Idaho State University

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Updated November 30, 2022 · 3 Min Read

Learn more about the various counseling degree programs available at Idaho State University.

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Idaho State University was originally founded in 1901 under a different name. It went through five name changes until 1963, when it achieved university status. Today, Idaho State University (ISU) is the state’s primary public research university that offers students associate, bachelor, master and doctoral degree programs.

The main campus is located in the relatively unknown city of Pocatello, which is north of the Utah border. Pocatello is a somewhat isolated city that offers universal access to nearby deserts, forests, rivers and mountains. Approximately 13,000 to 15,000 students enroll every year at Idaho State University. The student to faculty ratio is 15 to one. The retention rate of full-time students is around 70 percent and part-time retention is around 40 percent.

Idaho State University also has satellite campuses in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. The university’s special Outreach Centers are located in smaller Idahoan cities like Preston, Blackfoot, Montpelier, American Falls and Soda Springs. The university is divided into seven colleges and schools. This includes the Colleges of Business, Education, Technology, Arts and Letters and Science and Engineering. Students can choose from around 300 degree, certification and pre-professional programs. There are a limited number of study abroad programs for undergraduates. The most popular degrees include registered nursing, physical education, teaching and coaching, business administration, human resources development and general psychology.

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Idaho State University Accreditation Details

- Idaho State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Idaho State University Application Requirements

Idaho State University has an open admissions policy, so students may apply online anytime during the school year. Applicants must submit their high school transcripts and standardized test scores. All university applicants must have a relatively competitive GPA. Local high school graduates must submit evidence that they have completed the Idaho Core Curriculum. Out-of-state students are expected to have completed a similar curriculum, so serious students should understand the state’s curriculum standards. Admission to the university is usually granted through combining GPAs and standardized test scores.

Related Resource: The Top 45 Most Affordable Accredited Doctoral Degrees in Counselor Education and Supervision

Students with lower GPAs or test scores will be admitted, but placed on a conditional status with additional academic requirements. The Idaho State University offers a unique dual enrollment program for current high school students who want to start their college experience early. The application process includes special admissions requirements. Prospective graduate students must communicate with their target department and school to understand the exact admissions requirements. Almost all graduate degree programs will require a bachelor’s degree and official GRE, GMAT or other test scores. Prospective graduate students must obtain a recommendation from the target school and documented approval by the dean of the program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time out of state undergraduate and graduate students will both pay $17,020 for tuition per year. Books and supplies will cost from $900 to $1,000 per year. The total cost of on-campus attendance will be at least $21,000 for local students. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. Idaho State University’s financial aid office provides a useful checklist of required items and advice on how to correctly fill out and submit financial aid applications. Students may qualify for Pell Grants, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Direct Student Loans and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). A limited number of students are eligible for the on-campus Work Study program. Graduate students may receive financial aid through teaching or research assistantships. These often include stipends, tuition waivers and fee reductions. Graduate students must connect with their college or school to find out if any financial aid is available.

Psychology and Counseling Degrees at Idaho State

Idaho State University offers a variety of psychology and counseling degrees. The undergraduate psychology degree explores the science of behavior. Students are introduced to concepts from the fields of neurology, sociology, education, medicine and human resources. Students will study topics related to cognitive functions, sensations, perception, learning and development. Psychology students gain critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills by studying scientific research methods, qualitative data analysis and complex psychometric principles. Students will learn how to apply theories and integrate knowledge from various psychology domains to develop a well-rounded views and conclusions. This psychology program promotes an appreciation of cultural and individual differences. Graduates are expected to develop an increased understanding of themselves and others in order to make informed decisions that impact positive changes. Graduates are familiar with their career options in the field of psychology. There is also a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy in Experimental Psychology available.

Idaho State University has a strong Department of Counseling offers various programs approved by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational (CACREP). These include master's degrees in school, family and clinical mental health counseling. For example, the marriage, couple and family counseling degree prepares graduates for employment in community agencies and mental health settings. This program also produces doctoral level counselors who find work as educators in schools and supervisors in private organizations. Students gain a strong sense of professional identity and an appreciation of counseling education techniques. Students develop expertise in clinical counseling, which prepares them to become certified or licensed. The counseling department helps graduates with finding their first jobs by teaching them practical skills, counseling standards and diverse world views. The counseling department maintains a partnership with the health science division, so students are exposed to mental health perspectives and holistic perspectives.

Students can choose from over 120 student clubs, groups and organizations. These include sports, religious, shared interest, cultural and professional groups. Idaho State University has an amazing on-campus outdoor program called the Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group (C.W. HOG) for disabled students. All students can take advantage of the Wilderness Rental Center to borrow and use various outdoor recreational equipment. The gymnasium has the largest college campus climbing wall in the western U.S. Students can also use the indoor tennis courts, weight rooms, racquetball courts and indoor swimming pools. Idaho State University has a long history of offering students academically enriching experiences and robust degree programs.

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