Currently there are two main schools in MT that offer geography programs.
- Montana State University
- University of Montana
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT
https://www.montana.edu/academics/geography
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Earth Sciences with a Geography Emphasis at Montana State University is a four-year, 120-credit program. Students complete foundational courses in physical and human geography during the first two years, followed by specialized courses and capstone projects in their junior and senior years. Flexible electives allow students to tailor their education toward specific career goals in urban planning, environmental management, or spatial analysis.
Accreditation and Academic Rigor
Montana State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring the program meets rigorous academic and professional standards. This accreditation provides assurance of a high-quality education that is recognized by employers and other academic institutions.
Career Outcomes and Placement
Graduates from the Geography program enjoy a 96% employment or continued education rate within a year of graduation. Alumni pursue careers in city planning, environmental consulting, and GIS analysis, benefiting from hands-on training and professional connections built during the program. Montana State is frequently ranked as the top institution in the state for job placement by career guidance resources like Zippia.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum emphasizes spatial analysis, physical geography, and global systems, with courses such as Introduction to GIS Science, Weather and Climate, and Environmental Planning and Management Toolkit. Students also complete advanced coursework in topics like geomorphology, energy resource geography, and water systems. The program culminates in a senior capstone project, ensuring practical application of learned skills.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition rates at Montana State University vary based on residency, with in-state students typically paying lower costs. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study opportunities are available to eligible students. Career-focused scholarships in geography and environmental sciences are also accessible through the university.
Prerequisites and Admission
The program has standard undergraduate admission requirements, including high school transcripts and test scores. Prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate an interest in earth sciences or geography-related fields. Transfer students may apply previously earned credits toward core or elective requirements.
Additional Programs and Online Availability
Montana State’s Earth Sciences major also offers options in Geology, GIS/Planning, Paleontology, and Snow Science, allowing students to explore related fields. While the Geography program is primarily in-person, some courses may be available online or in hybrid formats to accommodate diverse learning preferences.
This comprehensive and flexible program equips students with technical expertise and practical experience, preparing them for impactful careers in public and private sectors.
University of Montana
Missoula, MT
https://www.umt.edu/academics/programs/geography/default.php
The Bachelor of Science in Geography at the University of Montana (UM) is a four-year, 120-credit program that integrates human and physical geography with cutting-edge geospatial science. Students gain expertise in areas such as mountain landscapes, community planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with field-based learning opportunities that leverage Montana’s unique natural environments.
Accreditation and Academic Excellence
UM is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), ensuring the program meets high academic standards. Faculty are internationally recognized experts, offering a globally informed yet locally relevant curriculum tailored to address pressing societal and environmental challenges.
Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum includes foundational courses in physical and human geography, GIS, and cartography, with advanced courses in environmental planning, transportation planning, and water policy. Field-based learning in iconic locations such as Glacier National Park enriches the student experience. The program culminates in a senior capstone project, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world contexts.
Career Outcomes and Job Placement
With 97% of W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation graduates employed or in graduate school, UM’s geography program prepares students for diverse careers such as GIS analysts, city planners, cartographers, and environmental consultants. Graduates report an average starting salary of $67,000, and geographers nationally earn a median salary of $81,540, according to U.S. News.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
UM offers robust financial support for geography students, including scholarships through the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation and the Franke Sustainability Fellowships for research and study abroad. These opportunities help reduce the cost of education and encourage hands-on learning.
Program Costs and Online Availability
Tuition varies by residency, with financial aid available to assist students. While the program is primarily in-person, certain courses may be offered in hybrid or online formats. State-of-the-art geospatial labs enhance learning for students specializing in GIS.
Additional Programs Offered
UM also offers related programs, including a Master’s in Geography, GIS Certificate, and minors in Community and Environmental Planning and Mountain Studies. These options allow students to further specialize and enhance their career prospects.
The Geography program at UM equips students with technical skills, leadership abilities, and a deep understanding of human-environment interactions, preparing them for impactful careers in public and private sectors.