FAQs

• What should I take in high school (Idaho) if I’m interested in Engineering, Computer Science or Construction Management?
• What do engineers do? They ask why and why not….
  Engineers are the world’s problem solvers. When you surf the internet, IM your friends, play the latest video game, drive across a bridge, fly an airplane or watch a digitally-enhanced movie on the big screen, it is the work of engineers that makes it possible. They turn ideas into reality.
• Why choose engineering? Engineering graduates earn some of the highest starting salaries for bachelor’s degrees in the nation and get to make a difference in the world.
• Why choose engineering at BSU? Boise State’s engineering programs rank 12th in the nation among public universities without PhD programs according to the U.S. News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges 2006” issue. The engineering faculty at BSU are top-notch.
• Can I get involved in internships and co-op opportunities? Yes, thanks to BSU’s close partnerships with Treasure Valley high tech companies, engineering undergraduates have unparalleled opportunities to get real-world experience.
• What if I don’t know what area of engineering I like? No problem. Many of our students start out with a major that is undeclared engineering until they find the engineering major that best suits them.
• What degrees can I get? Undergraduate engineering degrees are available in civil, electrical, mechanical and materials science as well as in construction management and computer science. Minors are available in civil, construction management, bioengineering, and computer science.
• What classes do I have to take in high school? Engineers have to be good problem solvers and good communicators. Students who stay on the “college preparatory” track in high school and take as much math and science as they can, tend to do well in engineering school. While high performance in math classes and AP math classes can be useful, these are not necessarily good indicators of success in engineering school.
• What if I want to go to graduate school later? An engineering major provides a well-rounded foundation for graduate work, not only in engineering but also in law, medicine, business, and other disciplines. BSU also offers graduate degrees in many engineering disciplines.
• What Calculator Should I Buy or Use? No particular calculator is recommended by the College of Engineering. Students are encouraged to check the math departmental website for any possible calculator recommendations that might correspond to the math course they’re signed up for. The most common calculator used by upper-division engineering students in the College of Engineering is the TI 89Titanium. A survey of Electrical Engineering faculty conducted in 2006 revealed that several faculty have a restriction that no calculators with qwerty keyboards should be accessed during exams. Beyond that restriction, engineering faculty do not recommend one particular calculator over another.

When will the professional fee be required?

The new professional fee policy is effective Spring 2017.

How much are the Engineering Professional Fees?

They are $35 per credit for students enrolling in any upper-division engineering (ENGR), civil engineering (CE), electrical engineering (ECE), materials science and engineering (MSE), and mechanical engineering (ME) courses.

What about lab and course fees?

For the 300- and 400-level engineering (ENGR, CE, ECE, MSE and ME) courses, the professional fee replace any other fees. Students taking lower-division courses in these programs are responsible for any published course and/or lab fees. Computer science courses do not have professional fees and will continue the lab/course fee approach to support their program.

Why create these extra costs on top of tuition?

Quite simply: It is expensive to teach engineering. The equipment we use is costly. Learning and teaching assistants enhance student success. Many universities charge a higher tuition for engineering and other high-cost majors.

Why change the system from the existing set of lab and course fees?

In a word: Predictability. We believe this will be better for students and their families to plan the true costs of an engineering degree.

Can I get more financial aid?

You could be eligible if you have remaining federal loan eligibility for the academic year. The fees will only be considered upon your request. You can request your award to be reviewed in light of the new fees by contacting 426-1664, or FAQuest@boisestate.edu.

How will the money be spent?

The money raised will remain in the College of Engineering, where students have cited needs in new learning assistants and teaching assistants, as well as in equipment purchases and maintenance. Student input will be taken into consideration in the process.

How will I know how the money is spent?

We plan to report back on the results of the investments made with the professional fees.