Let’s get you in front of the classroom. This General Studies + Teacher Licensure program is 100% online and designed for working professionals who aspire 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. Western was originally founded as a teacher college and 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 focusing on coursework from three areas, plus a one-credit career and professional development course (ADC 300 Degree to Career Success) and a capstone (ADC 490 Capstone). Students can take no more than six credits from any one discipline.
| 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 | |
SOC 320 | The Familly | |
SOC 351 | Juvenile Deliquency | |
SOC 367 | Corrections | |
SOC 380 | Social Inequalities | |
| Area 2 - Education and Human Development (choose five): | 15 | |
EDUC 102 | Learning & Teaching | |
EDUC 197 | Special Topics in Education | |
EDUC 202 | Education and Schooling in the U.S. | |
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 | |
ART 270 | Introduction to Graphic Design and Illustration | |
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 | |
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 | |
Careers
Take the first steps toward your dream career.
Career preparation 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 role in hundreds of professional fields after graduation.
The data is automatically collected by Lightcast, a firm that sources job market data. The statistics illustrate general trends in U.S. careers, but do not precisely represent every job and salary.
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.
Additional Resources
Department Information
Adult Degree Completion
Department Chairperson
Terry Schliesman, Ph.D.Professor of Communication Arts, Adult Degree Completion Program Director
Adult Degree Completion Success Advisor
Eliza Worley-EkstromAdult Degree Completion Success Advisor
Campus Location
Western Colorado University
Taylor 303
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231