Clubs & Organizations
Clubs & Organizations
Cybersecurity Club
A platform to discuss, learn, and practice concepts related to the wide-ranging field of computer security. Members can expand their skills by attending lectures from local experts and competing in ethical hacking competitions against other teams worldwide. We typically meet once a week in the evenings on campus. One of the main activities we engage in are CTF (Capture The Flag) challenges. If you are interested in joining the club, please join our Discord, linked below! We make weekly announcements about the content of our meetings on Discord, and it is the place to get in contact with us or ask any cybersecurity questions!
Contact Kennedy Zhang for more information: u1479839@utah.edu
Great Move Game Society
We play board games. We play card games. Have a game you love but no one to play with? Or a game that requires 8 people but you only have 3? We have people. We have games. We have resources. So join us in the Great Move Game Society (GMGS). No membership is required to participate, and you are not obligated to attend on a regular basis to be part of the club! All announcements and information about the club can be found on your discord. To stay up to date with us, join our discord server by clicking this link.
For more information, please contact us at u1189332@utah.edu
Technical Coding Club
The Technical Coding Club is a club to primarily prepare for ICPC, the International Collegiate Programming Contest. This is the largest contest for undergraduates in the world. In addition to this, the club aims to improve the general programming skills of members and prepare them for interviews which include programming problems. Companies often use problems similar to competitive programming problems. so the club offers an excellent experience.
We have weekly meetings every Tuesday from 5:15 to 6:15 pm at MEB 3147. Join our discord for more information!
Utah Student Robotics
Utah Student Robotics is a great place for students to get hands-on experience building a robot while competing in the NASA Lunabotics competition. We provide great opportunities for leadership, service, learning new engineering principles, and meeting other students.
USR is composed of 4 subteams: Mechanical, Electrical, and Software, which work on their respective systems of the robot, and Systems, which coordinates and facilitates the success of the other subteams. You can join any of the subteams that you would like, but most students only join one subteam.
We generally have general meetings with all subteams online on teams once a week. Sometimes these will be replaced with group events. We also have individual subteam meetings in-person once a week. These meeting times will be determined by poll at the beginning of each semester. There is no obligation to make every meeting, but meetings are very important for contributing to the team.
If you have any questions, please email us at utahstudentrobotics@gmail.com.
Gamecraft
The University of Utah’s Game Design and Development Club! We provide a space for aspiring Game Developers of all skill levels to connect and grow. Gamecraft hosts workshops, social events and industry speakers to provide creators with a robust community in which they can ensure long-term success in the Games Industry. We also host monthly Game Jams! Come join us, we’re open to all students regardless of major or level of experience! Meeting Times and Event Announcements are made on our discord, so head on over there if you’re interested in checking us out!
Meetings are hosted every week. Join the discord community to meet everyone and find out about our schedule: https://discord.gg/SZrPkPx
For any questions, email us at gamecraft@eae.utah.edu
Software Development Club
The Software Development Club seeks to provide a platform for University of Utah students interested in software development to explore, learn, collaborate, and contribute to the world of technology. Our goal is to promote skill development, foster a strong community of tech enthusiasts, and create opportunities for hands-on project experience. We aim to bridge the gap between technology, education, and community engagement.
For more information, please contact us at sdc812203@gmail.com
Women in Computing
Women in Computing is a student-led club where women, femme-identifying folks, and allies can come to build relationships, network, support each other, and further develop their skills and careers. Their goal is to create a community for women within Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and other related computing fields.
Utah Center for Broadening Participation in Computing
Recognizing the importance of belonging in computing, the University of Utah’s Kahlert School of Computing and College of Engineering have created UCBPC to encourage enrollment, retention, and preparation for students from all backgrounds.
Association of Computing Machinery Club (ACM)
Dive into the world of computing, innovation, and collaboration at our kickoff event. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet fellow tech enthusiasts, learn about our upcoming activities, and how you can contribute to cool computing projects.
