Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

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.

In the Food Enterprise option students practice strategies on entrepreneurship and innovation in food growth and development. This means discovering how to make new and exciting products with specialty crops native to Montana, learning about sustainability and rural hospitality through hands-on opportunities, either with internships or working at the Towne’s Harvest Garden located on campus. Graduates of the Food Enterprise program enter careers in food processing, food distribution or opening their own business in the food sector.

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 Environmental Microbiology program at Montana State, students are able to delve into the study of molecular biology, microbial physiology, microbial genetics and environmental microbiology to prepare for careers in the field.

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.

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Montana State immerse themselves in the fundamentals of computing while exploring fields such as artificial intelligence, multimedia and computational biology. Computer Science B.S. students have two tracks to choose from: the Professional Option, which allows students to delve more deeply into computer science and related technical areas, and the Interdisciplinary Option, which allows students to intersect their technological interests with other fields that range from Entrepreneurship to Japanese Studies.

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science program at Montana State is an interdisciplinary program that pairs knowledge of computer science with the social sciences, humanities or business to become a creative problem-solver in a variety of fields. Computer Science B.A. students choose from dozens of paired majors in the arts, humanities or other non-STEM areas to build a program of study tailored to their interests. Students are then armed with the skills to enter into high-demand careers in social media, digital marketing, data analytics and more.

Students within the Quaternity program at Montana State explore their education through the lens of a traditional liberal arts education, with a flexible student-centered course plan that views the world through four concepts of knowledge: thinking, feeling, intuition and sensation. As part of the Liberal Studies department, Quaternity students take a series of integrative seminars designed to provide a sense of academic community and improve their critical thinking and communication skills, all while obtaining a better understanding of the factual knowledge and theoretical foundations of the subjects they’re studying.

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.

In the Mathematics graduate program at Montana State, candidates work in a variety of areas including real and complex analysis, applied mathematics, dynamical systems, mathematical biology, mathematical imaging and probability. Additionally, candidates are able to take advantage of the prestigious MT PEAKS Fellowship, which is specifically designed to broaden candidates’ training beyond academia and into business, industry or governmental pathways.

The Community Health program at Montana State focuses on improving health and well-being for all through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, healthy family functioning, community actions for health and conditions that make it possible to live healthful lives. Students in the program draw on public health, education, psychology, sociology, family science and other social and behavioral sciences while engaging in community involvement and interactive processes to best understand the field.