University College

Undergraduate Programs

Department of University Studies

University College offers several important academic programs to students, regardless of major. Undergraduate research and creative activity, thematic research seminars, and major/career exploration are just a few of the many opportunities available. Special programs for academic enrichment include the Undergraduate Scholars Program and McNair Scholars Program. University College also includes Pre-Professional Advising, First-Year Seminar Program, and University Studies.

University Studies Program

University Studies is the initial academic program for first-year students who want to explore their options before declaring a major field of study -- approximately 10-15% of entering students at MSU. Through individualized academic advising and several course offerings, University Studies helps students transition to college while exploring majors of interest. Undergraduate students may take up to 30 semester credits (typically 2 semesters) in University Studies before declaring a major, but students may declare at any time. Students who start in a declared major and want to explore other options are encouraged to visit with the University Studies advisors located in the Academic Advising Center should they have questions about their initial choice of major.

This program also serves students who plan to pursue specialized degrees at other institutions but wish to take courses at MSU for one or two years before transferring. Transfer students may enter University Studies to fulfill requirements and explore MSU degree programs before declaring a major. For more information about University Studies, please visit the University Studies website.

Academic Advising Center

University Studies is the home of the MSU Academic Advising Center (AAC). Advising professionals, who are well-acquainted with the curricula in all of MSU's colleges, aid students in their exploration of courses, majors, and career objectives. Advisors work with students to match their individual interests and goals with college coursework. The advisors construct personalized programs of academic study that incorporate Core requirements and other courses that will apply to a wide range of curricula. The University Studies Academic Advising Center is open Monday-Friday and advisors are available for drop-in advising as well as in-person, phone, and video conference appointments.  

The advisors and resources of the AAC are available to all undergraduate students. AAC advisors help students

  • Explore their academic strengths and interests
  • Review Core requirements
  • Select a degree program suited to their personal and career goals
  • Identify ways to add value to their degree
  • Connect with focused major advising contacts and resources that aid in student success

Health Professions Resource Center

The Health Professions Resource Center helps both current and previous MSU students explore numerous health professions, navigate educational and professional requirements, and application processes for health profession schools. HPRC Staff meet with students one-on-one at least once a semester, in small groups for topic discussion, and large groups for workshops and seminars. The Health Professions Resource Center works with students of all majors who are pursuing a health profession and works closely with the students’ academic advisor. Services provided:

To learn more or make an appointment visit the Health Professions Resource Center website.

Pre-Law Advising

Many students at MSU are interested in exploring possible careers in law. Every year MSU students are accepted at excellent law schools across the country. MSU offers a variety of resources and advising to students who wish to pursue a career in law after their undergraduate degree. These resources include:

  • One-on-one law school advising
  • Personal assistance with the application process, writing personal statements, law school selection, and planning for LSAT prep
  • Law school information sessions and events scheduled several times during the academic year
  • One credit exploratory courses: LEG 140 Introduction to Law and the Legal Profession and LEG 340 Legal Careers and Educations
  • Internships for Credit (LEG 498)
  • Pre-Law Club

In addition, students interested in pursuing a career in the legal profession may wish to consider taking any of the following courses across campus to explore their interest.  None of these courses are required for law school. 

AGBE 337, BGEN 361, HONR 220, PHIL 236Q, PHIL 321, PHIL 322, PSCI 362, PSCI 408, PSCI 434, PSCI 434, PSCI 461, PSCI 465, PSCI 471, SOCI 221, SOCI 311, SOCI 313, SOCI 334, SOCI 335, SOCI 357, SOCI 358, SOCI 359, SOCI 362, SOCI 363, SOCI 375, SOCI 414. SOCI 423, SOCI 425, SOCI 435, SOCI 494 

For more information about pre-law advising, please contact the pre-law advisor at Pla@montana.edu or visit the Pre-Law website.

Pre-Medicine Intake Curriculum

MSU offers a Pre-Medicine Intake Curriculum for students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions, including medical, dental, pharmacy, and physical therapy. The Pre-Medicine Intake Curriculum does not include nursing. Pre-Medicine Intake Curriculum is not a major from which students will graduate. It is a two-semester program designed to encourage students to explore the academic environment at MSU, understand the breadth of career opportunities in the health professions, and help students select courses from the science curriculum associated with professional school pre-requisites. 

