Helena College University of Montana Programs: A Comprehensive Overview
Helena College, a vital part of the University of Montana system, offers a diverse array of programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in various fields. Located in Helena, Montana, the state's capital city, the college provides its programs in modern classrooms, shops, and labs, situated both near the Capitol building and at the Helena airport. These programs cater to a wide range of interests and career aspirations, from technical and trades-based fields to those designed for transfer to four-year institutions.
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degrees
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a cornerstone of Helena College's offerings, focusing on providing students with practical, hands-on training in specific career areas. These degrees include a designated field of study, such as Accounting Technology or Welding.
Considerations for Transferring to a Four-Year Program
Students who complete an A.A.S. degree and subsequently decide to pursue a four-year degree should be aware that their coursework will be evaluated on a class-by-class basis. While some courses may fulfill specific requirements for a major, minor, option, or certificate, or contribute to the general education program, the A.A.S. degree is primarily designed for direct entry into the workforce.
Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) Degrees
Similar to the A.A.S. degree, the Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) degree also focuses on a specific field of study, such as Accounting Technology or Welding.
Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology curriculum at Helena College is meticulously structured around eight key areas of study, as defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This program holds certification from the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), ensuring that students receive training that meets the highest industry standards.
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Aviation Maintenance Technology
The Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Helena College aims to train entry-level technicians in the fundamentals of aircraft maintenance, with a particular emphasis on general aviation and the light utility helicopter industry. This training prepares technicians for diverse occupations within the aviation sector.
Computer Aided Manufacturing
The Computer Aided Manufacturing program is tailored to prepare students for entry-level positions as machinists in various industries, including aerospace, computer manufacturing, job shops, gunsmithing, and tool and die making. Students gain expertise as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operators and programmers. The curriculum covers machining processes and procedures using lathes, mills, drill presses, cylindrical grinders, and surface grinders. Students will be prepared to enter the work force as entry level programmers and CAD/CAM technicians, programming and operating machining centers and turning centers in the lab.
Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology A.A.S. program is designed to prepare students for entry-level technician positions in various segments of the diesel repair industry, including agricultural, industrial equipment, and heavy-duty diesel truck repair.
Welding Technology
The Welding program at Helena College provides students with hands-on, theoretical, and technical training in rigging, job estimation, blueprint reading, and layout and pattern making, with a strong emphasis on safety. Students receive extensive lab training in a wide array of welding processes, including S.M.A.W. (stick electrode), G.M.A.W. (wire processes), Pulse M.I.G., T.I.G., and plasma cutting. The training focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to successfully pass American Welding Society (A.W.S.) certifications. Students also receive introductory instruction in design and fabrication, enabling them to perform repairs and fabricate projects. Advanced fabrication techniques and pipe welding methods are also taught, with the opportunity to take the A.W.S. certification test. Second-year students receive instruction in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) burn table programming and operation using Auto-CAD and Shop Data Systems software (entry into the second year is by application only). The Helena College Welding Program maintains a proud affiliation with the American Welding Society through an Institutional Educational Membership.
Metals Technology
The Metals Technology program is designed to prepare students as entry-level technicians in various areas. Students study machining processes and procedures, properties of metals, blueprint reading, and inspection techniques. Welding skills are taught using oxyacetylene, manual stick electrode, semiautomatic Mig, Tig (Heliarc), dualshield Mig, and various additional processes.
