Degree
- Master of Science in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
Overview
The M.S. program in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences is designed to provide outstanding graduate training opportunities across a substantial breadth of disciplinary interests. Programs are specifically adapted to each graduate student and often address processes at multiple scales through well-integrated, multi-disciplinary efforts. Student projects are directed toward improving understanding of principles and processes important to land resources and environmental sciences, with opportunities for direct ties to management.
Understanding is developed through targeted advanced coursework tailored to the student. Professional papers may involve, but are not limited to, topics such as hydrology, watershed analysis, integrated management of invasive plant species, soil nutrient management, bioremediation, land reclamation, restoration ecology, fluvial systems ecology and restoration, riparian ecology, microbial ecology of natural systems, chemical fate and transport, water quality, crop diversification, precision agriculture, environmental risk assessment, remote sensing and GIS applications, and climate variability.
Requirements
A minimum of 30 credits:
- 27 credits course work from 400/500 level courses:
- 9 credits will be restricted electives
- 18 credits of electives will be based on student interest and advisor input
- 3 credits professional paper requirement
Graduate Student Handbook (PDF) | Full Curriculum
Prerequisites
- Bachelor's degree
- undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better
- GRE combined score of greater than 300 (current scale) or 1,000 (prior scale: pre-2011).
- show significant promise for success in a graduate program
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (paper-based test), 231 (computer-based test), and 80 (internet-based test)--required only for international students whose native language is not English
Meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. The minimum GPA and GRE scores are not absolute thresholds. Admission to Montana State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.
For More Information
- Scott Powell, Assistant Research Professor and Program Coordinator, at spowell@montana.edu or (406) 994-5017
- Lisa Brown, Program Manager, at lisa.brown@montana.edu or (406) 994-3062
Explore Further
- Other Montana State Online Degree and Certificate Programs
- Frequently Asked Questions concerning online courses
- MSU Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences
- Is online learning right for you? Find out with our interactive quiz.

