Whether you’re passionate about history, science, art or math, one of the best ways to share your enthusiasm for the subject and your love of learning is by becoming a teacher. In Western’s accelerated degree program, you can gain the credentials and knowledge you’ll need to launch a successful career in education.
Program Overview
Expedite your education and your career, so you can start making a difference.
The 3+2 Secondary or K-12 Licensure program allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree in your major with an emphasis in Secondary or K-12 Licensure and a Master of Arts in Education in five years. This program provides a combination of foundational knowledge and hands-on experience to ensure that you are well-prepared to thrive professionally in any academic setting.
You can choose an undergraduate program in one of 11 majors (Art, Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, Exercise Sports Sciences [Physical Education], Geology, History, Mathematics, Politics & Government, or Spanish) and pair it with a Masters of Arts in Education emphasizing in Teacher Leadership, or K-12 Online Leadership.
The Teacher Leadership degree program will help you become an excellent educator who is recognized for your leadership skills and capacity. You’ll gain the skills to facilitate, advocate and advance school reform and the overall improvement of student learning.
The K-12 Online Leadership degree path prepares you to provide professional guidance to virtual or brick and mortar schools on effective curriculum, instruction and assessment programs in relation to online and blended learning.
A well-rounded education
This program provides a combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice to develop educators who are well-prepared to take on a variety of academic environments after their time at Western.
Careers
Career preparation starts your first year at Western and is the primary focus of every degree.
Visit Career Services in Library 120 or online to discover your interests, define your goals, and land the career of your dreams.
The data below is automatically collected by Burning Glass Technologies, a firm that sources job market data and provides analytics. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
Scholarships
Eligibility
- Must be Colorado resident
- Western student enrolled in at least 12 credits
- Exhibit and document a solid history of exemplary citizenship gauged by involvement in the community through civic engagement, service learning projects, etc.
- Prove commitment to teaching and academic excellence while continuing to hold the aforementioned values throughout the term of the scholarship
- Must certify financial need
Description
This scholarship is provided by Mrs. Roberta Barr established this scholarship to help potential teachers gain the education they need to be successful. Mrs. Barr was an educator, over several decades, and understood the importance of well-trained, dedicated teachers. As an alumnus of Western, she was committed to providing scholarships to students who have demonstrated capability, promise, community involvement, and financial need.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Education Department
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Full-time students with a declared or a plan to declare an Education major
- Minimum 2.75 GPA & maintain it in order to maintain eligibility
- Recipients will be expected to volunteer their time with the Western Foundation, to help with special projects, fundraising events, ect. as a learning experience to advance their practical education
Description
This scholarship is provided by Peter Birkholz in loving memory of John and Rosalie Birkholz.
Depending on funds available.
Selected By : Peter Birkholz in consultation with the Education faculty and the Director of Financial Aid.
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2157 | Crawford Hall 103
Eligibility
- Students with junior standing or above at the end of the term in which he/she applies
- Must plan to teach at either elementary or secondary level
- Must be fully admitted to the Education program
- Must have a 3.0 GPA in education and overall
- Must have demonstrated personal characteristics which would predict success as a teacher
- Financial need will be considered
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family and friends of Magdalene Elkins, who was a 1920 graduate and lifelong friend of Western.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Education Department.
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
In 2019, the state of Colorado passed a bill that authorizes the Department of Higher Education to make payments on educational loans of teachers who are employed in a rural or hard-to-fill positions. The program will accept up to 100 applicants per years, and recipients will receive up to $5,000 per year for up to five years to help relieve their student loan debt. To learn more about this program, visit the Colorado Department of Higher Education website.
Applications are due Feb. 21, 2020
Eligibility:
- Full-time student
- Must be studying in Western's Education Program with plans to become a teacher
- Must demonstrate appropriate abilities, skills and promise as observed by Western's Education faculty
- Preference will be given to students with financial need
Description:
This scholarship is provided through donations in memory of Dr. Jerrold Hanson, Western faculty 1967-1988.
Award depends on funds available.
The recipient will be selected by the Education Department faculty.
How to apply:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
The Exceptional Resident Award is given to one undergraduate or graduate Education student, per year, who exhibit the following criteria:
- Shows respect for differences and a commitment to serving all students regardless of their race, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, cognitive ability, gender, or sexuality.
- Demonstrates a growth mindset in the face of challenges and responds constructively to feedback. Shows willingness to reflect upon practice.
- Goes above and beyond to builds strong relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the local community. Is supportive and positive when interacting with others.
- Exhibits curiosity and is innovative in lesson design and delivery.
- Shows a willingness to try new things and to thoughtfully assess their effectiveness.
- Demonstrates leadership by taking initiative to be part of the school team. For example, shares strategies and ideas learned in Western courses with mentor and other colleagues in a constructive manner.
Award:
• Recognition at graduation with a cord and reimbursement of up to $500 for travel expenses to attend graduation at Western
• Certificate presented at the placement school by the resident’s regional coordinator and/or clinical coach
• Recognition on Western’s Education Department website
• Scholarship of up to three graduate credits to be used towards completion of a master's degree at Western
Eligibility
- Female education students majoring in K-12 Teacher Education
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Demonstrate past and present involvement in community service
- Applicants must have graduated from Colorado Western Slope high school
- Must be a first-generation student of a college, university, or post-secondary education
Description
Delia Fay Haefeli, a Colorado native who graduated from West Grand High School, in Kremmling, Colo. She graduated from Western in 1985 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She received her Master's degree from UNC. She was the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college. Delia has taught elementary and middle school for 33 years and is an ardent Boston Red Sox fan.
