This teaching program is 100% online and designed for working professionals who want to teach K-12 in Colorado. We combine the logistics of an adult-based online learning system with the expertise of Western Colorado University’s top-ranked teacher preparation program. Our Education Department has graduated outstanding educators for more than 100 years. Within weeks of applying, you’ll be on the path to fulfilling your dreams of being a teacher.
Program Overview
Finish your degree and earn a teaching license in one step.
More than ever, Colorado teachers are in demand. Per the Colorado Department of Education, there were over 400 unfilled teaching positions across the state in 2020-21. We can help close that gap by providing you with the proper teaching credentials, including state licensure.
Transform lives
Working with K-12 students is both energizing and inspiring. Teachers impact the lives of their students forever.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
A 49-credit, individualized-study program requiring a selection of courses from three areas, plus a one-credit career and professional development course (ADC 300 Degree to Career Success), and a three-credit senior capstone course (ADC 490 Capstone). Students will take 15 credits from each of three areas listed below to demonstrate educational breadth in their studies. For coursework in Areas 1-3, students are expected to complete ADC offerings listed below or similar coursework. The students in General Studies who seek Colorado Licensure through Western's Education Department will satisfy the capstone requirement by completing the licensure unit instead of ADC 490 Capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Area 1 - Culture and Society (choose five): | 15 | |
ENG 310 | Food and Travel Writing | |
ENVS 100 | Introduction to Environment and Sustainability (GT-SS2) | |
ESS 320 | Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity | |
ESS 490 | Sociology of Sport and Physical Activity | |
HIST 200 | Historical Inquiry | |
HIST 370 | Public History | |
HIST 372 | Monuments and Museums | |
POLS 117 | Introduction to Political Ideas (GT-SS1) | |
POLS 397 | Special Topics | |
ROE 351 | Inquiry into Sustainability | |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3) | |
SOC 320 | Sociology of Families | |
SOC 351 | Juvenile Delinquency | |
SOC 367 | Corrections | |
SOC 380 | Social Class, Status, and Power | |
| Area 2 - Education and Human Development (choose five): | 15 | |
EDUC 102 | Learning & Teaching (GT-SS3) | |
EDUC 197 | Special Topics in Education | |
EDUC 202 | Education and Schooling in the U.S. (GT-SS3) | |
EDUC 340 | Application of Pedagogy and Practice | |
EDUC 397 | Special Topics in Education | |
ESS 185 | Lifetime Wellness | |
ROE 182 | Introduction to Recreation and Outdoor Education | |
ROE 235 | Foundations of Teaching Environmental Education | |
ROE 240 | Alternative Programming | |
ROE 283 | Leadership and Facilitation | |
ROE 391 | Experiential Education Theory and Pedagogy | |
ROE 398 | Program Planning (with laboratory) | |
ROE 468 | Leadership and Administration | |
| Business, Communication and Media (choose five): | 15 | |
ACC 201 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | |
ART 173 | Foundation Design: Digital Art and Design | |
BUAD 185 | Business Communication | |
BUAD 270 | Principles of Marketing | |
BUAD 327 | Social Media Marketing | |
BUAD 335 | Marketing Communications | |
COM 274 | Public Relations Communication | |
COM 346 | Multimedia Communication | |
COM 371 | Small Group and Conflict Management | |
COM 375 | Social Media Skills | |
COM 377 | Intercultural Communication in the Digital Age | |
DES 270 | Introduction to Graphic Design and Illustration | |
ENG 302 | Technical Writing | |
ESS 382 | Management of Sport and Fitness Facilities | |
ESS 450 | Risk Management in Physical Activity Settings | |
ROE 333 | Recreation and Sport Marketing | |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ADC 300 | Degree to Career Success | 1 |
| Area 1 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 2 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Spring | ||
| Area 2 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 3 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| Area 1 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 3 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Area 1 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 2 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| Area 2 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 3 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| Area 2 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 3 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Area 1 Elective | 3 | |
| Area 3 Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| Area 1 Elective | 3 | |
| ADC 490 | Capstone | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 49 | |
Spotlight
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation. Wondering how you can apply your program of choice to your intellectual and personal journey? Check out our “What Can I Do With This Major?” tool to explore the diverse opportunities and pathways within any degree program.
Beyond the Classroom
Earn a teaching license from anywhere.
Our dedicated faculty and support teams are experts in online education, giving you personalized assistance for planning, coursework and more. When you’re ready, Western Education faculty guides you through practical application of your coursework in your teacher licensure year. Online learning resources are also available 24 hours a day.
Prepare for a fulfilling career
Teachers not only influence their students, but impact their communities and act as important advocates for change.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Adult Degree Completion
Department Chairperson
Terry Schliesman, Ph.D.Adult Degree Completion Program Director
Adult Degree Completion Associate Director
Eliza Ekstrom SullivanAdult Degree Completion Associate Director
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Taylor 303
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231