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University of Montana - Missoula Programs Available
Helena College serves as a pathway to various bachelor's degree programs offered at the University of Montana - Missoula. These programs span a wide range of disciplines, including:
College of the Arts and Media
- School of Journalism: Journalism B.A., Journalism Minor, Social Media and Audience Engagement Certificate
- School of Music: Music B.A., Music B.A. - Instrumental Jazz Studies, Music B.M.E., Composition B.M. - Contemporary Classical, Composition B.M. - Pop and Commercial, Performance B.M. - Instrumental, Performance B.M. - Keyboard, Performance B.M. - Voice, Jazz Studies Certificate, Music Minor
- School of Theatre and Dance: Dance B.A., Dance B.A. - Pre-Dance Therapy, Dance Minor, Dance Wellness Certificate, Theatre B.A., Theatre B.A. - Theatre Education, Theatre B.F.A. - Acting for Film & Theatre, Theatre B.F.A. - Design & Technology, Theatre B.F.A. - Musical Theatre Performance, Musical Theatre Performance Minor, Theatre Education Minor, Theatre Minor
- School of Visual and Media Arts: Art B.A., Art B.A. - Art Education, Art B.F.A., Art B.F.A. in Business Administration
School of Business Administration
- Finance B.S. in Business Administration, Finance Data Analytics Certificate, Information and Control Assurance Certificate
- Management and Marketing Department: Business Management B.S. in Business Administration, Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management B.S. in Business Administration, International Business B.S. in Business Administration, Digital Marketing Certificate, Entertainment Management Certificate, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation Certificate, Logistics & Supply Chain Management Certificate, Marketing B.S. in Business Administration, Sustainable Business Strategy Certificate
- Management Information Systems Department: Management Information Systems B.S. in Business Administration, Cybersecurity B.S., Big Data Analytics Certificate, Cybersecurity Management Certificate, Business Administration Minor
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education
- Teaching and Learning Department: Early Childhood Education P-3 B.A., Elementary Education B.A., Special Education B.A., Early Childhood Education Minor, ESL Education Minor, Special Education Certificate, Specialized Interventionists for Montana Schools Certificate, Teacher Librarian Studies Certificate, Reading Education Certificate, Secondary Licensure
W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation
- Earth, Water, and Climate Science B.S., Environmental Science and Sustainability B.S., Environmental Studies B.A., Forestry B.S., Geosciences B.S., Geosciences B.S. - Earth Science Education, Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management B.S., Wildlife Biology B.S. - Aquatic, Wildlife Biology B.S. - Terrestrial, Ecological Restoration Minor, Environmental Studies Minor, Fire Sciences and Management Minor, Geography Minor, Geography Education Minor, Geosciences Minor, Mountain Studies Minor, Wilderness Studies Minor, Wildlife Biology Minor, Environmental and Nature Writing Certificate, Environmental Justice Certificate, Geographic Information Systems Certificate, Indigenous Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability Certificate, Northern Rockies Outdoor Leadership Certificate, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Certificate, Water Science and Society Certificate
College of Health
- School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training: Integrative Physiology B.S. - Health and Exercise Science, Integrative Physiology B.S. - Health Enhancement, Athletic Injury Certificate, Exercise is Medicine Certificate, Sports Coaching Certificate, Wilderness Emergency Medicine Certificate
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences: Public Health B.S., Global Public Health Minor
- School of Social Work: Bachelor of Social Work, Gerontology Minor
- School of Speech, Language, Hearing, and Occupational Sciences: Communicative Sciences and Disorders B.A., Communicative Sciences and Disorders Minor, Neurodivergence Inclusion and Supports Certificate, Speech Language Pathology Assistant Certificate
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy: Pharmaceutical Sciences B.S., Pharmaceutical Science B.S. - Non-Professional Concentration, Doctor of Pharmacy, Pre-Medical Sciences
College of Humanities and Sciences
- African-American Studies: African-American Studies B.A., African-American Studies Minor, African-American Studies Certificate
- Anthropology: Anthropology B.A., Anthropology B.A. - Archaeology, Anthropology B.A. - Cultural and Ethnic Diversity, Anthropology B.A. - Forensic and Biological Anthropology, Anthropology B.A. - Linguistic Anthropology, Anthropology Minor
- English in Academic Strength and Leadership (EASL) Certificate, Forensic Studies Certificate, Historic Preservation Certificate
- Applied Science: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Central and Southwest Asian Studies: Central and Southwest Asian Studies B.A., Central and Southwest Asian Studies Minor
- Communication Studies: Communication Studies B.A., Communication Studies B.A. - Advocacy and Social Movements, Communication Studies B.A. - Interpersonal and Family Communication, Communication Studies B.A. - Organizational and Strategic Communication, Communication Studies Minor, Health Communication Certificate, Public Relations Certificate
- Democracy Studies: Democracy Studies Minor
- East Asian Studies: East Asian Studies B.A.
