Master of Science in Optics and Photonics

at Montana State University - Bozeman USA

Students in the Paleontology program at Montana State focus on studying fossils within their geologic context, both inside the classroom and at MSU’s summer field courses located across the Mountain West. Designed for students with a strong interest in geology and biology, students gain a solid understanding of geology in addition to studying invertebrate and vertebrate fossils. This program structure allows students the versatility for careers not only within paleontology but also in jobs that require geological knowledge, such as those within the petroleum industry and more.

Students within the Microbial 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 microbial production systems.

The Biotechnology program at Montana State is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students interested in microbiology, animal or plant science, biochemistry, or animal/human medicine for rewarding careers that create solutions for health, agriculture and environmental quality. Students choose an area of emphasis in plant or animal/microbial systems.

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 within the Agricultural Education – Communications, Leadership and Extension program at Montana State develop professional skills to advocate for the agriculture industry and educate diverse audiences on emerging agricultural issues. Depending on the students’ interests, they can focus on agricultural communications, agricultural extension, or agricultural leadership as part of their course of studies. Regardless of their track, every Agricultural Education – Communications, Leadership and Extension student completes a Leadership Fellows certificate, as well as an internship with an agricultural agency, Extension office or agricultural organization.

In the graduate program for Plant Sciences at Montana State, candidates pursue research projects within state-of-the-art laboratories on subjects such as plant breeding and genetics, plant pathology, mycology, biotechnology, plant physiology and systematics, molecular evolution and biochemistry. Candidates conduct these projects in labs such as the Plant BioScience Facility or the Plant Growth Center, with over 29 glasshouse rooms and 8,300 square feet of bench space. They also train under award-winning researchers in the field.

Graduate students in the Biochemistry program at Montana State conduct research in a highly collaborative department, with interdisciplinary research opportunities available on campus as well as abroad. Ranked among the nation’s 100 leading research universities by the Carnegie Foundation, candidates are given the freedom to tailor the program to their own needs and interests while conducting research in state-of-the-art LEED-certified laboratory facilities.

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 Soil & Water Science program at Montana State gain a core foundation in the biological, chemical and physical sciences and how they affect two of the core resources on Earth: water and soil. Soil & Water Science students undergo advanced training in soil science and hydrology so that they might be able to apply their skills to land resource management, watershed management, pollution treatment and prevention, land rehabilitation bioremediation.

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.