School of Business

Empowering future business leaders.

At Western Colorado University’s School of Business, we are dedicated to your success. Our small class sizes, led by passionate professors, ensure personalized learning experiences that prepare you for the dynamic world of business. With extensive career preparation resources and hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, you’ll graduate ready to excel. Whether exploring the versatile field of business, pursuing a specific career path, or aiming to launch your own venture, the School of Business offers the guidance and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Experiential Education

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  Competitions

  Students compete in real-world challenges, sharpening problem-solving, teamwork, and industry skills through practical experience.

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Areas of Study

Accounting

Available as: Major, Minor

Business Administration

Available as: Major, Minor

Business Administration with Master in Environmental Management

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Business Administration with Outdoor Industry Master in Business Administration

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Business Analytics

Available as: Minor

Business Communication

Available as: Major

Business Development Essentials

Available as: Minor

Business Law

Available as: Minor

Design Thinking & Innovation

Available as: Certificate

Economics

Available as: Major, Minor

Economics Secondary Education

Available as: Education Licensure, Major Emphasis

Economics Secondary Licensure with MA in Education

Available as: Accelerated Degree, Education Licensure

Energy Law

Available as: Certificate

Energy Management

Available as: Major Emphasis, Minor

Environmental Law

Available as: Certificate

Finance

Available as: Major Emphasis

Financial Analysis

Available as: Major Emphasis

Fundraising & Financial Management for Nonprofits

Available as: Certificate

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Available as: Major Emphasis

Intellectual Property

Available as: Certificate

Latin American Business

Available as: Major Emphasis

Management

Available as: Major Emphasis

Marketing

Available as: Major Emphasis

Marketing Certificate

Available as: Certificate

Nonprofit Administration

Available as: Certificate

Outdoor Industry Business

Available as: Minor

Outdoor Industry Business Certificate

Available as: Certificate

Professional Accounting (CPA)

Available as: Major Emphasis

Professional Land Management Skills

Available as: Certificate

Property and Contract Law

Available as: Certificate

Recreation and Outdoor Education with Outdoor Industry Masters in Business Administration

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Sales

Available as: Minor

Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management

Available as: Major Emphasis

Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management Certificate

Available as: Certificate

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

Explore Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

"Looking back on my journey at Western, I can confidently say that this path shaped who I am today. My decision to attend the university opened doors to a world of growth, learning, and personal development."

Miah Shoffner

Department News

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  Western Students Connect with Industry Experts at Spring Seminar

  Students from Western Colorado University’s Energy Management Program recently participated in the Spring Land Seminar: Powering the Future, Synergy Between Renewables, Alternative and Oil &…

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  Western Colorado University Students Shine at NAPE Case Competition

  Western Colorado University Energy Management students continued a run of strong performances at the American Association of Professional Landmen’s North American Prospect Expo (NAPE), held…

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  Western Colorado University Welcomes New Dean to the School of Business

  Dr. Sharoni Little will become the new dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business starting in March 2025. With a career spanning academia, corporate…

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Faculty & Staff

CJ Clugston, JD

Assistant Professor of Business Administration – Business Law

Steve Crowley, PhD

Professor of Accounting

Jennifer DeBoer, PhD

Associate Professor of Business Administration

Scott Desmarais, MA, MBA

Lecturer of Business Administration

Dennis W. Dunivan, PhD

Director of Energy Management, Graduate Faculty for Outdoor Industry MBA

James Harriss, PhD

Professor of Banking & Finance

Sally E. Hays, PhD

Professor of Economics, Graduate Faculty for Outdoor Industry MBA

Scott Lazerus, PhD

Professor of Economics

Sharoni Little, PhD

Dean of the School of Business

Paula Mann, CPA, MT

Associate Dean of the School of Business, Assistant Professor of Accounting

Alicia Marsh, JD

Interim Graduate Program Recruitment and Administrative Lead

Kevin A. Nelson, PhD

Associate Dean of the School of Business

David J. Plante, PhD

Professor of Economics, Graduate Faculty for Outdoor Industry MBA

Sunnie Richardson, JD

Moncrief Chair in Energy Management

Kelly Sudderth, MS

Lecturer in Business Administration

Michael Vieregge, PhD

Professor of Business Administration

Jennifer Tucker Visitacion, MBA

Director, Outdoor Industry MBA; Lecturer in the School of Business

Joel Watson, PhD

Associate Professor of Marketing, Graduate Faculty for Outdoor Industry MBA

School of Business

Dean of the School of Business

• Sharoni Little

• Dean of the School of Business

Associate Dean of the School of Business

• Kevin A. Nelson

• Associate Dean of the School of Business

Contact Information

970.943.2231

business@western.edu

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Borick Business Building 217
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231