Master of Arts in American 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.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Montana State immerse themselves in the fundamentals of computing while exploring fields such as artificial intelligence, multimedia and computational biology. Computer Science B.S. students have two tracks to choose from: the Professional Option, which allows students to delve more deeply into computer science and related technical areas, and the Interdisciplinary Option, which allows students to intersect their technological interests with other fields that range from Entrepreneurship to Japanese Studies.

The Latin American and Latino Studies program at Montana State provides students interested in Latin American and Latino history, culture, and language with valuable interdisciplinary skills. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Latin American and Latino Studies students are given the option to not only study courses focusing on Latin American and Latino socio-cultural subjects but other relevant content from other departments such as sociology, political science or gender studies, as well. Although the equivalent of four semesters of Spanish language is required, students with prior experience in Spanish language or heritage students may have some of those language requirements waived.

The Human Development & Family Science option at Montana State is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for careers working with individuals and families, spanning from counseling to social services. Human Development & Family Science students who have completed the degree are able to apply for provisional certification as a Certified Family Life Educator, or can go onto graduate study in counseling or social work.

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.

Students in the Child Development program at Montana State are actively engaged in a variety of settings that include children, their families and other professionals in the field.  Course work and field experience provide students with multiple opportunities for applied understanding of children's growth and development, building family and community relationships, conducting observations and assessments, understanding developmentally appropriate practices and promoting the well-being of young children and their families.

In the Medical Laboratory Science option at Montana State, students are prepared for a career in clinical laboratory science by taking coursework in a range of medically-oriented fields including immunology, medical bacteriology, virology, parasitology, hematology, mycology and chemistry. Depending on the student’s needs, the Medical Laboratory Science program offers two plans for students to complete the program. Once training is complete, Medical Laboratory Science students will be qualified to take a national registry exam and become certified as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

In the Lodging and Facilities Management option at Montana State, students focus both on hotel and lodging management and the art and science of running facilities that include guest ranches, sports and recreation facilities, spas, community recreation programs and more. Lodging and Facilities Management students learn about subjects such as lodging operations, sustainability in hospitality, rural hospitality, customer service and event planning not only within the classroom but also with two mandatory internships, thus ensuring that students are prepared to enter the industry with plenty of hands-on experience before graduation.

Students in the Farm and Ranch Management program at Montana State learn how to manage farms, ranches and similar agricultural enterprises. Students study a broad spectrum of topics within agricultural specialization and business management in order to make the best decisions regarding production, crop and animal management, marketing, finance, and business organization for farm and ranch management.

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.