BSU was originally founded as Boise Junior College in 1932 and was sponsored by the Episcopal Church. Regional accreditation was approved in 1941 and four-year status was approved in 1965. Boise Junior College officially entered the state system of higher education in 1969 as Boise State College and adopted its current name in 1974.
The University now awards associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Boise State University defines its goal as “to foster an intellectual atmosphere that produces educated, literate people—people knowledgeable of public affairs, committed to lifelong learning, and capable of creative problem-solving.”
Branch campus sites are located in Canyon County Center, Gowen Field, Mountain Home, and Twin Falls. Courses are offered in these campuses through the vision of extended studies, which also runs summer programs, noncredit programs, distance education, and other programs.
Boise State University
Academics
Boise State includes nine Colleges and Divisions that offer 190 different fields of study, as well as research and internship opportunities. In addition to the colleges of Applied Technology (Selland College), Arts & Sciences, Business & Economics, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences & Public Affairs; Boise State is home to a Division of Extended Studies that provides opportunities for distance learning, professional development, weekend classes, summer classes, and international programs.
Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines in all colleges (except the Graduate College). Some of the fields of study represented include the arts and sciences, wildlife management, theatre arts, visual arts, exercise, science, education, engineering, radiology, nursing, communication, political science, manufacturing systems technology, semiconductor technology, and wildland fire management. Certificates and associate degrees are offered in many of the technology programs and in other fields such as legal assistance. The University offers interdisciplinary minors in addiction studies, Canadian studies, and gender studies, and a certificate in dispute resolution. A minor to become a legal assistant is also available.
Master’s degrees are awarded in 46 fields. These include various degrees in education, music, engineering, creative writing, and in raptor biology. An MFA in visual art and an MSW in social work are also available. The business school offers an MBA. Graduate certificate programs are also available in addiction studies, geospatial information analysis, health services leadership, technology integration, online technology, school technology coordination, and technical communication.
The school awards two doctoral degrees, an Ed.D in education curriculum and instruction, and a Ph.D. in geophysics.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Boise State University.
Sixteen special research, service, and development centers are located at Boise State. These include such diverse areas of interest as Economic Education, Idaho History, Conflict Management, and Raptor Research. While the centers provide classes and specializations that might be of interest to undergraduates, they are primarily focused on research and informing the public about their particular areas of focus.
Boise State’s colleges and divisions offer several unique interdisciplinary minors. These areas of study combine the curriculum of two or more fields to give students specialized areas of expertise. They are Addiction Studies, Canadian Studies, Dispute Resolution, Legal Assistance, and Gender Studies.
Boise State University
Admissions
Boise State uses and admissions index to determine if students in particular classifications (high school graduates under the age of 21, for example) meet its admissions requirements. The admissions index is a complex matrix that analyzes applicants’ GPA in regards to their SAT or ACT scores. For example, an applicant classified as “Excellent for Admission” could have a GPA of only 2.25 but an SAT score of 1520 or an ACT score of 34. By the same token, a candidate classified as “Possible” may have a GPA of 3.00 but an SAT score of only 870 or an ACT score of only 18. The full matrix is available for viewing at the Boise State website.
Even students who do not meet the requirements put forth in the admissions index may still be admitted to Boise State under provisional status. This special arrangement requires that students earn 14 credits in specific courses over 3 semesters and earn a grade of “C” or better overall in order to continue their studies. The core courses include fundamental areas such as English and Mathematics.
Applications to the undergraduate programs are accepted through the summer prior to the fall semester, with an application fee of $30. In addition to the application form and fee, students must provide transcripts and test scores. Undergraduate students must have completed in high school eight semesters of English, six semesters of mathematics, six semesters of natural science, five semesters of social science, two semesters in humanities or foreign languages, and three semesters in other college preparatory courses. Applications can be submitted on-line.
Graduate students must provide the following for admissions to the graduate school: an application with fee, transcripts, and exams, letters of recommendation, and other materials required by the program to which one is applying. A graduate application has an application fee of $55.