Award depends on funds available
Selected by: The Education Department
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Full-time student
- 3.0 GPA or greater
- Preference will be given to nontraditional students
- Must be studying in Western's Education Program with plans to become a teacher
- Must demonstrate appropriate abilities, skills and promise as observed by Western's Education faculty
- Preference will be given to students with financial need
Description
This scholarship is provided by Mary Alice Hansen and her family to celebrate the memory of her late husband Kenneth
Depending on funds available
Selected by: Education faculty
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Western students who have established financial need and a positive attitude
- Must demonstrate interest and potential in becoming a teacher
- Preference will be given to freshmen, but is open to students in all classes and to high school graduates who may not be eligible for other scholarships awarded to top 5 percent of graduating class
Description
This scholarship is provided by her son, V. Robert Kerr, to perpetuate the memory of Sophie Simpson Knight, an outstanding example of academic achievement, citizenship and an exemplar of courage and dedication in the pursuit of education and knowledge. Mrs. Knight's association with Western began in 1944 and continued for more than 20 years, graduating with an A.B. and a Life Certificate in 1957 at the age of 64.
Award depends on funds available
Selected by: The Education Department.
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility:
- Must be a full time student enrolled in the education program;
- Preference for financial need.
- Must be a promising future teacher (merit-based) who is passionate, committed to and focused on their teaching career.
- Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Preference will be given to qualified female applicants
Description:
The Casebier Scholarship has been established by the estate and family of Lorena Casebier to provide scholarship assistance to Western Colorado University students who plan to become teachers. This scholarship serves to celebrate the memory of Lorena A. Casebier, an associate professor of education at Western, who was instrumental in starting the Reading Skills Center at Western.
Award depends on funds available.
Recipient selected by the Education Department faculty
How to apply:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Graduates of Nucla High School attending Western full time who intend to pursue a career in teaching
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher
- If no candidate from Nucle High apples, any education major is eligible
Description
This scholarship is provided by Jennie and Fritz's daughter, Betty Nylund Gibbs and her husband, Verner.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: Western Colorado University Scholarship Committee (Director of Financial Aid).
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Seniors at Western who are active members of intercollegiate sports teams who also plan to teach
- Must demonstrate superior academic performance
- Must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA
- Must exhibit outstanding character and leadership abilities (both in the classroom and in the intercollegiate setting)
Description
Established to honor the memory of Western Professor, Ed "Doc" Randall. Dr. Randall placed great value in both academics and Intercollegiate Athletics. This award was conceived to reward a student-Intercollegiate Athletics who has made admirable progress in teaching or coaching fields.
$500 per academic year.
Selected by: Western Scholarship Committee
Application:
Nominations submitted by Western head coaches. Contact the Intercollegiate Athletics Department for additional information.
970.943.2079 | Paul Wright Gym 210
Eligibility
- Full-time junior or senior at Western
- Must be fully admitted to the Teacher Education Program
- Must be an active participant in a Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference sport
- 3.0 GPA in the major area of study for a licensure as a teacher
Description
This scholarship is provided by Paul and Dorothy Reid.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by:The Education and Athletics Departments
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Colorado residents
- Must be a full-time student in good academic standing
- Must be planning a career in elementary education
- Demonstrate academic performance and financial need
- Preference is given to students returning to college to continue their education
Description
This scholarship is provided by her children to honor their mother. Roberta Rouse met her husband, Fred, while they were attending Western. Following WWII, they returned to Western where Roberta supported her husband as he completed his education and began his career as an educator. After the birth of their last of nine children, Roberta returned to complete her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Elementary Education. Seven of their children also attended Western and five became school teachers.
Award depends on available funds (approximately $500).
Selected by: The Education Department.
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Colorado residents with preference given to Westen Slope
- Must be a full-time senior obtaining an Education Licensure
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Must be a motivated individual and high achiever
Description
This scholarship is provided by the family of Dan Tredway.
Award depends on funds available.
Selected by: The Education Department in cooperation with the Director of Financial Aid.
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101
Eligibility
- Full-time Western Undergraduate and/or graduate juniors or seniors with an Education emphasis
- Must have at lease a 3.0 GPA
- Preference will be given to seniors and to those of underrepresented populations
- Selections are based on financial need
Application:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information.
970.943.2157 | Crawford Hall 103.
Eligibility
- Men and women students pursuing certification in elementary education
- Must be full-time sophomore or junior at time of selection, or junior or senior at time award is given
- Must have a 3.5 GPA or higher
- Must exhibit high standards of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship and above average communicative skills
Description
This scholarship is provided by Ann Zugelder, one of Gunnison's most distinguished citizens. She was an elementary school teacher for more than 30 years, maintaining her interest and support of elementary education after her retirement in 1967. Award depends on funds available. Selected by: The Education DepartmentApplication:
Contact the Education Department for application and deadline information. 970.943.2030 | Crawford Hall 101Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship
The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.
Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).
- Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
- The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
- The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.
The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.
For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.
Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student's GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.
For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.
Get Involved
Expand your network and apply your knowledge.
There are so many ways that you can maximize your educational experience at Western. Take advantage of these opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
- Community Partnerships: Many classes involve working with children and teachers in the various schools around the Gunnison Valley.
- Future Educators of America: Students in this club engage in volunteer work and professional development opportunities along with other like-minded students.
- Residency Year: Students may choose to student teach in an elementary (K-6) classroom anywhere in the world.
Classroom experience
MA in Education students gain firsthand teaching experience in classroom environments—both locally and around the world.
Additional Resources
Department Information
Accelerated Degree Programs (3+2)
Campus Location
1 Western Way
Quigley Hall 118
Gunnison, CO 81231