Certificate Programs
The certificate programs are generally two semesters of academic work that lead to a certificate of completion in a given area. Contact the appropriate department for further information on these programs. Generally, all classes required for a certificate must be completed at UMW because of the specialized nature of these programs.
Associate Degrees
The associate degrees are generally four semesters of academic work that lead to a general understanding and knowledge base in a given area. Information on these degrees is available from the appropriate department as listed on the following page. Montana Western offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees.
Bachelor Degrees
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees normally follow a four-year program, while candidates for the Bachelor of Applied Science degree normally follow a two-year program at UMW after completion of an Associate of Applied Science degree. The Montana University System requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours for the Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Ecology, Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Science, Health & Human Performance, Mathematics, and Natural Horsemanship. The University System requires a minimum of 128 credit hours for the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and the Secondary Education content area and BA/BS double major with Secondary Education degrees at UMW.
The baccalaureate degree is conferred upon satisfactory completion of the designated curriculum and all general degree requirements. Refer to the various degree outlines for specific course requirements and to the graduation requirements listed in the Enrollment & Graduation section of this catalog.
The equivalent of one academic year, or two semesters of full-time resident study, is required of any student planning to earn a Bachelor’s degree at UMW. During this period, the student must earn not fewer than 30 semester credits. A minimum of 20 credits of the last 30 semester credits must be in residence.
Candidates for a second bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credits and two semesters in residence, as well as the courses to satisfy the requirements of the second degree.
In the case where the first Bachelor’s degree was earned at UMW, a minimum of 15 credits toward the second degree must be taken in residence. A student working toward two baccalaureate degrees at the same time must complete the courses required in both curricula and also complete a minimum of 30 credits beyond the minimum credits required for one of the degrees. An Application for Graduation or Program Completion form must be filed with the Registrar’s Office at least one semester before graduation.
Pre-professional Programs
Pre-professional programs should be planned to meet the needs of individual students and the requirements of the professional program/school to which the student will transfer. In consultation with the appropriate UMW faculty advisor and the professional school’s representative, the student should plan a program to meet the desires and requirements of the professional school the student wishes to attend.
Many medical and veterinary schools prefer students who are well grounded in the fundamentals of science and who also have a sound liberal arts base. UMW can provide comprehensive preparation in a four-year program with its BS: Biology degree. Most medical schools require, as a minimum, courses in mathematics, physics, English, biology, and chemistry. Since some schools have additional requirements, students should contact representatives at professional schools for assistance in course selection. Students transferring to bachelor’s degree nursing schools should carefully plan their program to include not more than a basic two-year pre-professional program at UMW and should consult with representatives at the degree-granting institution regarding proper course selection at UMW.
Law schools in the United States select students who show high promise in the analysis of abstract materials, written and oral expression, and general academic excellence. The pre-law advisor assists students with selection of courses, pre-law requirements, and general preparation for application to law school. Pre-law students select various majors, depending on their interests.
Students planning to pursue careers in engineering should be able to satisfy the mathematics, physics, and chemistry requirements at UMW prior to transferring to a professional engineering school. Depending upon the engineering profession selected, students may be required by the engineering school to take additional upper level courses in these subject areas. Students should consult with a faculty advisor at the transfer institution to develop a program of study for engineering.
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