Find out more about University of Montana

Earn your two-year AA/AS degree at the University of Montana's Missoula College. The 100% online, asynchronous general education transfer programs prepare you for many career pathways and further education. The associate degree is considered equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor's degree.

No matter your educational background, the AA/AS program offers an affordable foundation for success. We are optimized to help transfer and military students apply their previous education experiences. Students can transfer in a maximum of 30 credit hours. For military students, the University of Montana accepts ACE credits.

The flexibility of our program allows you to maintain personal and professional commitments while achieving your goals. Engaged faculty serve as mentors and are available through virtual office hours. You'll interact with peers through group work and discussions.

Graduate with college-level critical-thinking, communication and intercultural skills central to local and global communities. You'll be encouraged to take electives in your areas of interest, enhancing knowledge to be competitive in your field. Upon graduation, you will be able to pursue jobs such as paralegal, account executive, teaching assistant and more. You can also continue your education with Missoula’s integrated transfer process by pursuing a University of Montana bachelor's degree program.

University of Montana offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology degree to the nontraditional student.  This interdisciplinary degree combines general education courses with methods, theories, and subareas of anthropology customizable to accrue advanced professional development.  Your online anthropology degree curriculum will cover particular areas including but not limited to:

• Social sciences
• Humanities
• Natural sciences

Expand your essential skills in critical and creative thinking, communication, research, analysis, and more.  Upon completion of this anthropology degree, you may consider career paths in marketing, education, social work, curation, publishing, and a variety of other professions.  Earn your bachelor’s degree in a unique area of the liberal arts, the study of humanity on historical and contemporary scales with University of Montana online.

University of Montana offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts to the working adult student.  This program is designed to maximize your potential as a creative in a rapidly expanding technologically driven marketplace.  Online digital media degree studies will incorporate topics in general education, visual language, and more including but not limited to:

• Media story
• Photoshop and Illustrator
• Writing and theory

Explore artistic applications of contemporary and innovative technologies, from interactive media to gaming and digital design.  Graduates with an online media degree may pursue successful careers in multimedia design, creative direction, web design, animation, and more.  Expand your skills in communications, design, problem-solving, and creative and critical thought with an accessible, flexible, fully online bachelor’s in media arts from University of Montana.

Learn essential tools and techniques for creating newsletters, websites, presentations, reports, and outreach materials for your organization with the online Certificate in Digital Design from the University of Montana. This program gives you the skills you need to create compelling visual designs in a variety of applications.

The curriculum prepares you with basic skills in computer-based digital imaging, design, and publication. You will learn how to edit and manipulate images, create graphical elements, utilize typography, design layouts, and create simple animations.

The online Certificate in Sales and Marketing from the University of Montana gives you the skills and knowledge needed to effectively market and sell products and services in a variety of settings. Graduates will be prepared to fulfill a vital role in any organization.

Students will learn about professional sales, practice skills in providing exceptional customer service, and study the psychology of selling in order to help clients solve problems and meet their needs. Coursework also includes experience with marketing activities, bookkeeping functions, and merchandising. 

The curriculum covers topics such as:

• Visual merchandising and display
• Interpersonal communications
• Probability and linear mathematics
• Issues in sustainability
• Management

The University of Montana offers the online Certificate of Applied Science in Customer Relations. This certificate provides students with skills to promote excellent customer relations in business settings. Job opportunities may be found in the following areas: advertising, computer technology, health, legal, education, non-profit, retail, insurance, manufacturing and public relations. 

Potential career opportunities:

• Customer Service Representative
• Information Clerk
• Client Relations
• Customer Care
• Call Centers
• Receptionist

The online Graduate Certificate in Public Administration is designed to provide fundamental skills for employees in the public sector. The certificate is able to be customized to best fit the needs and interests of each student.

Students gain skills and knowledge in areas such as public administration, human resource management, budgeting, and organizational leadership. Credits from this program may be applied toward a Master of Public Administration degree.

Both individuals interested in entering public service and seasoned public employees looking to advance their career can benefit from this online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy. The program from the University of Montana provides knowledge and skills to improve data-driven decision making in public service organizations. 

Courses explore areas including policy analysis, applied research methods, and performance measurement to provide public service employees with a more specialized skill set. Electives offer opportunities to explore subjects such as public budgeting and finance, program evaluation, ethics in public administration, and environmental governance and policy. Credits from this program are eligible to be transferred into the school’s Master of Public Administration degree as well.

