Undergraduate Extended Accelerator Pathway (3-Term) - Bachelor of Science in Philosophy

at Shorelight Group - The University of Utah USA

Geoscience applies the principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to understand the composition, structure, and history of the Earth and the processes that govern it. Geoscientists then use this knowledge to address societal needs and problems, such as locating and characterizing mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, assessing seismic and other geologic hazards, and evaluating and remediating environmental contamination. The University of Utah’s Geoscience program will provide you with a broad foundation in fundamental science concepts, and you can then individualize your degree by pursuing one of three emphasis areas in the geoscience field: Geology (which focuses on geologic materials, Earth systems, and fossils); Environmental Geoscience (which focuses on the layers of the atmosphere and their interactions); and Geophysics (which focuses on using physical methods to image and understand the Earth). Regardless of emphasis area, all program graduates will be prepared and qualified to pass the professional geologist licensure examination. After graduation, students are prepared for post-graduate work in the earth sciences, or professional jobs requiring earth science knowledge (such as environmental law and earth resource management).

The Asian Studies program is an interdisciplinary course of study that will both deepen and broaden your understanding of this crucial region of the world. As an Asian Studies student, you will learn the languages and countries of the core regions of East, South, Southeast, and Central Asia as well as Russia, the Pacific, and West Asia. Broaden your horizons and gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the fascinating people and cultures of this region: in addition to language courses, the Asian Studies program offers exploratory and history courses about the area. Cross-cultural understanding and language skills are increasingly important as we become a truly global economy, making the Asian Studies program a valuable experience.

Biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences, with the goal of designing and creating equipment, devices, computer systems, and software to be used in healthcare. At the University of Utah, the Department of Bioengineering’s mission is to advance human understanding, health, and the quality of life through research and education in this field. The department is internationally recognized for its research, discovery, and invention in the area of biomedical engineering, with research strengths in biomaterials, biomedical devices, neural engineering, and cardiovascular engineering; the Bioengineering program is additionally accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. It prepares its graduates for success and leadership in industry, as well as future study in medicine, science, and engineering. In addition to education in biology concepts, bioengineering students will receive training through the College of Engineering to deliver biobased solutions to traditional engineering problems. Regardless of your specific interest area, bioengineering is an exciting field that will allow you to combine your passions for biology and engineering while helping to improve people’s lives.

Study product design through the Multi-Disciplinary Design program at the University of Utah. This exciting curriculum uses product design as a vehicle to investigate a number of broader concepts in design and creativity, such as: design research, human-centered design principles, interface development, articulation of product forms, materials, and digital manufacturing principles. Students complete courses from four areas of design: Studio, Technical, History/Theory, and Practice. Through classes on design, graphics, visual communication, and other topics, students will understand the connections among cross-disciplinary design specialties. As a multi-disciplinary design student, you will help map the future of design through production, research, strategy, entrepreneurship, and applied futurism, preparing you for an exciting career in the industry.

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.

Recreational therapy (RT) is a form of therapy that uses physical recreation and activities to help people with illnesses or disabling conditions achieve mental and physical health. This therapy might include dancing, playing a sport, hiking, cooking, or even playing a video game. If you like being active and want to help others at the same time, consider majoring in Recreational Therapy. This program will give you the counseling techniques and knowledge you need to help rehabilitate individuals and educate them on the support systems and skills needed to maintain their health and happiness. The RT curriculum covers topics in recreational therapy foundations and treatment methods: through a combination of coursework, community programs, and treatment services, students learn how to conduct treatment planning and provide therapy. The culminating experience of the program is a recreational therapy internship through a local agency, preparing you for work in a professional environment. Students of this program graduate well-prepared to apply for licensure to practice as therapists or to find jobs in allied fields.

Religious studies scholars examine religions from the perspective of a religion’s followers, studying the similarities, differences, and core tenets of a belief system. If you want to gain a broader understanding of religions and their traditions, consider the Religious Studies program at the University of Utah. Courses of study include Jewish Studies, Coptic Studies, Western Christianity, Islam Studies, Mormon Studies, and Religion & Conflict. Through critical analysis and discussion of these faiths, students will learn how theology shapes individuals and communities across the globe. Regardless of emphasis area, the Religious Studies program consists of courses from 13 departments: English, History, Communication, Philosophy, World Languages & Cultures, Political Science, Social Work, Sociology, Anthropology, Art & Art History, Theatre, Health Promotion & Education, and the Middle East Center. Within these fields, religious studies courses are divided into four areas: Text and Literature, Theory and Methodology, Art, Culture and Society, and World Religions. The culminating experience of the program is a capstone seminar, a student-conducted research project that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in religious studies. Graduates of the program are ultimately equipped with social awareness and theological knowledge that can be used in a variety of careers.

Students majoring or minoring in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies (CLCS) compare multiple literatures and cultures within the framework of a single degree. As a CLCS student, you will explore themes across cultures and time periods, compare national literatures and cultures, learn and apply international literary and cultural theories, and analyze diverse types of texts (literary, visual, musical, etc.) produced in multiple cultural spheres.

Rhetoric is the study of effective speaking and writing: it is the art of argument and persuasion. Through the Writing and Rhetoric Studies program, you will become a strong analytical thinker and proficient writer. Students of this program learn rhetorical analysis and the ways that culture and society shape what we define as “literacy,” giving you critical thinking skills and social awareness that can be applied to a number of pursuits. Students in the program choose courses from topics such as under-represented rhetorics, rhetorics of gender, writing poplular non-fiction, professional discourse, grammar and stylistics, digital storytelling, writing as a social practice, and others. The culminating experience of the program is a senior seminar, synthesizing all of the student's undergraduate work into a portfolio piece. Employers consistently rank written communication skills as among the most-desired abilities in job candidates, and strong writing and argumentation abilities are excellent assets for graduate-level coursework.

Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENVST) is a STEM interdisciplinary program that offers a major with several emphases to focus your study, as well as a minor. The curriculum explores ecological systems and the impact of human-environment interactions from the perspectives of the natural sciences, the social and health sciences, and the humanities. The U’s program strives to foster an understanding the multi-faceted issues of the environment and sustainability and finding solutions through systemic analysis, peer learning, and community engagement, social responsibility, leadership, and having a science-based focus on solutions and integrated problem solving.