Centers of Excellence
Where can I study Photonics in Montana?
Do you view challenges as opportunities?
Are you a critical-thinker who loves to work with math and data?
Are you eager to launch a career in Montana’s dynamic photonics industry or an adjacent sector?
Whether you’re looking to enroll in an exciting photonics program close to home, or you want to find more opportunities to conduct research, our guide to centers of excellence across the state can help you get started on your journey.
Elizabeth Noonan, director of Gallatin College MSU’s photonics and laser technology program, works with a student in the lab. The hands-on, two-year associate degree was launched in 2016 to address the growing need for photonics technicians. Every graduate of the program during its first five years secured a local job. MSU photo by Kelly Gorham.
Carroll College
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At Carroll College, you’ll be challenged and inspired—in classrooms and in the rugged beauty of Montana’s Rockies. You’ll find community—where Catholic traditions invite people of all beliefs to pursue lives of meaning. Like all adventures, your journey here will take unexpected turns and lead to surprising discoveries—which is exactly what makes the Carroll College journey worth it.
Data Science Interdisciplinary Program (Minor and Bachelor of Science options)
Carroll's Bachelor’s in Data Science program blends the fields of mathematics, computer science, statistics, and business analytics to provide a unique and integrated learning experience. You will take courses that teach you to gather, wrangle, and visualize data; make predictions based off of past behaviors with machine learning; and deal with the massive data sets of today. As a data science major, your coursework will be a blend of computer science, mathematics and statistics, and data science.
Contact: 406-447-4300
Gallatin College
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Gallatin College MSU is Southwest Montana’s two-year college, offering two-year associate degrees and one-year professional certificates. Gallatin College complements the four-year programs at Montana State University and ensures access to workforce development that promotes a vibrant local economy. To enhance educational opportunities, Gallatin College offers professional workforce programs, transfer programs, developmental coursework, and dual enrollment options.
Photonics and Laser Technology A.A.S.
In the Photonics & Laser Technology program at Gallatin College MSU, students are first presented with a foundation of courses on electronics before introducing photonics and optics to their plan of study. Along with gaining a strong electronics background, students will spend more than 40% of their time in the lab training on a variety of industrial lasers and optical systems for an easy transition into the photonics workforce.
Contact: Mark Craig, Division Director, mark.craig@montana.edu
Montana State University
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Montana State University (MSU) is a public land-grant research university in Bozeman and is Montana’s largest university. MSU offers baccalaureate degrees in 60 fields, master's degrees in 68 fields, and doctoral degrees in 35 fields through its nine colleges. In 2022, MSU was once again designated as an R1 university for its intensive research activity.
Data Science Master of Science
Montana State’s interdisciplinary Data Science program draws on courses in three programs: Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. Candidates within the program delve into topics such as machine learning, algorithms, data mining, and artificial intelligence while also gaining skills in data analysis and contextualization. With the education Master of Data Science students attain at MSU, they’ll be able to actively contribute to the field through technical writing, data visualization, presentations, and active software solutions.
Contact: math@montana.edu
Earth Science Bachelor of Science, GIS/Planning Emphasis
In the Geographic Information Science/Planning program at Montana State, students use a mix of technical skills and academic training to prepare to enter the fields of planning and resource management. Students will be prepared as map makers, spatial analysts and planners as they work in an active hands-on environment.
Contact:Dr. David Varricchio, Department Head, djv@montana.edu
The MSU Innovation Campus is Bozeman, Montana’s premier commercial development offering exciting new opportunities for partners to invest and build in a highly creative and entrepreneurial environment. By establishing collaborative programs between institutions and the private sector, the MSU Innovation Campus will amplify research, commercialize new technologies, and catalyze Montana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Montana Microfabrication Facility
The Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF) is an open-access micro and nanofabrication facility located at Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman. The MMF, the Center for Biofilm Engineering (CBE), the Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (ICAL), and the Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectroscopy Facility (Mass Spec Lab), make up the Montana Nanotechnology Facility (MONT), a National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) site. The MMF offers a range of processing and packaging capabilities, including photo and electron beam lithography, wet and dry etching, sputter deposition, thermal and electron beam evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, metrology, and inspection.