Financial Aid
Boise State requires that students who receive or are eligible to receive financial aid make satisfactory academic progress, file their FAFSA on time, demonstrate financial need, provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, not be default on prior loans, and register with Selective Service. Aid programs include grants, government loans (including the PLUS loan), alternative loans that may be provided through a private service, scholarships, and work-study programs located on campus.
In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $3520 in 2004-2005. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.
Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Boise State University 3772nd for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Idaho scholarships and financial aid
In addition to the numerous classroom, dormitory, athletic, and administration buildings, Boise State University has a center for the performing arts with a ten-story stage, 732 mezzanine seats and 1268 Orchestra level seats.
The Boise State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. Special collections include rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials related to Idaho and the American West, a map library, and federal, state and local government materials.
Boise State is home to 18,500 making it the largest university in the State of Idaho. The campus is home to 170 student organizations and includes new residence halls and the $12 million Student Recreation Center. Students have the opportunity to get involved in a number of organizations, including service-learning, the campus radio station, and various Greek organizations. The Arbiter is the campus’ student-run newspaper and publishes submissions from student writers and editors.
The Student Recreation Center includes a gymnasium with three full-size basketball courts, four racquetball courts, a student lounge, massage therapy facilities, a climbing gym, a free weight area, and a group exercise room.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Boise State University?
The Boise State Broncos compete in the Western Athletic Conference, Division I-A of the NCAA. Intercollegiate sports include football, gymnastics, soccer, and men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, and golf. Women’s skiing is also offered.
Football is definitely the sport of choice for many Broncos fans, and with good reason. Most recently the Broncos went 11-1 overall in 2004 and 8-0 in the WAC in 2004, placing them first in that conference. Over the last four years coach Dan Hawkins has achieved an impressive 44-7 record. Unfortunately for the Broncos their impressive season was cut short in 2004 when they lost to Louisville 44-40 in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
Nearly as exciting as the 2004 football season is Boise States Initiative for Athletic Excellence, a massive fundraising campaign to improve their already impressive athletic facilities. Over the next few years Boise State plans to expand Bronco Stadium, include and indoor practice facility and outdoor track facility, and build a beautiful new luxury suite/press box complex.
Boise State University is an NCAA Division I school, with basketball, cross-country, football, golf, tennis, track & field, and wrestling for men and basketball, cross-country, golf, gymnastics, skiing, soccer, tennis, track & field, and volleyball for women. The team nickname is the Broncos. It is in the Western Athletic Conference for all sports except women’s gymnastics and wrestling, which are in the Western Gymnastics Conference and the Pacific-10 respectively.
A cheerleading program and a dance-team (the “Maneline Dancers”) perform regularly, and intramural sports are available as well.
Sports facilities include a stadium for football and track and field, an arena for basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling, a tennis center, an indoor track and field, an indoor soccer facility, and a gym for basketball, volleyball, and wrestling. There are also administrative offices and a Hall of Fame gallery.
Boise State University
Traditions
Few trademarks are as recognizable or as proudly demonstrated as the blue astro turf of Bronco Stadium. Every televised game and following highlight makes the stadium undeniably recognizable to every Bronco fan across the country.
Local Community
Boise is rightly called the City of Trees for its urban parks and outstanding outdoor life. A river flows through the city, providing 25 miles of riverfront green space to play and relax in. Other outdoor attractions include the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center and the World Center for Birds of Prey. There are a good deal of cultural attractions in Boise, including the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and the Idaho Black History Museum. City facilities accommodating athletes looking to play golf, tennis, or just take a swim.
The city of Boise is the capital of the Idaho, and Idaho’s largest city. Some of the arts and cultural programs available in the area include ballet, theatre, visual arts, museums of history, the World Center for Birds of Prey, and outdoor recreational parks and facilities, including Bogus Basin Ski Resort.
