WESTERN
With a rich historic past, endless recreational opportunities and a tightknit community, the Gunnison Valley is one of the most unique places in Colorado to explore while earning your degree.
LEARN
Located in the Gunnison Basin, the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Western Geology students have access to an abundance of research opportunities and hands-on field experiences.
DOING
We value applied, real-world experience at Western, within and beyond our classrooms. Before students graduate, they work in labs, complete internships and contribute meaningful work for professional organizations. Small class sizes, engaged faculty and strong community relations enable students in all disciplines to gain hands-on experience that prepares them for life after college.
Bachelor of Arts
Accounting (Major & Minor)
• Financial Analysis
• Professional
Anthropology (Major & Minor)
• Cultural Resource Management Certificate
Art (Major & Minor)
• Art History & Theory
• Graphic Design
• K-12 Licensure
• Studio Art
• Web Design & Development (Minor)
Business Administration (Major & Minor)
• Business Analytics (Minor)
• Business Law (Minor)
• Energy Management (Emphasis & Minor)
• Finance
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Emphasis & Minor)
• Latin American Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Resort Management
• Sales (Minor)
Communication Arts (Major & Minor)
• Communication
• Film Studies (Emphasis and Minor)
• Public Relations (Minor)
• Strategic Communication
• Theatre (Emphasis & Minor)
Bachelor of Science
Economics (Major & Minor)
• Secondary Licensure
Elementary Education (Major)
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity
• Global Citizenship
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math
English (Major & Minor)
• Creative Writing (Emphasis & Minor)
• Humanities & Diversity (Minor)
• Secondary Licensure
Environment & Sustainability (Major & Minor)
• Climate Action Planning
• Food Systems
• Individualized Contract
• Public Land Management
• Water Studies
Environmental Science (Minor)
Geography & Geospatial Analysis (Minor)
• Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
History (Major & Minor)
• Public History
• Secondary Licensure
Latin American Studies (Minor)
Music (Major & Minor)
• K-12 Licensure
• Music Industry
• Music Technology (Minor)
Philosophy (Minor)
Politics & Government (Major & Minor)
• Global Studies
• Pre-Law (Emphasis & Minor)
• Secondary Licensure
Psychology (Major & Minor)
Recreation & Outdoor Education (Major
•
western.edu/sgs
Master of Arts in Education
• Educator Effectiveness
• Principal Licensure
• Teacher Licensure
Master of Arts in Gallery & Museum Management
Graduate Program in Creative Writing (MFA or M.A.)
• Genre Fiction
Minor)
Education
(Major &
•
• Nature Writing
Poetry
• Publishing
• Screenwriting
Master in Environmental Management (MEM)
• Global Sustainability
(Major & Minor)
Advanced-Level Spanish Proficiency
K-12
Spanish Language and Culture
Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Integrative & Public Land Management
• Sustainable & Resilient Communities
Master of Science in Ecology
• Ecology & Conservation
• Fisheries & Wildlife Management
Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science, High Altitude Exercise Physiology
Master of Arts in Special Education
MBA, Outdoor Industry
• Product Concentration
• Service Concentration
MBS in Rural Community Health
Honors Program
The Honors Program welcomes high-achieving students from all majors and disciplines. Students with at least a 3.5 high school GPA or 3.3 transfer GPA are automatically invited to join upon acceptance to Western.
In
with
Benefits of being an Honors student include Honors classes and housing, priority class registration, opportunities to apply for exclusive scholarships, access to the Honors student lounge and more!
For more information, visit western.edu/honors.
Explore our Accelerated Programs at western.edu/school/accelerated-degree-programs
Accelerated Programs
Accelerate your education, accelerate your career.
Western offers a multitude of accelerated degrees that allow you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years—saving you time and money. Pursuing this path gets you out into the workforce and gives you a head start on career success.
Each accelerated program functions a bit differently, but in general, you spend the first three years taking undergraduate courses and the last two taking graduate courses. After the fourth year, you earn your bachelor’s. After the fifth year, you earn your master’s.
Advanced training in visual arts administration and management will prepare you for a creative career in art galleries, museums, auctions, art fairs, curatorship and collections management.
Academic Resource Center & Support Services
• Academic Advising
• Disability Services
• Exploratory Program (for undeclared students)
• International Student Services
• Math Tutoring
• Supplemental Instruction
• Writing Center
Career Services
We’re here to help you craft your next adventure. We offer career preparation resources, individual and group career advising, alumni and employer networking, and tools to help you learn where you can make your best impact in the world.
As a Mountaineer, you have access to Handshake, an online hub for making appointments with Career Services and for finding jobs and internships.
Study Abroad
Gain a global perspective, experience new cultures and travel the world!
Named a LendEDU Top 50 College for Study Abroad Programs, Western will ensure you have the tools you need to succeed while studying away.
