Getting started in Graduate School can be challenging. It is 180 degrees different than when you were in your undergraduate program.

These training's canbehelpful in your success as a graduate student at Montana State University. If you are also new to being a graduate teaching (or research) assistant, please see this link.

Any questions about the videos or links, contact: gradschool@montana.edu

Last updated 4/2025

 Helpful Tips for Graduate School

All courses are automatically created in this platform. Faculty will typiclaly use this platform as part of their teaching, loading syllabus, videos, reading materials, course outlines as well as deliver tests or receive homework.  If you login you can find your course offering online . If you don't see the course listed, reach out to the program offering the course as the instructor may not have made it live.   

Resources for Brightspace Platform

Starting MAY 2025, these are resources for CANVAS:

Student portal and how to Get Started

Canvas Videos and More!

The mission of the Campus Civil Rights is to support all people impacted by discrimination, harassment, and secual violence. Review the website for the CCR to learn more.

There are many challenges and steps to earning an advanced degree or certificate, and The Graduate School is here to help. If you have any questions during your academic career please contact the Office of Graduate Student Success at gradsuccess@montana.edu 994-4145 or stop by Montana Hall Room 104. See some student success stories and find more information on the Graduate Schools website.

If you are a First Generation Student, did you know that MSU is continuing to expand on programs and services for First-Gen Students? Review this presentation and visit this page and join the club!

As part of our comprehensive prevention program for new students, MSU requires the completion of three evidence-based online programs (regardless of the age of the student); Alcohol Edu, Sexual Assault Prevention (previously called Haven), and Transit.  You will be contacted to complete these courses through the PE office typically at the start of your educational journey. Thriving Together will automatically enroll you in the prevention education courses in your first term; and work with you to complte it. If you have questions, please contact them: thrivingtogether@montana.edu .

MSU is a comprehensive research university offering undergraduate, graduate, advanced graduate and professional programs of study, maintaining an extensive research program, and providing service to the public.

The Office of Research Compliance oversees University programs designed to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for research, creates and supports an environment that furthers the ethical and responsible conduct of research, including the Conflict of Interest Management Program and the Research Integrity Verification Program. 

This is a required step for all graduate students.

Please log into the ORC's website for more information: Office of Research Compliance

MSU believes in providing access to quality education for all veterans. The Office of Veteran Services strives to serve students by assisting them in the transition from military to civilian and academic life. If you have not explored their services, please contact them today.

 

While at MSU, we want to be sure you stay safe no matter what you are doing, from research in a lab to walking across campus. SRM has detailed information about safety practices from being in a lab, to navigating the campus during the winter months.  Please be sure you know this information. 

As mental health practitioners who specialize in college mental health, we know that college is a time of great change and stress. Everyone struggles at different times throughout their career at MSU, and CPS wants our entire community to know that it’s ok to get help. With individual and group sessions available, please take a moment to explore the services we offer:

Counseling & Psychological Services Website

Location: 2nd Floor Swingle Building
East of the SUB, Tel: (406) 994-4531

Research & Academic Resources

Dissertation Success Curriculum: The National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity provides the Dissertation Success Curriculum to provide skills, strategies, and support to overcome obstacles to finishing a dissertation.

Visit us and learn how the CFE can help you be more prepared for your future career!  New programming added regularly to help graduate teaching and research students. 

The MSU Library offers many services for graduate students, including support for your research, help with citation management, Library Workshops and 24/7 online access to articles, books, and other collections. 

Staff at the library have also created a series of workshops of interest to graduate students. From citation managers and ETD formatting to database management tools, library workshops cover a range of topics.

Consider scheduling an individual research consultation with a librarian, a library instruction for classes you may be TA'ing, attending an EndNote workshop, and more.

See our Graduate Student Services Guide for detailed content.

Contact: 
Kris Johnson krisjohnson@montana.edu

 

GradCat 360 is a comprehensive professional development program for graduate students at Montana State University. It is a series of programs and events designed by the Graduate School and departments across campus that center around nine focus areas. These areas are tailored to help students cultivate a unified set of skills and knowledge for educational success and professional preparation. 

Statistical Consulting and Research Services (SCRS): The SCRS is available to assist students with research planning, analysis and dissemination. 

The Writing Center works with graduate students! They offer one-on-one appointments (face-to-face or online), interdisciplinary writing groups, and open writing times for graduate students on the second Friday of the month. Visit the Writing Center website to make an appointment or join a writing group, or contact Erin Strickland, the Graduate Program Coordinator, at erin.strickland@montana.edu.

The Wellbeing Initiative is a program started in the Fall of 2020, aimed at addressing and improving the Wellbeing of graduate students. It contains lists of resources to improve graduate student wellbeing.

 

 Other Helpful Links, Services, and more!

The Graduate School has paired with the Allen Yarnell Center for Student Success and has a career coach who specializes in graduate students!   Watch a video by Joan Lorraine, then consider setting an appointment with Joan C Lorraine to see how her expertise can help you...it is never to early to start your conversation with Joan - even in your first term of study! 

Are you an out-of-state, U.S. citizen and a graduate student? If so, the Graduate School encourages you to consider seeking residency reclassification.  Why? If you can be re-classified, it can save you from paying higher non-resident related fees and out-of-state tuition costs.  Our office is required to uphold the policies established by the Board of Regents in determining residency. Pleaseread the full Montana Residency Requirement policy for more information.  For specific processes, deadlines, forms and guidance please review the on these Residency Pages. When you are ready to submit a residency relcassification packet, please work with the Graduate School and send it to: gradschool@montana.edu

Please consider contacting the Finanial Aid office at the same time as you apply, or are offered admission. They can work with you on applying for Fin Aid.

Use CatsConnect to search all of the events hosted by OSE, student orgs, and events from other campus offices too  https://montanastate.campuslabs.com/engage/events (you can even filter by options like “free food” or “service”).

The MSU Blackstone LaunchPadLinks to an external site., a campus entrepreneurship program and network, was made possible through a generous gift from the Blackstone Charitable FoundationLinks to an external site., and it opened its doors in 2013.

The goals of the Blackstone LaunchPad are simple: to solve problems through innovation, creating tangible and effective solutions. Our services help spur economic activity, creating a stronger regional entrepreneurship ecosystem that benefits everyone, not just students. We foster an environment that encourages entrepreneurship through the use of campus resources, local business networks, and one-on-one mentoring. We proudly offer these services to all students, regardless of discipline or major.

Stop by our physical presence in the Strand Union Building next to Chick-fil-A or learn more here Blackstone LaunchPad.

The Bounty of the Bridgers Campus Food Pantry is a student-driven initiative to combat food waste and food insecurity on the MSU campus for students, faculty, and staff. Supplemental and emergency food assistance is offered to to any student, faculty, or staff in need!

Student Health Services is not just for undergraduate students; we are here for graduate students as well. Everything from medicalLinks to an external site., dentalLinks to an external site., pharmacyLinks to an external site., immunizationsLinks to an external site., and more. There is a low- to no- cost to using the services (see information on cost and eligibilityLinks to an external site.), so please check us out: https://www.montana.edu/wellness/student-health-servicesLinks to an external site. . We are located in the Student Health Services building on the West end of the Student Wellness Center (950 West Grant).