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

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Students in the Exercise Science option at Montana State focus on clinical and performance-based understandings of human movement throughout their studies. Core courses in the Exercise Science program range from anatomy and physiology to math and statistics, as well as biomechanics, nutrition and physiology. Students also have opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences such as internships and research opportunities. Graduates of the Exercise Science option go onto careers in corporate wellness programs, exercise rehab programs or graduate programs that relate to physical or occupational therapy.

In the graduate Art History program at Montana State, candidates have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with faculty that possess extensive experience in field, museum and archival research. With a strong record of scholarly publications and backgrounds in art historical theory and methodology, candidates are able to collaborate on scholarship that spans from antiquity to the core of Western art history, as well as foci in Ancient to Contemporary China, the Americas, decorative arts and museum studies.

Students in the Plant Biology program at Montana State start with a broad education of issues connected to the plant sciences before focusing their interest in the field with a cellular, molecular, organismal, ecological or genetic perspective to botany. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Plant Biology students are able to personalize their studies with additional coursework in departments such as Ecology or Land Resources & Environmental Sciences to complement their interests.

Students in the Psychology department at Montana State work in a collaborative environment for innovative and scientific discovery in psychological science, as well as for the attainment of psychological literacy. Emphasis is placed on applying and understanding knowledge that concerns the behavioral and cognitive processes of humans and other animals, learning of various research methods used to study psychological phenomena and insight into the strengths and limitations of each.

Students within the Agricultural Education – Communications, Leadership and Extension program at Montana State develop professional skills to advocate for the agriculture industry and educate diverse audiences on emerging agricultural issues. Depending on the students’ interests, they can focus on agricultural communications, agricultural extension, or agricultural leadership as part of their course of studies. Regardless of their track, every Agricultural Education – Communications, Leadership and Extension student completes a Leadership Fellows certificate, as well as an internship with an agricultural agency, Extension office or agricultural organization.

The graduate Applied Economics program at Montana State develops students’ understanding of economic theory and quantitative and econometric data analysis applied to a broad range of economic problems. These capabilities are developed through a breadth of coursework and collaborative research with department faculty. The Applied Economics program offers the opportunity to undertake advanced coursework in economics and conduct high-level research without committing to a lengthy Ph.D. program.

In the Wildlife Habitat Ecology & Management program at Montana State, students are given a background in wildlife habitat, rangeland ecology and wildlife-livestock interactions as preparation for managing the relationship between livestock and the wildlife which share habitat within the western United States. Along with coursework on wildlife habitat, major vegetation types, rangeland livestock production, soil science and hydrology, Wildlife Habitat Ecology & Management students are also able to select coursework in wildlife habitat ecology, habitat restoration, wildlife-livestock habitat issues and wildlife-livestock nutrition.

Students in the Paleontology program at Montana State focus on studying fossils within their geologic context, both inside the classroom and at MSU’s summer field courses located across the Mountain West. Designed for students with a strong interest in geology and biology, students gain a solid understanding of geology in addition to studying invertebrate and vertebrate fossils. This program structure allows students the versatility for careers not only within paleontology but also in jobs that require geological knowledge, such as those within the petroleum industry and more.

In the Mental Health Counseling option at Montana State, students gain the skills to address a variety of mental health issues through the lens of human development, counseling theory, learning theory, group dynamics and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior. Mental Health Counseling students engage in projects that enhance their personal and professional development as counselors and develop their knowledge and skills on how to identify and care for various client populations and their concerns. Each student in the Mental Health Counseling program undergoes 700 hours of supervised experience in appraisal, individual, group counseling, and consultation in clinic and community agencies prior to graduation.

The Department of Ecology offers a Master of Science degree and a doctorate in Biological Sciences. These programs cover a broad array of ecological topics and are suited for students primarily interested in research careers with federal or state agencies or academic careers in ecology.