Contact: Dr. David Dickensheets, Facility Director, davidd@montana.edu
Optical Technology Center (OpTeC)
Established in 1992, the Optical Technology Center (OpTeC) is a multidisciplinary center at Montana State University, offering opportunities for students, faculty, industry, and other interested partners to learn and work together to find solutions to practical problems and discover new applications for optical technology. The primary goal of the center is to maintain a nationally competitive optics program that promotes collaboration with the local optical industry, leading to economic growth and improved student opportunities in Montana.
Contact: optec@montana.edu
Optics and Photonics Interdisciplinary Program (Minor, Master's, and PhD options)
In this interdisciplinary program in the departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry and Biochemistry, Optics and Photonics graduate students at Montana State learn to harness the power of light to prepare for in-demand jobs or research careers in laser engineering, remote sensing, and more. In addition to the Master of Science degree, Ph.D. studies in optics and photonics are available through several departments at Montana State.
Undergraduate students in the Optics undergraduate minor program at Montana State can take coursework in electrical engineering, physics, and optics to gain an understanding of the rapidly growing optics and photonics fields.
Contact: gradschool@montana.edu
Partnership for International Research and Education
The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, and secure the national defense. NSF fulfills its mission chiefly by making grants. NSF investments account for about 25% of federal support to America's colleges and universities for basic research: research driven by curiosity and discovery. NSF also supports solutions-oriented research with the potential to produce advancements for the American people.
Contact: info@nsf.gov
The Science Math Resource Center (SMRC) is devoted to the advancement of science and mathematics teaching and learning. We provide professional development for a new generation of K-12 educators of tribal, rural, and urban communities; conduct educational research; and coordinate the statewide annual Science Olympiad that is held at Montana State University in Bozeman.
Contact: Call (406)-994-7476
Montana State University’s Spectrum Lab was established in 1999 to advance the opto-electronic technologies emerging from the research laboratories of MSU, foster their transition to Montana companies, and provide enhanced educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Contact: Krishna Mohan Rupavatharam, Director, krishna.rupavatharam@montana.edu
Montana Technological University
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Located in beautiful Butte, Montana Tech offers a top education as a leading STEM university. Here, you’ll find strong additional programs in nursing, health, and professional fields. Montana Tech’s tight-knit talented community of determined doers collaborates on discoveries that improve lives. And in changing the world, Montana Tech students realize their potential, fuel their passion, and find their path.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Development and Analytics Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates
Montana Tech's certificate in UAS Development and Analytics goes beyond the basic skills required to pilot a drone. You’ll learn how to incorporate data collected from the drones into research. You’ll develop a balanced UAS skillset based on a thorough knowledge of hardware and components, sensors and data interpretation, and advanced applications software. The program offers both an undergraduate certificate and a graduate certificate option.
Contact: Dr. Glenn Shaw, Professor and Department Head, gshaw@mtech.edu
Data Science Bachelor of Science
Prepare for high-paying, in-demand jobs through the data science bachelor’s degree at Montana Tech. Montana Tech’s data science degree delivers rigorous courses in data science as well as statistics and computer science. You’ll receive plenty of hands-on experience through course projects, research, competitions, and data science internships. As a data science major, you’ll build the strong fundamentals you need for success in data science degree jobs.
Contact: Hilary Risser, Data Science Program Director, 406-496-4581
Salish Kootenai College
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Salish Kootenai College (SKC) offers a culturally diverse learning experience that blends traditional Indigenous knowledge with a strong foundation in students' chosen fields. Experiential learning opportunities help students develop practical skills and gain valuable work experience. SKC's commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
The Certificate in Geospatial Science program will provide students with a solid foundation in the theory and application of geographic information. GIS (Geographic Information System) is a computer-based mapping tool for understanding spatial data—it involves gathering, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatial information. The program also provides continuing education opportunities for professionals currently in the workforce who may be interested in expanding or maintaining their skill level in geospatial science.
Contact: 406-275-4800
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations Certification
Salish Kootenai College's 15-credit UAS Operations certificate teaches students how to operate UAS including skills such as conducting mission/preflight planning, UAS operations, and utilizing data. Students will also be taught to perform limited UAS and ground support equipment testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance. The UAS certification is intended to prepare students for a fast-growing industry with many civilian applications including agriculture, search and rescue, monitoring environment and wildlife, fire mapping, surveying structures after natural disasters, and real estate photography.
