Education
Education
Montana Technological University Sees Strong Spring
Montana Technological University is pleased to announce strong spring enrollment with overall headcount of 2,208, just over a 1% decline from spring of 2020. Despite the ongoing pressures of COVID-19, several programs, including the graduate school, biological sciences and civil and environmental engineering experienced increased enrollment.
Chancellor Les Cook credits the better-than-expected numbers to the resiliency of Montana Tech’s students, faculty and staff who have been successful in keeping face-to-face classes while also maintaining and adjusting other campus-life activities and events in a responsible manner.
The graduate school had the largest increase with the addition of 28 students. The university’s newest graduate degrees in Earth Sciences and Engineering and Ecological Restoration contributed to the increase with higher enrollment than anticipated.
The College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies also saw an increase with the largest gain in the biological sciences program. "We are excited to see students interested in Biology," noted Karen VanDaveer, interim Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies. "Our Biological Sciences program provides students an opportunity for a terminal degree or a solid foundation for entrance into professional careers.” 90% of Montana Tech students who qualify and apply to medical, dental, pharmacy, or other professional schools are accepted.
The School of Mines & Engineering reported growth in the newly accredited civil engineering program as well as environmental engineering. "Montana Tech is pleased with the growth in Civil and Environmental Engineering this spring," said Dan Trudnowski, Dean of the School of Mines & Engineering. "We believe both programs, along with our other offerings in the School of Mines & Engineering, have substantial growth potential."
Though the number of degree seeking students at Highlands College was down 18, numbers increased in the Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program, Metals Fabrication, Civil Engineering Technology, and Construction Technology. VanDaveer, who also serves as interim Dean of Highlands College, noted, "We are focused on identifying needs in our region to create opportunities for program growth. These increases demonstrate the positive impact of these efforts." In addition, the university's dual enrollment program continued to grow this academic year increasing from 482 in 2019-20 to 494 this year.
"We have said all along that Covid-19 may be a distraction but it will not deter us from safely providing face-to-face instruction in the most meaningful and productive way possible,” explained Cook. “We look forwarding to continuing to do this while also focusing our attention on bringing determined Orediggers to campus for the fall semester.”
Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment Leslie Dickerson says that applications for fall semester are strong. Her staff is providing numerous opportunities for interested students to visit campus in person or virtually to see for themselves the commitment of faculty, staff and current students to help them succeed in their field of choice. “Montana Tech’s reputation for high job placement and return on investment are key considerations for prospective students in this climate. I believe that will make a difference in the fall.”
“Montana Tech’s identity, like the Butte community which we are part of has always focused on being practical, determined and ready to make the best out of any situation, including a global pandemic. Our current numbers reflect our tenacity and we look forward to celebrating our graduates in April and welcoming students who share these values.” Cook stated.
To learn more about Montana Tech’s academic programs from certification to doctoral, please visit mtech.edu/admissions or email enrollment@mtech.edu.
Chancellor Les Cook credits the better-than-expected numbers to the resiliency of Montana Tech’s students, faculty and staff who have been successful in keeping face-to-face classes while also maintaining and adjusting other campus-life activities and events in a responsible manner.
The graduate school had the largest increase with the addition of 28 students. The university’s newest graduate degrees in Earth Sciences and Engineering and Ecological Restoration contributed to the increase with higher enrollment than anticipated.
The College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies also saw an increase with the largest gain in the biological sciences program. "We are excited to see students interested in Biology," noted Karen VanDaveer, interim Dean of the College of Letters, Sciences & Professional Studies. "Our Biological Sciences program provides students an opportunity for a terminal degree or a solid foundation for entrance into professional careers.” 90% of Montana Tech students who qualify and apply to medical, dental, pharmacy, or other professional schools are accepted.
The School of Mines & Engineering reported growth in the newly accredited civil engineering program as well as environmental engineering. "Montana Tech is pleased with the growth in Civil and Environmental Engineering this spring," said Dan Trudnowski, Dean of the School of Mines & Engineering. "We believe both programs, along with our other offerings in the School of Mines & Engineering, have substantial growth potential."
Though the number of degree seeking students at Highlands College was down 18, numbers increased in the Pre-Apprenticeship Line Program, Metals Fabrication, Civil Engineering Technology, and Construction Technology. VanDaveer, who also serves as interim Dean of Highlands College, noted, "We are focused on identifying needs in our region to create opportunities for program growth. These increases demonstrate the positive impact of these efforts." In addition, the university's dual enrollment program continued to grow this academic year increasing from 482 in 2019-20 to 494 this year.
"We have said all along that Covid-19 may be a distraction but it will not deter us from safely providing face-to-face instruction in the most meaningful and productive way possible,” explained Cook. “We look forwarding to continuing to do this while also focusing our attention on bringing determined Orediggers to campus for the fall semester.”
Executive Director of Admissions and Enrollment Leslie Dickerson says that applications for fall semester are strong. Her staff is providing numerous opportunities for interested students to visit campus in person or virtually to see for themselves the commitment of faculty, staff and current students to help them succeed in their field of choice. “Montana Tech’s reputation for high job placement and return on investment are key considerations for prospective students in this climate. I believe that will make a difference in the fall.”
“Montana Tech’s identity, like the Butte community which we are part of has always focused on being practical, determined and ready to make the best out of any situation, including a global pandemic. Our current numbers reflect our tenacity and we look forward to celebrating our graduates in April and welcoming students who share these values.” Cook stated.
To learn more about Montana Tech’s academic programs from certification to doctoral, please visit mtech.edu/admissions or email enrollment@mtech.edu.
