think about the goals you have for your first semester
- Come ready to participate and ask any questions you have so far!
- What gen eds are most helpful for my degree?
- How do I build my class schedule around my job?
Attend Your Advising Session
You will meet with an academic advisor during your New Student Orientation session. You'll get to come down to the Crocker Science Center, meet with an advisor, and plan your first semester of classes!
- This is where your advising hold will be removed so that you can register for courses
- Learn more about the College of Science and your department
- Meet one-on-one with an Academic Advisor for first semester course planning (you will not receive a four year plan at Orientation)
- Learn how to use Schedule Builder
- Register for Spring 2025 classes!
Visit the Academic Advising website and select Drop In Advising or schedule an Advising Appointment.
Departments & Majors
Atmospheric Sciences
Students develop a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry during the first two years and then study dynamic, physical, and synoptic meteorology, as well as climate processes, during the junior and senior years. A unique aspect of our program is its emphasis on mountain weather and climate, which is a natural extension of the geographic setting of the University of Utah.
B.S. Atmospheric Sciences
H.B.S. Atmospheric Sciences
Emphases:
- Environmental Sciences
- Professional Meteorology
- Snow and Water Sciences
Biology
Biology is the science of life. Given the vast diversity of life on earth, it comes as no surprise that the study of biology has something to offer for every inquiring mind. An education in biology exposes undergraduate students to everything from the miniature molecular motors that power bacteria to whale conservation and the biology of global change. B.A. or B.S. in Biology H.B.A. or H.B.S. in Biology Emphases (Optional):- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell & Molecular
- Ecology, Evolution, and Environment
- Genetics & Genomes
- Microbiology
- Neurobiology
- Plant Biology
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Majoring in chemistry opens the door to many different pursuits including a myriad of positions as a chemists in private industry, government or education; pursuing professional training in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or other health-related fields; or working in areas such as environmental science and engineering, forensics, business and law. B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry H.B.A. or H.B.S. in Chemistry Emphases: (required)- Professional
- Atmospheric & Environmental
- Biology
- Business
- Chemical Engineering
- Geology
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mathematics
- Chemical Physics
- Teaching
Earth & Environmental Science
Earth & Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary degree that enables students to study the interconnected nature of earth systems, including the fields of atmospheric science, geology, and ecology. Students with this degree will gain the education and experience to make an impact on the challenges facing our planet. B.S. in Earth & Environmental Science Emphases:
- Climate Science
- Ecosystem Science
- Geoscience
Geology and Geophysics
Geoscientists study the earth's physics structure and substances as well as the natural processes that act on them. They also research the most sustainable ways to utilize Earth's resources. B.S. and H.B.S. Geoscience Emphases:- Environmental Geoscience
- Geology
- Geophysics
Mathematics
- Statistics
Metallurgical Engineering & Material Science Engineering
Metallurgical Engineers and Material Scientists and Engineers transform resources into products, and they develop materials that will propel us into the future. B.S. and H.B.S. Metallurgical Engineering Because metallurgical engineers are needed all over the world, graduates of our program experience a higher job placement percentage and larger starting salaries than they would in nearly any other undergraduate program. Our program has world-renowned faculty in their respective fields whose teaching expertise supports a creative learning environment. Undergraduate research positions are also available to help prepare students for their future careers. B.S. and H.B.S Material Science Engineering Materials Science and Engineering is an integrated discipline of chemistry, physics and engineering. This is reflected in our Program of Study. The student receives a foundation of basic chemistry, physics and engineering coursework during their first two years. These courses are then woven into a Materials Science and Engineering framework.Mining Engineering
Mining engineers are trained to determine the safest, most effective, and sustainable methods of recovering the Earth's mineral resources to sustain modern civilization. B.S. and H.B.S. Mining Engineering Emphases: (required)- Aggregate & Mineral Processing
- Geomechanics & Spatial Analytics
- Mining Operations Management
- Mining Safety & Health
- Sustainable Resource Development
Physics & Astronomy
Our program is one of the most rigorous at the University and our students and faculty are exhilarated by the difficult challenge of figuring out how the world works! Studying Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics is a very effective way to develop imagination, as well as critical and abstract thinking. In addition, it is important to develop a solid understanding of principles that govern science and technology, so as a society of well-informed citizens, we can make decisions on important issues, as the pace of scientific and technological development continues to increase dramatically.