For additional information, visit western.edu/studyabroad.
Creative Writing
B.A. in English or Environment & Sustainability MFA in Creative Writing
Ecology
B.A. in Environment & Sustainability or B.S. in Biology M.S. in Ecology
Education
B.A. in Art, Economics, Elementary Education, English, History, Music, Politics & Government or Spanish; or B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Exercise & Sport Science, Geology or Mathematics M.A. in Education
Exercise & Sport Science
B.S. in Biology or Exercise & Sport Science
M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science, High Altitude Exercise Physiology
Rural Community Health
• B.A. in Sociology with a Community Health emphasis
• MBS in Rural Community Health
Environmental Management
B.A. in Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability, History, Politics & Government, Psychology, Recreation & Outdoor Education or Sociology or B.S. in Biology Master in Environmental Management
Gallery and Museum Management
B.A. in Art or History M.A. in Gallery & Museum Management
Outdoor Industry
B.A. in Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability or Recreation & Outdoor Education MBA, Outdoor Industry
STEM at Western
Gaining scientific perspective
Though Western’s academic roots are in the arts and humanities, we bring the same curiosity and problem-solving orientation to our technical fields as well.
Employers tell us they’re looking for engineers, computer scientists, biologists, chemists and technology professionals who can do more than execute and program; they’re looking for thinkers and leaders who analyze critically, write well and have both the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in fast-changing industries.
Western’s diverse curriculum prepares you to do just that.
Explore our STEM and Partnership Programs at western.edu/rady and western.edu/stem
Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering
Our newest building on campus houses Western’s Math and Computer Science programs along with two special partnership programs offered in conjunction with the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science.
Partnership Programs
Earn a Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Colorado Boulder—all on Western’s campus. Partnership program students are eligible for a variety of scholarships worth thousands of dollars to help offset educational costs.
Jayden Omi
Major: Computer Science
Jayden Omi has been interested in studying computer science since high school. Once he found out he could study at the new Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering at Western Colorado University, he was sold.
“The Paul M. Rady and CU Boulder partnership program for computer science was a huge advantage of coming to Western,” Omi said. “Having the opportunity to receive a degree from such a prestigious school was too good to turn down.”
When Omi is not studying he likes going to Blue Mesa Reservoir to enjoy the recreational opportunities. He appreciates that he can be very focused on his degree while attending Western because of the lack of distractions.
“I’ve found myself focused on the most important thing that Western provides: a quality, personalized education.”
Emma Brophy STUDENTClubs and Organizations
Find new hobbies, explore your passions and make new friends
At Western, you’re encouraged to branch out, try new things and learn from others. With over 50 clubs and organizations to choose from, you’ll find like-minded peers and plenty of opportunities to delve into your interests and hobbies. If you have a specific interest but don’t see an existing club, you’re encouraged to start your own!
THRIVE
Our students are independent, resilient, driven and compassionate. They’re analysts and artists, environmentalists and engineers, researchers and writers. Together, they make up the supportive and inclusive Western community. Western is an ideal launchpad for exploring and trying new things–both in and outside of the classroom. It’s a safe place to fail, learn from mistakes and grow.
Western offers the guidance you need to promote your success and happiness, and challenge your leadership capabilities throughout your time in Gunnison:
Leadership Opportunities (western.edu/clubs)
• Student Government Association
• Academic Leadership Program (ALPS)
• Peer Health Educators (PHE)
Multicultural Center (western.edu/mcc)
• Amigos
• Asian Pacific Islanders Club
• Black Student Alliance
• Native American Student Council
• Polynesian Dance and Chant Club Wilderness Pursuits (western.edu/wp)
• On-campus ski and bike tune shop
For over 50 years, Western’s studentmanaged radio station, KWSB, has provided real-world
to
from a variety of majors and
shows and more to the
Don’t see the club you’re looking for? At Western you have the opportunity to create your own club! Visit us western.edu/clubs to learn more.
• Inexpensive outdoor equipment rentals
• Student-guided outdoor adventures
Health and Wellness
• Free Mental Health Counseling
• On-campus Medical Clinic
• Student Health & Wellness Office
EPIC Mentorship Program (western.edu/epic)
We pair every incoming student with an EPIC (Experienced Peers Initiating Connections) Mentor to guide them through
At Home on Campus
A community to help you grow outside the classroom
Western’s supportive and inclusive residence halls provide space to live, learn and thrive with your peers. Our residence halls and their amenities allow you to make new friends while gaining valuable life skills that will benefit you during and beyond your time living on campus. If you need any support or resources to help you settle into your new home, our friendly and dedicated Residence Life team will be there to answer any questions you have and make your transition to living on campus as seamless as possible.
Studio
Amelia Campbell
Major: Music
Amelia Campbell is a student from Kiowa, Colorado studying Music.
