Master of Science in Plant Science

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

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.

Candidates in the Civil Engineering graduate program at Montana State delve into research subjects that include geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation, water resource, environmental engineering, construction, land surveying and beyond. As candidates select their research focus, they also choose how that project unfolds: either as a capstone thesis or as a professional paper in conjunction with a research project.

Candidates in the graduate History program at Montana State contribute to historical research and scholarship in four concentrated areas: environmental history; the history of science, technology, medicine and society; the history of the American West; and public history. Candidates investigate research interests through diverse opportunities that include seminar discussions, collaborating with their graduate committee, classroom instruction, teaching assistantships and internships. At the conclusion of the degree, master’s students are expected to submit a thesis or professional research paper, while doctoral candidates are expected to submit a dissertation on a topic of their choice.

In the Sustainable Food Systems graduate program at Montana State, candidates dig further into special topics on sustainability and the food industry to better understand the relation between food systems and public health. Sustainable Food Systems graduate student projects can potentially cover a broad range of topics, including but not limited to food system education and public awareness, how local food systems can localize diets, institutional purchasing of local foods, food policies, community supported agriculture, food processing and distribution, community food security, community-based food and nutrition assistance and more. Additionally, students are able to tailor the program to their specific interests by taking coursework connected to health promotion and education, political science, economics, business, Native American Studies, agriculture and food science.

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.

In the Chemical Engineering Master of Engineering program at Montana State, graduate students further their understanding of topics related to microfluidics, biomedical diagnostics, biofuels and other advanced material topics in order to build professional skills and knowledge in the medical and energy system sectors. By earning a Masters of Engineering degree, candidates advance their knowledge in the chemical engineering field alongside award-winning faculty who are recognized leaders in their areas of expertise.

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 Physics graduate program at Montana State conduct a wide variety of research projects from solar physics to superconductivity with MSU’s state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. The program prides itself on collaborative research, whether it’s interdisciplinary teams on the MSU campus or working with national and international experts. In addition to the groundbreaking research conducted in the department, Physics candidates have the opportunity to conduct public outreach and educational research through the MSU Physics Education Research (PER) group.

Students in the English Writing program at Montana State are expected to become skilled readers and writers through the study of language and literature. This option is also ideal for students who wish to double-major both in writing and another academic field. The study of literature and effective writing is useful in the areas of publishing, journalism, creative media and many other fields as various industries continue to seek people who are exceptionally literate and articulate.

Financial engineers combine economic theory and engineering problem-solving skills to assist businesses with risk management strategies, which is an increasingly important role in today’s globalized economy. In the Financial Engineering program at Montana State, students undergo rigorous training in economics, engineering mathematics and actuarial methods that are at the core of the financial industry.