The University of Montana Reviews

"The University of Montana is in a beautiful place and offers a lot of opportunities and a dedicated and accessible faculty. The workload is manageable, but definitely rigorous. The Environmental Studies program is particularly rewarding. The funding and cost of living in Missoula are among the more difficult barriers. For those coming from big cities the cost of living will seem cheap, but for those coming from small towns, it can be daunting to make ends meet."

"The best bang for your buck. The University of Montana provides great education to Missoula and brings a diversity that would not otherwise be here. A good quality education at a more affordable price than many other public schools."

"I wish that, if a graduate of my program wanted to apply to the Counseling Master's program, the process could be ameliorated and that all of the relevant credits could transfer over. I also wish more emphasis could be put on Intercultural Internship options other than the Peace Corps."

"I believe that the Anthropology program at the University of Montana offers incredible opportunities to those who seek out what is available. The university is in heavy need to a biological anthropology faculty member however, all faculty available have proven to be most helpful and are always available to help you guide your way through your graduate program. This is a great university if you are a self starter and looking for a way to shape your education."

"Faculty are extremely knowledgeable and approachable when extra help is needed."

"The biomedical sciences department (toxicology program) is an average program in a above average city/state. Missoula is awesome if you like the small town feel with great extracurricular potential. You can be hunting, fishing, skiing, floating, or hiking in less than 20 minutes from campus. The program has prepared me for a career in toxicology but there are very few opportunities to stay in Montana with this degree. The hardest part is knowing you have to leave. There is some political drama that throughout the ranks of the department, but this is typical. Funding is tough to come by and we are far less competitive for graduate and post graduate scholarships, but we have intramural grants that can help bridge these gaps."

"The Environmental Studies Program is one of the best in the country. The Faculty is very attentive and open to creative projects. The program is well connected to the community."

"The pros to this program are the quality of education, in state costs, professor knowledge and availability and clinical education program. The cons include current course restructuring that causes some confusion..... will likely be resolved eventually as scheduling is figured out."

"The professors take a genuine interest in their students and research assistants. Professors help grad students excel in their careers as students and professionals."

"The Anthropology graduate program at the University of Montana is well rounded and the faculty bring a lot of knowledge and a range of skills to both their classes and their research. One pro for the program is the students ability to design a degree contract that is unique to each student and allows for a plethora of class options to count toward your degree. The one con for this program and the University as a whole is the lack funding opportunities. Teaching Assistance-ships and Research Assistance-ships are few and far between and outside resources are also limited. Other than the lack of funding the program has been amazing and has afforded me the opportunity to continue my education in a beautiful and encouraging environment."

"Indian law program is strong and improving, environmental law classes are numerous, great professors all around, wonderful and dedicated staff. Small and friendly school. Great study spaces for students. First and Second year curriculum leaves only a little room for electives, but clinic program is truly unique because everyone gets assigned a clinic and it's a graduation requirement, which means everyone is at least exposed to practicing prior to graduation."

"The program is quite good and there is a lot of room to try new things, as well as do interdisciplinary work. You can do your own work here rather than do grunt work on someone else's project. Financial support is difficult to get, so you should make certain that the lab that you wish to go into has money both to support you (if you aren't independently supported) and for your research. You are required to TA for a year (you get paid for it)."

"I have been highly impressed by all of the UMPT staff as they always make time outside of class to meet with students and show true concern for the success of every student. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning, communication, and collaboration which allows students to sharpen all of the skills needed to become excellent practitioners."

"This program is geared toward making solid clinicians out of its students. I hear time and time again of the praise UMPT grads receive once they enter the professional world. The program is currently in transition with a change to the scheduling of classes and an ongoing search to fill two professorial positions. So far, the changes have been positive and well received by students."

"Overall, this graduate program is fantastic. The faculty are very involved and supportive. The practicum sites are great at preparing students for the field. The one major, major downfall is the only financial aid available for EdS students is student loans. If you're out of state, this means about $120,000 in student loans when you graduate. No grants, scholarships, TA or RA - nothing is available but loans. If you can work something out with your finances, this is a great place to study school psychology!"

"Missoula is a great place to live and this is a top wildlife program. There are amazing opportunities and resources to learn. However, you must be self-motivated and a self-starter in this program. Faculty generally won't hold your hand. In short, excellent program where you get back what you put in!"

"The greatest strength of the Organismal Biology and Ecology program here at UM is the faculty. They genuinely get along great together, happy to collaborate on projects or simply bounce ideas off each other, and this results in an open, supportive environment for grad students. Most faculty are happy to be approached by any grad student for help with research or classwork, and the level of help they can give is stellar as many of our faculty are at the top of their fields. The other big draw is Montana. It is stunning and there is something to do outside in every season, whether skiing, hiking, floating the river, listening to one of the free outdoor music events downtown, there's something for everyone. Except maybe a big city lover. Missoula, where campus is located, has most of the amenities of city life with a small town feel, and less than five minutes away you can be in the wilderness. It's not perfect, but it's close."

"I loved the pharmacy program at the University of Montana. I felt very supported by the professors and could ask any questions without feeling put down. The professors give you the tools to be an excellent professional and instill a passion for patient care and safety."

"The Environmental Studies Department at University of Montana allows for a tremendous amount of flexibility in designing your graduate course of study. You are free to take courses from throughout the university and have very few requirements within the department. This has its pros and cons. Students need to be self directed to succeed in this program."

"The faculty are exceptional, and understanding of student needs and different learning styles. Overall the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana has been a challenge, but I don't know of a more valuable and rewarding place to be spending my time to pursue my career in pharmacy."