In the kickoff event, the goals of the club will be presented. You will also have an opportunity to nominate yourself or your fellow students to be on the board of the club.
For any questions, email: elkindi.rezig@utah.edu or stefan.nagy@utah.edu
See our Canvas page for announcements!
Computer Science Discord Server: https://discord.gg/vMd772Sg
Join the Computer Science discord server so you can connect with other CS students and learn more about events relating to your degree!
Senior Capstone
The Capstone program represents the pinnacle of the undergraduate computer science, data science, and software development curriculums. It is an intense two-semester sequence in which students embark either on their own research culminating with a Bachelor’s Thesis, or form project teams culminating in delivering a significant software Capstone Project.
Bachelor's Thesis
In CS 4940 – Undergraduate Research and CS 4970 – Bachelor’s Thesis, a student conducts research under the supervision of a faculty member and ultimately produces a publication quality description of the work. Both courses require permission of the thesis mentor to register. For more information, interested students can self-enroll in the Canvas course for Undergraduate Research and Thesis.
*Honors research thesis students must enroll in CS4999 (not CS4970) in their second semester of research work. For more information, self-enroll in the Canvas course linked above or contact the Honors Faculty Advisor: Professor Tom Henderson (tch@cs.utah.edu).
Capstone Project
During the Senior Capstone Project, small teams of students develop significant software systems using sound, disciplined software engineering practices on a project idea that they create.
CS 4000 – This class is the first semester in the sequence. Seniors will work on team formation, project identification, project planning (including UI design, software architecture, testing methods, scheduling, etc.), and work on the prototype. This course will provide teams with time and guidance to effectively plan their projects, as well as emphasizing the written and oral communications necessary to succeed in industry.
CS 4500. – Projects formed in CS 4000 must be completed during this semester. Students should have four or less CS electives/required courses left when signing up for this course and should be graduating at the end of the semester.
*Within the Capstone Project option, there are Clinical Capstone projects, sponsored by local industry, that will recruit students to work on a company specific project. View the CLINICAL CAPSTONE page for more details.
** Honors Capstone Project Thesis – An Honors student may do a capstone project, but must also write a separate project thesis which describes some aspect of the capstone project. The Honors Thesis Approval form must be submitted during the CS4000 semester, and the student must enroll in CS4998 while enrolled in CS4500.
Clinical Capstone Project
Overview of the Kahlert School of Computing Clinical Capstone Project
The Clinical Capstone Program matches a team of motivated senior undergraduate computer science students with an industry sponsored project, defined and funded by an industry sponsor.
The team of students completes the final two semesters of their degrees working toward realizing the sponsor’s idea. Each team is advised by a School faculty member and works ~10 hours a week defining, researching, analyzing, and then producing a solution to meet the project’s objectives.
Thank You To Our Recent Sponsors
Ideal Clinical Capstone Project
The best projects have strong design elements that can help the students follow a rigorous process starting with creation of specifications, followed by creative concept generation and analysis, and culminating with a tested working prototype. Please propose your best idea, and we will work together to scope it correctly.
Timing
The two-semester Clinical Capstone Program is offered in two sequences:
- Fall and Spring semesters (August start)
- Spring and Fall semesters (January start)
At the end of each project, the teams participate in a Demo Day event, showcasing their work to faculty and industry judges, as well as fellow students.
Companies are encouraged to submit project proposals by August 1 for a Fall semester start, and December 1 for a Spring semester start. *We will meet with potential sponsors at any time, and sometimes late projects can be accepted.
How It Works
Faculty Advisor: Each team will have a faculty advisor guide them through the process with the industry sponsor.
Student Teams: Teams generally consist of 4 students.
Industry Sponsor Advisor: A representative from the industry sponsor is expected to serve as an advisor or co-advisor to help make sure the team stays on track to meet the project objectives. The industry sponsor advisor will typically spend an hour or less per week with the team – often meeting via web conference. At a minimum, a liaison from the company should meet periodically with the student team to provide feedback.
