Master of Science in Entomology

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

As part of the Plant Biotechnology program at Montana State, students gain a strong foundation in the field by completing coursework through the first two years of the program in diverse subjects including chemistry, physics, biology, microbiology, genetics and other allied sciences. Once the general biotechnology coursework is complete, Plant Biotechnology students then study and address the various problems facing the various issues facing plant production and plant-related agricultural systems.

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.

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.

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.

Microbiology is a diverse discipline that has become an umbrella term for a variety of studies, including bacteriology, mycology, protozoology, phycology, parasitology and virology. In the Microbiology program at Montana State, students are able to delve into the study of all of these broad tracks of microbiology to prepare for careers in microbiology, the health profession, veterinary school or various topics in environmental microbiology.

Students in the Environmental Sciences program at Montana State are exposed to a broader, more general view of the environmental sciences, whether in preparation to transfer into a more specialized major option or simply to get a broader understanding of land and natural resource systems. Students receive training in applied ecology, soil and water science and land resources analysis, as well as experience in developing and implementing effective land management strategies.

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.

Students in the Child Development program at Montana State are actively engaged in a variety of settings that include children, their families and other professionals in the field.  Course work and field experience provide students with multiple opportunities for applied understanding of children's growth and development, building family and community relationships, conducting observations and assessments, understanding developmentally appropriate practices and promoting the well-being of young children and their families.

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.

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.