Departments in the College of Humanities
Department of Communication
The Department of Communication boasts award-winning faculty, outstanding doctoral, master's, and undergraduate programs state-of-the-art facilities. It is highly ranked in critical theory, cultural studies, ecology, law, popular culture, race and ethnicity, and rhetoric (ComAnalytics). The Department features five cutting-edge research areas—critical/cultural studies; environmental, science, and health communication; interpersonal communication; digital media; and rhetoric.
Department of English
The English Department aims to provide an exceptional education in English literature and culture. English students master the skills of advanced literacy—critical thinking, clear communication, creative expression—that are vital for a successful career and a full life. We offer a wide range of courses in literature, media studies, and creative writing. Our advanced degrees in literary studies and creative writing provide students a strong foundation for their academic and creative projects.
Department of History
History provides the intellectual and entrepreneurial tools to thrive in a world that is highly specialized and globally interconnected. Students learn creative solutions to challenging problems, how to handle ambiguity, and work across cultures. Our prize-winning and internationally-recognized faculty educate students for 21st century careers, including business, technology, journalism, law, museums, medicine, libraries, government, politics, education, and more.
Department of Linguistics
The Department of Linguistics at the University of Utah is committed to advancing the understanding of human language in the service of local, national, and global communities. We accomplish this (1) by conducting cutting-edge research on language structure, acquisition, and processing and (2) by preparing students to achieve personal and professional goals equipped with the knowledge and skills developed through the study of linguistics.
Department of Philosophy
The Department of Philosophy offers a well-balanced program in the major areas of Philosophy and has particular areas of strength in Applied Ethics (including Bioethics, Legal Ethics, Environmental Ethics and Business and Professional Ethics), Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Biology, Philosophy of Social Science, Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science, Ancient Greek Philosophy, Chinese Philosophy, Practical Reason, Philosophy of Law, Political Philosophy, International Justice and Early Modern Philosophy.
Department of World Languages & Cultures
The Department of World Languages & Cultures is the largest and most diverse in the College, culturally and programmatically. Our programs and courses offer multiple opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study in language, literature, culture, and language education. All foreign languages and their respective literatures at the University of Utah are taught in the Department, which provides students with a forum for research and education in more than 20 linguistic and literary traditions.
Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies
The Department of Writing & Rhetoric Studies (formerly the University Writing Program) was created in 1984 to ensure that students understand the forms and processes used by successful college-level writers, and that they continue to mature as writers in undergraduate and post-college settings. We offer a range of carefully developed undergraduate writing classes ranging from general courses in academic writing at the first-year college level to seminars in discipline-based and professional writing and rhetoric for upper-division students.
