American Indian or Alaskan Native students from the following tribes have enrolled in MSU’s Liberal Studies program: Assiniboine, Blackfeet, Chippewa, Cree, Crow, Northern Cheyenne, Salish and Sioux.

Liberal Studies is a flexible, rigorous and multidisciplinary major that allows students to explore the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. The Liberal Studies student learns how to ask the big questions, think critically, and contribute in a meaningful way to society.

Because the Liberal Studies major provides education in many different subject areas, it is appealing to employers looking for staff with a bachelor’s degree. It shows that graduates of the program have a flexible interdisciplinary approach to their learning. 

A degree in Liberal Studies also prepares students for graduate work in a variety of disciplines. Graduates have gone on to graduate school in law, anthropology, and library science. At Montana State University, we have online graduate programs for students who want to continue their education online in programs such as Native American Studies and Addiction Counseling. 

The Liberal Studies online program is a fully online degree completion program. All the classes are provided online and advising can be done over the phone, via email, or using video conferencing. There is no requirement to come to campus, but you are always welcome to visit!

There are many financial resources available to Native students, such as scholarships, waivers, grants, loans and work study. Two tuition waivers are available exclusively for Native American students: the Montana American Indian Waiver (Resident) and the Tribal Homeland Scholarship Waiver (Non-Resident). 

To get started, contact Financial Aid via email: [email protected] or phone: (406) 994-2845 

Native American Studies and the Return to Learn Program Partnership – Students are supported through a multitude of academic support structures to help them succeed academically and to graduate. 

Return to Learn Scholarships are available for up to $2,000. To find out more and apply online, please visit Office of Return to Learn.

Absolutely! You need two semesters of a language and your tribal language will count for this. 

We provide hands-on daily support to you. Our advisors are ready to answer any of your questions and walk you through every step of your journey to degree completion. Other services include, an online orientation, online tutoring, and a dedicated online librarian.

You will need to complete your Core requirements. Core classes are available online. In addition, you will need to complete 45 credits in the Liberal Studies program and a capstone project in your final semester.

There is no set number of classes you need to take every semester. You can take as many or as few classes as you like to fit with your other life commitments and your learning style.

Online classes are offered every semester but you do not need to take classes every semester. Many distance students take the summer semester off and return in the fall.

Your diploma is the same as if you earned it on campus. The classes and curriculum are the same for the online program and the on-campus program. In fact, you will often take online classes alongside campus students.

Yes! And we will be there to celebrate this great accomplishment with you and your family.

Please visit the program website at www.montana.edu/liberalstudies/online/. The website contains lots of helpful information such as a program overview, the curriculum, eligibility requirements and courses offered. You can also schedule an appointment with an advisor.