Extended Studies offers exciting opportunities to discover new passions and gain new skills. Our experiential learning programs extend beyond typical educational courses, allowing you to learn the kinds of adaptable skills that will serve you for a lifetime.
Outdoor Programs
Fuel your passion for the outdoors.
Extended Studies gives you the opportunity to earn credit while participating in valuable learning opportunities provided by our contract partners. You can embark on field expeditions, explore new cultures, attend leadership trainings and acquire new certifications.
Rising to the Occasion
Student Tanner Saucerman ascends to the summit of Mt. Henry on a hike lead by Instructor Paul Tame.
Mapping the future
Lake Fork Valley Conservancy president, Harvey DuChene, shows students around Lake City’s newest river protection projects.
Online Course Center
Develop professional skills from anywhere.
In partnership with ed2go, Western offers online open enrollment programs designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional level positions for many in-demand occupations. Designed by a team of professionals from each respective field, our instructor-facilitated, web-based learning programs can be taken from the comfort of your home or office at times that are convenient for you.
Remote connections
Our extensive online course offerings allow students to work anywhere there is an Internet connection.
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to excel.
Career Step is a leading online education company focused on the allied healthcare market. They specialize in medical transcription and editing, and medical coding and billing training.
The Career Step online training courses have been developed in conjunction with industry experts and employers and are designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to be successful in your chosen career. We offer both full career training programs and smaller continuing education and skill development courses. Each program requires approximately 640 hours of coursework. Students have one year to complete the coursework at their own pace. There is an option for a four-month extension, if needed, for an extra fee.
Get a step ahead
Career Step has trained more than 50,000 students and made more than 700 placements with companies.
Department Information
Extended Studies
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Taylor Hall 303
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
Take the Next Step
Apply to Western
We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.
Visit Western
The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.
Alumni Community
We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.