Design Reviews: Several design reviews occur during the two-semester project. The reviews provide critical feedback to the teams on all aspects of the project. Both the industry sponsor advisor and faculty advisor assist the team in understanding technical issues. Industry sponsors are encouraged to participate in the design reviews.
Presentations: Students showcase their work during several presentation opportunities throughout the year, and finally during a tradeshow-like format on Demo Day. They are also required to turn in a final report. Typically, they provide the sponsor with a working prototype and a documentation package (i.e. code, use instructions, etc.).
Important Dates
Step 1: Industry sponsor discusses project idea with clinical capstone faculty lead (by mid-July.)
Step 2: Industry sponsor submits project proposal (Early August)
Step 3: Project approved (by Aug. 15.)
Step 4: Contract signed and payment is processed (by Aug. 31.)
Step 5: Faculty advisor and student team is assigned (by Sept. 1.)
Step 6: Team works on project design, tests, and prototypes (throughout academic year.)
Step 7: Project completed, presented at Demo Day, and turned over to industry sponsor (at end of academic year.)
Project Deliverables
The project deliverables of a Clinical Capstone Project include a working prototype of the project and its code. Deliverables may be tailored in accordance with industry sponsor requirements.
Why Sponsor a Clinical Capstone Project?
Sponsoring a project allows you to contribute to educating the next generation of computer scientists by offering them a real-world industry experience.
What Should Sponsors Expect?
- Get to know and evaluate students with specific interest in your company and industry.
- Gain brand awareness with top-tier computer science students.
- Contribute to the local community by providing mentorship to educate the next generation of computer scientists who will shape Utah’s future.
- Give back to U Engineering.
Sponsor Requirements
Cost to Sponsor a Project
The cost to sponsor a Clinical Capstone Project is $15,000 for a team of 3 students, and $20,000 for a team of 4 students. These funds support a $2,000 scholarship for each team member, administrative costs to run the program, software and other resources that the project will require, and funding for Demo Day expenses.
Who Owns the Intellectual Property Generated by the Project?
The sponsoring organization will own any intellectual property generated by the project.
Will the Student Team Have to Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement?
If the sponsoring company would like a non-disclosure agreement in place before the project begins, we can arrange that.
How Many Students Will Work on a Team?
Teams generally consist of 4 students. In the case where an additional student is added to the project, an additional $2,000 will be required for scholarship funds.
Do Students Choose Their Own Teams?
The Capstone faculty work to place top students who indicate interest in the project idea onto the clinical teams.
Still Have Questions?
Contact Sheri Carp in the Kahlert School of Computing at sheri@cs.utah.edu.
Check Out Some of Our Past Projects
Senior Capstone Demo Day 2023
Team: Worm World
Genetics researchers seek to determine how genes, the basic units of biological inheritance, influence the observable characteristics of organisms. The work done by geneticists includes cross-breeding (“crossing”) different strains of a species to obtain a target genetic profile. The current state-of-practice is to draw these cross trees and calculate offspring probabilities by hand, which can be error prone and time consuming. Our multi-platform desktop application allows researchers of the model organism C. Elegans to design, save, and share strain pedigrees that model the inheritance of relevant genes across generations according to statistical patterns. With this tool, researchers can streamline their experimental planning and data analysis, ultimately improving the efficiency and accuracy of their research.
Team: L3 Harris Clinic
All systems in a network are typically controlled via a centralized server. These servers will typically handle all connections and connect each caller to the person they intend to call. However, this approach has limitations in various high-stakes situations where you need to maintain communication without a single point of failure. To combat this, we have developed a distributed call management system that automatically meshes between users, without the need for a centralized server. This was achieved by creating, designing, and implementing a communication protocol for Linux and Windows platforms that uses multicast RTP to allow users to create and join calls on a network without requiring input from any centralized source.