- Economics: Economics B.A., Economics B.A. - Economics Education, Economics Minor, Economics Education Minor
- English: Creative Writing B.F.A., English B.A. - Creative Writing, English B.A. - Literature, English B.A. - Teaching English, English Minor, English Teaching Minor, Irish Studies Minor
- History: History B.A., History B.A. - History Education, History-Political Science B.A., History Minor, History Education Minor, History of Religions Certificate, Public History Certificate
- Linguistics: Linguistics B.A., Linguistics Minor, English as a Second Language Certificate
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Native American Studies: Native American Studies B.A., Native American Studies Minor, Language Rejuvenation and Maintenance Certificate, Native American Studies Certificate
- Philosophy: Philosophy B.A., Philosophy B.A. - Environmental Philosophy, Philosophy B.A. - Philosophy and Law, Environmental Ethics Certificate, Philosophy, Politics, and Law Certificate, Pre-Law Certificate, Philosophy Minor, Ethics Minor
- Political Science: Political Science B.A., Political Science B.A. - American Politics, Political Science B.A. - International Relations and Comparative Politics, Political Science B.A. - Political Science Education, Political Science B.A. - Public Administration and Public Policy, Political Science B.A. - Public Law & Political Theory, Political Science Minor, Political Science Education Minor, Migration Studies Certificate
- Psychology: Psychology B.A., Psychology B.A. - Psychology Education, Psychology Minor, Psychology Education Minor, Sport Psychology Minor, Human and Family Development Minor
- Sociology & Criminology: Criminology B.A., Criminology Minor, Sociology B.A., Sociology B.A. - Inequality and Social Justice, Sociology B.A. - Sociology Education, Sociology Education Minor, Sociology Minor
- South and South-East Asian Studies: South and South-East Asian Studies Minor
- Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies: Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies B.A., Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor, LGBTIQ+ Studies Certificate
- World Languages and Cultures: Arabic Studies Minor, Chinese Minor, Classical Civilization Minor, Classics B.A. - Classical Civilization, Classics B.A. - Classical Languages, Classics B.A. - Latin Concentration, Classics B.A. - Latin Language Education, European Studies Minor, French B.A., French B.A. - French Language Education, French Minor, French Language Education Minor, German B.A., German B.A. - German Language Education, German Minor, German Language Education Minor, Japanese B.A., Japanese Minor, Latin American Studies Minor, Latin Minor, Latin Language Education Minor, Russian B.A., Russian B.A. - Russian Language Education, Russian Minor, Russian Language Education Minor, Russian Studies Minor, Spanish B.A., Spanish B.A. - Spanish Language Education, Spanish Minor, Spanish Language Education Minor, World Languages and Cultures B.A., World Competencies Certificate
College of Science
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences: Biology B.A. - Biological Education, Biology B.A. - Teacher Preparation General Science Broadfield, Interdisciplinary Biology B.A., Biology B.S. - Ecology and Organismal Biology, Biology B.S. - Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience, Neuroscience B.S. - Cognitive Neuroscience, Biology Minor, Biological Education Minor, Microbiology Minor, Neuroscience Minor
- Chemistry & Biochemistry: Biochemistry B.S., Biochemistry B.S. - Health Professions, Biochemistry Minor, Brewing Science C.A.S., Brewing Science C.T.S., Chemical Pharmacology Certificate, Chemistry B.S., Chemistry B.S. - Forensic Chemistry, Chemistry Education Minor, Chemistry Minor
- Computer Science: Computer Science B.S. - Algorithm Design, Computer Science B.S. - Data Science, Computer Science B.S. - Software Engineering, Computer Science-Mathematical Sciences B.S. (Combined Major), Computer Science Minor, Computer Programming Certificate
- Mathematical Sciences: Mathematical Sciences-Computer Science B.S. - Applied Mathematics, Mathematics B.A. - Combinatorics and Optimization, Mathematics B.A. - Mathematics Education, Mathematics B.A. - Pure Mathematics, Mathematics B.A. - Statistics and Data Science, Mathematics Education Minor, Mathematics Minor
- Physics & Astronomy: Physics B.A., Physics B.A. - Astronomy, Physics B.A. - Computational Physics, Physics B.A. - Engineering Physics, Physics B.A. - Physics Education, Physics B.A. - Teaching Broadfield Science, Astronomy Minor, Physics Minor, Physics Education Minor
Missoula College
- Applied Arts and Sciences: Addiction Studies C.T.S., Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts (A.A.) - Behavioral & Social Sciences, Associate of Arts (A.A.) - Communication Studies, Associate of Arts (A.A.) - Psychology, Associate of Arts (A.A.) - Speech Language Pathology Assistant, Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Science (A.S.) - Business, Associate of Science (A.S.) - Natural Sciences, Associate of Science (A.S.) - Public Health, General Studies Certificate
- Business & Technology: Accounting Fundamentals C.A.S., Business Management A.A.S., Business Management C.A.S., Business Media Design C.A.S., Cloud Computing C.T.S., Computer Support C.A.S., Culinary Arts C.A.S., Customer Relations C.A.S., Cybersecurity C.T.S., Food Service Entrepreneurship and Hospitality A.A.S., Information Technology & Cybersecurity A.A.S., Legal Studies C.A.S., Sales and Marketing C.A.S.
