Montana program rankings

Best Space Studies Programs in Montana

Compare the best space studies programs in Montana across 1 degree record and 1 institution. Each program is scored within its own field and degree-level peer group, then reviewed through either matched school material or its federal record.

Data reviewed August 29, 2026 · Edited by Taylor Rupe

MT Program map

1program record

1institution

2awards recorded

1city

State program ranking

Best Space Studies Programs in Montana, Ranked

The rank follows each program’s national peer score. Program cards lead with record-specific editorial. School-page claims link to the matching official source, while federal field, award, cost, and outcome records stay clearly labeled. The full scoring boundary is in the methodology.

Rank #1 Score 61.5

Montana State University

B.S. in Physics, Astronomy & Astrophysics Option

space studies programs in Montana · Bozeman · Public · Space science · CIP 40.0201

Open the official program page

Program summary

Montana State’s physics option combines astronomy and astrophysics with computation, observational techniques, thermodynamics, undergraduate research, and a senior capstone.

Students build through physics, calculus, Python problem solving, mechanics, electromagnetism, theoretical astrophysics, observational astronomy, technical electives, and independent investigation in Bozeman.

The sequence introduces research programs in the sophomore year, adds undergraduate research in both junior and senior study, and finishes with a senior capstone seminar. Six technical-elective credits can come from upper-level astronomy, physics, mathematics, statistics, computing, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, giving the physics-heavy plan room for a selected specialty.

Two bachelor’s awards and a 61.5 score fit undergraduates seeking physics depth plus direct research and observing experience in Bozeman.

Published program details

Observational astronomy techniques
Undergraduate research
Senior capstone seminar
Computational physics methods
Theoretical astrophysics

Institution context

Tuition: $6,299 in-state / $30,784 out-of-state
Graduation rate: 57%
Admission rate: 82%
Enrollment: 17,135

Official program source reviewed August 28, 2026: catalog.montana.edu.

Continue beyond the state list

Compare Montana programs with national rankings

Use this list of the best space studies programs in Montana as your starting point, then move into the same subject, degree level, or career route without restarting your search.

Montana’s astronomy route in detail

Bozeman offers a physics degree with an astronomy and astrophysics option

A physics-first course sequence

Montana State University’s listing is a B.S. in Physics with an Astronomy and Astrophysics option. The published sequence moves through calculus, Python problem solving, mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, theoretical astrophysics, and observational astronomy before students complete advanced electives and independent investigation.

Research appears before the capstone

The plan introduces department research programs during the sophomore year, includes undergraduate research in junior and senior study, and ends with a senior capstone seminar. Six technical-elective credits can draw from astronomy, physics, mathematics, statistics, computing, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, leaving room for a focused specialty.

The federal record behind the listing

The Bozeman program reports two recent bachelor’s awards, a 61.5 score, and position 50 within a 57-record astronomy peer group. Montana State is a public institution with 17,135 students. Its listed tuition is $6,299 in state and $30,784 out of state, while the 57% graduation rate describes the university as a whole.

Read before comparing

How to read Montana’s program records

Program facts

CIP field, degree level, and awards belong to the individual program record.

School facts

Tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and enrollment describe the institution, not one department.

Current requirements

Confirm delivery mode, laboratories, admissions, and residency rules on the school’s current program page.

Questions students ask

Questions about the best space studies programs in Montana

How many space studies programs in Montana are ranked here?

This directory lists 1 record. That record comes from 1 institution. Each field-and-level combination counts separately.

Which fields count as space studies in Montana?

The published scope includes aerospace and astronautical engineering, astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and space systems operations. Broad pilot training and aviation management sit outside this degree-field boundary.

What degree levels are listed for Montana?

Degree levels are counted separately in the summary above. A bachelor’s and a master’s at the same university appear as two records because they are different credentials.

How are the best space studies programs in Montana ranked?

Each program receives a national peer score inside its own field and degree level. The state rank orders those scores, so an astrophysics doctorate is not scored directly against an aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree.

What do the tuition and outcome figures describe?

Tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and enrollment describe the institution. CIP code, field, degree level, and awards belong to the individual program record. Confirm current costs and program requirements with the school before enrolling.

Primary sources

Primary sources for Montana’s degree directory

NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for institutions, program records, awards, tuition, admissions, enrollment, and graduation rates.
NCES Classification of Instructional Programs for the degree-field boundary.
Space Studies Programs methodology for inclusion rules and field definitions.