Idaho State University was founded in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho and received university status in 1927. Its early emphasis was on technological education. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its mission statement identifies the university as “the state’s lead institution for education in the health professions and related biological and physical sciences.” Another primary emphasis is teacher preparation. It is classed as a Doctoral Research University—Intensive by the Carnegie Institute.
When it was first founded, Idaho State’s entire campus consisted of only 8 ½ acres donated by Pocatello’s citizens. Since its founding in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho, the University has gone through five name changes. University status was conferred in 1963 and Idaho State has seen its enrollment increase significantly in recent years.
Idaho State University
Academics
Idaho State offers over 200 degree programs and certifications through its colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Science and Engineering, and College of Technology as well as through its interdisciplinary degree and pre-professional programs. The college also provides degrees through the Department of Health Sciences which includes colleges for health professions, pharmacy, nursing, medical and oral health and rehabilitation and communication services. Idaho State is home to hundreds of faculty members, thus providing a low student-to-teacher ratio that allows for personal interaction and collaboration. There are also several international and study abroad opportunities for undergraduates to experience.
Bachelor’s degrees are offered in a variety of fields within the various academic colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s level can be received in such areas as American studies, biology, mathematics, business management, early childhood education, family and consumer studies, engineering, dental hygiene and Earth and environmental systems. Many fields have particular concentrations or specializations. Associate degrees are offered in several fields, including criminal justice, nursing, languages (including Shoshoni) and culinary arts.
The College of Technology is vocationally-oriented, offering programs in fields such as aircraft maintenance, cosmetology, culinary arts, telecommunications, graphic arts, electronics, health information, paralegal studies, registered nursing, and welding. Most programs offer certificates or associate degrees.
Graduate programs are offered in over 50 areas. These include master’s level programs in anthropology, art, geology, clinical psychology, education, counseling, deaf education, physical therapy, and nuclear science. Doctoral degrees are offered in several different areas including English, mathematics, physics, political science, psychology, educational leadership, engineering and applied science, physical therapy, and pharmacy. The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is offered in school psychology, special education and educational administration
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Idaho State University.
Idaho State has a nationally recognized business program. Its Certified Public Accountants (CPA) program has been ranked among the nation’s best, with students’ pass rates on the CPA examination scoring more than three times the national average, based on students who take the exam for the first time.
ISU offers the region’s best programs in the health sciences and biological fields, including degrees in health care administration, radiographic science, speech pathology, dental hygiene, and dietetics.
Another area of excellence is teacher preparation, including educational administration, physical education, and special education.
Idaho State University has an undergraduate Honors Program. Students who seek admission to the Honors Program need to meet the following requirements: 3.6 high school GPA and an ACT score of 25. Once admitted to the Honors Program, students will be able to take Honors courses, including 2 seminars, and do an Honors project.
ISU offers distance education through dial-up video classroom around the state. Students can also take classes at several branch campuses and other centers.
Some of the other unique opportunities available at Idaho State University include a “Clustered Learning for Academic Success” program, in which students enroll in 3-5 related courses with the same classmates.
Idaho State University
Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions
Idaho State University has an undergraduate admissions deadline of August 1 for the fall semester. Applications and fees can be submitted on-line. Students who are enrolled in high school at the time of application will need to have their official final high school transcripts sent after graduation to the Admissions Office. Students who are interested in the College of Technology need to contact the Student Services Office.
As part of their application, students should submit high school transcripts and ACT or SAT test scores. Students should have a competitive GPA and Idaho students are required to have completed the Idaho Core Curriculum. Out of state students should have completed a strong undergraduate curriculum as well. Admissions will be granted on the basis of a combination of test scores and GPA. Students with slightly lower-than-average GPAs or standardized test scores may be admitted on a conditional basis and must meet other requirements while attending.
Dual Enrollment Program Admissions
The college also offers a dual enrollment program for local high school students interested in starting their college careers early. Special admissions requirements apply, so students interested in this program should contact the university to determine what steps they need to take to be considered for the program. Transfer students and international students will have varying requirements depending upon their prior educational background. Students who graduated from Idaho high schools prior to 1989 will also have different requirements.
