Master of Science in Biological Sciences

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Students within the graduate Science and Natural History Filmmaking program at Montana State are given the tools and opportunities to tell the story of science through the dynamic medium of cinematography and filmmaking. After graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree, students in the program have had their work broadcast on many major channels and programs such as and won some of the industry’s top awards, from EMMYS to Fulbright Scholarships.

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.

Candidates in the Community Health graduate program at Montana State integrate public health theory and critical thinking in an interdisciplinary program that allows students to design their course of study with a faculty mentor in order to ensure that their curriculum is aligned with professional interests and goals. In addition to nurturing close professional relationships with faculty mentors, Community Health candidates also gain hands-on research experience with research projects and partnerships with rural or Native American communities.

In the Electrical Engineering department at Montana State, graduate students are granted access to innovative research labs and centers that allow candidates to explore cutting-edge issues in the field. Associated research entities include the Spectrum Lab, the Montana Nanotechnology Facility (MONT) and the Optical Technology Center (OpTeC), among others. While candidates are further honing their skills with vital hands-on learning opportunities, they are also supported by award-winning faculty who are recognized leaders in their area of expertise.

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.

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Montana State trains students in the core skills of engineering fundamentals, manufacturing applications, mechanical design and thermal sciences in hands-on activities both inside and outside of the laboratory. Upon graduation, Mechanical Engineering Technology students are equipped to enter jobs in which they produce computer models, design drawings, operate manufacturing equipment, inspect manufacturing floor, analyzes production problems or assists in making a brand new product come to life.

Anthropology, broadly speaking, is the study of humankind from a cross-cultural perspective. In the Anthropology program at Montana State, students have the opportunity to investigate a variety of subjects through the lenses of ethnology, archaeology, biological anthropology and linguistics. These studies take students out into field and lab research opportunities across the Mountain West, providing students with a well-rounded knowledge of the theory and practice of anthropology and how to apply those skills to understanding both historical and contemporary social practices.

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.

In the Chemical Engineering graduate program at Montana State, graduate students advance knowledge at the frontiers of their field to generate solutions in medicine, energy systems and more. With a variety of degree paths that include a Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis) and Ph.D. options, graduate candidates are able to further their studies in a variety of ways. Chemical Engineering students enjoy a variety of opportunities to investigate research topics with vital hands-on learning opportunities within lab entities such as the Center for Biofilm Engineering, as well as the support of award-winning faculty who are recognized leaders in their areas of expertise.

Students in the Chemistry (Professional) program at Montana State delve into a core of chemistry courses and technical electives to prepare for careers within the field, as well as medicine, patent law, science writing and more. Depending on their interests, students are also encouraged to engage with additional mathematics and/or physics courses as well. Additionally, all students in the Chemistry (Professional) 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.