Prospective Students
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.
First-Year Research Programs
The College of Science is committed to providing robust research and career exploration opportunities to our students throughout their time at the U. Our two signature first-year research programs are ACCESS Scholars and the Science Research Initiative (SRI). Both programs offer students placement in a research lab in the spring semester of their first year at the U as well as a 1-credit hour course to prepare them for undergraduate research.
ACCESS Scholars represent students from all dimensions of diversity who are committed to advancing gender equity in the STEM disciplines. ACCESS Scholars comprise a community of supportive peers and a network of over 800 alumni. The program begins with a two-week intensive summer experience wherein scholars explore the science disciplines while learning to navigate the world of STEM in college. In addition to placement and mentorship in research groups, ACCESS students will participate in community building and tailored professional development activities throughout their first year of college.
Learn more at science.utah.edu/access
The Science Research Initiative (SRI) program offers all new and transfer students with College of Science majors the opportunity to participate in scientific research with U scientists. The SRI will jumpstart your path of academic success, and give you needed skills to prepare for an internship or a career - whether that's in a research lab, an office, or one of the many other opportunities open to our graduates.
Learn more at science.utah.edu/sri
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
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
B.S. and H.B.S. Geological Engineering
B.S. Earth Science Composite Teaching
Mathematics
Mathematics is basic to science, engineering and any analytic endeavor. Mathematicians often work as part of a team of scientists and engineers who conduct research, solve problems, or develop products and systems in technology, industry, finance or business. Others continue studying mathematics in graduate school and conduct basic research in mathematics itself. A mathematics degree also provides a strong background for those who will pursue other interests, such as medicine or law.
B.A. or B.S. in Mathematics
H.B.A. or H.B.S. in Mathematics
Emphasis (Optional):
- Statistics
B.S. in Applied Mathematics
H.B.S. in Applied Mathematics
B.A. or B.S. in Mathematics Teaching
H.B.A. or H.B.S. in Mathematics Teaching
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
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