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Boise State University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
18 days agoCheryl skeijh ((at)) yahoo dot com
What is next for Kellen Moore? I wish that someone at the NFL could think out of the box. He is not a typical player, but they are judging him by typical standards. This just won't work. If Kellen see this, remember it's not over yet. Go out there and show them who you are!! I graduated from BSU myself, years ago, and I have watched as many of your games as possible. You are really something unique and exceptionally talented. Go out there and give it your best as a free agent. I and long with anyone that's ever taken the time to watch an entire BSU game that you played, know you will succeed in the NFL. You're just going to have to get them to see past their limitations...you don't have any....please remember that!!
Good Luck. I'll keep watching to see where you end up. Keep on Smiling...you have the best just waiting for you to take it. You've made us all so proud while making yourself the true talent that you are. Kellen, you are the REAL THING!
Thanks for all the games and those to come,
Cheryl
6 months agojaueric neate ((at)) yahoo dot com
man i am a big fan of BOISE STATE i mean dang this team is so dang good i mean they beat a team from the SEC and the team the beat, beat auburn and the uniforms go ham and me personally i would give and any thing to go to this collage an play on the "BLUE TURF".
over 1 year agochas johnson chasjohnson ((at)) mchsi dot com
i would like to watch your football team on tv but the blue field SUCKS--hard on the eyes
over 1 year agoTerry
You need to ADD more ORANGE to these new uniforms. That's what Boise State isa known for. There Blue and Orange. A tiny bit of orange on the sleve isn't enough.
over 2 years agojim seybert jim67inc ((at)) yahoo dot com
It is disappointing to see that although Oregon definitely cannot lose with class, Boise State has not learned how to win with class. Hout should be suspended. Classless, absolutely classless.
over 2 years agokeith rasmussen
i can not believe that you would not do anything to hout who started the problem and oregon does the right thing and suspends their player for the year who reacted (poorly) to hout getting in his face. i can not beleive this program is ready for anything but division 2 with the way they responded.
over 2 years agoFrank Breslin jaspers56 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I guess Coach Peterson learned from Bobby Bowden that winning games is more important than building character and leading by example. I do not pretend to know what punishment should be habded down to your player. Surely, it should be more than a "good talking to" by the coach.
Frank Breslin
Heathrow, FL
over 2 years agoMary
I think that the University should suspend Hout for last night's incident. Talk about sportsmanship...Hout had no business taunting, insulting and provoking the Oregon player... What he did was class-less, a cheap shot... He deserved the punch he got. As a die-hard Boise State footbal fan, I think that the university should do the right thing and also suspend him... Mr. Petersen, have the courage to do it... because its the right thing
over 2 years agoDonald Porterfield dsporte ((at)) sbcglobal dot net
The suspension of the Oregon player for hitting the Boise State player should not be the end of this incident. The actions of the Boise State player (taunting) is not acceptable and reflects badly on the University.
over 2 years agoTony mrmtpants ((at)) comcast dot net
Good day staff and students. My name is Tony and I am an Oregon Duck fan. I would like to congradulate your football team on the thourough spanking you gave our team. We sucked. Good luck for the rest of the season and take care. Yours truly, Tony
over 2 years agoPat Parker
Your guy Fuller should get everything Blount from Oregon gets, he instigated the incident.
The good news is I believe Fuller will seriously think about it before he starts woofing again. One punch and he is down for the count. Big old boy like that, shameful.
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skeijh ((at)) yahoo dot com
What is next for Kellen Moore? I wish that someone at the NFL could think out of the box. He is not a typical player, but they are judging him by typical standards. This just won't work. If Kellen see this, remember it's not over yet. Go out there and show them who you are!! I graduated from BSU myself, years ago, and I have watched as many of your games as possible. You are really something unique and exceptionally talented. Go out there and give it your best as a free agent. I and long with anyone that's ever taken the time to watch an entire BSU game that you played, know you will succeed in the NFL. You're just going to have to get them to see past their limitations...you don't have any....please remember that!! Good Luck. I'll keep watching to see where you end up. Keep on Smiling...you have the best just waiting for you to take it. You've made us all so proud while making yourself the true talent that you are. Kellen, you are the REAL THING! Thanks for all the games and those to come, Cheryl