Students using binoculars and look up in Taylor Canyon
Learn by Doing

Academics

Where adventure meets education.

With campus at 7,723 feet and surrounded by over two million acres of public land, our extensive backyard provides an ideal scientific and cultural laboratory for hands-on learning and creative inspiration.

Our Degrees

Discover the right academic program for your future.

It's okay to enter undecided.

Not sure what you want to major in yet? Our Exploratory Studies program allows you to stay on track to graduate in four years while giving you extra time to find your interests. As one of our most common paths, Exploratory Studies provides the flexibility and support to declare your major with confidence.

Student displays a trout he caught during a biology lab
Student playing a steel pan during a steel band practice

Rather than selecting a major right away, your Exploratory Studies advisor will help you choose a meta-major—a broad pathway that keeps multiple options open. After completing your meta-major courses, you’ll be ready to declare.

Student wearing waders digging his aquatic net into the Taylor River

Learn outside the classroom.

Hands-On Opportunities

At Western, education extends far beyond the classroom. Our small class sizes, expert faculty, and endless research and internship opportunities create an ideal environment to gain real-world experiences. Whether it’s restoring ecosystems, participating in sales competitions, or publishing creative work, you’ll gain strong professional experience to kickstart your career out of college.