- Health Professions: Clinical Medical Assistant C.T.S., Medical Assisting A.A.S., Medical Claims Specialist C.T.S., Medical Information Technology A.A.S. - Health Information Coding Specialty, Medical Information Technology A.A.S.
Bachelor's Degrees
- Accounting B.S., Anthropology B.A., Art B.A., Art B.F.A., Biochemistry B.S., Biology B.A., Biology B.S., Business Management A.A.S., Business Management B.S., Chemistry B.S., Classics B.A., Communication Studies B.A., Composition B.M., Computer Science B.S., Dance B.A., Economics B.A., English B.A., Entertainment, Events, and Sports Management B.S., Finance B.S., French B.A., Geosciences B.S., German B.A., History B.A., Integrative Physiology B.S., International Business B.S., Management Information Systems B.S., Marketing B.S., Mathematical Sciences-Computer Science B.S., Mathematics B.A., Medical Information Technology A.A.S., Music B.A., Neuroscience B.S., Performance B.M., Pharmaceutical Science B.S., Philosophy B.A., Physics B.A., Political Science B.A., Psychology B.A., Russian B.A., Sociology B.A., Spanish B.A., Theatre B.A., Theatre B.F.A., Wildlife Biology B.S.
Associate of Science and Associate of Arts Degrees
In addition to its career-focused programs, Helena College offers Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees. These degrees are specifically designed to facilitate transfer to four-year institutions, providing students with a solid foundation in general education and introductory coursework in their chosen field of study.
Business Administration Transfer Program
Helena College offers a specific degree program designed for students seeking admission into the School of Business Administration at the University of Montana-Missoula. Upon completion of this degree, students desiring a bachelorâs degree in areas of Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, and International Business are eligible to apply for admissions into UM-Missoulaâs School of Business Administration. Note: This degree offers eligibility for application to the School of Business Administration at UM-Missoula and does not guarantee admission.
Important Considerations for Business Students
- Finance majors are required to take Applied Calculus (M162) in place of Probability & Linear Mathematics (M115).
- Specific Helena College courses will only be transferred in one the following categories: (1) Block Transfer; (2) General Education Core; or (3) Business Concentration. Classes cannot be counted in more than one category.
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Some courses meet the upper division requirements for a B.A.S. Some courses may have pre-requisites or require specific test scores for enrollment. Minimum Credits for B.A.S. degree in Business 120 credits. Minimum of 39 upper division credits (3XX or 4XX). Some courses meet the upper division requirements for a B.S. Some courses may have pre-requisites or require specific test scores for enrollment. Minimum Credits for B.S. degree in Business Information Technology 120.
Early Childhood Education
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education prepares early childhood practitioners to meet the unique needs of children from birth through age eight and their families in a variety of early childhood settings including child care homes and centers, Head Starts, pre-schools, etc. The program features a lab with each early childhood course, allowing ample opportunity for learning by doing. This degree is conferred by UM-Western, but all courses can be taken at Helena College. Courses designated as UM-Western are subject to their policies as outlined in their catalog. Early childhood courses rotate on a two-year schedule, so it is imperative for interested students to contact an advisor as soon as possible.
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Professional Electives
To be decided upon in conjunction with Program Advisor. The electives can be courses in Sociology, Psychology, Health and/or Early Childhood Education.
General Education and Career Development
Recognizing the importance of a well-rounded education, Helena College students take a full complement of courses in mathematics, communications, computer literacy, and career development.
Meeting State Needs
Helena College offers two-year programs in business, trades, technical, and health occupations designed to meet the state's business and industry needs for technologically-skilled workers. All of the curricula are industry-approved and emphasize learning in a hands-on environment.
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