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College of Physical Sciences and Engineering

Majors

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Students will study chemical and physical principles of organisms and their biological processes, preparing them for careers in science and chemistry.
This program of study brings together a powerful combination of chemistry, physics, and mathematics that prepares students for employment or post-graduate education.
A graduate in Chemistry Education receives specific training in chemistry and education in preparation for a teaching career in secondary schools.

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Students will balance scientific and engineering theories with technical laboratory experiences to develop practical knowledge and skills they will need once they enter the careers in computer engineering.
Students will obtain computer information technology skills, including cloud virtualization engineering, DevOps, cybersecurity, software engineering, networking, server administration, database design and development, systems analysis and design, and web development.
Students will prepare for a career in software development accomplished through a blend of technology and engineering courses, each carefully aligned with the needs of future employers.
Students will gain the skills and knowledge they need to best prepare them to use electricity and electronics help solve some of the world’s greatest scientific challenges.
Students will gain a solid foundation in both the breadth and depth of the principles and practices of software engineering and computer programming skills.
Students will gain experience in programming, web business creation, online media, web frontend and backend development, and visual media as they gain the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for the professional workforce.
BYU-Idaho’s Web Design and Development program provides a solid background in both the breadth and depth of website design and development, allowing students to choose one of three areas of emphasis: Business and Communications, Website Design, or Website Development.

Department of Design and Construction Management

Construction management is a professional service that focuses on each part of the construction process of any built environment: the project's schedule, cost, quality, scope, and function. Through combined education and field experience, construction managers are uniquely qualified to work with all individuals involved.
This degree combines the diverse discipline of architecture, design, design-thinking, computer programming, and construction management to create a career path for a growing high-demand career opportunity.
This degree program provides a foundation for the processes of architecture. It allows students to explore numerous areas of construction technology while learning how to use design and presentation software such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Strong emphasis is placed on architectural design, code compliance, material selection, and constructability. This degree prepares students for further architectural studies or entry-level drafting positions with engineering or architectural firms.
Students will be provided with employable skills in order to manage and problem-solve the progress of construction sites.

Department of Engineering Technology

Students will apply critical thinking skills to evaluate problems, assimilate information, and implement solutions as they study the different systems of the modern automobile.
Students will apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to engineering technology problems. Students will be taught how to employ principles and practical knowledge to demonstrate leadership skills and quality workmanship.
Students will understand automotive technology and business management styles as they prepare for career opportunities in managing the operations of automotive-related businesses.
Graduates in Manufacturing Engineering Technology work closely with engineers and scientists to create cost-effective solutions to manufacture a wide range of products, taking each design from initial creation to a finished project.
Students will gain a solid foundation in welding theory, manufacturing processes, and material science as they learn to develop skills within a program designed to help with careers in welding, manufacturing, or fabrication industries.
Students will learn the science and language of welding and engineering to span the gap between design and manufacturing as they know and apply ethical principles in industry and business settings.
Students will gain the knowledge and skills to best prepare them for a challenging and rewarding career as an automotive technician in a dealership or independent repair business.
Students will gain the knowledge and skills they need to build a strong foundation in standard engineering technology programs, including manufacturing, welding, design, and mechanical engineering technology.
Students will gain a strong foundation for further education as they learn the science and language of welding and engineering through hands-on experience and understanding of the tools and methods.

Department of Geology and Environmental Science

Students will take courses in geology, astronomy, chemistry, and environmental science while learning the different educational theories and methods that apply to teaching Earth Science in the classroom.
Students learn to manage and protect the environment, analyze and develop solutions to environmental problems, and understand potential environmental hazards and impacts.
Students develop a strong science, technology, and math background while gaining a deeper appreciation for the Earth and its resources.

Department of Mathematics

Students will study statistics, biology, and computer programming to help them analyze living organisms.
This degree will help lead students equipped with relevant skills to careers like data science, data analysis, and business analysis.
Students will gain the knowledge and skills they need in order to successfully apply mathematics to problems in business, industry, or government while learning how to communicate these ideas and issues to others.
Students learn to apply mathematical and statistical principles to understand and draw conclusions from real-world data. This emphasis provides a strong foundation for solving problems in business, industry, and government or continuing to graduate school in statistics.
Students will build a mathematical foundation to prepare them to study mathematics in graduate school or work in business, industry, or government.
Students will gain an understanding of different mathematical concepts while learning educational theories and methods they will apply to teach mathematics in the classroom.
Students will gain an understanding of applied statistics, core programming languages, and the collaborative communication skills to help prepare them for careers in data science.

Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Students gain a solid foundation in mathematics, engineering science, solid mechanics, water resources, transportation, and structural and geotechnical engineering.
Graduates of the mechanical engineering program are prepared for lifelong learning and rewarding careers in a wide range of companies and organizations. They apply their technical and creative skills to develop solutions for the needs of society.

Department of Physics

Astronomy is the study of celestial objects in the universe. This includes planets, stars, galaxies, and the overall structure of the universe. Astronomy emphasis students will learn advanced methods and theories related to astronomy, including cosmology and astrophysics.
Biophysics is an interdisciplinary science that applies the approaches and methods of physics to study biological systems. Students with a biophysics emphasis will learn introductory and advanced methods and theories in physics while learning how to apply them to biology.
Combining physics and chemistry can lead to opportunities in a variety of exciting careers. For example, an understanding of the physical properties of matter at an atomic scale is required in material science, the development of batteries and fuel cells, and innovations in semiconductors.
The computational emphasis is designed to combine an excellent understanding of the principles of physics with a proficiency in computer programming. This is a very natural mixing of disciplines that produces individuals that are well prepared to solve hard problems in many fields and industries.
The physics engineering emphasis focuses on applying physics in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. Graduates with this emphasis often pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. in materials science or engineering and are hired to work in a range of rewarding high tech fields.
Geophysics is the study of the earth with tools of physics. Geophysics includes the exciting field of petroleum exploration. Positions in this field also occur in places like police work, archeology, civil engineering, near-earth space environment, atmospheric sciences, seismology, and even crystallography.
Mathematics is the language physicists use to describe physical laws and to make predictions based on those laws. Mathematics is very extensively used in every area of physics. If you do not know which emphasis area best meets your goals, the mathematical emphasis is a good default.
Medical physics is the application of physics concepts in medicine and health care. A medical physicist may specialize in such areas as medical imaging, radiation therapies, health physics, and nuclear medicine.
Pre-medical Physics is an emphasis designed for students planning on entering medical professional schools. Students who enroll in this emphasis should be planning on going to medical, podiatry, dental, or optometry school (or a similar professional program).
The Physics Education degree prepares students to teach physics in high school. It includes courses for teacher certification as well as a cluster of courses designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of physics and its role in the modern world.