Enter the dual MPA/MPH online program offered by University of Montana.  This program, designed for pre- and mid-career professionals, offers an accelerated rate of degree completion with the flexibility to culminate coursework which aligns directly with your chosen career path.  Your public administration online degree studies may incorporate topics including but not limited to:

• Legislative and social policies
• Qualitative and quantitative research
• Administration and management

Expand your essential skills in leadership, financial management, and analysis.  Explore areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health.  Your online master’s degree in public administration can lead to successful or advanced careers in analysis management, health communications, regional planning, and many more.  Take advantage of a flexible program yielding professional results through University of Montana online.

Earn your Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Administration online with University of Montana.  This flexible program is designed to prepare you for leadership in the philanthropic and nonprofit fields.  Your graduate certificate in nonprofit management online studies will incorporate essential topics, including but not limited to:

• Fundraising and finance
• Human resources
• Program planning and evaluation

Expand your competencies in problem-solving, assessment and analysis, budgeting, team building, and much more.  Through an online nonprofit management certificate, you are prepared for professional titles such as program analyst, marketing associate, public relations director, plus other director or officer roles.  Take advantage of a flexible online program offering service leadership and internship opportunities, demonstrate excellence and core knowledge in your areas of interest, and become a leader in a competitive and rewarding nonprofit administration career with University of Montana online.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in forensic sciences or other related fields, the online Certificate in Forensic Studies from the University of Montana can be a great introduction to this field and a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree. Seasoned professionals can also use this certificate program to satisfy mandatory requirements for continuing education. 

Core classwork provides a foundation in forensic science and an understanding of forensic science beyond the crime lab. Students are then able to complete the certificate through elective choices in science, communications, and ethics. Graduates will be poised to begin or advance their career in law enforcement, forensic science, and other roles within the justice system.

You can pursue paralegal work with the Certificate of Applied Science in Legal Studies from the University of Montana. Students without a bachelor’s degree often pair the online paralegal program with an AA or AS degree.

Through the online paralegal certificate program, students receive training in practical education as well as career readiness. Your online studies explore such topics as:

• Terminology 
• The function of law
• Preparing for trial
• Legal writing and drafting

Computer and networking professionals can transition into an emerging and fast-growing field with an online Certificate in Cybersecurity. Coursework prepares students in areas including business continuity, computer system design, risk assessment and mitigation techniques, contingency planning, data integrity, security investigation, and troubleshooting. Curriculum corresponds with Core Knowledge Units developed by the NSA and DHS. The capstone course of this program aligns with the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) industry certification.

Students gain skills and knowledge in topics such as:

• Programming and scripting
• Databases, analytics, and statistics
• Policy, legal, ethics, and compliance
• Cybersecurity management

Teachers can gain specialized skills in helping gifted and high-ability students reach their full potential with this online Graduate Certificate program in Gifted and Talented Education. The curriculum of this program aligns with the National Gifted Education Standards for Teacher Preparation. Graduates will be able to use their expertise in the classroom as well as at the building and district levels to coordinate programs and services. 

Participants will gain skills and knowledge in the various aspects of working with gifted and talented students, including:

• Social and emotional development
• Methods and curriculum development
• Program planning

Get your Master of Arts in Education with this 100% online program. The curriculum is designed to benefit students with teaching licenses or those in other fields who want to transition to jobs in nonprofit or other non-school educational settings.

Coursework covers educational research, critical social issues, learning and assessment, and diversity. Students will additionally complete electives of their choosing and a thesis.

Pursue an entry- or mid-level career in International Education Leadership with an online M.Ed. degree from the University of Montana. This advanced program guides you through the skills and knowledge development essential to the elements of international education programs from design to evaluation. This master’s in educational leadership online offers customizable studies, with core courses covering subjects such as:

• Globalization
• Cross-cultural competence
• Statistics and research

Take advantage of a program providing training in theory and advocacy as well as leadership. Build your skills as a manager, implementer, and critical thinker applicable to your growth as a teacher, advisor, counselor, and specialist. Graduates with their online degrees in educational leadership may pursue careers in education abroad offices, international student offices, multinational corporations, private and cultural agencies, and more. Discover the essential elements of international education and assert your professionalism in your chosen field with the University of Montana online.

Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders online through the University of Montana.  This program provides the opportunity to build your professional clinical skills and foundational knowledge applicable in various medical and educational settings.  Overall, earning this degree prepares you for graduate-level studies in areas of linguistics, psychology, audiology, occupational or physical therapy, and more.  Online speech pathology program studies will dive into topics including but not limited to:

• Biological science
• Psychology
• Statistics

Courses are offered in an asynchronous format to best adhere to your schedule as a working adult.  Through this speech pathology degree online you may choose to add more courses to your curriculum and earn a speech language pathology/audiology assistant certificate as well as your bachelor’s.  Expand your knowledge in hearing, language, and speech development throughout the lifespan.  Begin your career online with a bachelor’s in speech pathology from the University of Montana.

