Idaho State University

What is the history of Idaho State University?

Idaho State University is a public university in Pocatello that began in 1901 as the Academy of Idaho. Its original purpose combined general education with practical training, a mix that remains visible in its academic and technical programs.

The institution became Idaho Technical Institute in 1915 and later operated as the University of Idaho's Southern Branch. It became Idaho State College in 1947 and gained university status in 1963. Those changes help explain why ISU now offers everything from technical certificates to doctoral and professional degrees.

What are the faculties and departments at Idaho State University?

Idaho State University offers academic, technical, graduate, and professional education. Its colleges include Arts and Letters, Business, Education, Science and Engineering, Technology, and Pharmacy, alongside its health sciences programs and Graduate School.

Students can explore fields such as biology, psychology, engineering, accounting, teacher education, nursing, and communication disorders. The College of Technology offers career-focused certificates and associate-level pathways as well as other applied programs. In the health professions, requirements may include a separate application, prerequisite courses, clinical placement, or professional licensing steps; admission to ISU alone does not necessarily secure a place in a selective major.

What is the location of Idaho State University?

Idaho State University's main campus is in Pocatello, in southeastern Idaho. ISU also teaches at other Idaho locations, including Idaho Falls and Meridian, so students should check where their particular program holds classes and clinical or laboratory work.

Pocatello provides a smaller-city setting rather than a large metropolitan campus. Many students commute: institutional figures put the commuter share at about 88%. First-year students may park on campus, subject to applicable parking rules. Pocatello Regional Airport serves the area, but flight schedules and ground transportation options warrant checking before relying on it for regular travel.

What is the mission and vision of Idaho State University?

Idaho State University describes its mission in terms of accessible education, research, and service to Idaho and beyond, with a particular responsibility for health professions education. Its stated vision emphasizes student learning and the university's contribution to the communities it serves.

That purpose is reflected in a broad mix of liberal arts, technical education, professional preparation, and graduate study. ISU is a public institution, not a religiously affiliated college. Mission statements describe institutional priorities; students evaluating a program should also examine its curriculum, placements, outcomes, and available support.