Our alumni go on to land jobs within their select fields of study. Whether it’s working with the Forest Service, editing novels for a publication company, or inspiring kids in local school districts, Western graduates excel professionally.
At Western, our graduate school prides itself on providing personalized faculty mentorship and 1-on-1 focus for students. At less than 500 students, you’ll join a community built on support.
Ready to take the next step in your education but worried about finances? Build new skills, deepen your knowledge, and grow your professional network while taking advantage of Western’s standout graduate financial benefits, including:
Free application
Fellowship opportunities
Scholarships available
Additionally, most of our graduate programs are unaffected by the removal of Graduate PLUS loans, so you can move forward with confidence.
Western graduate students engage in cutting-edge research, immersive capstone work, and meaningful thesis exploration. Whether studying bighorn sheep in the Black Canyon or developing mental health solutions for aging populations in rural communities, our students do more than learn. They create real-world impact. At Western, your academic success extends far beyond the classroom.
With small cohort sizes and focused academic pathways, Western graduate students benefit from the expertise of faculty who are leaders in their fields. Our professors bring industry experience, notable achievements, and meaningful professional connections in areas that can be difficult to enter. Their guidance plays a vital role in shaping your graduate experience and preparing you for what comes next.
At Western, community is more than a cohort—it’s the foundation of who we are. As a graduate student, you’ll collaborate closely with peers who challenge your thinking, support your goals, and offer meaningful feedback along the way. You’ll build relationships shaped by shared experiences, quick problem-solving, and real-world projects that connect your learning to impact. And long after graduation, these peers become lasting professional allies and trusted voices throughout your career.
If you’re feeling inspired to take the next step toward a graduate degree or certificate, now is the perfect time to begin. Our application is quick, straightforward, and completely free to submit. If you have questions at any point in the process, our team is here to help and always happy to connect.
Western offers a wide range of Colorado master’s programs and graduate certificates, including degrees in exercise science, ecology, creative writing, education, behavioral health, environmental management, and the outdoor industry. Many programs offer specialized tracks so you can tailor your graduate experience to your career goals.
Yes. Western Colorado University provides several online master’s and hybrid graduate programs designed for working professionals. These flexible formats allow you to earn your degree from anywhere while balancing work, life, and academic commitments.
Graduate students at Western benefit from small cohorts, hands-on learning, and access to Colorado’s incredible landscapes for fieldwork and research. Whether you’re studying ecology in the Gunnison Valley or developing your craft in creative writing workshops, you’ll experience personalized support and real-world learning opportunities.
Most master’s programs at Western can be completed in two to three years, depending on your program. Online and hybrid options offer additional flexibility.
Requirements vary by program, but most applications include transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Specific programs, such as those in science, ecology, creative writing, or behavioral health, may require prerequisites or additional materials.
Yes. Western offers financial aid options, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships for eligible graduate students. Many of our online master’s programs are also competitively priced to help reduce the financial burden.
Absolutely. Many students balance work and school, especially in our online master’s and hybrid programs. Faculty understand the needs of working professionals and design coursework to support flexible schedules.
Consider your career goals, preferred learning format (online vs. in-person), academic interests, and time availability. Whether you’re exploring a science-focused degree, a creative writing MFA, an ecology program, or behavioral health training, our admissions team can help you determine the best fit.
Executive Director, School of Graduate Studies Operations
Graduate Database Administrator & Analyst
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Gunnison, CO 81231
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