Bachelor of Science, Major in Environmental Sciences with Emphasis in Soil and Water Science

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Students in the Sustainable Livestock Production program at Montana State focus on the relationship between animal agriculture, its continued presence in sustainable grazing systems and its potential role in sustainable farming. Sustainable Livestock Production students learn about the science of animal production within the context of sustainability, from the methods that impact the production, process and preservation of meat to the role of strategic grazing in landscape management, among other subjects.

In the graduate program for Plant Sciences at Montana State, candidates pursue research projects within state-of-the-art laboratories on subjects such as plant breeding and genetics, plant pathology, mycology, biotechnology, plant physiology and systematics, molecular evolution and biochemistry. Candidates conduct these projects in labs such as the Plant BioScience Facility or the Plant Growth Center, with over 29 glasshouse rooms and 8,300 square feet of bench space. They also train under award-winning researchers in the field.

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.

The Biotechnology program at Montana State is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students interested in microbiology, animal or plant science, biochemistry, or animal/human medicine for rewarding careers that create solutions for health, agriculture and environmental quality. Students choose an area of emphasis in plant or animal/microbial systems.

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.

Candidates within the Fish & Wildlife Management graduate program at Montana State conduct applied research on the ecology and management of the diverse mammal, bird and fish species within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Established in 1936, the Fish & Wildlife Management Program at Montana State is one of the oldest and most successful resource management programs in the United States and graduate students benefit both from this tradition and the resources provided by the Department of Ecology and mentorship from the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit of the USGS Biological Resources Division. The Master of Science in Fish & Wildlife Management can act as a terminal degree leading to professional employment as a fisheries or wildlife biologist but can also lead to a Ph.D. in Fish & Wildlife Biology or other disciplines.

In the Management program at Montana State, students actively practice the critical problem-solving and decision-making skills that will serve in the workforce. Whether networking through the Management & HR Club or practicing a start-up pitch at the Jabs Entrepreneurship Center, Management students have a breath of resources at their fingertips to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom into the real world. With the skills gained in the Management track, students are prepared to step into a variety of roles such as analysts, managers, human resources specialists, entrepreneurship and more.

Graduate students in the Biochemistry program at Montana State conduct research in a highly collaborative department, with interdisciplinary research opportunities available on campus as well as abroad. Ranked among the nation’s 100 leading research universities by the Carnegie Foundation, candidates are given the freedom to tailor the program to their own needs and interests while conducting research in state-of-the-art LEED-certified laboratory facilities.

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 Liberal Arts Studio 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 subsequent years in the program. From there, Liberal Arts Studio students have the opportunity to focus their creative personal vision in one of six areas of study: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculptureand extended media, metalsmithing or ceramics. In addition to the medium of their choice, Liberal Arts Studio students balance studio time with a robust liberal arts education.