Team: INL Clinic
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has developed the All Hazards Analysis (AHA) framework in order to record information about the nation’s critical infrastructure and simulate the consequences of a disruption. The Spatial Enrichment Data Engine (SEDE) is a new and independent web service which will validate and assign accurate geospatial data to the infrastructure in INL’s AHA framework. We will provide non-spatial (e.g., address, zip code) and spatial information (latitude/longitude) by developing a forward and reverse geocoding application. We will also supply elevation data to INL to support flood simulations. Finally, we’ve developed a user interface to validate functionality and display geocoded results on a map.
Team: CaptionCall
Secret Keepers is a mobile journal application developed for both iOS and Android devices with the capabilities of capturing audio. Secret Keepers uses React Native for mobile app development, Google’s application programming interface (API) for emotion tracking, audio to text transcription, and data storage. There are two main purposes for Secret Keepers. The first purpose is to gather natural one-sided conversations from a multitude of different ages and ethnic groups. The information gathered will assist CaptionCall, a company who provides technology to people who are hard of hearing, with their speech-to-text predictive model. The second purpose is to be a fun and easy application that encourages people to speak to their devices.
Clinical Capstone Coordinator
Sheri Carp
Associate Director of Business Affairs
Kahlert School of Computing
University of Utah
sheri@cs.utah.edu
Faculty Lead for Clinical Capstone Program
Adjunct Professor David Bean
David.bean@cs.utah.edu
Information for New Graduates
Academic Advisors
Jill Wilson, Sydnee Sartor & Allen Hill (MS/PhD)
grad-advisors@cs.utah.edu
Leslie Wallwork & Sammie Riley (Master of Software Development)
msd-advisors@cs.utah.edu
801.581.7631
Vicki Jackson (Combined BS/MS)
vicki@cs.utah.edu
801.581.8224
Information
Don’t Forget to Eat –
There are a lot of food options on or near campus for when you are stuck on campus all day.
- The Union Center has a food court with the most options in one place: Panda Express, Jamba Juice, Burger Boi, Hive Pizza, etc.
- The Warnock Engineering Building (WEB) has a small cafe next to the Catmull Gallery called “Starley Commons Cafe” that has coffee, pastries, meals, cold drinks, etc.
- The William Brownning Building (WBB) has a small cafe called “Two Creek” that has coffee and pastries.
- The Campus Store has snacks, cold drinks, and a Starbucks.
If you are having difficulty affording groceries, you can stop by the Feed U to pick up nonperishable items.
Connect with our GradSAC –
What is it like to be a student in the Kahlert School of Computing? Do you have questions for our current students? The Graduate Student Advisory Committee maintains useful information. You may e-mail them at gradsac@cs.utah.edu or talk to our students on our Slack channel.
Setting up a Computer Account –
Send email to CS Support (email). Then create a username 3-8 letters (common are last name, first name, first initial and last name, etc)
Payroll Process –
Take a deep breath. The payroll process is a stressful time for all students, no matter what type of funding they are receiving. You are not alone.
If you need a Social Security number & have received a funding offer (fellowship, RA, or TA), contact the Grad Advisors and they can provide you a specific Social Security Letter that will enable you to get a Work Authorization form (from ISSS) and schedule an appointment with the Social Security Office.
Make sure to reach out to the Kahlert School of Computing accountants (accountants@cs.utah.edu) at the beginning of August so they can tell you exactly what documents they need in order for you get onto payroll.
It takes about 2 weeks to complete the payroll process entirely since all hires have to be approved by HR of the entire University of Utah.
Feeling Sick?
If you get sick or have a medical condition that needs attention, please go to the Madsen Health Center first. The co-pay(fee) is $10.00 and there is no additional charge for the visit. If it’s deemed necessary that you need to see an additional doctor, you will receive a referral, and other visits to medical professional involve additional charges.
For illnesses that occur when the center is closed, please go to Redwood Urgent Care. For EMERGENCIES, and for treatment when the Redwood Urgent Care center is closed, go to the nearest Emergency Room.
