Bachelor of Science in Information Systems

at Shorelight Group - The University of Utah USA

Anthropology is the study of human beings; their cultures, biology, behaviors, and their changes through time (evolution). Because we study all aspects of humans, anthropology is said to be holistic and inter-disciplinary, that is anthropologists work hand-in-hand with other sciences such as biology, physiology, sociology and psychology—just to name a few.

At the University of Utah, the Anthropology Department is divided into four main divisions: Cultural, Biological, Evolutionary Ecology, and Archaeology. Cultural anthropology focuses on human cultures and how they vary through time and space—around the world and back through pre-history. Biological anthropology focuses on ancient and modern human anatomical, physiological, and biological variability. Biological anthropology also concerns itself with non-human primates like chimpanzees and gorillas—by studying them, we hope to learn more about ourselves. Archaeology is the excavation and interpretation of what humans leave behind in order to infer how and why humans have evolved. Evolutionary ecology (sometimes known as behavioral ecology) examines human (and non-human primate) behavior and life-history—why did human beings evolve the way they did?

Ultimately, anthropologists use all four sub-disciplines to describe and explain past and present human diversity. The Department takes a theoretically-driven, empirically-informed perspective focusing on the following specific areas of expertise: archaeology, genetics, behavioral ecology, paleoanthropology, hunter-gatherer behavior, and human and non-human primate behavior.

International Studies (IS) is a flexible and interdisciplinary major. It is designed to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of some of the modern world’s most persistent and challenging problems. Students learn about global issues in local, national, and international contexts. They develop the analytical skills and cultural competencies necessary to launch into fulfilling careers that make a difference. Students in the International Studies program typically begin by taking one introductory course on each of three themes: Peoples, Challenges, and Systems. They draw connections between these in the core course, Foundations of International Studies, and they take electives drawn from disciplines across campus as they develop an emphasis on any one of seven focus areas: Development & Sustainability, Foreign Relations & Security, Global Health, Culture & Identity, Trade & Commerce, European Studies, or Human Rights. No matter the chosen focus area, all International Studies majors must also complete a learning abroad program or an international internship.

Metallurgical engineering involves the study, innovation, design, implementation, and improvement of processes that transform mineral resources and metals into useful products that improve the quality of our lives. This includes processing materials, like metals and alloys, to extract, refine and recycle metals. Without metallurgical engineering, we would not have the components we need to build buildings, aircraft, trains, ships, or even mountain bikes. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Metallurgical Engineering curriculum consists of coursework across the three main areas of metallurgy: mineral processing, chemical metallurgy, and physical metallurgy. Additional classes cover topics like metallurgical thermodynamics, fluid flow, kinetics, and heat and mass transport, as well as the general sciences (chemistry, engineering, physics, and math). Because society is so dependent on metals, metallurgical engineering has become an increasingly important area of study: continued economic and technical progress will depend on further advances in metal and mineral technology. This program additionally offers students the option to complete one of 6 emphases, allowing them to tailor their program to best fit their strengths and interests.

Geography is a unique field that bridges the physical and social sciences: geographers study not just natural Earth systems but also human societies, examining the interaction between the two. Geographers work with powerful technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), digital Earth imagery (remote sensing), and spatial modeling. Geography also has a long-standing field tradition, often involving travel to spectacular locations. The University of Utah’s Geography program will provide you with a collaborative, integrated approach to understanding complex geographical challenges, such as climate change, globalization, sustainability, urbanization, and living with hazards. The program curriculum includes courses in environments, human geography, geographical analysis, cartography, and GIS; students then choose courses from the broader areas of physical and human geography, as well as electives from allied fields (such as atmospheric sciences or geology). Geography has a “No Student Left Inside” Initiative that encourages field work and labs in their courses to get technical, real world experiences. If you want to focus your studies on a particular area,

If you have a passion for numbers and problem-solving, consider majoring in applied mathematics. Unlike “pure” mathematics, where math is a theoretical pursuit, the field of applied mathematics uses math to solve real-world problems. These problems can be as simple as allocating an investment and calculating returns, or as dramatic as using mathematical algorithms to crack and decrypt intelligence codes. This degree provides students with excellent quantitative and analytical skills, and a math degree is the perfect stepping stone for a countless number of careers.

Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on interactions of gender with race, class, sexual orientation, and nationality. In addition to its focus on the history and achievements of women, gender scholarship has inspired research and curricula that address men’s lives, masculinity, and the lives of people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. The University of Utah Gender Studies Division offers a space for the study of a wide range of feminist thought and practices: theory and community-engaged learning; activism and professional development; lively debate and professional skill building. Pursue your passions!

Geological engineers use their backgrounds in engineering and earth science to provide solutions to engineering problems within the context of the natural world. For example, a geological engineer might study fluid flow and contaminant transport in groundwater, geo-mechanics (the behavior of earth materials), geo-engineering (designing with earth materials), and the discovery, development, and utilization of energy resources. The University of Utah’s Geological Sciences program teaches students to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to design and conduct experiments, and analyze and interpret data. With accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the Geological Science program ensures that students receive the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context. The curriculum includes courses in geological engineering concepts—mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, fluid dynamics, groundwater, and others—as well as classes in allied engineering and sciences fields, such as surveying, chemistry, physics, and math. This coursework ultimately prepares students to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

Technology is vital to the success of every business, and companies need professionals who can use technology to meet strategic business objectives. With a degree in Information Systems, you will create efficient information management within organizations, establishing processes that are most helpful to users. As technology continues to evolve, it remains an essential component of business, and professionals in Information Systems are needed to support it. The University of Utah’s degree in Information Systems will give students the tools to manage the technical direction of business, solve technological issues, and implement new technological advances to enrich business operations. Program coursework focuses on the intersection of business and technology: students take classes in not only business concepts but also information systems concepts, such as databases, programming, networking, and web development.

Over the last decade, the gaming industry has continued to increase in popularity. Today, there are two entire degrees devoted to the study of games and game-making. Through the BS in Games and CS/EAE degrees at the University of Utah, students will learn how to develop entertainment software and serious games addressing health, collaboration, or social needs. Housed in the Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) program, both degrees offer technical coursework in math and computation, as well as training in digital game design, game art, and production. In the BS in Games, students will take 10 EAE electives focusing on game design, game arts, and game production. Students will also complete additional coursework in allied fields related to EAE such as digital media, storyboarding, graphic design, gender studies, and management. The pinnacle of the program is a joint Capstone project in which all game development students will work in teams to make and publish their own video game.

History students at the University of Utah explore the cultures, events, and peoples of the past. In doing so, students better understand the present and can plan for the future.  The History major helps students to develop the ability to write clearly and interpret complex information, ensuring that they are able to offer creative solutions to challenging problems, handle ambiguity, and work across cultures.  Courses cover the world from ancient Europe and Africa to modern Asia and the Pacific, and from colonial Latin America to the American West.  Students are encouraged to follow their passions by selecting courses to create an area of concentration: the history of politics, science, gender, environment, science, religion and more.  Regardless of their focus of study, students will ultimately develop a capacity for careful and rigorous thought and cultural competence, abilities that promote success in careers at home or around the world.