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Montana Tech of the University of Montana is a small but preeminent STEM-focused public college in Butte, MT. When Montana was admitted into statehood in 1889, the US Congress set aside 100,000 acres of land for the state to build a mining school that could prepare engineers, administrators, and workers for Montana’s most nationally important industry. While the school would not open until 1900, it quickly grew into a bedrock part of Butte’s economy and community. Montana Tech truly took off after WWII, when increased demand for science and technology education prompted the school’s administrators to build a more traditional liberal arts foundation into the curriculum and expand the School of Mines into a full state college. Today Montana Tech is the state’s premiere public STEM institution, with nationally and internationally-recognized research.
Academic Programs
Montana Tech rakes in accolades nationwide for its educational excellence and value. The Social Mobility Index has recognized Montana Tech as one of the top institutions in the region for increasing students’ earning potential and job market competitiveness, a reflection of their high job placement rate and high average income for graduates. The Princeton Review has cited Montana Tech as one of the best regional institutions in the West, and a best value, while the Wall Street Journal has named MT one of the ten best institutions nationally for return on investment.Engineering is Montana Tech’s strong suit, growing from its origins as a mining school, and MT offers many specializations only available at a handful of institutions: geophysical engineering, metallurgical engineering, mining engineering, and petroleum engineering. In addition to engineering and mining-related majors, Montana Tech offers more than 50 majors, as well as pre-professional programs and technical degrees; their Business and Information Technology programs are particularly well-regarded regionally and nationally.
Student Life
Montana Tech is a small school with just over 3000 students, and student life largely revolves around campus activities and groups. New students are shepherded through the First Year Experience, and organized, year-long series of enrichment opportunities designed to initiate students into MT life and improve student retention. FYE initiatives include convocations, off-campus trips and events, and the Digger Challenge, which encourages students to earn points by attending athletic cultural events, academic workshops, and more, with the chance to win prizes at the end of their freshman year.Students at Montana Tech can also take part in numerous professional and special-interest clubs and organization, ranging from academic honor societies and networking groups like the Society of Women Engineers, to fun, extracurricular activities like hockey, rugby, and judo clubs. With a location high in the Rocky Mountains, Montana Tech is also a center for outdoor activities and sports, from hiking, mountain biking, and camping, to climbing, hunting, and fishing. Between rigorous classes and adventurous activities, Montana Tech students need never be bored.