Summer Bulletin 2026
2026 MSSE Summer Bulletin
Greetings!
This Summer 2026 Bulletin includes:
For assistance with summer campus course registration please contact Holly Thompson, MSSE Academic Advisor, at hollythompson@montana.edu
- All students coming to campus need to clear the immunization requirements through the Student Health Department before they are eligible to register for a summer campus course.
- Any students who are NOT registered for a Spring 2026 course need to submit an Intent to Register form through MyMSU before they are eligible to register for Summer 2026 courses. It can take a few weeks to process this form, so you will want to submit it ASAP!
Summer Housing
MSSE has reserved a block of rooms sufficient to accommodate all students taking campus-based courses. The MSSE dorm housing location for Summer 2026 is Yellowstone Hall. Single and double occupancy rooms are available at $60 per night. All rooms are subject to a 7% per night occupancy tax. Pets are not allowed in any campus housing. A front desk staff member at the dorm hall will be available 24/7 all summer for late night check-ins. Check-out is at 11:00am.
For housing registration see below.
Summer housing reservations are expected to open around March 1st. Once open, the reservation portal and instructions will be provided here.
As an MSSE student, you may also be eligible for discounts at local hotels. Visit this page for more information, including directions on how to obtain a discount at participating hotel locations:
MSU Admissions Partnership - Bozeman CVB
Other off-campus summer housing options (vacation rentals, hostel, and camping):
Bozeman's Treasure State Hostel
Bozeman Hot Springs Campground
Parking Permits
Students can park in Bobcat lots #5 and #18 for multiday use for $8/day. To do so you will need to use the Passport Parking App on your phone: https://www.montana.edu/parking/Passportparkingapp.html
You will enter Zone #TBD and scroll to choose the number of days you’d like to park.
Please see the map below for the location of these two Bobcat lots (#5 and #18). They are indicated by purple rectangles in the upper lefthand corner.
MSU CatCard
When you arrive on campus, you can pick up your CAT Card (student ID) in the Hedges Complex room 31, below Miller Dining Hall. You are not required to get a CAT Card, as this is optional. The CAT Card can be used to access the library and printing services.
Financial Aid
Questions regarding federal financial aid eligibility and completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be directed to the MSU Office of Financial Services at finaid@montana.edu or 406-994-2845.
Transportation
Streamline is a free bus serving the city of Bozeman, with several bus stops on the MSU campus. Note that Streamline does not service Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
MSU does not have an airport shuttle service. Uber and Lyft serve the Bozeman area and might be a better alternative to a taxi depending on current rates.
Campus Facilities
Parking Permits
A parking permit is required to park on campus Monday through Friday, 6 am to 6 pm in surface lots and 6 am to 8 pm in the parking garage. Visitor parking is located on the first floor and part of the second floor in the parking garage for up to $12 per day. Other visitor parking options are available for up to $8 a day on Harrison Street and the Stadium lots by using the Passport parking app or visiting Parking Services at the corner of S 7th Avenue and Kagy Blvd. Visit the Parking Services webpage for more information.
Dining on Campus
Come enjoy a meal at one of MSU's dining halls, which will be open breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or visit one of several retail operations.
MSU Recreation Center
A social gathering place with bowling, billiards, foosball, videos, tournaments, and classes. Located in the basement of the Strand Union Building (SUB).
Outdoor Recreation
ASMSU’s Outdoor Recreation Program offers equipment rentals, coordinated group outings, and an outdoor resource center. Students and their families are eligible to rent equipment. Rafts, canoes, paddleboards, tents, bicycles and other outdoor gear are available. Maps, magazines, trail guides, and informational materials are available. This is a great option for equipment rentals for your summer field courses.
Capstone Symposium
Everyone is invited to attend the 28th Annual Summer Symposium in Science Education, June 29 - July 1, 2026 ( location TBD). The Symposium is open to the public and includes Capstone Project Presentations by the 2026 MSSE degree candidates. Capstone orientation for graduate candidates will be held June 29th, 8:00 to 8:45 am (location TBD). Note that all Capstone students are expected to be present for each day of the symposium and attend a minimum of four presentations per day.
