Bachelor of Arts, Major in Liberal Studies with Emphasis in Environmental Studies

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

The Conservation Biology and Ecology program at Montana State is an interdisciplinary program focused on understanding the structure and function of ecological communities. Combining study of ecology with history, philosophy, political science, economics and law, the degree provides a strong foundation that prepares students for graduate studies, reflecting the reality that most jobs in ecology, conservation and wildlife biology require an advanced degree.

Building on an existing foundation of knowledge, students within the Master of Professional Accountancy Program (MPAc) at Montana State will obtain further skills in the practice and theory of financial accounting, auditing, taxation, law, and other business and professional areas. By introducing students to the research methods and professional resources used by accountants in the field, graduates will be prepared for long-term career success in the public and private sector.

Microbiology is a diverse discipline that has become an umbrella term for a variety of studies, including bacteriology, mycology, protozoology, phycology, parasitology and virology. In the Environmental Health program at Montana State, students are able to delve into the study of medical microbiology, virology, immunology and molecular biology in order to prepare for careers in the public health sector.

Students within the Animal Systems program at Montana State start their studies with a strong foundation in coursework on chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology and genetics during the first two years of the program. From there, students will apply both molecular and cellular biological concepts and associated techniques to address problems facing animal production systems.

Students in the Agribusiness Management program at Montana State learn how to apply economic and business principles to the organization, operation and management of agricultural enterprises. Agribusiness Management students study the production, processing, marketing and distribution of agricultural products, as well as the accounting, finance and management skills core to running a successful business in the agricultural sector. Upon graduation, students are prepared to make the best decisions regarding production, crop and animal management and business strategy for agribusiness firms.

Candidates within the Earth Sciences graduate program at Montana State are encouraged to dive into independent thesis research across a variety of specializations within the fields of geography and geology. Faculty and advisor expertise spans many subfields of the discipline, including settlement geography, bioclimatology, GIS, planning, snow science, volcanology, paleobiology, dinosaur taphonomy, stratigraphy and geomorphology. Recent M.S. students have produced groundbreaking research and have expanded our knowledge of issues from GIS-based assessment of landslide hazards to exotic species assessment in Grand Teton National Park.

Housed within the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology, the Landscape Design option at Montana State prepares students to solve aesthetic and functional landscape problems. Emphasis is placed on utilization of plant materials to solve specific site problems and students learn written, oral and graphic communication skills necessary to convey creative solutions for landscape planning. Graduates are employed by landscape nurseries, landscape contractors and planning agencies, while others become self-employed as landscape designers and contractors. Many students have chosen to continue advanced studies in programs of landscape architecture.

In the Sustainable Food Systems program at Montana State, students focus on the interconnected relationships between production, food policy, food security and health in order to make informed decisions and solutions to complex problems in the food industry. Sustainable Food Systems students develop important skills through hands-on experience in service-based learning internships, organic farming, culinary fundamentals and management, training on research methods and carrying out research projects in surrounding communities.

Students in the English Writing program at Montana State are expected to become skilled readers and writers through the study of language and literature. This option is also ideal for students who wish to double-major both in writing and another academic field. The study of literature and effective writing is useful in the areas of publishing, journalism, creative media and many other fields as various industries continue to seek people who are exceptionally literate and articulate.

Montana State’s American Studies undergraduate program provides world-class training for students who are seeking a broad understanding of American culture. Students can choose to study fields such as American Arts, American History and American Literature. The program is ideal for students who want to pursue a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that will explore the experiences and values of the people of the United States embodied in their history, literature, art and other forums of cultural expression.