Frequently Used Links
Tuition Benefit Program & Health Insurance
- Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) Guidelines
- Subsidized Health Insurance through TBP
- Student Health Center Insurance
- Additional Health Insurance Information
- Kahlert School of Computing Tuition Benefit Form (link tbd)
Registration & Enrollment
- Course Catalog
- Course Schedule
- Academic Calendar
- Grading Policies
- Registrar’s Office Student Handbook
Departmental
General Campus Links
Digital Resource Guide for New Students
Price College of Engineering Counseling
ID Card Works as bus, TRAX, and Front Runner train pass. Take ID card to Marriott Library and have activated as library card.
Research Areas
Graduate Application for the Computer Science Degree: Specification of Research Areas of Interest
Graduate applicants to the Computer Science program will be asked to specify up to three areas of research interest in the online application form, from the list below. The primary topics of research currently being carried out in these areas by faculty members in the School of Computing are listed in the table below. Information about the areas of research of the faculty members may be found on the departmental faculty page and the departmental research page.
| Research Areas | Primary Research Topics |
|---|---|
| AI & Machine Learning | Cognitive Systems; Computer Vision; Ethics in AI; ML & Data Analysis; ML Theory & Modeling; Natural Language Processing; Physics-informed Machine Learning |
| Algorithms & Theory | Approximation Algorithms; External Memory Algorithms; Graph Algorithms; Parameterized Algorithms and Complexity; Resource-Efficient Data Structures; Theoretical Cryptography |
| Computational Science | Computational Biology; Computational Inverse Problems; High-Performance Scientific Computing; PDE Solvers |
| Computer Architecture | Accelerators; Architecture-Codesign; Coherence Protocols; Hardware Security; Memory Systems; Microarchitecture Synthesis; VLSI |
| Computational Geometry & Topology | Applied and Computational Topology; Computational Geometry; Geometric Data Analysis; High-dimensional Geometry; Topological Data Analysis |
| Computer Graphics | Real-Time Rendering; Computer Animation; Physics-Based Rendering; Physics-Based Simulation; Geometric Modeling; GPU Algorithms; Ray Tracing Hardware |
| CS Education | Ethics in CS Courses; Code Structure |
| Computer Networks | Internet of Things; Mobile & Wireless Networks; Networks & Systems; Network Security & Reliability |
| Computer Vision | Vision and AI; Visual Perception |
| Data Management | Algorithms for Data Analytics; Data Discovery; Data Quality; Data Usability; Ethical/Responsible Data Management; Large-Scale Data Analysis |
| Formal Verification | Protocol Verification; Verification of Concurrent Programs; Verification Tools |
| High-Performance Computing | Accelerators; Cloud Computing; Compiler Optimization; Distributed Systems; High-Performance Scientific Computing; Parallel Computing; Scalable Systems |
| Human-Computer Interaction | Computer Games; Personal Data; Social Computing; Ubiquitous Computing |
| Imaging | Medical & Biological Image Analysis; Deep Learning for Image Analysis; Statistical Machine Learning for Image and Shape Analysis; Scalable Methods and Architectures for Image Analysis; Shape Modeling & Analysis; Computational Anatomy and Geometric Statistics |
| Natural Language Processing | Information Extraction; Interpretability; Interactivity & Analysis of Models; Learning for NLP; Multimodality; Natural Language Understanding (NLU); Semantics; Sentiment Analysis |
| Operating Systems | Distributed Operating Systems; Distributed Key-Value Stores; Fast Datacenter Stacks; Secure OS |
| Programming Languages | Compiler Optimization; Design & Implementation of Programming Languages; Software Testing; Trustworthy Systems Software |
| Robotics | Autonomous Systems and Learning; Human-Robot Interaction; Medical Robotics; Motion Planning |
| Security & Privacy | Cryptography; Mobile Security; Human Aspects of Security & Privacy; Software & System Security |
| Visualization | Data Visualization; Scientific Visualization; Topological Data Analysis |
Undergraduate Academic Program Overview
The University of Utah Kahlert School of Computing nationally-ranked program offers its undergraduates a rigorous blend of theory and practice to prepare them for the jobs of today and the challenges of tomorrow. Our students have opportunities to work with cutting-edge researchers, along with excellent access to Silicon Slopes and top-tier national tech companies. Set on a beautiful campus, students enjoy recreation in the surrounding mountains as well as urban Salt Lake City.