B.A. or B.S. in Physics
H.B.A. or H.B.S. in Physics
Emphases (Optional):
- Applied Physics
- Astronomy & Astrophysics
- Biomedical Physics
- Comprehensive Physics
- Computational Physics & Astronomy
B.A. or B.S. in Physics Teaching
H.B.A. or H. B.S. in Physics Teaching
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect a session with your department in which you will:
- Learn more about the College of Science and your department
- Meet one-on-one with an Academic Advisor for quick first semester course planning (you will not receive a four year plan at Orientation)
- Learn how to use Schedule Builder
- Register for Spring 2025 classes!
Prior to your advising and registration session...
- Make sure your FERPA pin is set up
- Check out the Math Informed Self Placement website and come with an idea of what math class you think you should be in (a list of the math classes you took in high school is also helpful here)
- Complete the First-Year Writing Assessment at least 5 days prior to your Orientation date
- List of AP/IB classes taken and the scores you received on tests
- Think about the goals you have for your first semester
- Come ready to participate and ask any questions you have so far!
- What gen eds are most helpful for my degree?
- How do I build my class schedule around my job?
Your College of Science academic advisor will remove your advising hold after you attend your NSO session.
You will use a tool called Schedule Builder to register for classes each semester. Once you've found the classes you would like to take on the Class Schedule, you will add them to your cart using Schedule Builder. You will have plenty of time to go through this process during your advising and registration session.
The Spring 2025 class schedule can be accessed here. You can get there from your Student CIS page as well. Please see this video for a tutorial on navigating to the schedule.
Take a look at this short tutorial, which will explain how to filter and read the class schedule.
For details on the different class types and a tutorial on creating a fully online schedule, take a look at this video.
It depends on the major, but in general, College of Science majors are encouraged to spread their general education courses throughout their college career. Meet with an advisor to discuss your major and requirements specifically!
Course Planning Resources
Campus Resources
Provide important dates relating to the academic year. Students can filter by semesters (ex. Fall 2021, Spring 2022) to see important deadlines pertaining to academics, including half semester class dates and holidays.
Center for Science and Mathematics Education (CSME)
A partnership between the College of Education and the College of Science that provides students with opportunities and resources that allow them to thrive and succeed in science classes here at the U. Resources include Learning Assistant (LA) programs along with courses like Being Human in Science that improve experiences for STEM students.
A program that offers students the chance to connect with fellow students while taking classes that fulfill general education requirements while exploring the possibilities of their major or college. With small class sizes it allows students to develop skills that are needed to excel in a college classroom setting.
A free center for current University of Utah students that provides one-on-one tutoring for different courses along with organized study sessions that are lead by current U students. Other services include Learning Consultations that allow students to improve on their learning strategies (note-taking strategies, test anxiety, etc.)
A free resource for current students here at the U. They provide students with the skills needed to understand, develop, write and polish their papers for a course or research projects. Their website also includes resources to further understand writing principles and help start students on their paper.
Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement
The mission of the Center for Native Excellence and Tribal Engagement at the University of Utah is to facilitate the social, academic, and cultural engagement of American Indian and Alaska Native students, staff, trainees, and faculty.
Center for Disability and Access
Center that is dedicated to students with disabilities by providing the opportunity for success and equal access at the University of Utah. They offer academic, campus, and housing accommodations as well as various deaf services.
Center for Community & Cultural Engagement
The Center for Cultural and Community Engagement will administer cultural education, celebration activities, and awareness programs.
Center for Student Access & Resources
Office that provides resources and support to international, students, scholars as well as alumni. They provide workshops for understanding visas and general information (ie. taxes and tax forms) for current international students studying at the U.
