“Boise State chose me.” When researching places to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree, Mariah Gerber said Boise State University was not at the top of her list, even though her family is full of Bronco fans.
As a student at the College of Western Idaho, Gerber spoke with the CWI outreach coordinator for Boise State to plan the next steps in her education journey. There, she learned the business management program would be a good fit.
“I walked away [from the meeting with the CWI outreach coordinator] feeling like I could see myself going here and that was little bit scary for me. I applied, I got that phone call and the rest is truly history,” said Gerber. “I’ve enjoyed this process more than any process I’ve experienced and I’ve gone to two other schools.”
Personalized support that transformed a journey
For Gerber, the warmth, responsiveness and encouragement from Boise State’s staff didn’t just ease the stress of transferring — it became the deciding factor in choosing a fully online program that truly felt personal.
“Boise State chose me. I applied just to go through the process in trying to decide where I wanted to go next. Almost instantly, I got a phone call and they wanted me,” Gerber said. “They made me feel like an individual, and they made me feel very important. I think as a transfer student, that’s much needed, and I just appreciated it throughout the entire process.”
Taking charge: Gerber’s advice for transfer students
For transfer students considering Boise State’s online programs, Mariah Gerber emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and open communication.
“My advice to future transfer students is to ask questions and take initiative,” Gerber said. “Your education is yours, and as much as everyone is willing to help, you are fully in control of what that help looks like. I asked for it, I was very honest in the beginning of the process, and I was willing to ask those questions that I probably wasn’t willing to ask as a first-time college student. That has helped support me through the whole transition.”
Gerber’s experience highlights how taking ownership of the process can lead to a smoother, more supported path to success.
Support empowering success
For Mariah Gerber, no resource proved more valuable than the people behind the Boise State online program.
“My advisor — she was the biggest and best resource I’ve had this entire time,” Gerber shared. “She’s made it feel like if I called at midnight, she would answer my phone call. I would never do that, but that’s just the experience she’s provided for me.”
From her first conversation with a student success coach, who reassured her that the past didn’t define her future, to receiving a detailed credit breakdown from Britta, her advisor, Gerber felt consistently supported.
“Then professors came in with online resources and said, ‘If you need to call, call. Schedule an appointment.’ To be honest with you, the biggest resource is the people. That’s hard to say when you’re in person, because they tell you to use your textbooks or go to the library — but this was different.”
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Learn more about the business administration program
Earning an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.