Pre-Medicine Intake Curriculum students benefit from:

  • Individualized advising with a dedicated Pre-Med advisor during the first-year
  • Assistance with course and major selection
  • Workshops on academics, professionalism, and the health professions application process
  • The course "HMED 140," Introduction to Health Professions (offered spring semesters)

For more information, see the Pre-Medicine Intake Curriculum page.

Pre-Veterinary Curriculum

MSU offers pre-veterinary coursework and advising for students interested in pursuing admission into professional veterinary medicine schools or colleges after their MSU baccalaureate career. Academic advising for students looking to apply to veterinary technical programs is also offered. Pre-veterinary advisors work with students as they navigate major declaration, course selection that align with veterinary school prerequisites, professional academic program selection, and preparation for application and admission into veterinary programs. MSU offers a Pre-Veterinary Curriculum for students who are interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine but who have not yet chosen a primary major. The Pre-Veterinary Curriculum not a major from which students will graduate. It is a list of courses that help students begin completing veterinary school prerequisites while exploring the academic environment at MSU and academic majors that align with their interests. Students are encouraged to declare a primary major by the end of their first year with support from their academic advisors. Students can apply for professional veterinary schools from any academic major as long as they meet the pre-requisite coursework and GPA requirements for the program they are applying to.

The College of Agriculture supports the Pre-Veterinary Curriculum.

First-Year Seminar Program

US 101US, First-Year Seminar: Place and Identity, is a 3-credit academic first-year seminar course, taught seminar style, that builds communication and critical thinking skills while facilitating students' transition to college. This course fulfills the University Seminar requirement of the Core curriculum.

Classes are held in groups of 16 students to allow for a student-focused, discussion-based class format. Academic, interdisciplinary readings and writing assignments are incorporated to challenge students to explore their own ideas, beliefs, and assumptions. Speaking assignments boost students' self-confidence and help them become college-level communicators of their ideas. This class is ideal for both decided and undecided major students. It provides a framework for those who want help with the transition to college, while also overviewing strategies to meet the rigors of college level academic work. Most importantly, it provides students a space where they are the focus, and they can explore new experiences, ideas, and challenges, while interacting with their peers and guided by experienced faculty. 

In conjunction with US 101US, the First-Year Seminar Program also hosts a Peer Mentorship Program. The goal of the University Studies Peer Mentorship Program is to support first-year students taking US 101US by connecting them with a more experienced MSU student who can help them transition to the college environment by sharing campus resources, providing support, acting as a positive student role model, and presenting an example of someone who has been where they are.

For more information about the First-Year Seminar Program, visit our website or call the University Studies Office at (406) 994-3532.

McNair Scholars Program

The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) is a prestigious and nationally recognized graduate school preparatory program that develops eligible students for graduate school success (e.g., earning a Ph.D.) through paid undergraduate research projects and other academic services. Students from all disciplines who have completed at least 60 credits and are either a) first generation students and come from low-income backgrounds or b) are underrepresented in graduate education are encouraged to apply.  

The McNair Scholars Program prepares Scholars for graduate school success by offering key services such as: graduate school advising; research opportunities; MSU research presentation symposia; funding to present research at national conferences and/or tour graduate schools; graduate school application fee waivers; and financial support for summer research activities including: faculty mentorship, on-campus housing, food allowance, 3-credit tuition waiver, and graduate school application workshops. 

For more information about the McNair Scholars Program, visit our website or e-mail: mcnair@montana.edu, or call (406) 994-5072.

Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) promotes and facilitates undergraduate research in collaboration with faculty mentors. Projects range from scientific research and humanistic scholarship to the creation of original artistic works. Projects may stem from ongoing faculty research or be developed from a student's novel idea. USP funds student research through grants and also provides training and logistical support. Students can earn academic credit for research projects.

The wide scope of USP research is showcased in recent projects including an investigation of underground coal beds, exploring the microscopic structure of biofilms, examining stereotypes in the nursing profession, bio-prospecting for novel organisms in Yellowstone National Park, a travel-inspired musical composition, diverse photography exhibits, and the creation of a life-sized educational pterosaur puppet.  USP funds projects in all disciplines of study across the university.

For more information about the Undergraduate Scholars Program, visit the USP website or e-mail usp@montana.edu, or call (406) 994-3561.