Bachelor of Science, Major in Environmental Sciences with Emphasis in Environmental Biology

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Housed within Montana State’s Department of Ecology as an option within the Biological Sciences major, Biology Teaching provides a solid education in biology and basic sciences with professional preparation courses required for state teacher certification. Graduates will gain a clear understanding of natural and human-related processes within ecosystems, learn the basic principles of plant and animal ecology and be qualified to teach secondary school biology.

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.

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 Livestock Management & Industry option at Montana State stresses the application of science to livestock production, especially in the western United States. In the program, students learn about the principles of economics, range science and physiology to help manage and raise sustainable livestock herds, as well as develop the business acumen to manage ranches, stockyards and other businesses related to livestock production.

Candidates in the Native American Studies graduate program at Montana State are able to study a diverse array of interdisciplinary subjects surrounding indigenous history and issues, as well as contribute to MSU's vibrant Native American community. Students focus on subjects such as history, cultural theory and methodology, anthropology, Native food systems, federal Indian law and policy, gender studies, literature and art, film studies, tribal government, higher education, geography and Native sciences and land resources and environmental studies. At the conclusion of their program, candidates pursue either a professional project or a thesis depending on their professional goals.

The History program at Montana State allows students to specialize in the study of the American West, U.S. history, environmental history and the history of science and technology. History students participate in original research projects and student-centered learning activities, as well as internships at historical societies, museums and Yellowstone National Park, among other organizations.

In the Fish & Wildlife Ecology & Management program at Montana State, students are able conduct research on the ecology and management of diverse mammal, bird and fish species in one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Both Yellowstone National Park and the Gallatin Valley serve as outdoor laboratories for the program, with opportunities to conduct active professional research with programs such as the National Resources Ecology Laboratory at Colorado State University, the Association for Conservation of the Tropics, Cape RADD and more.

In this interdisciplinary program in the departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Optics and Photonics graduate students at Montana State learn to harness the power of light to prepare for in-demand jobs or research careers in laser engineering, remote sensing and more. Montana State's Optical Technology Center, founded in 1995, has supported a culture of interdisciplinary research and has a long history of partnership with Bozeman's thriving optics and photonics industry.

Students in the Statistics program at Montana State are trained in the core principles of quantitative reasoning. By discovering patterns in data, how to display data, how to construct mathematical models and how to detect data bias and other uncertainties, Statistics students are able to then design and analyze observational studies, surveys and scientific experiments that contribute to understanding data across a wide variety of industries.

Integrated Lens-Based Media students at Montana State are immersed in an intensive, interdisciplinary course of study in both cinematic and photographic media. The Integrated Lens-Based Media program combines aspects of the Film and Photography programs, allowing students to explore aspects of filmmaking and photography in their art practice. Under the mentorship of two advisors – one filmmaker and one photographer – students in the program design a customized curriculum that culminates in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary capstone project that will prepare them to pursue a career as a professional artist or further study in graduate school.