Montana State University: Student Population And Campus Life

Montana State University, also known as MSU, is a public institution located in Bozeman, Montana. Founded in 1893, the university offers about 60 areas of study for undergraduate students and over 40 master's programs. MSU's campus size is 956 acres, and its student body consists of around 14,625 undergraduates as of Fall 2022. The university has a rich history of academic excellence and offers various academic programs, extracurricular activities, and research opportunities to its students.

In fall 2022, Montana State University had 14,625 undergraduate students enrolled

The university's undergraduate enrollment has seen consistent growth over the years, with a headcount enrollment of 16,841 students in fall 2021. This number includes both full-time and part-time students, with 12,984 (77%) attending full time and 3,857 (23%) attending part-time. The university also had an entering first-time class of 3,868 students in the fall of 2021, with an average age of 18.3 years for traditional freshmen and 25.8 years for nontraditional freshmen.

Montana State University, often abbreviated as MSU, is a public institution founded in 1893. It is located in Bozeman, Montana, and offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities. The university is also home to various research facilities, such as the Plant Growth Center and the Center for Bison and Wildlife Health. MSU holds a prominent position in research, with research expenditures exceeding $138.8 million in a year.

The university's undergraduate enrollment contributes to a vibrant and diverse student community. MSU students have achieved notable success, with the university tied for 9th nationally for the number of Goldwater Scholarship recipients. Additionally, in the past ten years, MSU students have received 3 Rhodes Scholarships, 7 Truman Scholarships, 37 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, and many other prestigious awards.

The university set a record for student retention

Montana State University, also known as MSU, has a large student body. In the fall semester of 2021, the university had a total enrollment of 16,841 students, with 12,984 (77%) attending full time and 3,857 (23%) attending part time. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #296.

Montana State University offers a wide range of academic programs, with about 60 areas of study for undergraduate students and over 40 master's programs in various fields. The university also has a strong research focus, with research expenditures exceeding $138 million in a year.

Montana State University's retention rate is even more impressive when considering the diversity of its student body. The university attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds, with first-time students in the fall of 2021 coming from all 56 counties in Montana, 49 US states, the District of Columbia, and 63 foreign countries. The university's ability to retain students from such diverse backgrounds demonstrates its inclusivity and ability to cater to a wide range of student needs and expectations.

The university's retention rate is also notable given the range of extracurricular activities and organizations available to students. MSU offers over 250 clubs and organizations, as well as intramural sports and Greek life. Students can get involved in various activities outside of the classroom, fostering a sense of community and engagement that likely contributes to the high retention rate.

MSU offers over 250 academic programs

Montana State University (MSU) offers a wide range of academic programs through its nine colleges: the College of Agriculture, College of Arts and Architecture, Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, College of Education, Health and Human Development, Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, College of Letters and Science, Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, and Montana State Online. MSU offers baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields, graduate certificates in 12 fields, master's degrees in 68 fields, and doctoral degrees in 35 fields. The university also offers a specialist degree in Education and associate degrees through Gallatin College.

The College of Agriculture offers programs such as Agricultural Business, Agricultural and Technology Education, Animal Science, and Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems. The College of Arts and Architecture provides programs in Art, Art History, Film and Photography, Music, and Graphic Design. The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers a Bachelor of Science in Business, while the College of Education, Health and Human Development provides programs in Elementary Education, Food and Nutrition, and Hospitality Management.

The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering has programs in Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. The College of Letters and Science is the largest college, offering diverse programs such as American Studies, Asian Studies, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Earth Sciences. The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, while Montana State Online provides online degree options.

With its comprehensive range of academic programs, MSU provides students with numerous opportunities to pursue their interests and career goals. The variety of fields covered by the university's academic offerings contributes to a rich and diverse learning environment.

MSU's campus is 956 acres

Montana State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university in Bozeman, Montana. MSU's campus is 1,170 acres, making it the largest in the state. Gallatin County donated half of its 160-acre poor farm for the campus, and the community raised money for an additional 40 acres. MSU's campus is located on the south side of Bozeman and is home to KUSM television, KGLT radio, and the Museum of the Rockies.

The university offers over 250 degrees and programs, including baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields, master's degrees in 68 fields, and doctoral degrees in 35 fields. MSU's nine colleges had a headcount enrollment of 16,841 students in the fall of 2021, with 12,984 (77%) attending full time and 3,857 (23%) attending part time. The university also offers associate degrees and other programs through Gallatin College, which had a total enrollment of over 800 students in the fall of 2019.

MSU's residence halls house approximately 4,200 students, with about 70% being freshmen. The university also offers housing to families and graduate students. The campus includes numerous buildings, such as Linfield Hall, Hamilton Hall, and Traphagen Hall, constructed during the early 20th century, as well as more recent additions like the Animal Bioscience Building and the expanded south end zone of the football stadium.

MSU has about 40 master's programs

Montana State University (MSU) offers a wide range of academic programs for its students. While the university offers baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields, graduate certificates in 12 fields, and doctoral degrees in 35 fields, the focus here is on its Master's programs. MSU has about 40 master's programs, which include accelerated programs that allow talented undergraduates to get a head start on their graduate degrees. These programs enable students to develop advanced skills and knowledge in their chosen fields, saving them both time and money.

The accelerated Master's programs are an excellent option for ambitious undergraduates who want to fast-track their graduate studies. These programs are designed to help students earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in a shorter time frame. For example, in the field of Mathematical Sciences, the accelerated program allows students to obtain a B.S. and an M.S. in a total of five years.

MSU's Master's programs cater to a diverse range of interests and fields. Students can choose from over 60 Master's degree options, including Applied Economic Analysis Certificate, Industrial & Management Systems Engineering, Land Resources & Environmental Sciences, and Public Administration. With such a comprehensive selection, students can find the program that best suits their academic and career goals.

The graduate programs at MSU are known for their dynamic academic community and world-class faculty. The university encourages students to integrate learning with the discovery of knowledge and fosters a collaborative environment that stimulates creative solutions to contemporary challenges. This approach ensures that graduate students at MSU not only gain advanced knowledge in their fields but also develop valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In addition to its Master's programs, MSU also offers a Specialist degree in Education and a Certificate in Nursing Education through its College of Nursing. With a broad spectrum of academic offerings, MSU provides its students with numerous opportunities to pursue their intellectual passions and prepare for their future careers.

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