Montana State University conducts research in support of the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, and other U.S. Government departments and agencies. By leveraging research core competencies, MSU can help expand national security and technology. MSU has been designated an R1 university for its very high research activity by the Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research’s Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. MSU is one of 146 institutions in the nation to receive this classification. Among them, MSU is one of only two that also have an enrollment profile of “very high undergraduate.”

MSU takes pride in research for our nation and creating a future workforce to expand security, defense, and energy technology. This commitment to expanding national security and technology is embodied in the creation of the Applied Research Laboratory.

Conference room space, with wood slatted walls, and a large wooden table in the middle. Chairs surround the table.

MSU Core Research Competencies

  • Optics & Photonics
  • Quantum Advanced Applied Materials
  • System Engineering & Prototyping
  • Information Assurance
  • Cube-Satellite Platforms
  • Cybersecurity
  • Materials Engineering & Characterization
  • Experimental Mechanics & Diagnostics