Utah State University Graduate Programs: An Overview

Utah State University (USU) has a rich history of graduate education, awarding Master of Science degrees since 1914 and doctoral degrees since 1950. The School of Graduate Studies was formally organized in 1945. Today, most of the University’s departments offer graduate degree programs, alongside several interdepartmental programs, supported by nationally and internationally recognized scholars and research units. The School of Graduate Studies holds memberships in the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States and the Western Association of Graduate Schools.

Leadership and Governance

The administration of graduate studies at USU is led by:

Senior Vice Provost of Graduate Studies: David Feldon
Associate Vice Provost of Graduate Studies: Susannah French
Assistant to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies: Nicholas A.

Policies and regulations for graduate education are established by the Graduate Council with the approval of the Faculty Senate. The council consists of the vice provost, a faculty representative from each of the eight colleges of the University, a representative from the Faculty Senate, the Dean of Libraries, and two graduate students.

Graduate Degrees and Majors

Utah State University offers a wide array of graduate programs across its various colleges and departments. A comprehensive list of these programs can be found in the Degree Finder. Here's a glimpse into the graduate programs available within each college:

College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences

Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences: Offers advanced studies in animal health, nutrition, and production.
Department of Applied Economics: Focuses on the application of economic principles to agricultural and resource management.
Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning: Explores the design and planning of sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments.
Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences: Investigates the science of food and its impact on human health.
Department of Plants, Soils and Climate: Studies plant growth, soil management, and climate interactions.
Program in Toxicology: Examines the effects of toxic substances on living organisms.
School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education: Offers graduate programs focused on technology and education.

College of Engineering

Department of Biological Engineering: Integrates engineering principles with biological systems.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Focuses on the design and construction of infrastructure and environmental protection.
Department of Computer Science: Explores the theoretical foundations of computing and its applications.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Studies electrical circuits, computer systems, and signal processing.
Department of Engineering Education: Focuses on improving engineering teaching and learning.
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Deals with the design and manufacturing of mechanical and aerospace systems.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of English: Explores literature, rhetoric, and writing.
Department of History: Investigates the past through research and analysis.
Department of Journalism and Communication: Focuses on media, communication strategies, and journalism ethics.
Department of Languages, Philosophy, and Communication Studies: Offers programs in various languages, philosophical inquiry, and communication theories.
Department of Political Science: Studies political systems, theories, and behavior.
Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology: Examines social structures, human behavior, and cultural diversity.
Program in American Studies: Provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of American culture and society.

College of Science

Department of Biology: Explores the science of living organisms and their environments.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: Studies the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter.
Department of Geology: Investigates the Earth's structure, history, and processes.
Department of Mathematics and Statistics: Focuses on mathematical theories, statistical analysis, and their applications.
Department of Physics: Studies the fundamental laws of nature and the properties of matter and energy.

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education: Focuses on communication sciences and disorders, as well as deaf education.
Department of Family, Consumer, and Human Development: Studies individual and family development across the lifespan.
Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences: Explores the use of technology to enhance learning and instruction.
Department of Kinesiology and Health Science: Investigates human movement, exercise, and health.
Department of Psychology: Studies the human mind and behavior.
Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation: Focuses on the education and rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.
Doctoral Program in Education: Offers advanced studies in various areas of education.
Program in Elementary Education: Focuses on teaching and learning in elementary schools.
Program in Rehabilitation Counseling: Prepares professionals to assist individuals with disabilities in achieving their personal and career goals.
Program in Secondary Education: Focuses on teaching and learning in secondary schools.

Jon M. Huntsman School of Business

Department of Economics and Finance: Studies economic systems, financial markets, and investment strategies.
Department of Management Information Systems: Focuses on the use of information technology to manage and improve business operations.
Program in Business Administration: Provides a broad understanding of business principles and practices.
Program in Human Resources: Focuses on the management of human capital within organizations.
School of Accountancy: Offers programs in accounting and auditing.
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Professional Development Opportunities

USU is committed to enhancing the career readiness of its graduate students and postdocs. The Graduate School offers a FREE Professional Development Series each fall, instructed by Mary Anne Berzins. These series cover essential skills such as:

Supervising Work and People
Developing Your Leadership Skills
Presentation Skills

3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

Utah State University hosts the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, which challenges graduate students to present their research in a concise and engaging manner to a non-specialist audience. This competition provides valuable training and a platform to showcase research, develop communication skills, and enhance career prospects. More than a competition, the 3MT training and showcase is a chance to successfully adapt your communication skills to the needs and interests of a variety of audiences-a prized skill that will distinguish you throughout your career, whether in academia or beyond.

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