FB Pixel Skip to Main Content
Two students conduct research in a wildlife ecology lab focused on forest fires.

School of Graduate Studies

Committed to your professional success.

Scroll to bottom of section

Western Colorado University’s School of Graduate Studies (SGS) is comprised of cutting-edge graduate programs committed to accelerating your career. Upon joining our graduate community, you will become part of an expansive network of graduate professionals who are eager to learn, interact and explore together.

Areas of Study

School of Graduate Studies

Accelerated Degree Programs

Accelerated Degree Programs

Accelerated Degree Programs
A group of students listen to a guest speaker in a gear shop filled with skis.

Economic and Legal Foundations in the Outdoor Industry

Graduate Certificate

Economic and Legal Foundations in the Outdoor Industry
NEW
A professor examines a rock using a hand lens while two students look on.

Energy Geoscience

Graduate Certificate

Energy Geoscience
NEW
Several GPCW students pose with their newly published books.

Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Master of Arts | Master of Fine Arts

Graduate Program in Creative Writing
M.A. in Education

M.A. in Education

Master of Arts | Teacher Licensure | Principal Licensure

M.A. in Education
Boy and girl looking at laptop on desk

M.A. in Special Education

Master of Arts

M.A. in Special Education
School of Graduate Studies

M.S. in Ecology

Master of Science

M.S. in Ecology
Exercise sport science

M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science: High Altitude Exercise Physiology (HAEP)

Master of Science

M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science: High Altitude Exercise Physiology (HAEP)
An outdoor industry MBA faculty member hikes the Judd Falls trail wearing a Western cotopaxi backpack. Mt. Crested Butte can be seen in the background.

Marketing and Branding in the Outdoor Industry

Graduate Certificate

Marketing and Branding in the Outdoor Industry
School of Graduate Studies

Master in Environmental Management (MEM)

Master in Environmental Management

Master in Environmental Management (MEM)
Outdoor Industry MBA students look at skis in the Blister Review show room

Outdoor Industry MBA

Master of Business Administration

Outdoor Industry MBA
A variety of sustainable eating and drinking utensils photographed on a white background.

Outdoor Product Innovation and Management in the Outdoor Industry

Graduate Certificate

Outdoor Product Innovation and Management in the Outdoor Industry
NEW
A student speaks to a professor during a career fair.

Responsible Organizational Leadership in the Outdoor Industry

Graduate Certificate

Responsible Organizational Leadership in the Outdoor Industry
A student walks with an elderly community member on Western's indoor track

Rural Community Health

Master of Behavioral Science (MBS)

Rural Community Health
A hotel clerk smiles for a photo from behind a check-in desk.

Service Excellence and Sustainable Operations in the Outdoor Industry

Graduate Certificate

Service Excellence and Sustainable Operations in the Outdoor Industry
NEW
A student uses a laptop to study in the Rady Building

Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry

Graduate Certificate

Sustainable Financial Management in the Outdoor Industry

Prospective Students

School of graduate studies

Discover Western’s School of Graduate Studies.

Western’s School of Graduate Studies offers ten degree programs and 23 specialized degree concentrations. Serving over 400 graduate students, these programs bring together distinguished professors and practitioners in a supportive academic environment dedicated to excellence.

If you have questions about graduate studies at Western, contact graduatestudies@western.edu or request information below.

Apply Now
Request Information

Making an impact

Western’s graduate programs serve our region, our nation and the world by educating advanced students to make substantial contributions to their professions.

School of graduate studies

Graduate Student Resources

Helpful information to guide your graduate journey.

We recognize that applying to graduate school can seem like a big undertaking. If you have questions about our programs, enrollment, financial aid, the admissions process or anything else, please feel free to reach out to the Graduate Studies Office at graduatestudies@western.edu. Our helpful team is happy to provide personalized assistance to facilitate your seamless transition to Western’s School of Graduate Studies. The links below provide a list of resources and helpful information to guide you through applying to our graduate programs.

Graduate Student Resources Prepare and Apply Accepted Student Checklist

Dedicated to excellence

A panel of faculty members from the Graduate Program in Creative Writing listens to students as they read their theses.

Financial Aid

Graduate program

Investing in your graduate education.

We know that the decision to pursue a graduate degree is a significant commitment of time, energy and resources. At Western, you’ll have the option to receive financial support from a variety of sources, including loans, scholarships, fellowships and graduate assistantships. Upon admission, we encourage you to research whether you are eligible for FAFSA and submit the application as soon as possible. The friendly staff in the Financial Aid and Cashier’s Office are available to provide you more information about financing options. The link below provides more information about how to apply for financial aid.

Learn More

Committed to your success

Western graduate students gain access to an external network of resources and opportunities that are exciting, real and immediate.

