An ROE land-based class in single-file backpacks up a flat mountain meadow with the Castles and West Elk Peaks in the background.
Experiential Education

Real-World Learning Starts Here

Explore your passion.

At Western, education isn’t confined to the classroom. It’s out in the field, on the stage, across the globe, and in the community. Thanks to small class sizes, dedicated faculty mentorship and a campus culture built around collaboration, students have countless opportunities to gain practical, resume-worthy experience, often in their first year.

Whether you're restoring ecosystems, building solar energy systems, leading workshops, publishing creative work, or competing in national business challenges, our academic experiences are built to prepare you for a purpose-driven career and life.

Arts & Communications

  • Two students sit on grass and watercolor paint a scene with their canvases on their laps.

    Art & Design: Community Opportunities

    Western Art students gain real-world experience through internships, exhibitions, and creative projects—with many opportunities to get paid for their work.
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  • Kai Vong sits in the KWSB studio during his jazz DJ show for the radio

    Narrative & Performance

    Students find their community, explore passions, and develop leadership skills through a variety of clubs.
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  • Art student taking a photo of a tree sculpture during the Pathfinder Magazine Submission Festival

    Pathfinder Magazine

    Students collaborate to produce a real-world magazine, gaining hands-on experience in writing and publishing.
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  • A DJ does live, on-air mixing.

    Quigley Records

    Students compete in real-world challenges, sharpening problem-solving, teamwork, and industry skills through practical experience.
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  • Student plays the saxophone during practice with the jazz band

    Ensembles

    Students explore their passions through ensembles, including opportunities to perform and create music.
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  • Group photo of the Western Jazz Band after a performance at The Almont.

    Music Concerts

    Western's Music Department offers many different concerts and events for the community and beyond.
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Behavioral & Social Sciences

  • Photo of class trip to Europe from Geiman Fellows

    Global Learning

    Students engage in transformative global experiences, gaining cultural awareness and hands-on learning through international opportunities.
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Business

  • A student speaks during his group's presentation for the School of Business ethics competition.

    Business Competitions

    Students compete in real-world challenges, sharpening problem-solving, teamwork, and industry skills through practical experience.
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  • Study Abroad at Harlaxton

    Study Abroad at Harlaxton

    Study abroad in the English countryside, expand your worldview, and create unforgettable memories.
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  • A student stands on a truck bed as she passes solar panels to another student on a blue sky day.

    Light Up The World

    Students design solar-powered lighting solutions, bringing sustainable energy to communities worldwide through hands-on learning.
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Education

  • Male student helps in elementary classes.

    Education Residency

    Students gain real-world experience through student teaching, building connections and making an impact in the community.
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Natural & Environmental Sciences

  • Several students gather near an alpine lake during a headwaters session

    Headwaters Conference

    This immersive conference connects students with experts to explore pressing environmental and social issues firsthand.
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  • Graduate student wearing a cowboy hat standing on Verzuh Ranch wetlands with cattle behind him

    Verzuh Ranch

    Offering hands-on academic experiences in sustainability, agriculture, and environmental sciences at Western.
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  • Rich Stromberg tests the voltage of a solar panel

    Coldharbour Institute

    Students tackle sustainability challenges through research, conservation, and regenerative land management in a real-world setting.
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  • A student from the Wildlife Society club propogates a new aloe plant in the campus greenhouse.

    Thornton Research Program

    Students compete in real-world challenges, sharpening problem-solving, teamwork, and industry skills through practical experience.
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Math, Computer Science & Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering students weld a rail for Rail Jam in Makerspace

    The Makerspace

    Providing hands-on access to 3D printing, fabrication tools, and prototyping technology, empowering students to design, build, and innovate across disciplines.
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  • Two engineering students work together looking at programs and graphs on computer screens

    The Sensor Suite

    Collaborate with Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, one of the largest biological field stations in the world, on hands-on environmental projects using drones, AI, and sensor technology.
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  • Two computer science students reading data off a sensor that records traffic passing at Hartman Rocks

    Computer Science: Real-World Projects

    Team up with the Bureau of Land Management to develop sensor solutions that combine coding, data analysis, and innovative technology — applying your skills to support environmental stewardship.
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Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science

  • Student works on exercise assessment for client in the gym.

    Wellness Elevated

    To provide an evidence-based, supervised exercise program for people living with clinical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, obesity, Parkinson’s Disease, and many others. To provide meaningful experiential learning opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students.
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  • Aspen walks with Bernie Goldberg during a six minute walk test as a part of Wellness Elevated.

    RESS: Community Engagement

    Students promote wellness by collaborating with community members on fitness initiatives that inspire active lifestyles.
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Graduate Projects

  • A team works on creating biochar.

    Biochar Climate Solution

    Students compete in real-world challenges, sharpening problem-solving, teamwork, and industry skills through practical experience.
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Ready to get involved?

Explore the programs, talk with faculty, and find your path.

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