Computer Science Degree Programs at the University of Utah
The University of Utah appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that positions in the computer and information technology industry are expected to grow by 12 percent over the next ten years, faster than for other occupations. The average annual salary for computer and information technology occupations is $86,320 per year, higher than the average wage for all occupations which is only $34,640. The University of Utah offers several degree programs designed to prepare individuals for careers in computer science.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Utah provides students with the ability to develop and work with abstractions while also gaining an understanding of classical algorithms and data structures. Students are able to analyze the efficiency of algorithms as well as design and implement them to solve computational problems. Students are provided information on programming along with how to work with a large codebase. They also gain an understanding of problem-solving, application software, systems software, and hardware. Students may add an Entertainment Arts and Engineering emphasis as well. Courses that may be required include Engineering Problems and Statistics, Algorithms, Computer Systems, Computer Organization, and Software Practice. The program is only available on campus
Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
The University of Utah offered the first biomedical informatics degree program in the country, creating the degree in 1964. The program is a non-thesis degree and is available online but there are three virtual meetings per semester scheduled each Tuesday from 6 to 8 PM MST. The program provides students with methods for improving health through computer and information sciences. Graduates are prepared for careers as data managers, health informaticists or data analysts. The program includes instruction in informatics practice in a healthcare setting, including human factors, systems analysis, and project management. The online program focuses on Clinical Informatics while on-campus students may choose the Bioinformatics or Data Science tracks.
Master of Science in Information Systems
The Master of Science in Information Systems is designed to provide advanced education in the management of technology for an organization. The program offers technical education combined with business practices. The program is available online or on campus. Students are provided instruction in database theory, data structures, systems analysis, data warehousing, and business intelligence. Courses that may be required for the program include Data Analysis and Decision Making, Data Visualization, Cloud Computing, Project Management, and IT Security.
Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics
The Ph.D. program in Biomedical Informatics is to train individuals who are independent researchers. The program requires 40 hours of formal class work and includes instruction in how informatics benefit the population as well as in-depth instruction in probability and statistics. Students also gain an understanding of biomedical informatics standards, research design, and translational informatics. A comprehensive examination after the first year of study is required and a second comprehensive examination must be passed after the completion of coursework. Students must research, complete and defend an original dissertation. The program is only available on campus.
About University of Utah
Soon after Brigham Young arrived in Utah to establish a Mormon community, he appointed a Board of Regents to create an institute of higher learning. At the time, there was a shortage of teachers and it was Young’s idea to create a university that would focus on the training of young men for teaching positions. Despite not having much funding, the Regents began searching for land for the campus. The lack of funding kept the Regents’ from building on the land so they simply constructed a fence around the property with plans to build a schoolhouse.
Not content to wait until funding was available for the new schoolhouse, the Regents reached out to Mrs. John Pack, a local resident, who agreed to allow classes to be held in her home and the University of Deseret officially opened in 1850. A few months later, the school relocated to the Council House on the corner of Main and South Temple where it remained until the schoolhouse was completed in 1851.
In 1852, crop failures and drought led to reduced enrollment as families were more concerned with food and survival than higher education. That same year, the legislature determined that the school was self-sufficient and withdrew an annual stipend of $5,000. The school was forced to close until the arrival of the railroad which brought many non-Mormons to the area.
In 1868, the University of Deseret reopened at the Council House location. In 1884, University Hall opened and the name of the school changed to the University of Utah in 1892. In 1894, Congress deeded 60 acres of land and a new campus was constructed there, opening in 1900.
Today, almost 32,000 students attend the University of Utah.
University of Utah Accreditation Details
The University of Utah, since 1933, has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Regional accreditation indicates that the school offers high-quality and effective programs and that they have the resources necessary to meet their stated goals and objectives. Accreditation lets parents, students, and employers know that the school promotes success in students and that graduates are well-prepared in their chosen field of study. Programs in the university are also accredited by the following industry organizations or associations:
- ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- American Bar Association
- American Board of Genetic Counseling
- American Chemical Society
- American College of Nurse-Midwives
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Psychological Association
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation
- Council on Academic Accreditation
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Council on Social Work Education
- Keck Graduate Institute
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- National Architectural Accreditation Board
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- National Schools of Dance
- National Association of Music
- NRPA’s Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions
- Planning Accreditation Board
University of Utah Application Requirements
In order to apply for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, applicants must provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. They must have completed Foundations of Computer Science, Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming, Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures as well as Calculus I and II.
There are no prerequisites for the Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics program although it is recommended that students complete computer programming and healthcare topics in their undergraduate studies. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Official transcripts from all institutes of higher learning attended must be provided. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. A resume, personal statement and three letters of recommendation are also required.
Applicants to the Master of Science in Information Systems must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required in all undergraduate work. Official GRE or GMAT scores must be submitted. Two letters of recommendation, a professional resume and an essay must be provided. Applicants are also asked to submit a one-minute video that introduces them to faculty and class members.
In order to apply for the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Informatics, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.3. Official transcripts from all schools attended as well as official GRE, GMAT or MCAT scores are required. They must also submit a resume, personal statement and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate course in a programming language, statistics, and basic biology.
The University of Utah Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition for Utah residents is $1,359.95 and for non-residents $3,793.17 per credit hour. Tuition for graduate programs is $1,626.95 per credit hour for residents and $4,569.21 for non-residents.
Financial aid is available and students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. Undergraduate students may be provided grants, scholarships or loans while those who attend on campus may be offered work-study programs. Graduate students are offered loans although on-campus students may be offered assistantships or fellowships.
The Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics provides students with a $28,560 stipend and tuition is 100 percent covered. Students are also provided health insurance and support for research conferences. The admissions process is highly competitive.
The University of Utah offers several programs that prepare students for careers in computer science. The University of Utah has both undergraduate and graduate programs, some available online, that are designed to help individuals advance in their chosen field of study.
Related Resources:
