STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at Western
Whether you’re a future doctor, engineer or ecologist, Western’s STEM programs will provide you with the skills and resources you need to succeed in any career. Our hands-on programs conducted in our backyard laboratory in the Rocky Mountains will provide you with unique educational opportunities and set you up for a fulfilling, lucrative career in dozens of professional fields.
Overview
Small class sizes to help you learn; big opportunities to help you grow.
Though Western prides itself on providing over 100 years of liberal arts education, we bring the same curiosity and creativity to our STEM fields. Our students are innovative problem-solvers who don’t just want to memorize facts; they want to put their knowledge to test in the field and contribute meaningful work that has long-lasting impact both during and beyond their undergraduate years. With a 16:1 student to faculty ratio, our small class sizes provide a safe space to ask individual questions, learn from mistakes, and get one-on-one guidance from faculty mentors for career and graduate school preparation.
No matter the area of study, our programs foster an eagerness to learn and help our students develop their inherent academic strengths to become well-rounded, analytical and resourceful scientists.
Practical learning
Many of Western’s STEM programs have a strong focus on lab work so students can turn theoretical knowledge into hands-on understanding.
A cutting-edge partnership
Founded through a generous $80 million donation from Western alumnus Paul M. Rady, the Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering offers two programs made possible through a collaborative effort with the University of Colorado Boulder. Students in the partnership programs spend their first two years as Western students and then transition into CU Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science where they will earn their degree, all while remaining on Western’s campus. Students in these programs enjoy small class sizes, one-on-one attention from faculty and access to state-of-the-art lab equipment in the newly constructed, 75,000 square foot Rady Building. Eligible students can apply for a full-tuition scholarship for their first two years in the partnership program to offset costs lessen student debt upon graduation.
Access to industry technology
Opened in 2021, Western’s Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering provides lab spaces with the most up-to-date software and engineering equipment.
Areas of Study
Scholarships
Eligibility
| GPA | Award amount per year (In-State) | Award amount per year (Out-of-State) |
| 3.50-3.749 | $3,500 | $9,000 |
| 3.75-3.999 | $5,000 | $10,500 |
| 4.0 | $6,500 | $12,000 |
- Accepted to Western by January 31, 2023
- Declared major in the Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering partnership programs by March 31, 2023
- Eligible for MATH 151-Calculus 1 (via ACT math score of 27 or above, SAT math score of 630 or above, ALEKS test score of 76 or above, or applicable AP/IB/Concurrent Enrollment credit) by July 1, 2023
Renewal Criteria
- Remain in the partnership program
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- Earn grades of “B-” or higher in a two-course, college-level sequence in calculus (MATH 151, MATH 251, MATH 252)
- Earn grades of “B-” or higher in one college-level physical science course (PHYS 200, PHYS 201, CHEM 111+112, CHEM 121)
Description
The Rady Merit Scholarship can be awarded for a maximum of 6 semesters, 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.
Get In Touch
Flynn Guerrieri, our Regional Director of STEM Recruitment and Promotions, is happy to answer any questions you have about our STEM offerings, scholarship opportunities, ways to visit campus, how to set up a one-on-one meeting with faculty and more! Email fguerrieri@western.edu or click the link below to set up a virtual counselor meeting.
Take the Next Step
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
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
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
Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.