Special Undergraduate Programs

LEAP ( Learning, Engagement, Achievement, and Progress program)

LEAP is a nationally recognized, two-semester learning community that encourages the academic success and engagement of entering students. LEAP students enroll in a small seminar that keeps them with the same classmates, instructor, and peer advisor for two successive semesters in courses fulfilling graduation requirements in humanities, social sciences, and diversity. They may also enroll in LEAP-only sections of Writing 2010.

LEAP promotes active learning through interactions with faculty, student teamwork, emphasis on writing, oral  presentation and library research, and involvement in the campus and community. The program is available to all entering students and enrolls about one-fourth of the incoming class.  A little over half of LEAP students are women, over one-quarter are students of color and about one-third are from out of state. There are special LEAP seminar sections for those going into architecture, business, engineering, fine arts, health careers, and law. There are also sections for students living in the residence halls, for students interested in service, and for those exploring options for a major.

The Honors College

Offers distinctive academic and research experiences to the most motivated undergraduate students, preparing them for graduate school and professional life. In addition to providing small classes taught by distinguished professors, the Honors College focuses on civic engagement and community-based research through its Think Tank and Community Leadership programs.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

UROP’s mission is to contribute to excellence in undergraduate education by supporting students’ research and creative artistic work under faculty supervision in all disciplines. UROP builds on the learning opportunities that begin in the classroom by extending them into the rich research life of laboratories, libraries, studios, the community and beyond. UROP provides assistantships up to $1,200 per semester to students who are accepted into the program. Since its inception in 1989, the program has supported over 1,500 students in research and creative artistic work. UROP also sponsors the U’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, publishes an annual journal, the “University of Utah Undergraduate Research Abstracts,” and participates in the U’s annual “Research Posters on the Hill” at the Utah State Capitol. Please visit the UROP Web site for applications, deadlines and detailed information about the program and its many opportunities at www.urop.utah.edu.

Bachelor of University Studies (BUS)

This program provides students with the flexibility of creating an individualized major in an area not otherwise available at the university. Students must design, propose, and complete the degree under the supervision of a tenure-track faculty member. The proposal for the major is expected to have a thematic focus and to be academically rigorous. The program of study includes an interdisciplinary set of courses that are appropriate to the theme of the major and requires the completion of a senior project designed by the student and faculty adviser. The senior project is usually presented as a thesis but may take other forms such as a visual work of art or a computer program.

National Student Exchange (NSE)

Helps students broaden their horizons by offering exchanges at universities in the  United States, its territories and Canada for up to one academic year, while paying the in-state tuition of either the University of Utah or the host institution. 

University of Utah Study Abroad Program

724 students, staff, alumni, and faculty participated in study abroad programs at 40 international institutions in 30 countries during the 2007-2008 academic year.