School of Business

Prospective students participating in Borick Scholars Weekend prepare to present their projects.

At Western Colorado University’s School of Business, we are dedicated to your success. Our small class sizes, led by passionate professors, ensure personalized learning experiences that prepare you for the dynamic world of business. With extensive career preparation resources and applied learning opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, you’ll graduate ready to excel. Whether exploring the versatile field of business, pursuing a specific career path, or aiming to launch your own venture, the School of Business offers the guidance and resources to help you achieve your goals.

Experiential Education

Competitions

Students compete in real-world challenges, sharpening problem-solving, teamwork, and industry skills through practical experience.
Read More
Light Up The World

Students design solar-powered lighting solutions, bringing sustainable energy to communities worldwide through applied learning.
Read More

Areas of Study

Recreation and Outdoor Education with Outdoor Industry Masters in Business Administration

Available as: Accelerated Degree

Sales

Available as: Minor

Service Concentration in the Outdoor Industry MBA

Available as: Master's Concentration

Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management

Available as: Major Emphasis

Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management Certificate

Available as: Certificate

The School of Business is proud to support students throughout their academic journeys, from undergraduate study through graduate education. Western’s Outdoor Industry MBA offers an accelerated pathway for current bachelor’s students to seamlessly continue into a master’s degree, as well as a standalone option for students who have already completed their undergraduate education.

OIMBA students complete coursework online, gain hands-on experience through a real-world capstone project, and develop the business and leadership skills needed to navigate and lead in an ever-evolving outdoor industry.

Learn More About the MBA

As part of Western’s School of Business, Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE) gives students interested in sales, marketing, business, and leadership the opportunity to build professional skills, make connections, and gain hands-on experience. PSE helps turn classroom learning into real-world experience through collaboration, competition, and professional development.

In March 2026, Western’s PSE team traveled to Norfolk, Virginia, to compete at the national conference, placing 2nd overall, the highest finish in Western’s history at this event.

A group of business students and professors pose for a group photo in front of a large ship.

970.943.2231

business@western.edu

Western Colorado University
Borick Business Building 217
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

The Western Colorado University Foundation offers scholarships for this program. Explore eligibility requirements and funding opportunities.

View Department Scholarships

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore General Scholarships

"Looking back on my journey at Western, I can confidently say that this path shaped who I am today. My decision to attend the university opened doors to a world of growth, learning, and personal development."

Miah Shoffner

Department News

Western Colorado University School of Business Offers Free Tax Preparation Services

As tax season gets underway, Western Colorado University’s School of Business is once again offering free tax preparation services to the Gunnison Valley community through…
Read More
Western Alum Rob Wright Pitches BoxBlayde on Shark Tank

For an entrepreneur like Rob Wright (’00), inspiration for the next big idea can come from anywhere, even from a pile of cardboard boxes. And…
Read More
Western Team Earns Second Place at Ethics Case Competition

In a challenge that tested their ethical reasoning and presentation skills, a team of four Western Colorado University students placed second at the 2025 UCCS…
Read More
Western Students Connect with Industry Experts at Spring Seminar

Students from Western Colorado University’s Energy Management Program recently participated in the Spring Land Seminar: Powering the Future, Synergy Between Renewables, Alternative and Oil &…
Read More
Western Colorado University Students Shine at NAPE Case Competition

Western Colorado University Energy Management students continued a run of strong performances at the American Association of Professional Landmen’s North American Prospect Expo (NAPE), held…
Read More
Western Colorado University Welcomes New Dean to the School of Business

Dr. Sharoni Little will become the new dean of Western Colorado University’s School of Business starting in March 2025. With a career spanning academia, corporate…
Read More
Western’s School of Business Cooks Up Opportunities for High School Students

Without a plan, life after high school can be hard. Fortunately, Damyon Funk knows exactly what he wants to do. The Gunnison High School senior…
Read More
Western Duo Wins Ethics Case Competition

It’s easy to pigeonhole the business world as a place where unethical behavior gets rewarded. But that’s not always the case. Six Western Colorado University…
Read More
Marisela Ballesteros is Still a Bridge Between Two Worlds

Like many first-generation Americans, Marisela Ballesteros grew up blazing a trail. As the oldest child of Cora natives who emigrated to the United States from…
Read More
Western Places Two Students in National Speakers Competition Finals

Pi Sigma Epsilon chapter attends national convention in St. Louis. The Eta Xi Chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon at Western Colorado University showcased exceptional talent…
Read More
Western’s Professional Selling Program adds to list of wins after PSE competition

Western Colorado University’s Professional Selling Program had another great showing in a regional competition, bringing home two first-place finishes and placing several other competitors in…
Read More
Western student wins Rocky Mountain Madness national sales competition

In a competition that whittled a field of 64 students down to just one, Western Colorado University senior Porter Fox came away as champion of…
Read More
Energy Management Students Help Light Up The World

Installing solar panels high in the Peruvian Andes provides more than just electricity It took a few days for the small team from Western Colorado…
Read More
Changing the World by Changing Yourself

Students in Western Colorado University’s Chapter of National Model United Nations (NMUN) returned to the Gunnison Valley from the NMUN conference on April 6th with…
Read More
Energy Management Program Adapting to Meet the Needs of a Changing Industry

Over the next 30 years, the energy production business will likely see more change than it has in the last century. The Energy Information Administration…
Read More
Western Dominates Rocky Mountain Investment Challenge

Western Colorado University students continue a three-year winning streak by taking top honors this past spring at the Rocky Mountain Investment Challenge. The challenge invites…
Read More
Colleges for Business Degrees: Benefits of a BA from Western

The best colleges for business degrees provide a comprehensive, hands-on education that prepares you for a wide range of careers. Business has long been one…
Read More
Best Colleges for Business Majors: Opportunities for Business Majors

The best colleges for business majors don’t just rely on great educational programs to help their students flourish. They also provide numerous opportunities, resources, and…
Read More
Western Student Wins AAPL’s Outstanding Graduate Award

For the first time in the history, a Western Colorado University student is being honored with the American Association of Professional Land (AAPL) Management’s Outstanding…
Read More
Western Professor’s Research Published in Top-Ranking Journal

Western Colorado University’s Taryn Mead, PhD., recently had her research published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. The journal has an “A” ranking on the…
Read More
Western Professor Receives Top Award

Mixing the Theoretical and the Practical A Western Colorado University professor has been recognized as the best in educating students for the commercial recreation profession.…
Read More
Ethics Bootcamp Gives Business Students a Foundation for the Future

Identifying Moral Standards For Western Colorado University student Ekaterina Jaramillo, doing the right thing when no one is watching is the very fiber of her…
Read More
Conservation Grant Helps Fund Recreation Management Project

Mitigating Landscape Impact To keep pace with increased outdoor recreational visitation, the Gunnison community is exploring avenues to mitigate landscape impacts and improve outdoor experiences.…
Read More
Western Students Awarded Scholarships for Energy Excellence

Academic and Leadership Achievements Seven Western Colorado University students have been selected to receive the 2021 AAPL Landman Scholarship. The trust honors university students in…
Read More
Western Students Prove They Have the ‘Wright’ Stuff

Team Castaway Western Colorado University students were awarded a top honor during the third annual Wright Collegiate Challenge. Team Castaway, one of five teams representing…
Read More