The University of Montana Reviews

"The communication studies grad program is great! I have especially liked the amount of support provided by professors and fellow students. The atmosphere is really friendly and not too competitive. Support within the program is especially good if you want a phd. They really have connections to phd programs and will help with your applications. Missoula is also amazing! A great artsy town with lots of outdoor activity. Not for you, however, if you're a "big city person." It does snow a lot in the winter and driving can be a pain. The city busses are good though!"

"The organismal biology and ecology program at UM is definitely top notch. Although the university as its self doesn't rank very high, UM has some of the best programs for life sciences in the country."

"After completing the first semester of my graduate program, I feel that the knowledge gained from my clinical requirements and challenging coursework will propel me forward to a successful career in speech-language pathology. I am very fortunate to have chosen this school's program, allowing me to be under the guidance of such a wonderful faculty."

"Getting a Masters degree in Teaching English while teaching during the school year is challenging; however, UM was able to accommodate many of my needs as a student by working with me. I chose to go back after getting a teaching position, and I would encourage future students to go directly on to grad school after their bachelors. I did have a few hic-ups along the way due to course selection and availability, but I was able to work those issues out eventually. UM has since addressed these issues and has made changes to their summer programs to help make them more accessible to working teachers."

"U of M was such a great experience. The quality of education I receive for my program was amazing. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and willing to help with any concerns you have. Campus life is a blast and the general atmosphere of Missoula, Montana is refreshing and relaxing."

"The program is excellent in that the faculty is small, dedicated, experts in their fields, and attentive to individual student needs and trajectories. However, out of state tuition is high and funding is spotty and inconsistent. This is challenging in a place that has such a high cost of living. The outdoors opportunities here are spectacular, though, and may be worth the financial hardship to some."

"I have loved being at The University of Montana BUT my experience as a previous Out of State student has definitely put a damper on my willingness to suggest this school to people. The university has very strict requirements regarding in state tuition, but very few people know exactly what they are. For my first year and a half I kept on getting different stories. By the time I was half way through my sophomore year I was having to go part time to become an in state student. This has put me behind in my studies so now I am taking 21 credits a semester to graduate on time in May 2015. When I graduate I will have 70,000 in debt JUST from my undergraduate degree. I am pursuing a Ph.D. For any out of state students wanting to go here, GO PART TIME your freshman year. The dorms will let you live in them if you are part time to seek residency. Going part time early will save you lots of money and time! It will also save you the trouble of having to take lots of credits to graduate on time."

"Pro: Directing/Acting Faculty Con: Lack of facilities for rehearsal and classes"

"Great cohort and professors, but the student population is pretty homogenous in some ways (beyond specific academic interest). Workload is manageable, and classes offered are always very helpful and interesting. Lots of freedom in choosing classes and electives. Professors are always happy and helpful, but will also push students they see potential in. Missoula is great if you love public lands and all things outdoorsy. The town itself has lots of great restaurants, bars, coffee places, and stores; virtually everything downtown is locally owned and/or locally produced. The town is a very affordable place to live, and very easy to get around without a car, although the public transportation can be hit or miss. The department has scholarship and TAship opportunities for financial aid, but sadly, the university itself does not offer work study or other aid for graduate students, even if they're out of state."

"The Interdisciplinary Studies programs (masters and doctorate) are great when you don't fit into a traditional program. Limited TA/RA's for graduate students in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program."

"Set along the Clark Fork River and at the base of Mt. Sentenial, the University of Montana offers students breathtaking views of a modern West, while still able to escape into the wilderness for the weekend. Professors in the Environmental Studies department are passional scholars who have helped carve the path for addressing pressing environmental concerns. Small class sizes allow for a one-on-one time between students and staff, and fosters a family-like dynamic between cohorts. While funding is not guaranteed, the faculty go above and beyond to help students explore all possible pathways."

"The graduate program at University of Montana School of Law has provided me with the opportunity to obtain a great legal education, develop an impressive network in Montana and all for a very affordable price."

"The University of Montana graduate program provides an excellent academic program without the exorbitant costs of other graduate programs. There is no way that you can beat the setting and the community feel of Missoula and the experience of the professors is varied and extremely substantial. I am thrilled to be a part of the graduate school."

"It's very helpful to have a small cohort as this allows quality interaction with faculty. What's more, the program stresses the integration of graduate students into the department and thereby fosters not just academic training but professional training as well if students are seeking to become professors in the future."

"Choosing the Creative Pulse program at the University of Montana is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Course are taught using the most effective methods; I am truly learning and growing rather than earning the degree for the degrees sake. The community is beautiful, the people are intelligent and caring, the material is highly engaging, and the program, although intense and rigorous, is able to be completed while working as a full-time teacher. The program was also less expensive than most other graduate programs, although I have found it nearly impossible to acquire financial aid with the non-traditional schedule of the program (hence, my submission to this site). Overall, the Creative Pulse program is fabulous, and I would recommend it to any creative person in education or a related field who is looking to earn his or her masters."

"I feel that the education is of very high quality however, campus living is possibly not as safe as it could be."

"My program is both supportive and competitive in all the right ways. If I want to seek out information or resources , the staff and professors are very accessible and willing to assist. I feel pushed to go beyond my comfort zone and learn. The University offers a lot of opportunities especially if you are willing to seek them out. The cons more have to do with the area-- it is a gorgeous place for nature and wildlife but not very socially diverse, and public transportation leaves a lot to be desired. Still, you can get around on bike, and once you start spending enough time in nature, it is just as fun and enriching as arts and culture are in other places."

"A warm, loving and supportive environment. Great practical experience and rigorous academic experience."

"The University of Montana is in Missoula, Montana and is a beautiful place with plenty to do as a citizen of the community and recreationally. The Master's Social Work Program is an Integrated Social Work program and actively includes the dimension of social justice. The program is very personal, classses are small, professors are available to students, and the content of classes lives and breaths social work principles."

"The Pro of this school in the art program would have to be the professors. They are very supportive and always willing to help you out. The cons would be that the program is in a state of disarray. It is very hard to get a teaching job while attending this school because the money just isn't there."