Montana State University

Overview

Montana State University, also known as MSU, is the largest research entity and the first land-grant university in Montana. Established in 1893, MSU offers over 350 programs in its nine colleges and several departments. It also offers one—or two-year certificates and degree programs to its students.

Highlights

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Total International Students: 51% Nonresidents

Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1

Placement Percentage: 94%

Montana State University Rankings

Montana State University holds the following rankings:

Ranking Agency

Rank

U.S. News & World Report

  • 296 in National Universities
  • 161 in Top Public Schools
  • 139 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs

QS World University Rankings

351-400 in Agriculture & Forestry

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings

  • 1001 – 1200 in World University Ranking
  • 501 – 600 for Physical Sciences
  • 601 – 800 for Medical & Health
  • 401 – 500 for Life Sciences

Montana State University Intake

Montana State University offers three main intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The application deadline for each intake varies.

  • Fall Intake: As an international student, you must submit your application before the July deadline. The fall intake starts in August.
  • Spring Intake: Also known as secondary intake, you must submit your application by November. The spring intake starts in January.
  • Summer Intake: MSU’s summer intake has 2 sessions. It starts in mid-May for session 1 and ends in mid-June for session 2.

Montana State University Courses

MSU offers 250+ undergraduate programs and 115+ graduate programs. MSU also offers undergraduate certificates and special and online programs. Here are some of the top programs of MSU:

Program

Duration

Total Tuition Fees

Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering (M.Eng.)

18 Months

$31,260

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

18 – 24 Months

$31,260 – $41,680

Master of Science in Applied Economics

18 – 24 Months

$31,260 – $41,680

Master of Science in Computer Science

18 – 24 Months

$31,260 – $41,680

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

18 – 24 Months

$31,260 – $41,680

Master of Arts in English

24 Months

$41,680

Master of Science in Health Sciences

12 Months

$32,760

Cost of Studying at Montana State University

The cost of studying at MSU varies based on your residency status, program, and degree level. For international students, here’s what you will be required to pay approximately:

Current Academic Year Expenses

Undergraduate

Graduate

Tuition Fees

$33,288

$20,840

Food / Housing

$14,000

$14,000

Books / Supplies

$1,450

$1,128

Miscellaneous

$4,026

$9,416

Total

$52,764

$45,384

Montana State University Scholarships

Montana State University scholarships for international students are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Non-Resident Freshmen Scholarships: Achievement Awards, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Awards, and other scholarships are available for first-year students.
  • Cat Scholarships Program: Several MSU colleges and departments offer scholarships to students. However, the scholarship is available in a limited number.

Montana State University Admission

For Montana State University admissions, you can apply online while paying the full application fee of $70 for master’s programs or $38 for bachelor’s programs. The admission requirements for MSU are as follows:

Masters

Admission Requirements:

International students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale). They must submit official transcripts from the university they attended.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

  • TOEFL iBT – 80
  • TOEFL PBT – 550
  • IELTS – 6.5
  • Duolingo – 120

Additional Requirements:

You must also submit 3 letters of reference, a personal statement, a resume, a portfolio, a writing sample, and English language proficiency scores.

Bachelors

Admission Requirements:

For all bachelor’s programs, you must submit your official high school transcripts.

English Language Proficiency Test Accepted:

  • TOEFL iBT – 71
  • TOEFL PBT – 525
  • IELTS – 6.0
  • Cambridge B2 First, C1 or C2 – 169
  • iTEP – 3.7
  • PTE Academic – 51
  • Duolingo – 51

Accommodation at Montana State University

MSU housing provides a variety of on-campus as well as off-campus options for undergraduate as well as graduate students.

  • On-Campus Housing: MSU offers residence halls, family & graduate housing apartments. Residence halls offer study rooms, computer facilities, and kitchen areas, while housing apartments provide housing to families, married couples, second-degree students, graduate students, and single parents with dependent children.
  • Off-Campus Housing: Several variety of apartments and rental houses can be found; however, the price may vary depending on location, size, and number of people staying together.

Montana State University Placements

MSU organizes a career fair every year in October and February. More than 200 employers attend the fair in October, while more than 170 attend the fair in February. MSU has a 96% placement rate for doctoral students and 94% for master’s students. Here are some of the top employers of MSU:

  • US Army
  • Puget Sound Naval Shipyard
  • Bozeman Health
  • Billings Clinic
  • Gensco
  • Jet Aviation
  • Panda Restaurant Group
  • The Walsh Group

Student Essential Services

MSU offers various student support services for international students. Clubs and organizations, the Office of International Programs, Campus Civil Rights, and the Women’s Center are some of the top essential services.

  • Clubs & Organizations: MSU has 250+ clubs and organizations. They represent various academic, pre-professional, spiritual, political, musical, support, service, sport, and special interest topics.
  • Office of International Programs: Offers support and guidance to international students regarding admission, immigration, safety on campus, and more.
  • Campus Civil Rights: Supports students who are experiencing any sort of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
  • Women’s Center: This center creates an equitable environment on the campus and offers programs and resources related to women’s issues.

Location of Montana State University

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is required for Montana State University for international students?

For admission to MSU as an international student, undergraduate students must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, while graduate students must have a GPA of 3.0.

Does Montana State University require the GRE from international students?

No, MSU does not require the GRE for admission for international students. However, the requirements vary depending on your chosen program.

Are SAT or ACT scores required for undergraduate admission at Montana State University?

No, MSU does not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admission. While they are optional, they can be used for math and writing placement tests.

Can international students work on campus or off campus while studying at Montana State University?

Yes, as an international student, you can work on campus or off campus. However, you must maintain your legal status and must check with an International Student Advisor in the Office of International Programs (OIP).

What is Montana State University’s policy on health insurance for international students?

All international students at MSU must enroll in the MSU Health and Accident Insurance Plan or show proof of health insurance coverage. The coverage must include sickness and accident coverage for a minimum of $100,000/year.

Does Montana State University offer visa support and immigration advising services?

Yes, MSU offers visa support and immigration advising services through its Office of International Programs (OIP).

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