International Student & Scholar Services
Office that provides resources and support to international, students, scholars as well as alumni. They provide workshops for understanding visas and general information (ie. taxes and tax forms) for current international students studying at the U.
Center that provides veterans with the resources they need to navigate and academically succeed here at the U. They assist veterans, service members and their families -who attend university here- to receive the benefits that they have earned while serving.
University center that provides therapeutic services to University of Utah students. They provide individual and group counseling along with mindfulness workshops that give students strategies and skills to prevail here at the U. They also provide crisis counseling through the SafeUT app.
Center that provides students with resources and advising appointments to help set students up for their careers both during and after their time at the U. Their website includes resource to build, maintain and manage a good resume and network of people, along with personal career counseling to help you in your area of interest or study.
A center at the U that strives to create a safe campus community while providing support to students to build a foundation of wellness in order to succeed. Their programs include workshops and training for a variety of wellness topics, victim survivor advocacy, free HIV/STI testing and more.
Provides students with a variety of transport options along with updates to any parking situations going on around campus. From here you can manage your parking passes, pay a parking ticket along with request a safe ride on campus, which is a free ride to most places on campus if you are feeling unsafe.
A pantry that provides University of Utah students, their families, faculty and staff with free, accessible, and nutritious food to minimize hunger in our community. The pantry is open to all U of U students, faculty, and staff with a current UNID. Students can also donate food to the pantry or can volunteer their time.
Provides resources and information to students about upcoming deadlines along with resources they can use in order to minimize the out of pocket cost of school. They provide checklists and counseling to students for them to navigate scholarships, grants, loans and help them understand the cost of attendance.
Housing & Residential Education
Provides students with an engaging community where they can live, learn, and thrive in order to develop personal growth. They provide housing for undergraduate students along with living learning communities that give students a chance to connect with others of the same interests, majors, or goals.
Center that provides students with resources and counseling in order to navigate how to manage their money both during and after their time at the U. They also manage a blog that gives students tips and tricks in order to help them understand and feel confident with their financial decisions.
Office that provides UCards in order for students to take advantage of the facilities on campus. The UCard gives you access to campus recreation, student services and programs, door access to dorms and other buildings on campus along with campus store discounts.
Program run by Bennion Center that provides students with the chance to learn about social and environmental issues over school breaks. They partner with nonprofits to give students the opportunity to promote lifelong activism through community engagement, education, dialogue and reflection.
Bennion Community Service Center
Provides students with the chance to participate in community engagement events that strengthen their communities through learning, scholarship, and advocacy. They have both local and international opportunities to engage and interact with communities near and far.
Provides students with academic opportunities that interact with other cultures in order to support diversity and academic excellence here at the U. Learning abroad gives students chances to immerse themselves in a language, engage in the community, and get research experience along with career development opportunities.
UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program)
Provides undergraduate students with the chance to engage in research opportunities or creative projects with mentors. They provide funding to students who assist faculty member's research or carry out their project under the supervision of a faculty member. This provides students with an opportunity to gain valuable research experience during their undergraduate years.
Undergraduate Opportunities
Center for Science and Mathematics Education
The CSME promotes the academic success and career readiness of undergraduate students.
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ACCESS Scholar: Kate Anderson
Biologist Eron Powell: Student Commencement Speaker
Humans of the U: Nathan Patchen
ACCESS: The Invisible Scaffolding
2023 Goldwater Scholars
2024 Convocation Student Speaker: Dua Azhar
Tiffany Do: Undergrad Research Scholar
Luke Reuschel
3 Numbers that Changed My Life
Humans of the U: Katya Podkovyroff Lewis
Humans of the U: Sam Hendry
Humans of the U: Sadie Dunn
ACCESS: Margaret Call
ACCESS: A Tale of Two Researchers
Mining friends along the way
Biology Student Stories: Bailey Landis
Goldwater Scholars 2024
Humans of the U: Brenda Payan Medina
Jessica Venegas
Ty Mellor
Anna Tang
Eliza Diggins
Phi Beta Kappa
Fulbright Scholar
Research Scholar
Outstanding Post-Doc
NSF Fellowship
NSF Fellowship
