International Student Programs

Most undergraduate programs are residential, with an on-campus presence required throughout the academic year, which meets the requirements for an F-1 visa.

International students may pursue certificates only as degree-seeking students.

Fully online programs DO NOT meet the requirements for an F-1 visa.

Western cannot issue I-20 forms for visas to students wanting to enroll in the following programs while federal approval is still pending. 

Federal approval for new programs takes a minimum of one year after the program is approved for domestic students.

• Elementary Education Comprehensive Major: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Emphasis
• Elementary Education Comprehensive Major: Elementary Education with a 3+2 Master of Arts in Education Emphasis
• Elementary Education Comprehensive Major: Global Citizenship Emphasis
• Elementary Education Comprehensive Major: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Emphasis
• Elementary Education Standard Major
• Environmental Science
• Graphic Design (BA & BFA)
• Nursing
• Psychology (BS)
• Secondary and K-12 Licensure (with a 3+2 Master of Arts in Education)
• Special Education Standard Major
• Adult Degree Completion Program: General Studies major
• Adult Degree Completion Program: Business Communications major
• Film Major
• Industrial Design Major
• Theatre Major

Students interested in pursuing a Teacher Licensure Track through a non-education major MUST communicate with the Education department immediately to inform them of their intent to pursue a Colorado Teacher License.

*Please note: international students may not declare a new program of study until it has been formally approved and actively offered for at least one semester. If you are interested in a new program of study, you need to get advice from the P/DSO before submitting a change of major request.

RN Licensure | Upon Nursing Program International Approval

Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are eligible to apply for licensure in Colorado through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations. This division licenses Registered Nurses who wish to practice in the State of Colorado.

Students with questions about how their criminal background or other circumstances may affect eligibility for RN licensure should contact DORA directly. This includes inquiries related to DACA status and its impact on licensure. Unfortunately, Western Colorado University’s Nursing Program cannot admit international students at this time due to restrictions associated with being a newly offered program.