The 2026 Capstone Symposium Celebration is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1st from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Inspiration Hall (within the Norm Asbjornson Hall building). This celebration is for all Capstone students, family, friends and faculty to honor Capstone presenters. A RSVP request will be sent out late spring.
Capstone Week Social Schedule (Tentative)
| Date | Time | Place | Activity |
|
Monday, June 29 |
8:00 am - 8:45 am |
TBD |
Capstone Orientation |
|
Monday, June 29 |
9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
TBD |
Capstone Presentations |
|
Tuesday, June 30 |
8:00 am - 4:00 pm |
TBD |
Capstone Presentations |
|
Wednesday, July 1 |
8:00 am - 1:00 pm |
TBD |
Capstone Presentations |
|
Wednesday, July 1 |
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Inspiration Hall (in the Norm Asbjornson building) |
Capstone Celebration |
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns at msse@montana.edu. We look forward to seeing you this summer when you arrive on campus. Be sure to stop by Reid 451 to visit the MSSE Staff!
|
Dr. Mary Alice Carlson
MSSE Interim Director
406-994-5232
|
|
|
|
|
Summer 2026 Campus Course List
BIOE 520 Animal Biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
BIOE 523 Wildlife Ecology of the Northern Rocky Mountains
BIOE 597 Ecology of Trout Streams
BIOE 596 Land Use Issues in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
CHMY 586 Science Lab Safety and Risk Management
CSCI 582 Computer Science in the Classroom: Joy and Beauty of Data
EELE 508 Solar Cell Basics for Science Teachers
ERTH 516 Northern Rocky Mountain Geology
ERTH 586 Geology Seminar: Geology of Earthquakes
ERTH 596 Geology of Glacier National Park
GEO 521 Dinosaur Paleontology I
GEO 585 Mineralogy for Teachers
LRES 538 Plant Community Ecology in the Northern Rocky Mtns
LRES 557 Thermal Biology in Yellowstone National Park
MSSE 575 Professional Capstone Symposium
PSPP 548 Flowering Plants of the Northern Rocky Mtns
Summer 2026 Campus Course Information
*Course meeting times and locations subject to change.
June 15 - 19
BIOE 520 Animal Biodiversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (2 cr)
BIOE 596 Land Use Issues in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (2 cr)
Students will be expected to bring the following materials:
Composition notebook and writing implement;
Laptop (for Monday classroom session);
Small backpack for hiking and classroom supplies;
Refillable water bottles (2);
Lunch for each day;
High-energy snacks each day according to schedule;
Layers for inclement weather (rain jacket, warm hat, fleece jacket or other long-sleeved
jacket); and
Shoes appropriate for hiking.
EELE 508 Solar Cell Basics for Science Teachers (2 cr)
Physical fitness requirement: Must be able to stand for long periods and fully gown to enter the cleanroom. You must wear a shirt that covers your shoulders, long pants, and closed-toed shoes.
ERTH 516 Northern Rocky Mountain Geology (2 cr)
Students are responsible for purchasing their own snacks/breakfasts/lunches. Coolers will be available for use to store everything in. Jugs of water will be provided for filling water bottles and have coffee/tea available in the morning. Students can heat water on a stove provided for oatmeal, etc. and there will be disposable utensils and plates/bowls available for use.
For dinner on Monday and Tuesday, please plan to have funds for purchasing own meal at appropriate grocery or restaurant stops.
Textbook: Materials provided by Instructor
June 22 - June 27
GEO 521 Dinosaur Paleontology I (2 cr)
June 27
GEO 585 Mineralogy for Teachers(1 cr)
June 28
ERTH 586 Geology Seminar: Geology of Earthquakes (1 cr)
June 29 - July 1
MSSE 575 Professional Capstone Symposium (1 cr)
SUMMER 2026 GRADUATE CANDIDATES ONLY
July 2
CHMY 586 Science Lab Safety and Risk Management (1 cr)
July 6 - July 10
BIOE 523 Wildlife Ecology of the Northern Rocky Mountains (2 cr)
Facilities: Tent camping (tents and sleeping pads available upon request - see below)
Students are expected to provide the following minimum equipment for their camping needs:
- One- or two-person, light-weight, non-bulky tent (no big, heavy “family” tents – we won’t have room for these); team up with another student to share a two-person tent if possible. MSSE can provide a limited number of tents on a first come first serve basis. If you'd like to borrow a tent, please contact Pilar at pilar.martland@montana.edu.
