The Higher Education Review

The University of Idaho (UI) stands as a notable institution within the United State’s dynamic landscape of higher education options. In the United States, higher education is characterized by a diverse range of institutions offering a wide array of programs and degrees. With a reputation for academic excellence and innovation, the U.S. higher education system attracts students from around the world. The system includes universities, colleges, community colleges, and technical institutes, each contributing to the country's global standing in education.

Among the many options in the U.S. educational system the University of Idaho shines as a university dedicated to giving its students an outstanding education at a practical price. Established in 1889 as a land-grant university by the Idaho territorial legislature, UI predates the state itself, showcasing a rich history in education. The university graduated its first students, two men and two women, in 1896, marking the beginning of a legacy in academic achievement.

UI has been a pioneer in adapting to the evolving demands of education. In 1975, the university introduced its first computer-related degree, a master's in information science. The original Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) degree emerged through collaboration between the Departments of Math, Electrical Engineering, and the College of Business in 1977, with the inaugural BSCS degree awarded in 1978. The Computer Science (CS) Department, established in 1981 within the College of Engineering, has played a crucial role in advancing computer science education.

The commitment to academic excellence is evident in the accreditation history of UI's Computer Science program. The Bachelor's program received accreditation from the CS Accreditation Board (CSAB) in 1993, a distinction that has been consistently maintained by both CSAB and ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) since then.

In May 1999, the National Security Agency (NSA) recognized the University of Idaho as one of the initial seven National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense education. This designation, bestowed upon UI's Computer Science and Computer Engineering Department, acknowledges the university's dedication to promoting information security education and research. Since then, UI has continued to be a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense education, solidifying its position as a leader in this critical field of study.

Equipping for Industry
The University of Idaho offers courses taught by subject matter experts, focusing on the foundational principles of computer science along with practical applications. Given the rapid evolution of computer science, a successful career spanning over 30 years in this field demands not only a strong grasp of core principles but also the skills and experience to implement them effectively. UI’s courses are designed to equip students with both aspects.

Furthermore, there exists a robust integration between teaching and research within the university. The faculty members, who are active researchers, bring their wealth of experience into the classroom, providing students with the opportunity to engage in undergraduate research projects.

A core objective of the College of Engineering is to ensure that students gain practical, hands-on experience before graduation. This is exemplified through the year-long Interdisciplinary Capstone Design Program taken by all engineering students. In this program, students collaborate as an interdisciplinary team on projects sponsored by industry or faculty. Recognized by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) as one of the top seven in the nation for infusing real-world experiences into undergraduate engineering education, this program provides invaluable exposure to industry.

The Cooperative Education program further enhances students' industrial experience by offering semester-long, full-time (paid) internships related to their academic and career goals. This program is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.

For undergraduate students, multiple avenues are available to engage in research. They can collaborate directly with faculty members or pursue their research grants through the Office of Undergraduate Research. These opportunities extend to participating in cutting-edge research, attending international conferences, and even contributing to the development of commercial video games within the vibrant undergraduate research environment.

“Our curriculum is developed in partnership with the Department of Computer Science’s Industrial Advisory Board. The Industrial Advisory Board consists of leaders from industry who meet yearly with the faculty of the department to review the curriculum and make recommendations for how to closely align it with industry’s needs. Industry partners support numerous research projects across the campus and play a very active role in proposing and mentoring projects in the capstone design course”, says Dr. Terence Soule, Chair of the Computer Science Department.

Empowering Education
The Department of Computer Science at the University of Idaho provides a cutting-edge learning environment, equipped with dedicated computer servers and labs for students.

Exclusive facilities, such as a student-focused computer lab and tutoring center, cater to their academic needs. Specialized networks and an air-gapped lab facilitate the teaching of advanced security concepts, while two robotics labs support the robotics program. The university boasts supercomputing clusters, including GPU clusters for AI/ML research and the Falcon supercomputer, which has been ranked among the US's top 100, providing resources for student research projects.

The faculty, each holding a PhD in Computer Science or a related field, exhibit a proven track record in both teaching and research. The University of Idaho's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning ensures faculty stay abreast of the latest teaching technologies and pedagogical advancements.

Recognizing the financial aspect of education, the university offers the Invitation to Idaho scholarship, a substantial award of nearly $16,000 per year for international students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 and above, covering all four years of college.

Set to Nurture Future Leaders
What distinguishes the University of Idaho and the Department of Computer Science is the emphasis on engaging students in real-world projects that contribute to skill development, character-building, and practical experience. The university encourages innovative initiatives, such as a video game studio established by faculty members from the Computer Science and Biology departments, focusing on the creation of evolutionary games, and the collaboration between Computer Science and Agriculture in developing robotic weeding machines. With various avenues like undergraduate research opportunities, internships, co-ops, and design projects, students can carve their unique paths toward a promising future.

National recognition has underscored University of Idaho’s commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable programs. In 2023, the Computer Science program secured a position among the best undergraduate programs in the United States, as acknowledged by U.S. News and World Reports. Additionally, its online Master's in CS was recognized in 2022 as one of the top ten programs by Fortune.com. The University of Idaho has consistently been ranked by U.S. News and World Reports as the best value public institution in the West for four consecutive years.

“We are committed to expanding options and opportunities for students. We have recently added BS and MS degrees in Cybersecurity and certificates in AI/ML and robotics. We are expending our range of online and remote learning opportunities, including making more courses, certificates, and degrees available to remote students and creating a more flexible mix of course modalities synchronous, asynchronous, self-paced, and cohort-based to better serve our students”, signs off Dr. Soule.