Degree options
Students in the Kahlert School of Computing can pursue degrees in computer science, data science, software development, computer engineering:
- Computer Science encompasses the theory and discipline of solving computational problems. Computer scientists analyze and engineer the software, algorithms, computer systems, and theories that continue to advance the modern technological world. They work in a broad range of areas including artificial intelligence, security, graphics, robotics, operating systems, networking and communication.
- Data Science focuses on the practice and theory of extracting useful knowledge, results, and understanding from raw data. Data scientists typically work with consumers and producers of data in order to analyze, manage, and augment large data sets or work in industries that require automated forms of decision making and analysis.
- Software Development is the study of the principles, tools, and techniques for developing modern software. Software developers create the web, mobile, and desktop applications that we use every day. They typically work as full stack developers, writing and maintaining the secure front end and back end code that turns a specification into a real-world, functioning system.
- Computer Engineering emphasizes the physical and hardware aspects of computing. Computer engineers design computer circuits, processors, and the electronic systems and devices that computers control. Computer engineers also design and develop the software to analyze and control sophisticated devices and machines.
Full degree requirements for each program can be found in the student handbook. Additionally, the Kahlert School of Computing offers a special games track in Entertainment Arts and Engineering, as well as a five year combined BS/MS program, which allows students to complete both degrees in about five years, by taking both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in their senior year.
Benefits
Students achieving an undergraduate degree from the Kahlert School of Computing are very successful in the job market, as 92% of students secure full-time jobs before they graduate. Many internship opportunities and job offers are a result of the Kahlert School of Computing’s annual career fair.
The University of Utah is an R1 research university. What this means for undergraduate students is that many classes are taught by faculty who are active in research and experts in their fields. Additionally, there are opportunities for undergraduates to engage in cutting-edge research while at the University of Utah.
How to apply
Interested students should apply for admission to the University of Utah: https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/
Early action deadline: December 1, 2023
Merit scholarship consideration deadline: December 1, 2023 (Freshman Only)
PCE Department Scholarship deadline: February 1, 2024
Application deadline: April 1, 2023
BS Data Science
Undergraduate Data Science
Did you know… the University of Utah is home to the Utah Center for Data Science?
To learn more about becoming a member, research and mentoring, and upcoming events, visit:
Image opens in new tab
Data Science is the emerging field that manages and makes sense of data to solve important challenges in science, engineering, and society.
While a data science relies on technical skills from computing and mathematical modeling, the key to its success is the ability to choose among the techniques, interpret them, and connect them with the data domains.
Most of todays cutting edge work relies on the efficient and informed collection, management, and analysis of data. If you want to become a data scientist or work with one, the School of Computing offers several degree and certificate programs towards helping you learn the skills necessary to be at the center of these modern grand challenges.
Undergraduate Program
Bachelors of Science in Data Science
Additional information, flowcharts, and approved elective options for the major can be found by accessing the above link
Undergraduate Certificates
Certificates in Data Science and Data Fluency
Additional resources and forms for those wishing to pursue either of the undergraduate certificates can be found by accessing the above link
Major Elective Evaluation Request
Undergraduate Data Science advising: DS-ugshelp@cs.utah.edu
Looking for graduate information? Visit the current graduate handbook to learn about the Data Management and Analysis track and our resource for the Data Science graduate certificate.
BS in Data Science
We have created one of the first comprehensive Data Science bachelor’s degrees in the Mountain West.
