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Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

World-class programs for a growing engineering industry.

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Our engineering programs combine academic rigor with practical application in our new, cutting-edge facilities, classrooms, and labs. Work towards a University of Colorado Boulder engineering degree, while enjoying the personal attention, small class sizes, and spectacular surroundings of Western Colorado University.

Areas of Study

Computer science

Computer Science – University of Colorado Partnership

Major

Computer Science – University of Colorado Partnership
Woman wearing glasses writing math equations on glass

Mechanical Engineering – University of Colorado Partnership

Major

Mechanical Engineering – University of Colorado Partnership

School Overview

Two students observe an adaptive bike during Industry Night

Cultivating leaders in engineering.

The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science and Engineering represents an innovative partnership between Western and the University of Colorado Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science. From the mountains of Colorado to the rainforests of Colombia, there’s no shortage of opportunities for students to make the world a better place during their time at Western. Together, we’re helping to build the state’s newest workforce of engineers.

 

Hands-on Learning

Our brand-new, sustainably engineered building features top-tier facilities where students put their learning into practice.

Western - CU Boulder Partnership

Western - CU Partnership students engineer and fabricate a rail for skiing

Earn a University of Colorado Boulder engineering degree at Western Colorado.

Take advantage of the innovative Western – CU Boulder partnership. Graduate with a degree from the University of Colorado Boulder—ranked in the top 20 nationally among public universities—while enjoying small class sizes, mentorship programs, and an expansive backyard to explore in the Rocky Mountains.

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Cutting-edge facilities

This ultra-modern building includes indoor and outdoor spaces designed for a collaborative learning environment.

Scholarships

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ school-specific and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Access to apply for scholarships through the portal is open through April 1.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your scholarships!

Eligibility

  • Accepted to Western by April 15
  • Declared major in the Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering partnership programs by April 15

Award Amount Tiers based on High School GPA

  • 3.50-3.749
    • $3,500 In-State
    • $9,000 Out-of-State
  • 3.75-3.999
    • $5,000 In State
    • $10,500 Out-of-State
  • 4.0
    • $6,500 In-State
    • $12,000 Out-of-State

Renewal Criteria

  • Remain in the partnership program
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
  • Complete MATH 151 Calculus 1 with grade of C or better prior to the start of second fall semester (to be evaluated at the end of first spring semester).

Description

The Rady Merit Scholarship is awarded for 4 semesters (maximum of 6 semesters upon successful appeal), while the student is considered a full-time Western student (enrolled in 12 credits or more) and Western is processing the student’s financial aid. The number of scholarships awarded is based on fund availability.

Western’s Scholarship Application portal allows you to search for, apply to and manage your scholarship opportunities. This platform houses over 300+ departmental and privately funded scholarship opportunities available to both new and returning students. Through the scholarship portal, students may identify scholarship opportunities based on academic program, campus involvement, academic standing, specific keywords and more. Students may click below to begin learning about what scholarship opportunities are available to them.

Access to apply for scholarships through the portal is open through April 1.

Please check individual scholarship opportunity start dates and deadlines as there are exceptions.

Find your scholarships!

Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.

Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.

  • This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
  • Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
  • GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).

Due date has been extended to April 1 for 2023. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.

Apply

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).

Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:

  • This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
  • Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
  • The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
  • The admission application fee is waived (a $30 value).
  • GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).

The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.

Apply

Mountaineer 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).

The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.

For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.

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.

News & Research

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Spotlight

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Ryan Ivis

Alumni

“Western did a fantastic job of preparing me for my career."

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Lindsey Possehl

Alumni

"A 2015 graduate, Lindsey Possehl double majored in Mathematics and Computer Science, which led to her current role as a data scientist for Ruffalo Noel Levitz."

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Kendric Evans

Alumni

"At Western, you really have the opportunity to work closely with the faculty, which helped me gain a very real depth and breadth of knowledge in my field."

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Kate Robinson

Alumni

“A liberal arts degree is so valuable....but really the most important thing Western did for me was give me an environment where I was able to succeed.”

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Jermaine Rodney

Alumni

Additional Resources

Computer Science Accreditation Information

The Western-CU Partnership program in Computer Science will seek accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Learn More

Mechanical Engineering Accreditation Information

The Western-CU Partnership program in Mechanical Engineering will seek accreditation by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Learn More

Department Information

Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering

Program Director

Jenifer Blacklock, Ph.D.

Director of the Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program

Assistant Director

Laurel Fisher

Assistant Director of the Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program

Rady Building Administrative Assistant

Kelley Jones

Administrative Assistant III

Contact Information

970.943.2400

radyschool@western.edu

Campus Location

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

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