Bachelor of Science, Major in Microbiology

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

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.

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.

The Mathematics Education graduate program at Montana State is an online graduate program designed to challenge candidates’ mathematical thinking and ignite their enthusiasm for secondary school mathematics teaching. Designed with working teachers in mind, the Mathematics Education program provides opportunities for teachers to apply what they’re learning in the program directly to their classrooms with projects that engage teachers and their students in exploring new mathematics content.

Students in the Plant Biology program at Montana State start with a broad education of issues connected to the plant sciences before focusing their interest in the field with a cellular, molecular, organismal, ecological or genetic perspective to botany. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Plant Biology students are able to personalize their studies with additional coursework in departments such as Ecology or Land Resources & Environmental Sciences to complement their interests.

In the Mathematics graduate program at Montana State, candidates work in a variety of areas including real and complex analysis, applied mathematics, dynamical systems, mathematical biology, mathematical imaging and probability. Additionally, candidates are able to take advantage of the prestigious MT PEAKS Fellowship, which is specifically designed to broaden candidates’ training beyond academia and into business, industry or governmental pathways.

Students in the Biochemistry program at Montana State delve into core chemistry, biochemistry, and biology courses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular nature of biological materials and life processes. Depending on their interests, students have the opportunity to take electives in areas such as immunology, microbiology, veterinary molecular biology or the environmental sciences. Additionally, all students in the Biochemistry program are assigned to an on-campus lab to conduct laboratory research as part of their degree, preparing them for either on-the-job laboratory work or higher education.

In the graduate program for Plant Pathology at Montana State, candidates investigate major problems in plant pathology within MSU’s state of the art agricultural facilities. Sample research projects include, but are not limited to, soil-borne diseases in cereals, the genetic root of disease resistance in field crops, cereal leaf spots, viral diseases inherent in cereals and potatoes, bacterial diseases in plants, and the biochemistry and molecular genetics of general plant diseases. Not only does this research apply to making a healthier and more robust food supply, but the research also seeks to develop new technology to manage crop pests.

In the Mental Health Counseling option at Montana State, students gain the skills to address a variety of mental health issues through the lens of human development, counseling theory, learning theory, group dynamics and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior. Mental Health Counseling students engage in projects that enhance their personal and professional development as counselors and develop their knowledge and skills on how to identify and care for various client populations and their concerns. Each student in the Mental Health Counseling program undergoes 700 hours of supervised experience in appraisal, individual, group counseling, and consultation in clinic and community agencies prior to graduation.

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.

Horticulture is the science and art of growing and maintaining plants for food, enjoyment and improvement of the human environment. Students of Environmental Horticulture Science in the Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology department at Montana State take fundamental courses in biology, chemistry and math prior to taking specialized courses such as plant physiology, plant pathology and plant reproduction. Students can also expect to take courses in ecology, business and communications to best prepare them for careers in such areas as floral and nursery crop production and in research with private companies, public agencies or higher education.