- Sleeping bag and pad (no bulky air mattresses). MSSE can provide a limited number of sleeping pads, please inquire ASAP.
- Minimal clothing for one week (layers for hot and cold weather)
- Bear spray (MSSE will provide)
- Personal toiletries, sunglasses, hat, daypack, water bottle, sunscreen, camera, field notebook and pen, etc.
- Basic cooking equipment + utensils (team-up with another student) – no big Coleman stoves or lanterns (bring small, lightweight, back-packing equipment)
- Students will form cook teams but should plan to provide their own meals/food for the week.Large coolers will be provided for perishable food
BIOE 597 Ecology of Trout Streams (2 cr)
PHSX 587 Physics by Inquiry: Geometric Optics (2 cr)
Textbook: Materials provided by Instructor
PSPP 548 Flowering Plants of the Northern Rocky Mtns (2 cr)
July 12 - July 17
ERTH 596 Geology of Glacier National Park (2 cr)
July 13 - 17
LRES 538 Plant Community Ecology in the Northern Rocky Mtns (2 cr)
Required field camp gear: Field camp will be in an established campground with primitive amenities (vault toilet, drinking water, picnic table, and fire pit). Students must provide the following camping gear: medications, tent and rainfly, sleeping bag(minimum rating of 20F), sleeping pad, headlamp, eating utensils (bowl, spoon, fork, knife, water bottle, mug). All other field gear and supplies required for cooking and data collection will be provided. MSSE can provide a limited number of tents and sleeping pads on a first come first serve basis. If you'd like to borrow a tent, please contact Pilar at pilar.martland@montana.edu.
Required lab and classroom gear: Laptop with Excel and PowerPoint software; pensand classroom notebook
July 17 - July 19
Online pre-class reading and assignments begin June 15th
Welcome to Bozeman!
Home of Montana State University, Bozeman is located in the heart of the scenic Gallatin Valley and is renowned for its summer activities. Surrounded by four mountain ranges, thousands of acres of national forest, and hundreds of miles of blue ribbon trout streams, the area offers endless summer recreation opportunities such as:
- Hiking & backpacking
- Rock climbing
- Mountain biking
- Fly fishing
- River rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography
- Yellowstone National Park
Bozeman’s climate reflects its mountain valley location. Summers are pleasant with warm days, cool nights, and an abundance of sunshine. City attractions include quaint shopping experiences, restaurants and coffeehouses, and museums. Multiple city parks with picnic and playground areas, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, skateboard facilities and BMX bike park, several golf courses in the city and surrounding areas. Check out the City of Bozeman webpage for more details.
Community Services and Activities
Explore Rentals
You can also rent gear and camping vehicles if you want to plan a trip. They are located near the airport and specialize in any item you might need for your Montana stay. They even rent bear spray!
Bozeman City Bus Service
Streamline Bus Company moves people around Bozeman or the Gallatin valley quickly and conveniently and best of all, riding on Streamline is free. Routes stretch from the MSU campus to downtown and surrounding communities. Brochures are available at the ASK US Information Center in the MSU Strand Union Building.
Museum of the Rockies
The world-renowned Museum of Rockies features one of the finest paleontology collections in North America. The museum offers 4 -day and week-long summer camps for children, grades 1st through 8th. The museum also has a discovery center for younger children ranging in age from infant to 6 years.
Bozeman Recreation Department
This Bozeman Recreation Department offers a variety of programs, special events and recreation classes such as soccer, cooking, Castles & Knights, basketball, canoeing and kayaking, Nature Discovery, Outdoor Adventure Skills and more. You can also find information on The Bozeman Swim Center and Bogert Pool.
Gallatin Valley YMCA
Much more than just a gym, the Gallatin Valley YMCA offers a wide array of programs enabling people of all ages to connect, learn, live healthily and have fun. From youth sports to yoga, pre-school classes to parent's night out, FREE family events to fun after-school programs, the Y offers something for everyone.