This program will prepare individuals to develop and apply knowledge of basic computer science and software engineering sufficient to be able to build, modify, or use software tools for data analysis. These students will also learn fundamentals of data analysis and processing in order to be able to effectively, efficiently, and ethically make decisions based on the information within various data sources.
Graduates of the proposed program will fill a growing demand for data scientists and work in a variety of industries including health care, finance, and the internet. They will typically work with consumers of data in order to analyze, manage, and augment large data sets or work in industries that require automated forms of decision making and analysis. In situations that require large and sophisticated software development for data analysis, these graduates may work with or lead teams of computer scientists or software developers in a joint effort.
Looking for the Data Science or Fluency Undergraduate Certificates? Visit https://www.cs.utah.edu/undergraduate/data-science/#certificates for details and resources.
In recent years, Data Scientist is commonly listed as one of best jobs in the United States. For instance, a Forbes article from January 2018 based on the hiring website “Glassdoor.com” reports “Data Scientist has been named the best job in America for three years running, with a median base salary of $110,000 and 4,524 job openings.” Related jobs “Analytics Manager,” “Data Engineer,” and “Data Analyst” rank 18, 33 and 38, respectively, on this list. Note that all of these jobs are listed as distinct from more traditional Computer Science jobs “Software Engineer,” “DevOps Engineer,” “Mobile Developer,” “Front End Engineer,” etc.
The Utah Economic Data Viewer does not include an explicit category for “data scientist,” with the closest being “Computer and Information Research Scientists.“ This is likely related also to a Computer Science degree, but likely includes data scientists. For this field, the annual median state-wide wages are $91,090 and there are expected 30 annual openings statewide and 600 in the United states. While the listing notes that many of these jobs expect a “Doctoral or professional degree,” the data scientist panel we hosted in August 2017 provided some insight into why an applicant with a BS in Data Science may be competitive. Many entry level jobs are labeled as “Data Engineer” and “Data Analyst” whereas jobs titled “Data Scientist” often expect some seniority and include some management component. At least among those on the panel, they mainly obtained this necessary experience on the job.
Undergraduate Data Certificates
We believe any student at the University of Utah wanting to incorporate data into their degree plans will be able to do so — regardless of major!
What is data science?
The worlds of science, engineering, and business are now reliant on data-driven analysis and decision making. Data Science is the 21st century discipline formalizing this process, and making enormous impacts in new scientific discoveries, engineering how the world works, and driving business decisions which power much of our economic growth. A data scientist is one who can weave a complete story with data, from its humble and messy beginnings, through its maturation via sophisticated analysis, and concluding with an explanation of its real-world impact.
According to a June 2021 Forbes article, “The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sees strong growth for data science jobs skills in its prediction that the data science field will grow about 28% through 2026.”
Data is everywhere, and so are the opportunities with data in multiple fields!
The University of Utah offers two undergraduate certificates related to data science:
The Undergraduate Certificate in Data Science is meant for students seeking to learn the basics in data understanding, processing, and analysis, and was designed for those pursuing degrees in a STEM program. Calculus experience is assumed for this certificate.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Data Fluency is meant to provide students a basic understanding and exposure of areas within data, and the ability to relate these topics to their main focus of study.
Have questions? Email DS-ugshelp@cs.utah.edu for assistance.
Undergraduate Certificate Forms and Resources
The current electives approved to satisfy certificate requirements can be reviewed by accessing our online resource.
Need some help with your introductory programming courses? Visit our FREE tutoring center!
Express your Interest in one of our undergraduate certificates! This will allow us to keep track of, monitor, and advise your progress.
Think you have completed the requirements a data undergraduate certificates? Fill this out after you have enrolled in your final semester of courses.
Students, is there a data-rich U of U course you discovered, but it’s not on the pre-approved list? Complete this form to have it evaluated!
Faculty and staff, if you would like to have one of your department’s courses evaluated for the Data Science Bachelors or Certificate, or the Data Fluency Certificate, please submit this form.
