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On February 16, 1893, the Agricultural College of the State of Montana was founded as the state's land-grant college. Renamed the Montana College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, the academic institution was popularly know was Montana Agricultural College, or MAC. In the 1920s, the institution's name changed a second time, this time to the Montana State College which remained until July 1965. During this year, in recognition of the incredible advances in the college's commitment to scientific and humanistic research, the 39th legislative assembly of the State of Montana adopted a third and final name for the school - Montana State University.
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Today, Montana State University-Bozeman has gained national and international recognition for its excellence in undergraduate and graduate studies in the liberal arts and sciences, agriculture, architecture, education, engineering, health and human development and nursing. Due to its commitment to high academic standards, Montana State University is routinely listed by U.S. News and World Report as one of America's "best buys" for undergraduate education and ranks among the leaders in the number of Goldwater scholarship recipients. The university prides itself on making history by better positioning today's students for the meaningful lives in the globalizing economy of the 21st century.
Boasting a solid and challenging academic curriculum, Montana State University offers a broad range of majors and minors situated in a quaint setting near downtown Bozeman . A public unit of the Montana University system, in 2003 Montana State University ranked fifth on Outside Magazine's list of "40 best college towns." Originally an "ag school" in the state system, Montana State University is now a haven for more than 12,000 outdoorsy students with a technical bend. Nestled on 1,170 acres in the Gallatin Valley, Montana State University is home to a handful of clubs, societies, NCAA Division I athletics and is minutes away from two excellent ski areas.
Competing in the Big Sky Conference, the Bobcats of Montana State University have impressive athletic teams and facilities. Participating at the Division I level, except football which competes in I-AA, the Bobcat's squads include golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball and others. With state-of-the-art athletic facilities on campus such as the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Shroyer Gym and Bobcat Stadium, the university rivals any regional schools competing at the same level. The good-natured rivalry between the Montana State University Bobcats and Missoula's University of Montana Grizzlies can be widened in scope to encompass the two university towns.
With two top-notch ski areas within close proximity to the university, the opportunities for fun winter activities are numerous. The closest, Bridger Bowl Ski Area, has everything from groomed runs to accessible backcountry to cross-country and nordic skiing. Located a bit further from campus is the Big Sky Ski Resort, which offers acres of exciting slopes. Montana State University is also surrounded by miles of wilderness area and near the northern and western entrances of Yellowstone National Park . Glacier National Park is also only a few hours away by car.
So, if you're on the college search and are looking for a place to spend four years, and possibly more, that offers high academic standards, a diverse student body, a small downtown feel, competitive athletics and a multitude of outdoor recreation options check out Bozeman and Montana State University.
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