Bachelor of Science, Major in Microbiology with Emphasis in Environmental Microbiology

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Candidates in the Native American Studies graduate program at Montana State are able to study a diverse array of interdisciplinary subjects surrounding indigenous history and issues, as well as contribute to MSU's vibrant Native American community. Students focus on subjects such as history, cultural theory and methodology, anthropology, Native food systems, federal Indian law and policy, gender studies, literature and art, film studies, tribal government, higher education, geography and Native sciences and land resources and environmental studies. At the conclusion of their program, candidates pursue either a professional project or a thesis depending on their professional goals.

The Department of Ecology offers a Master of Science degree and a doctorate in Biological Sciences. These programs cover a broad array of ecological topics and are suited for students primarily interested in research careers with federal or state agencies or academic careers in ecology.

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.

Students in the Graphic Design program at Montana State launch their studies with a series of core and foundation courses before passing a sophomore portfolio review to gain admittance as a full Graphic Design student in their junior and senior years. Graphic Design students develop a variety of professional and design skills that later translate into opportunities in advertising, publishing, marketing, public relations, user interaction and other creative-based industries. Over the past 30 years, graduates of the Graphic Design program at Montana State have been placed at in-house corporate design positions such as Adidas, Starbucks, Nike, K2 Skis and Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply, amongst others.

Electrical engineering graduates are key contributors at the frontier of science and engineering, using physics, electronics and electromagnetism to work with everything from nanotechnology to smart grids, inside human bodies to deep outer space. The Montana State electrical engineering program emphasizes hands-on laboratory work from EELE 101 through graduation. Electrical engineering students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and software, including electrical systems, advanced digital design, communications, control systems and even a fully functional microfabrication clean room facility. Needless to say, Montana State electrical engineering graduates have a great reputation for confidence and effectiveness in engineering design, analysis and troubleshooting.

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.

From designing the next generation of spacecraft and automobiles to alternative energy systems and much more, mechanical engineers enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities that involve working with thermal and mechanical energy. Students in the Mechanical Engineering program at Montana State are given ample opportunity for hands-on experience, from studying in MSU’s computer-aided drafting, integrated manufacturing and machining laboratories to their capstone senior projects that solve real-world design problems.

Students within the Art History program at Montana State engage with comprehensive and innovative coursework that investigates the conditions, environments and methods of art-making from the ancient time to present day. With the option to travel abroad and engage in immersive learning experiences, working with leading academics in the field, writing in The BOZetto: The Undergraduate Journal of Art History or gaining hands-on experience at the Museum of the Rockies, students gain the opportunity to break the traditional boundaries of art history scholarship to engage with a variety of new perspectives.

Candidates within the Earth Sciences graduate program at Montana State are encouraged to dive into independent thesis research across a variety of specializations within the fields of geography and geology. Faculty and advisor expertise spans many subfields of the discipline, including settlement geography, bioclimatology, GIS, planning, snow science, volcanology, paleobiology, dinosaur taphonomy, stratigraphy and geomorphology. Recent M.S. students have produced groundbreaking research and have expanded our knowledge of issues from GIS-based assessment of landslide hazards to exotic species assessment in Grand Teton National Park.

Housed within MSU’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry as an option within the Chemistry major, the teaching option provides a thorough background in the basic fields of chemistry and an acquaintance with the more relevant aspects of chemistry in society, which are essential to any practicing chemistry teacher.