Contact: 406-275-4800
University of Montana
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The University of Montana (UM) is a public research university in Missoula, Montana. A flagship institution of the Montana University System, UM is the state's second-largest campus. UM offers undergraduate and graduate programs and technical certifications to more than 11,000 students, all of whom contribute their passion and practicality toward stewardship and sustainability for the world around us. A top-ranked R-1 research university, Montana’s impact is felt locally and globally, with Grizzlies going on to find success at home and abroad in whatever career they choose.
Big Data Analytics Certificate
The University of Montana’s Big Data Analytics certificate is aimed at students majoring in business, computer science or mathematics and is designed to provide the tools necessary to compete in the big data space. Students will use the latest digital tools to capture, analyze and present big data. In addition, students will also explore a variety of applications with which big data analysis can be used and then complete a big data project.
Contact:admiss@umontana.edu
Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development
The Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development works to improve the mental, physical and emotional health of Montanans through three priority areas: workforce development and training, research and evaluation, and capacity building and technical assistance. The Center partners with agencies, non-profits, community partners, professionals, scholars, parents, and youth on transformative, system-changing projects that increase practice effectiveness. Additionally, the Center includes more than 30 staff with diverse subject-matter expertise, and its success is built on a set of core values that guide its daily interactions and defines the relationships the Center develops with its statewide partners.
Contact: Kate Chapin, Executive Director, Kate.Chapin@mso.umt.edu
Data Science Master's of Science
The University of Montana’s Data Science Master of Science Program aims to provide students with a background in the foundations and principles of data science and the practical application of data science methods. The Department of Mathematical Sciences M.S. Program corresponds to the traditional mathematics option of the department's M.A. in Mathematics option. Candidates for admission to the Master of Science degree program should have an undergraduate mathematics minor and at least one course in computer programming.
Contact: math@umontana.edu
The Certificate in GIS Sciences & Technologies is a complement to any existing major at the University of Montana-Missoula or as an addition to a bachelor’s degree obtained at another university. The purpose of the Certificate is to ensure the knowledge, understanding, and training necessary to acquire, process, analyze, and properly display digital geographic data.
Contact: admiss@umontana.edu
Interdisciplinary Studies Program (Master's or PhD option)
The interdisciplinary studies programs allow students to work with faculty in the design of a graduate curriculum tailored to their unique academic, creative, and professional needs.
Contact: interdisciplinary@mso.umt.edu
Physics Interdisciplinary Program (Minor and Bachelor's options)
When you major in physics at UM, you can count on getting the support to help you succeed both in the classroom and in your career. Undergraduate research projects offer incredible opportunities to build professional connections and develop real-world skills that will help you stand out to employers and graduate school programs.
Contact: admiss@umontana.edu
Research and Creative Scholarship Office
UM's Office of Research and Creative Scholarship supports research-driven student success through fostering an environment where research, scholarly activities, entrepreneurship, and economic development thrive.
Contact: Scott Whittenburg, Vice President, Research and Creative Scholarship, vpr@umontana.edu
Zach Scott, Director, Research Compliance and Technology Transfer, zach.scott@umontana.edu
Tech Transfer
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The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) works to commercialize the inventions of MSU faculty, spur entrepreneurship based on MSU technology, and provide a gateway for industry looking to utilize MSU resources. The benefits of technologMontana State University – Bozemany transfer accrue to faculty, MSU centers, departments and colleges, as well as local and national corporations.
Contact: Daniel Juliano, Director, daniel.juliano@montana.edu
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The UM Office of Technology Transfer (UMTTO) supports the commercialization of intellectual property developed at UM through management of its intellectual property portfolio and cultivation of partnerships with new or established private companies. The clinic student will have the opportunity to draft intellectual property agreements, licenses, material transfer agreements, and non-disclosure agreements; participate in securing, perfecting, and maintaining trademark, copyright and patent rights; advise the University, faculty and staff on UM’s intellectual property rights policies, advise the best course of IP protection, and draft new UMTTO policies. The UMTTO clinic enjoys a close relationship with the UM Legal Counsel clinic; students will have the opportunity to participate in weekly roundtable discussions and work on UMLC projects.
Contact: Zach Scott, Director, Research Compliance and Technology Transfer, zach.scott@umontana.edu
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.