News & Research

Julian Rubinstein holding his Emmy Award.

Western Colorado University Professor Julian Rubinstein Wins Emmy Award for Documentary “The Holly”

Read More about Western Colorado University Professor Julian Rubinstein Wins Emmy Award for Documentary “The Holly”
Author Brice Swaim takes a selfie in front of a desert landscape.

Bryce Swaim’s Debut Collection of Poetry, Prose Scheduled for Publication

Read More about Bryce Swaim’s Debut Collection of Poetry, Prose Scheduled for Publication
Headshot of James Ford.

NYT Bestselling Author Jamie Ford to speak at Western GPCW Graduation

Read More about NYT Bestselling Author Jamie Ford to speak at Western GPCW Graduation
Man writing on piece of paper.

Western Colorado University Graduate Program in Creative Writing Announces New Screenwriting Director

Read More about Western Colorado University Graduate Program in Creative Writing Announces New Screenwriting Director
writing in note book

Western Colorado University Graduate Students, Alum, and Faculty in Poetry Win Nationwide Awards

Read More about Western Colorado University Graduate Students, Alum, and Faculty in Poetry Win Nationwide Awards
A man works at a table with his laptop and a notebook.

Western’s Outdoor MBA, Business Law programs win grants to adopt digital textbooks

Read More about Western’s Outdoor MBA, Business Law programs win grants to adopt digital textbooks
A girl sits underneath a tree writing in a notebook.

New Scholarship Supports Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing

Read More about New Scholarship Supports Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing
Taylor Hall photographed on a spring day with flowering trees in full bloom.

Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

Read More about Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award
Western professor Kevin J. Anderson co-produces DUNE, Part Two

Western professor Kevin J. Anderson co-produces DUNE, Part Two

Read More about Western professor Kevin J. Anderson co-produces DUNE, Part Two
Headshot of Cole Cooper, Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health student

Western’s Newest Graduate Program is Already Making a Difference in Rural Communities

Read More about Western’s Newest Graduate Program is Already Making a Difference in Rural Communities

Spotlight

School of Graduate Studies

Kelsey Sloane

Alumna

Kelsey Sloane is a curator, writer, and arts administrator from Troy, New York. She received her MA in Gallery Management & Exhibition Specialization (MGES, now MGMM) from Western Colorado University in 2020, and completed her BA with a dual degree in Art History and Arts Management from Purchase College in 2016.

School of Graduate Studies

Torrie Nickel

Alumni

“It all comes down to the fact that Western professors are very good at noticing when someone can excel,” says Nickel. “They see the possibility in someone and they foster and take people under their wings.”

School of Graduate Studies

Stephanie Edwards

Alumni

“At Western I got to work with professors and people from all over the country. This made for a more holistic understanding.”

School of Graduate Studies

Melanie Armstrong, Ph.D.

Faculty

"Melanie Armstrong brings scholarly and applied political approaches to her work with Western’s School of Environment & Sustainability, where she also serves as Public Lands Coordinator."

School of Graduate Studies

Jonathan Coop, Ph.D.

Faculty

“We can produce high-quality research and publish papers in scientific journals with our students. We’re out on the cutting edge of our field learning the things we don’t know yet."

Faculty & Staff

Additional Resources

Admitted Graduate Students

Learn More

Financial Aid

Graduate Financial Aid Investing in Graduate Education The decision to pursue graduate study represents a significant commitment of time, energy and resources. Graduate students at […]

Learn More

Graduate Student Resources

Graduate Student Resources Your path to success. The resources listed below are designed to optimize your graduate experience, fostering a seamless and successful journey. If, […]

Learn More

Prospective Students

Prospective Students Discover Western’s School of Graduate Studies Western’s School of Graduate Studies offers ten degree programs and 23 specialized degree concentrations. Serving over 400 graduate […]

Learn More

School of Graduate Studies Commencement

Graduation Requirements SPRING 2025 COMMENCEMENT: MAY 10, 2025 Graduate students must complete the Apply for Program Completion task in Workday within the first two weeks […]

Learn More

Department Information

School of Graduate Studies

Executive Director

Marlo Frazier

Executive Director, School of Graduate Studies Operations

Graduate Database Administrator & Analyst

Deanna Banker, B.S.

Graduate Database Administrator & Analyst

Graduate Program Coordinator

Corinne Sublette, B.A.

Graduate Program Coordinator

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
Quigley Hall 118
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
Students pose for a photo on top of Mount Crested Butte in the summer

Apply to
Western

We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.

Visit
Western
Colorado Hall with the Palisades in the background on a bluebird day.

Visit
Western

The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

Alumni
Community
A group of four alumni look at a display of old photos on a table.

Alumni
Community

We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

Request
Information
A few students pose for a photo behind a table.

Request
Information

Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.