Bozeman Public Parks
The city is loaded with wonderful public parks.
Shakespeare in the Parks
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is a theatrical group presenting live, professional theatre productions in the MSU Park.
Music Events
Farmers Markets
Downtown Art Walk
The second Friday of the month from June through September from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, stroll downtown while the art galleries and shops stay open late to showcase featured artists.
Bozeman Bowl
Open early on Tuesdays and Sundays at 9:00 am and Thursdays at 9:30 am. Bowl until 10:00 pm at night on Sunday, 11:00 pm at night on Wednesday and Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday. Located at 414 E Babcock Street.
Gallatin County Fair Grounds
The Big Sky Country State Fair, formally Gallatin County Fair, runs July 15th - 19th. The 5-day event includes: The Bozeman Roundup Ranch Rodeo, Dog Dock Diving, Pig Wrestling, Mutton Bustin, Arts & Crafts Shows, Livestock Shows, and classic fair cuisine.
Spire Climbing Center
An 19,000+ square foot state of the art roped climbing center for youths and adults.
Websites for Outdoor Activities
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Bozeman Chamber of Commerce
Information on the Bozeman area activities including backpacking, horseback riding, fly fishing, golfing, shopping, hiking, biking, and Yellowstone National Park information.
Bozeman Area July 4th Events
Watch the fireworks at the Bozeman Fairgrounds. Starting at 9:00 pm, head to the fairgrounds for food and music, and then watch one of the largest firework displays in Montana at dusk. Another favorite spot to watch the fireworks is on top of Peet’s Hill/Burke Park.
The Livingston Roundup Rodeo begins on July 1st and runs through the 4th. This 4-day festival kicks off with a parade down Main Street. Professionals and amateurs from around the country gather for the rodeo and compete. For rodeo ticket information, visit: Livingston Roundup | Montana's Oldest Rodeo
Ennis will host its 90th annual 4th of July Parade beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a BBQ, veteran's memorial ceremony, rodeo, and fireworks celebration.
Big Sky's Music in the Mountains: Free July 4th events (music, vendors, and fireworks) at Center Stage at Town Center Park in Big Sky. Event begins at 6pm at the Center Stage at Town Center Park.
Montana Grizzly Encounter
Grizzly Bear Rescue & Education Sanctuary in Bozeman, Montana. Founded in 2004, MGE provides a spacious and natural home for rescued grizzlies. At the same time it offers the public a place to come and learn about grizzly bears as they watch the majestic animals “up close” in a beautiful mountain setting.
Area Hot Springs
Yellowstone National Park
Only a 1.5 hour drive from Bozeman, a day trip to Yellowstone is an unforgettable activity when visiting the area.
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
A wildlife park and educational facility located in West Yellowstone. The center allows you to observe Grizzlies playing in a waterfall, fishing in their ponds, and see the social structure of two wolf packs.
Local Hiking Trails
Find information about beautiful day hikes and other local recreation through the Outside Bozeman website.
Missouri Headwaters State Park
Visit the confluence of the Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers that come together to start the great Missouri River. Find information on Lewis & Clark Caverns, Buffalo Jump State Park and much more.
Where to eat in Bozeman….
Restaurants within Walking Distance of Campus
| Bridger Brewing Company - 1609 S. 11th Ave. | Pickle Barrel - 809 W. College St. |
| Columbo’s Pizza and Pasta – 1003 W. College St. | Spectator’s Bar and Grill - 19 Tai Ln. |
| Granny’s Gourmet Donuts - 3 Tai Ln. | Storm Castle Café - 5 Tai Ln. |
| Jimmy John’s - 1216 W. Lincoln Street | The Hummingbird's Kitchen - 1506 W. Lincoln St. |
| Mr. Burrito -1011 W College St |
Restaurants in the Historic Downtown and Surrounding Area
Grocery Stores near MSU Campus
| Town & Country Foods – 1611 S. 11th | Rosauers – W. Main St. across from Gallatin Mall |
| Joe’s Parkway Market – 903 W. College St. | Safeway - 1735 W. Main St. |
| Maven's Market - 720 W. Main St. | Whole Foods - 2905 W. Main St. |
| Community Food Co-Op – 908 W. Main St. |
