Montana State University-Billings

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Master's Colleges and Universities (medium programs)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Master's degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Montana State University-Billings Academics

Located in the heart of Big Sky country is one of the most frequently ranked best public universities in the whole country. Ranked highly in education by U.S. News and World Reports, Montana State University – Billings offers students the unique ability to be located in an urban center just minutes away from some of the most beautiful wilderness in the whole country.

Established in 1927, Montana State University – Billings is renowned for its strong Education and Rehabilitation majors. The college offers over 160 different degrees and students can earn associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees. Some of the school’s other most popular majors include Journalism, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Music, History, Applied Science, Art, and the school’s special Outdoor Adventure Leadership program.

For those students interested in pursuing a masters degree at Montana State University – Billings, there are a number of options to choose from. The school is particularly well known for its Master of Science in Athletic Training, as well as a number of different master’s degrees in education. The Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling is also lauded as a very prestigious and popular degree.

For undergraduates, the university is split into six different colleges: the College of Allied Health Professionals, the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Technology, and the College of Professional Studies and Lifelong Learning. Academic departments are further subdivided into 25 different academic departments.

Some of the most notable non-academic departments at Montana State University – Billings include the American Indian Big Sky Projects, which provides insight into indigenous people’s lifestyles and culture, the Montana Center on Disabilities, and the OPI Special Education Endorsement Project.

Montana State University-Billings Admissions

With an undergraduate population of over 4,000 students, Montana State University – Billings accepts a large amount of incoming freshmen each year. Most students apply to begin during the fall semester, the deadline for which always falls in July. Being a public university, in-state students can expect to pay significantly less for tuition than those from out of state.

Applicants to Montana State University must take either the ACT or the SAT, as well as have a high school diploma or G.E.D. Those students who have taken the Advanced Placement or AP courses in high school will find that certain departments allow students to earn credit if their scores on the AP tests were above a 3.

After receiving their acceptance letters, incoming freshmen can arrange for a visit to Montana State University that involves sitting in on classes of interest and even spending the evening in the dorms. Freshman orientation usually occurs in August, before the fall semester officially begins.

Incoming students to Montana State University can test out of beginner level classes and start immediately with more advanced electives and requirements if they succeed at passing various CLEP tests.

Montana State University-Billings Financial Aid

Montana State University – Billings provides a number of need and merit-based scholarships to its student body, with different departments offering specific scholarships and a number of large annual general scholarships to apply for, too.

More than 80% of the student body receives some form of financial aid from the university itself, be in the form of work-study employment, grants, scholarships, loans, or tuition wavers. Of course, it is also important for students to be sure to fill out the FAFSA to take advantage of much of the need-based scholarship opportunities available.

Additionally, for those students who find the financial aid process slightly overwhelming, the school’s financial aid office will assist those incoming freshmen, as well as students of all grades, with the paperwork necessary to receive the proper amount in federal and state grants, as well as with applying for the school’s scholarships. It’s even possible to receive assistance with the loans process.

Montana State University-Billings Students

Many students attending Montana State University – Billings opt to live on campus in the dormitories. While some single rooms do exist, most of the dorms are either doubles or quads.

Student live is very active at the university, with a variety of clubs for every possible interest. Some of the most popular include those related to the arts and theatre programs, as well as various environmental and political clubs. In all, Montana State University – Billings has over 40 student-run and student organized clubs.

In addition to academic clubs and the various special events and occasions scheduled for students on campus, the university is known for its outdoor related programs. With a number of different popular hiking trails close to campus, as well as many mountain bicycling trails, various places to go kayaking or canoeing, and during the winter, some great skiing and snowboarding, outdoor activities are a huge draw for students. Many student trips are organized on weekends to take advantage of all the natural resources so close to campus.

Montana State University-Billings Athletics

Athletics are a large part of campus life at the university, with a number of students participating in various team sports.

The school’s mascot is the Yellowjacket, and team colors are yellow and black. The most popular sports on campus include both men and women’s basketball and men’s baseball. The basketball team has lead the division for years, and consistently leads the league in three-pointers. Many players have found success playing in Europe after graduation.

Other sports teams on campus include cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, softball, volleyball, indoor track, outdoor track, and tennis. Teams complete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference or the NCAA’s Great Northwest Athletic Conference.