“I always wanted to live in the mountains since I was little, and when I found out about Western’s vocal department and did a little research, it felt like the right place to call home,” she said. “My goal is to train and become a professional opera singer.”
Though Amelia spends much of her time in Quigley Hall, home to Western’s Music and Art programs, she realized that Western has opportunities to pursue passions and make new friends outside the classroom too.
“I love to go swing dancing when I can with Western Elk Wranglers and have taken up boxing. I am a proud member of the Knitting Club, Gamer’s Guild and Urban Gaming, as well as the Steel Pan Band,” she said.
Traditional Residence Halls
Community bathrooms, required meal plan
• Ute Hall: First-year, double occupancy
• Escalante Complex (Colorado, Crystal, Dolores, Tomichi halls): First-year halls, double occupancy
Suite-Style Residence Halls
Personal bathroom, shared kitchen, required meal plan (Reserved for upperclass students)
• Mears Complex (Mears, Moffat, Robidoux halls): Up to four people in a suite sharing one bathroom
Apartments
Full kitchens, personal bathroom
• Pinnacles: Mostly four-bedroom apartments
• Chipeta: One- and two-bedroom apartments
Dining
• Rare Air Café
• Mad Jack’s
Campbell, like many students at Western, found she needed more than a mold to fit into when going to college, and Western provides plenty of opportunities for students to explore their existing passions as well as discover new ones.
We’ve carefully designed a variety of spaces to ensure your comfort, help you focus and maximize your success.Loren Fitzpatrick
Men’s
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
• Wrestling
Women’s
Athletics for Everyone
Basketball
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Swimming & Diving
• Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor)
• Volleyball
Varsity
• Cheerleading
• Esports Mountain Sports western.edu/mountainsports
• Alpine Skiing
• Climbing
• Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding
• Mountain Biking
• Nordic Skiing
• Ski Mountaineering
• Trail Running Club Sports
Western offers 14 men’s, women’s and co-ed club sports teams. To view a full list of teams, visit western.edu/clubsports.
Intramural Sports
Western offers 14 co-ed intramural sports teams. To view a full list of teams, visit western.edu/intramuralsports.
Promoting personal growth and wellness for student athletes
From
programs and Mountain Sports to Club Sports and
Whether you want to
cheer on
from
on the action,
have a wide range of options to support your active lifestyle.
Western offers eight unique Mountain Sports programs that allow students to take advantage of the rugged mountains that surround the university in a supportive and inclusive team environment.
Centered in Community
Finding your place in the heart of Colorado
Western is located in the rural, close-knit setting of Gunnison, CO. With only about 6,500 fulltime residents, familiar faces are plentiful in the community and it’s never uncommon to run into your professors and classmates while grocery shopping, mountain biking or enjoying a meal at a restaurant. No matter your interests, there are dozens of opportunities to engage with the community year-round. From concert series, to art gallery walks, to farmers markets and more, you’ll get to know the community in no time.
Located in the heart of downtown Gunnison, IOOF Park is the perfect place to listen to live music and relax with friends.
Western is constantly in pursuit of solutions for complex sustainability issues. We’ve even been nationally recognized for our zero waste efforts in academic buildings and residence halls.
Student-Favorite Coffee Shops
Whether you are looking for an off-campus study location or a hang out spot with friends, Gunnison has several coffee shops to choose from.
• Double Shot Cyclery
• Mochas Coffeehouse & Bakery
• Tributary Coffee Roasters
Eat Local in Gunnison
A small sampling of the many dining options.
• Blackstock Bistro
• El Paraiso Family Mexican Restaurant
• Jermaine’s
• High Alpine Brewing Company
• Sherpa Café
Community & Campus Events
Summer/Fall:
• Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo
• Concerts at the I BAR Ranch
• Hot Air Balloon Rally
• Lighting of the W
• The Original Growler Mountain Bike Race
Winter/Spring:
• Alley Loop Nordic Marathon
• Night of Lights
• Rail Jam: On-campus ski and snowboard competition
• SpringFest: On-campus concert
Sustainability Coordinators
In this work-study position, students increase sustainability awareness and inspire behavior change through leadership, education and action.
Sustainability Coalition
This student-run organization maintains sustainability on campus by providing others with direction and resources, and educating the community.
Sustainability Fund
This financial resource supports student projects focused on renewable energy, reducing unnecessary consumption of goods, increasing recycling and promoting the ethical stewardship of all resources on campus.
Western Solar Society
This club focuses on the task of educating and developing Western’s and the Gunnison Valley’s relationship with solar energy. The goal is to share knowledge through handson experiences and by developing community connections.
Organics Guild
This student-run organization maintains Chipeta Garden and Pinnacles Greenhouse on campus. The produce grown through this organization is sold to the Rare Air Cafe dining hall and the local farmers market.
Types of Aid
Scholarships: Money offered based on academic or other achievements (e.g., merit, program-based, athletic).
