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Three Western students pose for a photo on the summit of Mt. Crested Butte

The Western Basics

Your Adventure Starts at Western.

Our small class sizes, bold campus community, focus on hands-on learning, and unique outdoor access create a college experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Western students float down the Colorado River on rafts for Wilderness Pursuits' overnight trip on the Ruby Horsethief stretch.

Wilderness Pursuits

From inexpensive on-campus gear rentals to student-led trips, Wilderness Pursuits (WP) provides the resources you need to explore the mountains, rivers, and rock formations of the beautiful Gunnison Valley and its surrounding areas.

Visit the WP webpage
Luau dancers came all the way from Denver to perform for the Multi cultural Center luau.

Multicultural Center

With many clubs to choose from, the Multicultural Center (MCC) will help you connect with students of similar and different backgrounds, share your traditions, and experience different cultures.

Visit the MCC webpage
A student rides a rail at the Rail Jam competition with Taylor Hall in the background.

Student Life

Whether it’s skiing powder or hitting the trails after class, browsing the First Friday Night Art Walks in downtown Gunnison, or attending one of the many on-campus events, life at Western is nothing short of an adventure.

Explore Student Life

The College Tour

Mountain Sports

Living in the Gunnison Valley

Mountaineer Athletics

EPIC Mentorship Student Support Services

Rady Partnership Program

Student Living Residence Life

Experiential Learning & Sustainability

Recreation & Outdoor Education

Curious about what areas of study we have to offer? We have over 100 to choose from!

Don’t worry if you are unsure which major is right for you; entering undeclared is one of our most common paths. The Exploratory Program at Western allows you to dive deeper into your interests before declaring a major, all while staying on track for graduation.

View all areas of study

A Taste of Academics at Western

The Western Basics

Recreation & Outdoor Education

From field-based courses to developing strong leadership skills, Recreation & Outdoor Education (ROE) is the perfect major for those looking to turn their outdoor passions into a career.

Learn More about ROE
A student stands while working on her vibrant oil painting

Art

With various creative disciplines to choose from, the art program at Western will give you the experience and inspiration you need to master your craft.

Learn More about Art
mask as he walks on an inclined treadmill inside the HAP Lab, simulating a trek to Mt. Everest base camp. A different student holds a clipboard and collects data.

Exercise & Sport Science

With access to top-tier facilities and a unique location at 7,723 feet of elevation, the Exercise & Sport Science major is an excellent pathway for those interested in researching health and fitness.

Learn More about ESS

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
Students pose for a photo on top of Mount Crested Butte in the summer

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
Colorado Hall with the Palisades in the background on a bluebird day.

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
A group of four alumni look at a display of old photos on a table.

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
A few students pose for a photo behind a table.

Request
Information

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