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Western Colorado University

Western Colorado University

About

More than one hundred years old, Western Colorado University is a public university that offers 100+ four-year degrees, as well seven master's track programs, five of which are accelerated five-year programs. In 2017, Forbes magazine designated Western Colorado University as one of the top 100 institutions in the West and in 2019, Western received an $80 million dollar gift from alumnus Paul Rady to partner with CU Boulder to create a world class school of Computer Science and Engineering in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Sitting atop the world at 7,702 feet, Western was named three times by Elevation Outdoors magazine as the "Top Adventure School in the West." Having an average class size of fourteen, Western offers a one of kind opportunity for world class education in a small town environment.

Western student Justine Chang won TEACH Colorado's $1,000 "Shape the Future" scholarship. See her reason for teaching below!

Justine Chang Scholarship Winner

 

  • College or University
  • Gunnison

Institution Links

  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Online Application
Amy Jo Odubhaigh

The year long residency experience was invaluable. I felt like my student teaching was my first year teaching.

Amy Jo Odubhaigh

Western Colorado University

Programs

Master’s & licensure

Alternative Licensure + Master of Arts in Education

Start Checklist
  • From 24 to 60 months

    Program Duration

  • Online

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program Info

Western’s online licensure preparation track can be pursued through an alternative licensure pathway, which emphasizes real-world application and is designed for those hired as full-time classroom teachers. Western's curriculum is cutting-edge, research-based, and designed around tools and strategies that can be implemented on day one. You will be guided through your first year of teaching by a mentor, regional coordinator, and clinical coach who provide meaningful, real-time feedback and help you through all aspects of being a full-time teacher. After the first year, you will be eligible for your Colorado teaching license and pursue your master's degree with endorsements in Reading Specialist and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Apr. 15, 2026

    Fall
  • Jul. 15, 2026

    Fall
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Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

  • $13,500

    In State Tuition

  • $13,500

    Out of State Tuition

  • $50

    Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Western Colorado University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Western Colorado University to see if you can, too!

Amount
Description

Grants, Stipends, Scholarships

Donald P. Timm Scholarship: For degree-seeking graduate students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Eight to ten scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to students enrolled in the licensure year of the program. Two to three scholarships of up to $500 are available to students who have earned their teaching license and are pursuing a Master's Degree in Education.

Education Department Scholarships: Eight to ten scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to students enrolled in the licensure year of the program.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Licensure Areas

Agriculture 6-12
Business / Marketing 6-12
Computer Science K-12
Drama / Theatre Arts (grades k-12)
Elementary Education (Grades K-6)
English Language Arts 6-12
Family & Consumer Sciences 6-12
Health K-12
Mathematics 6-12
Mathematics: Middle Level (grades 5-8)
Music K-12
Physical Education K-12
Science 6-12
Social Studies 6-12
Special Education K-12
Technology Education 6-12
Visual Arts (grades K-12) K-12
World Languages K-12

Get Started

Dig deeper. Visit Western Colorado University's website to learn more and apply.