Master of Science in Earth Sciences

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

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.

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.

In the graduate Statistics program at Montana State, masters and doctoral candidates alike gain a solid background in the theory of statistics, as well as hands-on practice in applying statistical concepts to actionable problems. Masters candidates prepare for further graduate work or careers in academia, industry, business or the government, while doctoral candidates push their statistical knowledge to its furthest reaches by pursuing research projects for a dissertation.

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.

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 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.

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 Mathematics program at Montana State start their journey with a core of mathematical analysis before embarking on coursework in abstract and linear algebra, as well as other classes that delve into subject matter that prepare students for potential employment as an analyst or computational specialist. The Mathematics program is flexible enough to accommodate students who are interested in industries such as business, government or scientific computing.

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.

In the Dietetics program at Montana State, students interested in pursuing a career as a registered dietician gain a strong foundational understanding in food and nutrition, food service management and clinical nutrition. At the conclusion of their undergraduate study, Dietetics students should be prepared to enter a graduate degree-level dietetic internship such as the Montana Dietetic Internship, which is required in order to be eligible to take the exam for dietetic registration.