Master of Science in Optics and Photonics

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

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 within the Geography program at Montana State are introduced to a series of core geography courses that explore world regional, physical and human geography concepts. After gaining a core understanding of spatial relationships, global distributions of physical and cultural phenomena and the factors contributing to the evolution of the Earth’s varied landscapes, students then have the opportunity to declare an emphasis in physical or human geography depending on potential careers ranging from environmental management to city planning.

Students in the Geospatial & Environmental Analysis program at Montana State combine knowledge of core natural sciences with courses in remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS) and statistics to assist in supporting balanced land management decisions. Throughout the program, Geospatial & Environmental Analysis students are encouraged to gain hands-on experience with land, people and information through field trips, internships and the capstone field course.

Students within the Animal Systems program at Montana State start their studies with a strong foundation in coursework on chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology and genetics during the first two years of the program. From there, students will apply both molecular and cellular biological concepts and associated techniques to address problems facing animal production systems. 

In the graduate Art History program at Montana State, candidates have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with faculty that possess extensive experience in field, museum and archival research. With a strong record of scholarly publications and backgrounds in art historical theory and methodology, candidates are able to collaborate on scholarship that spans from antiquity to the core of Western art history, as well as foci in Ancient to Contemporary China, the Americas, decorative arts and museum studies.

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.

Candidates in the Innovation and Management graduate program at Montana State develop skills and knowledge in an innovative one-year program designed to accelerate their career potential, either through entrepreneurship or leadership in existing organizations. The Innovation and Management program is made for candidates interested in innovating, leading, and solving challenging problems, especially in the design, science, technology, engineering, or math fields. Innovation and Management students will expand their skill sets through first-hand experiences working on projects with researchers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and government programming.

Students in the Paleontology program at Montana State focus on studying fossils within their geologic context, both inside the classroom and at MSU’s summer field courses located across the Mountain West. Designed for students with a strong interest in geology and biology, students gain a solid understanding of geology in addition to studying invertebrate and vertebrate fossils. This program structure allows students the versatility for careers not only within paleontology but also in jobs that require geological knowledge, such as those within the petroleum industry and more.

Students within the Applied Mathematics program at Montana State learn to describe physical phenomena within the world using deterministic models. Applied Mathematics students will use their skills in mathematical analysis and computational science to draw insights in the biological and physical science fields, as well as other applications.

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.