Find out more about Montana State University

Complete your undergraduate degree on your own terms, with this online BA in Liberal Studies from Montana State.  If you haven’t decided on a major, or previously started college but didn’t finish, this degree can get you to your diploma.  The program is intended for students who want to learn through distance learning and who have completed at least two years of college.  The degree is interdisciplinary by nature and comprises the following subject areas:

• Arts
• Humanities
• Natural Science
• Social Science

This one-of-a-kind online program is available world-wide for students to gain knowledge and insight about the American Indians of Montana, the region and the US.  At Montana State, faculty will lead students through historical and contemporary issues, alongside other subjects such as:

• Federal Indian Law & Policy
• Native America: Dispelling the Myths
• Indigenous Literature & the West

Enroll in this online STEM teaching degree and advance professional opportunities. This program is designed for currently licensed and practicing music teachers, helping them to directly impact their students’ learning. An advanced music degree, this program emphasizes practical applications of music and music education content in K-12 music classrooms. Enhance your skills, improve your student’s achievement, and increase your earning potential.  

In this online music degree, you will complete courses in:

• Music 
• Music Education
• Education

Round out your degree by choosing from a variety of electives, all of which are geared toward contemporary application in the K-12 music classroom.

The online post-baccalaureate financial counseling certificate focuses on financial planning, real estate, investing, retirement planning, taxation and more. This certificate prepares professionals to sit for the AFC exam through the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE).

This program is offered through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA); regionally accredited schools working in partnership to provide students with online opportunities. Students apply at their school of choice.

The online Family Financial Counseling program is offered through:

• Iowa State University
• Montana State University
• North Dakota State University
• Oklahoma State University
• South Dakota State University
• University of Missouri
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The online post-baccalaureate financial planning certificate focuses on investments, insurance, and estate and retirement planning for families.

This program is offered through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA); regionally accredited schools working in partnership to provide students with online opportunities. Students apply at their school of choice.

The online Family Financial Planning program is offered through:

• Iowa State University
• Montana State University
• North Dakota State University
• Oklahoma State University
• South Dakota State University
• University of Missouri
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The Master's degree in Family Financial Planning is for individuals who wish to learn financial strategies to support life passions and ambitions.

This program is offered through the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA); regionally accredited schools working in partnership to provide students with online opportunities. Students apply at their school of choice.

Participating schools include:

• Iowa State University
• Montana State University
• North Dakota State University
• Oklahoma State University
• South Dakota State University
• University of Missouri-Columbia
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Prepare for a career in the library with this online library science degree. This program is designed for teachers with valid teaching licenses. Graduates will earn the school library media endorsement and will receive school library media professional development.  

Join the next generation of school librarians with this online library science degree. Courses will likely include:

• Administration of the School Library
• Inquiry-Based Learning for School Librarians 
• Collection Development for School Libraries 
• Reading Promotion in the School Library 
• School Library Ethics & Advocacy  

Online students enjoy great flexibility, including asynchronous courses that allow them to study whenever it is convenient.

Climb the career ladder with this online STEM teaching degree. This program is designed for teachers of all backgrounds, even those who are working outside of the classroom. If you are a teacher in a K-12 classroom, a museum professional, or anything in between, this degree may be beneficial for you.  

Courses, taught by professors who are experts in their fields, provide knowledge and competence in science. Choose one of these areas of specialization:

• Chemistry
• Climate
• Earth Science
• Elementary School Science
• Life Science
• Physics

No matter which area of science you choose to focus on, you will complete coursework that is rigorous, content-focused, and specifically designed for teachers. Study when and where it is convenient through asynchronous, online courses.

Study teaching, learning, and curriculum design with this online masters in curriculum and instruction. The Professional Educator option is available 100% online. It prepares students to be master teachers. Students in this program will:

• Share strengths
• Develop new instructional strategies
• Study theory and best practices
• Examine current issues in education

This program does not lead to educator licensure or teacher certification.

For those who want to become professional researchers, there is an Educational Researcher option. This program is mostly online. It does not lead to educator licensure or teacher certification either.

Prepare for a formal or non-formal teaching career by earning this online agriculture degree. In addition to advancing your teaching knowledge and skills, you will also develop professional skills within agribusiness, government, extension, or adult education sectors. The curriculum in this online education degree covers such topics as:

• Agricultural Economics
• Animal and Range Sciences
• Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
• Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology
• Veterinary Molecular Biology

Customize your degree and career path by choosing to specialize in adult education, educational administration, career education, or curriculum coordination.

The online nature of this education degree allows you to study where it is convenient, but students also have the opportunity to share experiences, ideas, and knowledge in an interactive learning environment.

The online Master of Science in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences from Montana State University provides students with an in-depth understanding of landscapes and how to manage them. Students tailor a program to meet their specific career goals and interests. Students also have the opportunity to design projects that are important to environmental science.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Crop diversification
• Restoration ecology
• Climate variability
• Watershed hydrology

Montana State University has highly experienced faculty who are committed to the academic success of students. Career opportunities for graduates include jobs in academia, government, and laboratories. Graduates are ready to tackle challenges in the field of environmental science.

The online MSN degree program from Montana State University educates students as leaders and prepares them for practice across the continuum of care within any healthcare setting. Courses are taught by faculty in the College of Nursing and Engineering who have systems and clinical leadership experience and expertise, and cover topics such as:

• Ethics
• Pathophysiology
• Psychosocial nursing concepts
• Care of the childbearing family
• ​Acute and chronic illness
• Community based nursing
• ​Psychiatric nursing
• ​Spirituality in healthcare

The Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling from Montana State University prepares students for internship opportunities and licensure in the state of Montana. Students are advised individually on the classes they need to meet licensure educational requirements. The program will include all the graduate coursework required to pursue licensure as addictions counselors after completion. Topics include cross cultural and ethical considerations, counseling theories, alcohol and drug studies, chemical dependency, and more.