Master of Science in Biological Sciences

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

In the Chemical Engineering graduate program at Montana State, graduate students advance knowledge at the frontiers of their field to generate solutions in medicine, energy systems and more. With a variety of degree paths that include a Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis) and Ph.D. options, graduate candidates are able to further their studies in a variety of ways. Chemical Engineering students enjoy a variety of opportunities to investigate research topics with vital hands-on learning opportunities within lab entities such as the Center for Biofilm Engineering, as well as the support of award-winning faculty who are recognized leaders in their areas of expertise.

Montana State’s American Studies graduate program allows master’s and doctoral students to delve into the history and culture of the United States with a special focus on the American West. Candidates can choose to study fields such as American Arts, American History, American Literature, American Pluralism or Public History. MSU’s unique Rocky Mountain setting provides candidates with pioneering research opportunities at such sites as the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Yellowstone National Park and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming.

The Conservation Biology and Ecology program at Montana State is an interdisciplinary program focused on understanding the structure and function of ecological communities. Combining study of ecology with history, philosophy, political science, economics and law, the degree provides a strong foundation that prepares students for graduate studies, reflecting the reality that most jobs in ecology, conservation and wildlife biology require an advanced degree.

Montana State’s graduate program in Agricultural Education prepares students for entry into or advancement in formal and non-formal teaching careers. In addition to the wide variety of professional courses in agricultural education, offerings are also available in agricultural economics, animal and range sciences, land resources and environmental sciences, plant sciences and plant pathology, and veterinary molecular biology.

Crop scientists are tasked with the unique puzzle of finding out ways to boost crop production while also maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem around us. In the Crop Science program at Montana State, students take courses designed to introduce core crop and soil management concepts, including soil fertility, plant physiology, crop production, crop breeding and pest management.

In the Geographic Information Science/Planning program at Montana State, students use a mix of technical skills and academic training to prepare to enter the fields of planning and resource management. Students will be prepared as map makers, spatial analysts and planners as they work in an active hands-on environment.

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 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 Philosophy department at Montana State take a wide range of courses that explore diverse topics through the writings of important philosophers, both past and present. Emphasis is placed on understanding different solutions to questions about such topics as the role of emotion in film, the moral questions surrounding medicine and bioethics, the importance of the environment and animals, the origin of life or the nature of consciousness, as well as how to analyze and criticize these solutions.

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