College Departments
Art
One of the largest departments in the College, the Art department offers undergraduate degrees in Visual Art, History of Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education. Graduate degrees are offered in Visual Art, Art, and Art Education. The department is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Biology
Biology undergraduate degrees prepare students for careers in cell and molecular biology, medicine, ecology, botany, zoology, microbiology, human biology, forensics, wildlife biology, or others. Graduate degrees in Biology or Raptor Biology are offered, and students work with nationally recognized faculty in a variety of research settings.
Chemistry and Biochemistry
The department is certified by the American Chemical Society. The Chemistry Club (an ACS Student Affiliate) organizes a varied schedule of student activities. BS degrees are offered with nine different emphases, and students are engaged in cutting edge research with faculty using state-of-the-art instrumentation.
English
Majors may emphasize English Teaching, Linguistics, Literature, Technical Communication, or Writing. Graduate degrees are offered in Creative Writing, English, and Technical Communication. Students tutor in the Writing Center and join faculty in producing seven publications and organizing the Boise State Writing Project.
Geosciences
The department offers four undergraduate degrees, four Masters degrees, and Doctorates in Geology and Geophysics. Summer Field Camp in Sardinia, Italy, provides a capstone research experience, and students collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects in ten research centers housed in the department.
Mathematics
Majors may tailor programs to fit their interests in pure math, applied math, statistics, teaching, or operations research. Departmental colloquia feature speakers on topics ranging from theory to the use of mathematical analysis in research on social and biological issues.
Modern Languages and Literatures
Students may pursue majors or minors in French, German, and Spanish. Minors in Basque Studies, Chinese Studies and Japanese Studies are available. Language instruction in Arabic and American Sign Language is also offered. The department promotes study abroad in collaboration with the International Studies office.
Music
Offerings cover the full range of instrumental and vocal performance, music history, music theory, and specialty areas. Students participate in ten instrumental ensembles and eight choral ensembles, each with a full concert schedule. The department sponsors the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, the Boise Jazz Society, and the Boise Chamber Music Society.
Philosophy
The department’s active research faculty includes specialists in ethics, metaphysics, medieval philosophy, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, and philosophy of law. The Philosophy Club sponsors colloquia featuring nationally known experts, and the department hosted the 2007 Inland Northwest Philosophy Conference.
Physics
The department emphasizes applied physics, with a firm theoretical basis, and offers undergraduate majors and minors in physics plus interdisciplinary advanced degrees. Externally funded programs include magnetic nano-particles, laser-molecular interactions, quantum modeling, astrophysics, biophysics and biomedical physics.
Theatre Arts
The department’s strong ties with local arts organizations strengthens its offerings in theatre performance, theatre history, playwriting, and dance. It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and sponsors an annual Invitational Theatre Arts Festival and an annual Summer DanceFest as well as a full performance schedule.