Montana is famous for its natural resources. Its western region is known for large mineral deposits such as copper, silver, gold, lead, zinc, and manganese. The eastern region of the state is known for petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Mining of vermiculite, chromite, tungsten, and palladium is also done in Montana. Leading industries in the state manufacture refined petroleum, processed foods, and forest products.
Schools in Montana
Montana has a number of institutes offering professional degree programs to students. Programs are offered at different levels to meet the educational requirements and career goals of students. These programs include associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate level degrees. Certificate and diplomas are also offered at graduate and undergraduate levels, which train students in many specific professional skills.
A variety of degree programs are available for students in Montana. Schools in Montana offer programs in accounting , business administration and management , carpentry ,counseling, criminal justice , design , early childhood education ,education , gerontology, graphic design , health information , healthcare , information technology , interior design, law , legal assisting, management , medical assisting , medical billing , medical transcription, music, nursing, psychology, special education, surgical technology , and teaching.
Accreditation in Montana
Higher education institutes in Montana can either be accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency. Higher education institutes need to contact Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, in order to have regional accreditation. Schools that acquire national accreditation are accredited by the following agencies:
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The Distance Education and Training Council, Accrediting Commission
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The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
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The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
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The Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training
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The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
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The Council on Occupational Education
If a higher education institution is not accredited by one of these national or regional bodies, it will not be accepted as an accredited institute. Schools can also have specialized accreditation for their programs such as health care, personal care and services, community and social services, arts and humanities, education training, and law.
Importance of Accreditation
It is important for students to select accredited education programs in Montana. Accredited programs meet the standards set by the relevant accrediting agencies. They enable students to acquire quality education and have better career opportunities. An unaccredited program can fail to comply with the standard curriculum and teaching requirements, and employers may not accept a degree from an unaccredited institution.
Online Education
Online programs can be a good opportunity for individuals who cannot acquire campus-based education. Online programs are flexible and convenient, as students can study at their own pace and create a study schedule of their choice. They are also cost-effective as students do not need to pay for various expenses that are normally incurred in on campus education, such as textbooks, hostel accommodation, and travelling. The learning resources used in online education such as video lectures, slides, discussion threads, online practice exercises, and exams allow students to access study materials any time and just about anywhere.