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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, CO

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

Licensure/Alternative Licensure only

Alternative Licensure

  • From 9 to 9 months

    Program Duration

  • Hybrid

    Program Format

  • Pre-Test Required

    No

Relevant Links

Program Info

Western's one year, online alternative licensure track emphasizes real world application and is designed for those who have been hired as classroom teachers. Western's curriculum is cutting edge, research based and designed around tools and strategies that you can implement 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 have the option to pursue your Master's degree with endorsements in Reading Teacher, Reading Specialist, Special Education, and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education.

Upcoming Deadlines

  • Deadlines

    Program Start

  • Oct. 15, 2025

    Fall
  • Rolling Deadline

    Fall
  • Rolling Deadline

    Spring
  • Dec. 01, 2024

    Spring
  • Jul. 15, 2025

    Fall
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Application Fee & Annual Tuition

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

  • $10,908

    In State Tuition

  • $10,908

    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 graduate students who are degree-seeking, demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum of 3.0 grade point average. 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.

Exceptional Resident Award: For those students seeking licensure who stand out as promising teachers, exhibits curiosity and is innovative in lesson design and delivery. Recipients receive recognition at graduation with a cord and reimbursement of up to $500 for travel expenses to attend graduation at Western Scholarship. Three graduate credits to be used towards completion of a master's degree at Western.

Montrose-Delta Rural Fellowship Grant: Interested in serving Colorado’s rural schools? The Education Department at Western Colorado University, in partnership with Montrose and Delta County School Districts, was recently awarded a grant by the Colorado Department of Education to expand its successful residency program for teacher licensure. The grant will fund fellowships to fully cover tuition for Western’s year-long teacher residency program. Fellowship recipients must complete their residency in schools within Montrose and Delta County School Districts, and then serve for two additional years in the partner districts as a teacher of record. Preference will be given to applicants who pursue teaching licenses in STEM, special education and other areas of identified need within Montrose and Delta.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Licensure Areas

Agriculture & Renewable Natural Resources (7-12)
Business Education (7-12)
Business/Marketing (7-12)
Drama (K-12)
English Language Arts (7-12)
Family & Consumer Sciences (7-12)
Instructional Technology (K-12)
Mathematics (7-12)
Music (K-12)
Physical Education (K-12)
Science (7-12)
Social Studies (7-12)
Special Education (K-12)
Technology Education (Industrial Arts) (7-12)
Visual Arts (K-12)
Visual Arts (K-12)
World Languages (K-12)

Get Started

Own the application process. Start a checklist to put yourself on track to becoming the best teacher you can be.