Western Colorado University is proud to offer a multitude of diverse learning opportunities for non-degree seeking students to hone their skillsets through our certificate and professional development programs. Our programs span a variety of academic areas and instruction delivery modalities, allowing students to earn additional credentials in a way that fits their lifestyle and existing personal and professional obligations.
Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Western’s undergraduate certificate programs can be obtained in as few as nine credits and provide an excellent and cost-effective way to bolster your existing qualifications. Certificates are offered both online and in-person, and with over 20 programs to choose from, there’s likely a program at Western that will help you bring your professional skills to the next level no matter your industry.

























Graduate Certificates
Available to students with an existing master’s degree, our niche graduate certificates in the School of Business immerse you in the rapidly growing and locally-relevant outdoor business industry. Certificates can be completed independently of or in tandem with each other, and offer you not only a opportunity to learn in-demand skills, but also network with industry leaders within and beyond the Gunnison Valley.






Adult Degree Completion

Finish what you started.
Have some college credit and want to complete your degree? Look no further than Western’s Adult Degree Completion (ADC) program! This online curriculum offers two fields of study in Business Communication and General Studies with a Teacher Licensure emphasis to help you accelerate your professional journey. Scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to qualified students.
Faculty guidance
Our dedicated faculty know that being a non-traditional student is a unique experience, and they’ve crafted the ADC curriculum to ensure you’re set up for success both while enrolled as a student as well after graduation.
Teacher Institute

Learn new skills alongside other educators.
Western’s Teacher Institute is an annual, on-campus professional development and networking experience created for K-12 educators. Since 2004, the Teacher Institute has offered courses spanning a variety of topics including special education, art, CLD/ELL, foreign language, outdoor education and more! Advance your pedagogy skills while sharing knowledge and learning from fellow educators. Thanks for the Ann Zugelder endowment, all educators who register for courses have an opportunity to receive up to a 40% discount for courses.
Content-specific learning
With 20+ courses available each year at the Teacher Institute, you’ll find a course to help you learn new skills no matter what you specialize in as an educator.
Credentialing Opportunities for Educators
Western’s one-year Teacher Licensure program offers teacher preparation in 20+ content areas. This program promotes practical learning and you’ll spend 24 hours/week as a resident instructor in a classroom to put your theoretical knowledge into use in a real-world environment.
The Principal Licensure program offers advanced credentialing to experienced education professionals who aspire to take their administrative skills to the next level. This one-year program can be completed locally or remotely and offers opportunities for hands-on learning and invaluable industry networking.
Hoping to enhance your existing educator credentials with a niche instruction specialty? Our optional added endorsements can be completed in parallel with or independent of Western’s M.A. in Education program and will provide valuable skill enhancement in one or more of four subject areas, helping you both grow in your career and stand out from other applicants in competitive job searches.



Center for Learning & Innovation

Explore your passions.
Formerly known as Extended Studies, the Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI) is dedicated to providing learning opportunities for Gunnison Valley community members who seek to grow personally and/or professionally. Courses are offered each fall, spring and summer semester with special study abroad opportunities being offered each year in the Maymester. In addition, CLI is partnered with 20+ outdoor recreation organizations to help you earn college credit while participating in experiential education programs.
Lifelong learning
With a robust, varied curriculum of courses offered every semester, the Center for Learning and Innovation provides a gateway to learn from expert guides in areas you’re passionate about.
Apply Today!
If it’s time to bring your professional skillset to the next level, we’re confident we have the programs and resources needed to enhance your career journey. Apply today as a non-degree seeking student to pursue these learning opportunities and elevate your career. If you have questions about the admissions process, reach out to our friendly and knowledgable Admissions staff.
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.

Request Information
Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.