Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (Online) Montana State University

Overview

The Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (Online) programme at Montana State University provides high-level graduate training for professionals seeking to master environmental processes. This course-based master's degree allows students to address complex ecological challenges at multiple scales through a flexible, multi-disciplinary curriculum.

Students can complete their entire degree without ever visiting the campus, as the majority of the coursework is delivered 100% online. The university utilises the Canvas learning management system to facilitate asynchronous interaction, meaning there are no fixed times when students must be logged in. This structure is ideal for working professionals who need to balance their education with existing career or personal commitments.

Why Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (Online) at Montana State University?

This programme is recognised as one of the top ten online master's degrees in the United States, reflecting the institution's commitment to excellence in distance education. The curriculum is highly adaptable, allowing each student to tailor their studies to specific disciplinary interests and career goals. Teaching is integrated and multi-disciplinary, ensuring graduates can manage landscapes effectively.

A distinctive feature of the programme is the capstone professional paper, which provides opportunities for direct ties to environmental management. Students benefit from the expertise of the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, gaining a regionally accredited degree that is identical to those awarded to on-campus students. The department provides extensive support through dedicated program managers and advisors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 21098 per year
• National fee: USD 21098 per year
• Local fee: USD 6542 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of 30 credits, consisting of 27 credits of coursework and a 3-credit capstone project. Modules may include:

• Watershed Hydrology
• Integrated Management of Invasive Plant Species
• Soil Nutrient Management
• 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
• Climate Variability
• Professional Paper and Project

Careers with Land Resources and Environmental Sciences (Online)

Graduates are equipped with advanced skills to excel in diverse roles within the environmental sciences sector. Many alumni secure positions within governmental bodies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Forest Service. Others find success in state, county, or city entities focused on conservation and land resource management.

In the private sector, graduates often work as biologists, geologists, hydrologists, entomologists, or soil scientists. The programme also prepares individuals for roles as self-employed consultants or specialists within non-profit organisations. Additionally, some graduates pursue careers in education as university instructors or secondary school science teachers.