Graduate Student Testimonials

“Getting a doctorate degree is intellectually rewarding. In my opinion, pursuing a Ph.D. is about learning how to think about and tackle new problems. It is the methodology and the process of identifying, understanding a problem, inventing, building, exploring, implementing, and evaluating a solution. Considering the pioneer research work going on in Data Science, I believe that it will be conducive for me to fulfill my dream as a prolific researcher by pursuing Ph.D. in Data Science. To enhance my research, this also gives me an opportunity to have publications at the big conferences and to meet influential people in my field.”

“Hola, I am Carlos Linares. I am from Mexico and moved to Boise to do a PhD in Ecology Evolution and Behavior at Boise State. My research project focuses on learning how insect communities are affected by light pollution. 

For many in and outside the academic world, the benefits of fellowships, grants and other resources like these seems evident. They provide extra income to help sustain ourselves, pay for food, clothes and even tools for our projects, but I would like to share the benefits of [the Dean’s Graduate] fellowship. Recognition, approval, and the feeling that someone else – not your parents, not your friends, but someone else out there believes in you. We feel recognized for all those hours we put in hard work for our projects, we feel the approval when most needed as we share these moments of uncertainty,  and lastly we feel someone thinks we belong and we should be part of this community.”

“My degree has provided me with an advanced education and skills necessary to support me as a future nurse leader. I have always been behind the scenes doing all of the background work. Several of my classes have encouraged and pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and take chances I would never thought I would do. I’ve had the opportunity to sit-in with several nurse leader meetings and also be actively involved with the American Nurses Association at the local and state level. It hard to choose a memorable experience. I’ve really enjoyed my graduate experience at Boise State University and cannot give enough thank you to my cohort and faculty for all of the support and guidance through this journey.”

Choosing the M.A. Communication program at Boise State was hands down the best decision I ever made! The program allowed me to explore a broad range of interests in organizational, cultural and relational communication before finally landing on a capstone project focusing on collaborative leadership.

Throughout this program, even while working full time, I gained practical skills, experience, and confidence that serve me well in my role as a change manager. I am so grateful for the mentors and friends I made along the way. Go Broncos!

When I decided to pursue a doctorate, Boise State’s reputation preceded itself. During the application process, department staff were more than helpful in answering all of my questions in a prompt and welcoming manner. After acceptance, I affirmed it right away and never looked back.

The curriculum is one of the best, our faculty are truly intellectuals well-respected in our field, and the sense of community amongst those in the program is almost family-like. This is so important because we all exist at a great distance from each other and yet have a true connection as if we were in a physical place every week. My professors truly care about my success and push me to my limits on doing the best work possible, while certainly helping to reshape the way I critically think and research within my areas of interest. I’m thankful for the wonderful relationships I’ve made in this program.

Earning my undergrad at Boise State prepared me so well for my first year of teaching. Going into year two, I knew that I wanted to further my education. Continuing at Boise State was the way to go. As a graduate student here, I am able to work full time as a teacher, while working on my degree. There is a direct correlation between what I am doing in class and applying it to my teaching. I can research best practices in literacy and immediately put them into action to best serve my students!