Bachelor of Science, Major in Biological Sciences with Emphasis in Conservation Biology and Ecology

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.

Students in the Studio Arts program at Montana State begin their undergraduate artistic journey with Foundations courses, which aim to introduce students to the design thinking and visual literacy skills needed for the rest of their years in the program. From there, Studio Arts students have the opportunity to focus their creative personal vision in one of six areas of study: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture + extended media, metalsmithing or ceramics.

In the Rangeland Ecology & Management program at Montana State, students are given a background in ecological principles as preparation for managing rangelands in the western United States. Along with coursework in resource inventory, watersheds, rangeland restoration and vegetation ecology, Rangeland Ecology & Management students are able to select courses which focus on either production agriculture or other natural resource areas.

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.

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.

In the German Studies program at Montana State, students are able to explore a full range of courses on German language, culture and literature. German Studies students start with a grounding of the German language throughout their freshman and sophomore years before delving into advanced language labs and other in-depth research surrounding German interests.

In the Sustainable Food Systems graduate program at Montana State, candidates dig further into special topics on sustainability and the food industry to better understand the relation between food systems and public health. Sustainable Food Systems graduate student projects can potentially cover a broad range of topics, including but not limited to food system education and public awareness, how local food systems can localize diets, institutional purchasing of local foods, food policies, community supported agriculture, food processing and distribution, community food security, community-based food and nutrition assistance and more. Additionally, students are able to tailor the program to their specific interests by taking coursework connected to health promotion and education, political science, economics, business, Native American Studies, agriculture and food science.

An understanding of developmental biology, cellular biology, neurobiology and physiology are important foundations for careers in the medical and dental fields. Students studying the Biomedical Sciences option at Montana State gain an understanding in a wide range of biological subjects with real-world, hands-on research experiences and mentorship opportunities with award-winning faculty. For students interested in furthering their education in the health sciences, the Health Professions Advising office facilitates exciting opportunities to explore these careers, as well as resources for applying to professional schools after graduation.

In the graduate program for Plant Pathology at Montana State, candidates investigate major problems in plant pathology within MSU’s state of the art agricultural facilities. Sample research projects include, but are not limited to, soil-borne diseases in cereals, the genetic root of disease resistance in field crops, cereal leaf spots, viral diseases inherent in cereals and potatoes, bacterial diseases in plants, and the biochemistry and molecular genetics of general plant diseases. Not only does this research apply to making a healthier and more robust food supply, but the research also seeks to develop new technology to manage crop pests.

Candidates in the Microbiology and Immunology program at Montana State engage in state-of-the-art research within one of the premier infectious disease research programs in the Northwest. Studying alongside leaders in the field, candidates are able to explore research within the environmental sciences or biomedical sciences and are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary ties in their research with additional departments and programs.