Graduate Student Admissions
Students applying to the graduate programs at Idaho State University should consult the individual department and/or school to which they are applying because each department may have different requirements. Applications can be submitted on-line along with a required application fee. General requirements include the GRE or other appropriate test scores (such as the GMAT) and a bachelor’s degree. Applicants will also need a recommendation from the graduate school of interest as well as approval for admittance by the dean of the graduate school. The graduate application deadline is determined by the program to which the student is applying.
Financial Aid
ISU offers standard financial aid sources and formats including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Student Loans, Work Study, the Supplemental Educational Opportuniry Grant (SEOG), and Federal Perkins Loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for financial aid, followed by a response and follow-up (as necessary.) Prompt replies to the University’s Financial Aid inquiries is the best way to ensure your aid will be processed as quickly as possible. The University’s Financial Aid website provides a checklist of items required to complete the FAFSA paperwork and to correctly process your aid application materials.
Graduate students may also receive financial aid in the form of teaching or research assistantships, including a stipend and a waiver of some or all of the tuition and other fees. Graduate students should consult with their individual department about what sort of assistantships or fellowships are available and about the details of the application process.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Idaho State University 3756th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Idaho scholarships and financial aid
Student life at Idaho State University includes opportunities in a diverse range of activities and organizations. There are academic and professional organizations, cultural groups, fraternities and sororities, sports groups, political and religious groups, and special interest groups such as the Acoustic Music and Songwriting Organization and the Chess Club.
ISU is particularly proud of its on-campus outdoor program. The Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group (CWHOG) provides handicapped students the same opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities as able-bodied students. The Wilderness Rental Center is the central source for renting and using outdoor recreational equipment on campus. There are more than 120 student organizations and clubs on the ISU campus that should meet the needs and interests of nearly every student. The gymnasium and recreational center are home to the largest climbing wall on a college campus in the western United States, as well as swimming pools, indoor tennis and racquetball courts, and weight rooms. There are also numerous club and intramural sports so that students may compete in group sports without participating with intercollegiate-level teams.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Idaho State University?
The Idaho State University Bengals compete in men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, tennis, and track and field. Men have the additional option of football while women may also choose to participate in golf, volleyball, soccer and softball. The Bengals compete in Division I of the NCAA in the Big Sky Conference (Division I-AA in football). Athletic facilities at Idaho State include Reed Gym, the 3,000-seat arena that is home to basketball and volleyball; Holt Arena, which was the first indoor arena on an American college campus and seats 12,000 for football; Davis Field for soccer and track; and a new cross country course north of Idaho State’s Research Park that is strictly dedicated to cross country events.
The Bengal athletes are also active in the community, supporting various philanthropic initiatives, offering scholarships, and even hosting various community events. Idaho State’s school colors are black and orange, and their mascot is Benny the Bengal Tiger.
Idaho State University
Traditions
The Robert Allen BengalFest is held annually three hours prior to kickoff and is the largest tailgate party of the year. BengalFest promotes team spirit and school pride, along with great food, camaraderie, and the occasional celebrity appearance. There are games and rides for the kids, a massive barbecue, and the Idaho State marching band.
Local Community
Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, Idaho. The surrounding environment is mountainous. Near-by attractions include historic buildings, a zoo, and nearby skiing and hiking areas.
Pocatello can be found in southeast Idaho among the hills of the Rocky Mountains and near the historic Oregon Trail. The climate is described as “four season” and often sunny and dry. While Pocatello is a small town, it offers numerous parks with hike & bike trails throughout, several museums, golf courses, recreational complexes, and the Pocatello Zoo.
Bibliography
Idaho State University. Idaho State University. 2011. Web. 23 June 2011.
Idaho State Bengals. Idaho State Athletics. 2010. Web. 23 June 2011.
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Is ISU considered a Land Grant school ?