Overview

The Earth Sciences - Snow Science programme at Montana State University provides students with a unique opportunity to study the physical and biological properties of snow. Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this degree focuses on the distribution, composition, and mechanics of snow in a natural laboratory setting.

Students gain a deep understanding of environmental systems before specialising in areas such as snow mechanics or geographic information systems. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for technical roles in avalanche protection and land use planning through rigorous scientific training and practical field experience.

Why Earth Sciences - Snow Science at Montana State University?

Montana State University is home to the Subzero Research Laboratory, one of the world's premier facilities for cold science research. This centre allows students to work alongside preeminent scientists who are pioneers in the field of avalanche forecasting and snow dynamics.

The institution is recognised for its high graduate employability, with over 96% of alumni finding work or entering further study within a year. Students benefit from hands-on learning at local ski areas like Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, where they observe avalanche causes and snow accumulation first-hand.

The university also provides extensive career support through the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success. This includes professional coaching, networking opportunities, and workshops designed to develop the communication skills required by modern employers in the environmental sector.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33782 per year
National fee: USD 33782 per year
Local fee: USD 8946 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Earth System Sciences
Human Geography
Avalanche 1 Training
Geography of World Regions
Survey of Calculus
Calculus
Glacial Geology
Mountain Geography
Methods for Data Analysis I
Snow Dynamics and Accumulation

Careers with Earth Sciences - Snow Science

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for specialised roles in mountain safety and environmental consultancy. Many alumni secure positions in avalanche protection, snow safety management, and transportation engineering to ensure safe travel in winter conditions.

The degree also prepares students for careers in land use planning and environmental protection. Additionally, the rigorous scientific foundation provides an excellent pathway for those wishing to pursue post-graduate research or advanced academic study in the earth sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Remote Sensing

Applied GIS & Spatial Analysis

Watershed Hydrology

Watershed Analysis

Methods for Data Analysis

Nonparametric Statistics

Time Series Analysis

Applied Multivariate Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-14 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bozeman, United States

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Natural Sciences Environmental Sciences View 395 other Bachelors in Natural Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Admission Application

Application Fee (non-refundable)

Submit your proof of English proficiency

Submit your transcripts

Approved High School Equivalency Exam

ACT/SAT Scores

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A 2.5 cumulative high school grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale),

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33782 USD / year

≈ 33782 USD / year
Out-of-State

33782 USD / year

≈ 33782 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8946 USD / year

≈ 8946 USD / year

Living costs

Bozeman

United States

1099 - 2275 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Earth Sciences - Snow Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bozeman

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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