Master of Fine Arts in Science and Natural History Filmmaking

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Students in the Biological Engineering program at Montana State learn at the exciting interface of biology, chemistry and industrial systems. Whether discovering how microbes in Yellowstone National Park could be used to recycle plastic or working in a lab to develop new tools for diagnosing diseases like malaria and cancer in low-resource settings, Biological Engineering students are afforded a variety of opportunities to develop skills that will serve them in positions in biomedicine, environmental remediation and more.

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.

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.

Candidates in the graduate Entomology program at Montana State are able to broaden their knowledge within the field through formal coursework and independent research projects that span the breadth of research foci in the field. Taking advantage of Montana State’s location within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and within the western United States, entomological research at MSU includes some of the most important pests in the region, while beneficial insects studied in the department include various biological control agents and pollinators. Depending on a candidate’s interest, their individual program can be designed to suit their individual interests and career goals.

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. 

Students in the Film program at Montana State gain a hands-on education in motion picture production with a variety of studio and theory courses that expose future filmmakers to both the practical and historical aspects of the field. After applying to the Film program, students focus on scriptwriting, acting, documentary film and production for film and theatre, among other subjects – all while having ample opportunity to gain on-the-job experience through internships with major names in the film industry, submissions to major film festivals and more.

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.

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.

The Nutrition Science program at Montana State is specifically designed to prepare students for admission to medical, dental or graduate school with the program’s emphasis on nutrition and biochemistry. In addition to nutrition courses, Nutrition Science students also investigate nutrition on a molecular level with coursework on microbiology, micronutrients and metabolism, biomedical genetics and more.

Students in the Land Rehabilitation program at Montana State gain the critical knowledge and skills needed to analyze and manage lands requiring rehabilitation, which includes soil remediation, re-vegetation, inspecting impacted geologic resources, managing invasive species and more. Students focus on a foundation of chemical, biological and environmental science coursework before studying soil, water and plant science courses that range from molecular to landscape in scale.