Prepare for the busy and demanding role of health care receptionist with an online Certificate of Applied Science in Medical Reception from the University of Montana. Graduates will have the competencies needed to provide exceptional service to patients in settings ranging from private practice to hospital wards.

Students gain a foundational understanding of medical law and ethics, as well as guidelines established by HIPAA. Coursework also covers financial transactions including all the activities in the billing and collection cycle. In addition, students learn how to manage everyday activities in a medical front office setting, including: 

• Greeting patients
• Scheduling appointments
• Screening telephone calls
• Obtaining and entering patient registration information
• Releasing appropriate medical information
• Maintaining medical records
• Managing patient flow

Examine how the environment can affect human health with the online Graduate Certificate in Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS) from the University of Montana. A special focus is placed on the impact of environmental contaminants on rural and underserved populations in the Northern Rocky Mountain region. Students will study the roles of air pollution, soil pollution, water pollution, hazardous waste, climate change, and more on the health and wellbeing of specific groups.

This online certificate program can be completed by itself or as a part of a Master of Public Health degree. Students who can benefit from this program include individuals who work in a public health setting but do not have formal training, those who want to update their public health skills and knowledge, and professionals in related fields who want to broaden their knowledge of environmental health issues.

Gain foundational knowledge of an emerging field in public health with a Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology online from the University of Montana. Courses explain the principles and methods of epidemiological research. Students also gain an understanding of related biostatistical applications, including the basis for conducting and interpreting epidemiological studies. This online certificate program can be completed on its own or can be applied toward a Master of Public Health degree.

In addition to fundamentals in epidemiology and biostatistics, students can select electives in subject areas such as:

• Communicable diseases
• Spatial epidemiology
• Neuroepidemiology
• Environmental and occupational epidemiology
• Advanced quantitative methods

The Graduate Certificate in Global Health is an interdisciplinary program incorporating aspects of health sciences and public health, taking into consideration the social and cultural dimensions of implementing health and well-being programs among disadvantaged populations.

Coursework explores global health challenges through the context of integrating various fields of study. Credits from this program can optionally transfer into a Master of Public Health degree.

Students will study topics including:

• Rural health issues in a global context
• Health and culture
• Epidemiology
• Biostatistics

The University of Montana offers the online Graduate Certificate in Public Health.

The CPH is geared towards:

• those who currently work in a public health setting but may have no formal public health training
• those who wish to update their public health training
• those who work in related fields and wish to broaden their knowledge of public health issues and concepts

Sample of Program Courses:

• Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
• Public Health Administration & Management
• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Fundamentals of Biostatistics
• Health Policy

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Administration provides an overview of public health and healthcare policy at global, national, state, and local levels. In addition to an introduction to Public Health Administration and Management, students can study topics including health policy, program evaluation and research methods, human resource management, and policy analysis. Credits from this certificate may be applied toward a master’s degree in Public Health.

The Post-Baccalaureate Communicative Sciences and Disorders Leveling Certificate is designed for University of Montana students with a bachelor’s degree outside the speech-language pathology or audiology fields.  You will be trained and prepared for eligibility to apply for a graduate degree in these areas.  This online speech pathology program provides essential skill development in areas such as:

• Comprehension of theoretical models of language acquisition
• Intonation pattern identification
• Neurological examination

Courses are available fully online and in asynchronous formats for ultimate flexibility.  Expand your foundational knowledge in areas of speech through hearing development, such as physical and biological sciences, statistics, and social science.  Online speech-language pathology programs can lead to successful careers in education, social work, occupational therapy, healthcare, and much more.  Move your professional development in a new direction with an accessible post-baccalaureate certificate from the University of Montana online.

The University of Montana offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Environmental Education for students interested in presenting environmental-related programs and curricula. The program seeks to help students increase their environmental literacy, gain experience with environmental education teaching methods, and foster community leadership. A supervised internship in a school or nonprofit setting allows students to gain experience in program management, budget development, and administration. Graduates will be able to put their skills to work by providing quality programs and resources for their local communities.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from The University of Montana is an online social work degree program for those who are working on or have completed their associate degree from a partnering college.  As a degree completion program, the students can complete the program in as little as two years, completing upper division required courses and any remaining general education courses.  In addition, this program allows students to work with an Academic Advisor to plan their course of study, enrolling in the social work electives and extra-departmental courses they choose.  

This online bachelor’s in social work prepares students for human services professions that work to prevent social problems, maintain satisfying social relationships, and enhance human development while focusing on people and the social environment.  Courses provide knowledge and skills that allow you to intervene on behalf of the various client populations and begin generalist social work practice.