About Montana State University-Northern
Montana State University-Northern is a public, four-year institution of higher education located in the city of Havre, Montana. The institution was founded in 1929 as a branch of the University of Montana called Northern Montana College. The entire college was originally located in temporary quarters at Havre High School.
Montana State University-Northern awards certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees from the following departments:
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- Technical Sciences
Nearly 50 percent of undergraduates and 35 percent of graduates are enrolled in online programs. MSU-Northern offers certain degree programs completely online. Minors in Business Technology, Marketing, and Small Business Management can also be completed entirely online. MSU-Northern online degrees are built so you can succeed without committing to an on-campus program.
Accreditation & Licensing
Montana State University-Northern is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Master's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 1,212 ; Graduate: 50Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 20% ; Graduate: 100%Graduation Rate:
41%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$49,505Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$18,500Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
63%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$6,627Yellow Ribbon Program:
YesCredit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by Montana State University-Northern
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
MSU Northern helps students finish what they start. Students can reach professors and advisors without much delay, even while balancing work and family. That steady access makes it easier to stay on track when life gets busy.
Classes focus on practical skills you can use on the job. Course work feels tied to real careers, not just theory. Students get close faculty support and hands-on learning, so the time and cost can feel worth it.
A clear plan for forms and registration matters here. When school processes run smoothly, students can keep moving toward graduation.
At Montana State University Northern, people are easy to reach when questions come up. Students describe advisors and professors as awesome for balancing work, school, and life.
Support feels personal and steady. Students say everyone is reachable and willing to help, which helps with planning classes and handling day-to-day issues.
There are mixed views on administration, but the advising and instructor follow-through is a real plus. If you need quick answers and human support, that part comes through clearly.
Online classes here fit students who need quick support. Instructors and advisors are reachable. Questions get answers fast. That helps when work and school overlap.
A part-time student balancing work, school, and life still found strong access to help. Teaching is practical and hands-on. Classes focus on real-world preparation. This setup supports a steady pace for busy adults.
At MSU Northern, classes are practical and built on real relationships. The small school size makes it easier to know your professors and classmates. That close contact helps students stay engaged and keep moving in their courses.
Professors care about student success and take an active role in teaching. Classwork focuses on hands-on learning that connects to real jobs and daily work. The strongest part of the school is the classroom experience, with accessible instructors, clear teaching, and a pace shaped by direct interaction.
MSU Northern does very well in teaching and support. Professors and advisors are easy to reach, and help feels personal. Classes focus on practical skills and hands-on work. Students can connect what they learn to real jobs.
The school has a close-knit feel, and many students feel known. That can help students stay on track, especially those balancing work and family. The main note is administration, with some frustration around day-to-day operations. Even so, the core learning experience remains a strong point for students who want personal support and career-ready training.
MSU Northern does very well in teaching and support. Professors and advisors are easy to reach, and help feels personal. Classes focus on practical skills and hands-on work. Students can connect what they learn to real jobs.
The school has a close-knit feel, and many students feel known. That can help students stay on track, especially those balancing work and family. The main note is administration, with some frustration around day-to-day operations. Even so, the core learning experience remains a strong point for students who want personal support and career-ready training.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana State University-Northern
Is Montana State University-Northern accredited?
Yes. Montana State University-Northern is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does Montana State University-Northern offer?
Montana State University-Northern offers 8 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does Montana State University-Northern offer?
Montana State University-Northern offers programs from associate and bachelor's through master's levels.
How should students contact admissions at Montana State University-Northern?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is Montana State University-Northern expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, Montana State University-Northern falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at Montana State University-Northern?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask Montana State University-Northern first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most Montana State University-Northern programs require?
Most listed programs require at least a 2.5 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.5 to 3.0.
Is Montana State University-Northern military friendly?
Montana State University-Northern shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.
How can students request information from Montana State University-Northern through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for Montana State University-Northern applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official High School Transcript/GED Score, Official College Transcript(s), Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does Montana State University-Northern accept life experience credit?
Montana State University-Northern does not show a school-wide life experience credit policy. Check Transfer Options to confirm transfer-credit options for your specific program.
Are Montana State University-Northern programs fully online or mixed?
Montana State University-Northern includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does Montana State University-Northern offer?
Montana State University-Northern has online program options in areas such as Business, Criminal Justice, Safety & Law, Education, and Nursing; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any Montana State University-Northern programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Are any admission tests required for Montana State University-Northern programs?
One recurring admissions-test item is ACT/SAT. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Montana State University-Northern?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any Montana State University-Northern programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at Montana State University-Northern?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Montana State University-Northern, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare Montana State University-Northern programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
Montana State University-Northern is featured in 6 of our ranking reports!
GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.
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Geographic and Educational Overview
Montana State University-Northern is located in Montana
Montana at a Glance:

Top Majors in Montana:
Top Incentives in Montana:
- Montana Higher Education Grant: Up to $2,000 annually
Top Career Pathways in Montana:
- Entry Level: Resource Specialist ($45,000)
- Mid Level: Conservation Manager ($75,000)
- Senior Level: Program Director ($110,000+)
- Required Education: BS Environmental Science
- Certifications: PWS, CISEC