Grants: Aid based on financial need that doesn’t need to be repaid.
Federal/State Work-Study: Provides funding for students with financial need, allowing them to work on campus.
Loans: Borrowed money that must be paid back. A Subsidized Loan is based on financial need; the federal government pays the interest while the borrower is in school. Interest paid on an Unsubsidized Loan is the student’s responsibility from day one. A Parent PLUS Loan is an additional option that requires a separate application and credit check.
Costs for 2022-23 Academic Year
Scholarships
WUE/Central Plains Tuition Discount Program
Under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Central Plains (CP) programs, students from certain states pay just 150% of Western’s total instate tuition. For 2022-23, the discount is valued at $4,326.
Students from neighboring states who demonstrate financial need are considered for an extra $1,000-per-year grant, assessed annually.
1 2 3Complete the Application Transcripts
Complete and submit Western’s Online Application or the Common Application.
Send your official high school transcript to Western.
Application Fee
Submit the $30 application fee.*
*Fee waivers from the ACT, SAT or counselor statements are acceptable.
Admission Decision Details
• Western is on a
meaning that
• After receiving all
throughout the year until our
is full.
Financial Aid Timeline
materials, it will take between 2-3 weeks for your admission decision to be determined.
• Western’s application is test optional. The high school GPAs of the middle 50% of our first-time admitted students range between 3.12-3.93.
FAFSA: Best Practices
Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) kicks off the financial aid process.
• Complete by Priority Deadline: Most federal aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting by March 1, 2022 ensures your best offer package.
• Visit Proper Website: Be suspicious of websites that require payment. You never have to pay to complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
• Create FSA IDs: Students and parents/guardians must create separate FSA IDs. Don’t share these FSA IDs with anyone.
• Correctly Claim Dependency: Most students under 24 are considered dependent and require their parents’ financial info to complete the FAFSA.
• Have Tax Info: Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool for ease in transferring financials.
• Properly Sign and Submit: Your FAFSA will be rejected unless both student and parent sign then submit.
Preparing you to pursue success!
Because Western offers so many undergraduate internship, work-study and hands-on learning opportunities, our students leave campus with not only a degree, but also an industry-specific skill set and professional connections that have helped them land their dream jobs in industries they’re passionate about. Some of the companies our students have worked and interned for include:
Austin Ekeler
Major: Business Administration
Emphasis: Energy Management
Austin Ekeler ‘18 was recruited by only one school to play football at the college level— Western Colorado University.
Though he excelled in the classroom as a Business Administration major with an emphasis in Energy Management, his real home was at the Mountaineer Bowl where he was named a finalist for the 2016 Harlon Hill Trophy; the Division II equivalent of the Heisman trophy.
After a prolific four years on the field, he was drafted into the NFL as a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers. In his first season, he recorded 260 rushing yards, 279 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Afterward, he returned to campus for the spring 2018 semester to finish his degree and graduate with a prestigious Alumni Award of Excellence, Western’s highest honor for graduating seniors.
Elizabeth Beggs
Major: Business Administration
Emphasis: Marketing and Entrepreneurship
The endless amount of opportunities that were available to Elizabeth Beggs at Western prepared her for a job in New York City. After graduating in May 2019, she moved to the Big Apple to work as a sales development representative at a startup company, Aircall, where she’s working towards becoming a sales executive.
Because of the many resources Elizabeth had as a student at Western, she felt well-prepared for the next chapter of her life. She took advantage of the many company lunches Western hosted, utilized the Office of Career Success to get an internship her sophomore year, joined clubs and attended selling competitions around the country.
“All of these small interactions during my time as a student prepared me for the real world.
Having such a close and supportive community definitely helped build my confidence along the way.”
Dillon Quitugua
Major: Anthropology and Psychology
Dillon Quitugua took a major leap by flying 3,200 miles from his hometown of Oahu to embark on a four-year adventure at Western.
As a student, he participated in multiple on-campus organizations including the Asian Pacific Islander Club, the Leadership Engagement and Development Office and Western’s Peace Corps Prep program, all while pursuing degrees in Anthropology and Psychology.
Western helped him cultivate his sense of adventure, and after graduation, he dove headfirst into the ultramarathon world, completing races as long as 240 miles. Dillon also lived in Nepal as part of the Peace Corps, where he summited his first 15,000-foot peak and Mount Everest came into his sights. By 2025, Dillon hopes to be the first CHamorro to summit Mount Everest to prove, especially to Asian Pacific Islanders, that anything you set your mind to is possible.
From rocky ridges to fields of sagebrush, there are nearly 50 miles of singletrack trails to explore at Hartman Rocks – only a 10-minute drive from campus!
Gunnison Valley Must-See Places
Butte:
Blue Mesa: Colorado’s
Black
over
Visit
that
of the