Online College Courses in Montana (MT)

Know for being one of the last remote areas in the United States, Montana is the fourth largest state in the country by area, but only the 44th most populated. The state-funded Montana University System consists of two major state universities that have several other satellite campuses and three community colleges. The state's flagship university system, the University of Montana, has its main campus in Missoula and three other satellite campuses: Montana Tech of the University of Montana, located in Butte, the University of Montana Western in Dillon, and University of Montana – Helena College of Technology in Helena. Montana State University also consists of a main campus, located in Bozeman, and three other satellite schools. The other Montana State schools include Montana State University Billings, Montana State University – Northern, and Montana State University – Great Falls College of Technology. The state also has three small private schools and several major tribal colleges.

Billings. The largest city in the state with more than 147,000 residents, Billings is home to several colleges and universities. Students in Billings can also choose between traditional in-person and online classes. The city, founded in 1882, is named after its founder Frederick H. Billings. Billings was a Northern Pacific Railroad president before establishing the city. Recently, the city has become a hub for the recent oil and shale reserves that surround the city. Billings also offers more retail destinations and hotel accommodations than any area within a five-state region. Because of this, Billings usually plays host to a variety of conventions and events.

• Montana State University- Billings. One of the three satellite campuses in the Montana State University System, the Billings campus has an enrollment o 5,335 students and was founded in 1927. Originally named Eastern Montana Normal School before being changed to Eastern Montana College, the school assumed its current name after the Montana State University System reorganized in 1994. The institution offers certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in a variety of fields like business, communications, education, and many others.
• Montana State University- Billings- College of Technology. Also a part of the Montana State University family, the College of Technology is a separate campus in Billings that specializes in certificate and associate degrees. The school offers programs in several technical fields such as healthcare, industry, computer technology, and transportation.
• Rocky Mountain College. One of the few private institutions in Montana, Rocky Mountain College is a four-year school that offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Founded in 1878, the school is Montana's oldest college. The college focuses its curriculum on joining liberal arts education with practical training. The school offers a unique equine studies program among other more traditional programs like business and education.

Missoula. The second most populous city in the state with more than 66,000 residents, Missoula is home to state's flagship university, the University of Montana. Located in western Montana, the city was founded in 1860 as Hellgate Trading Post before the name was changed to Missoula Mills shortly after. The name was derived from a Native American word for the region, and the large flour and saw mills that provided the cities its first industries. The city's name was further shortened to Missoula only in 1877 when Fort Missoula was built. Today, the city is known mostly as a college town, but is also a major hub for the Montana Rail Link, a railroad that runs from central Montana to Spokane, Washington.

• The University of Montana. The state's flagship institution, the University of Montana, was founded in 1893 at the foot of Mount Sentinel. The school provides a student-friendly campus that is built out from the original central oval. The campus is referred to as a city within a city and has its own ZIP code, restaurants, medical facilities, and banking. The university has established itself as a leading research institution. It produces a substantial number of Rhodes Scholars, ranking 17th in the nation overall, and fifth among public schools. Students can choose from a multitude of programs such as healthcare, engineering, or business, and also features a prominent law school.

Helena. The state capital, Helena, is home to 28,180 residents. The city serves as a hub for the surrounding population of Lewis and Clark, and Jefferson counties. Originally founded in 1864 when gold was discovered in a nearby gulch, Helena eventually evolved into a hub for state government when the Montana State Capitol building was completed in 1902. Since then, the city's economy has revolved around government operations, but also attracts a substantial number of tourists and ski enthusiasts.

• University of Montana- Helena College of Technology. A two-year school that serves as part of the University of Montana system, the Helena College of Technology provides certificate and associate degree programs. The school has an enrollment of more than 1,400 students, offering classes both online, and in-person, in programs like information technology, healthcare, and mechanic and repair technologies.