Data Science FAQ
Q: Can I double major in Computer Science and Data Science?
A: Yes. However, keep in mind, this would require completing 2 senior projects/theses.
Q: Can I apply for a BS/MS degree with the BS in Data Science, and the MS in Computer Science or Computing?
A: Yes. note that if one chooses the MS in Computer Science, then CS 6810, Computer Architecture, would be required. For that course, it is recommended to take Cs 3810, Computer Organization, during the BS portion of the degree. The MS in Computing does not require CS 6810, Computer Architecture.
Q: How do I apply for full major status (FMS) in Data Science?
A: The pre-major requirements and application are currently the same as those pursuing Computer Science. The application for Fall 2022 admission is now open! If you are ready to apply, please click here for access.
Q: Can I take MATH 1210 and MATH 1220, Calculus I and II, instead of the Engineering Calculus sequence, MATH 1310 and MATH 1320?
A: Yes. Engineering Calculus can be replaced with MATH 1210 and MATH 1220, however, you are strongly encouraged to complete MATH 2210**, Calculus III, in order to learn that missing material you would have covered in MATH 1320.
Students are recommended to take MATH 2270, Linear Algebra, as soon as possible because it is part of a sequence of important prerequisite chain, building upon each other. The MATH 1310 and 1320 sequence better prepares students for MATH 2270 and to enroll in it sooner, allowing students more flexibility in their timing to take other advanced data science courses.
** A recent update to the prerequisites of MATH 2270 allows students who earn a B or higher in MATH 1220 to enroll in the course without first completing MATH 2210. Those who do not meet this threshold will be required to succeed in Calculus III in order to enroll in Linear Algebra. There are no exceptions.
Q: Is there a Minor in Data Science?
A: There may be one in the future, but there are currently no concrete plans for which courses would constitute a minor. However, we do offer two different data-related undergraduate certificates, Data Science and Data Fluency. Learn more about these options and available resources by clicking here!
Q: Can I take Electives (either Data Analysis Breadth or Data Domain ones) other than those provided on the approved lists?
A: It is certainly possible! Those are the pre-approved courses, but there are potentially many more that would qualify. Students are able to submit their requests by submitting the form linked here.
The Data Analysis Breadth electives are meant to provide a broader picture of the array of techniques in data science.
The Data Domain electives are meant to expose students to a data rich domain (e.g., in Engineering, Science, Medicine, etc) where the other skills learned in the degree would be applicable. These courses may be billed as “technique” or “technology” courses in their own disciplines, but from the perspective of a data science student, the working through of the in depth application of those techniques in that domain will be the desired aspect. Indeed each domain often has its own specific data challenges, and being exposed and aware of these issues is an important outcome of taking such a course.
In both cases, the courses do not need to be a specific sequence within a single data or technique domain. They should suit the students interests and their overall educational and career plan.
Q: I cannot figure out how to register for the Data Wrangling course.
A: Currently, DS 2500 is a spring-only course. Make sure you are planning your semester schedules carefully with your School of Computing undergraduate advisor!
Q: Does the DS 3390 Ethics in Data Science course satisfy the Social/Behavioral Science (BF) requirement? If I already completed both of my BF courses, will I need to take another course to satisfy that requirement?
A: No, it does not. We had planned to try to allow this, but it was not possible. Make sure to complete at least 2 BF courses to satisfy this university general education requirement.
Q: My question was not asked/answered here. How can I ask for clarification?
A: If a policy is not explicitly stated here, or answered in this FAQ, but there is a relevant one for Computer Science, as listed in the handbook, then the DS policy will default to that one. This includes policies on Academic Misconduct, Non-Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct — which conform to the University of Utah guidelines. The undergraduate handbook for Data Science is coming soon!
Please email DS-ugshelp@cs.utah.edu to contact the SOC undergraduate advisors or the Director of the Data Science Program with additional questions.