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The University of Montana Western

The unique mission of the University of Montana Western emphasizes experiential learning combining theory and practice through projects and field experiences. Montana Western students learn by doing, collaborating directly with their professors and fellow students in a mentorship environment.

In order to better facilitate this type of learning, UMW adopted a course scheduling system, named Experience One (X1). Under X1, students take a single course at a time for 18 days for three hours per day. Montana Western is the first and only public four-year university in the country to fully adopt this system.

Montana Western embraces the privilege and obligations associated with its mission as a higher education institution within the beautiful landscape of southwest Montana. This mission infuses the University's curriculum:

  • in its century-long tradition for excellence in professional programs in teacher education, business and technology;
  • in its strong interdisciplinary arts and science programs; and
  • in its two-year associate degree programs responding to regional needs.

Montana Western offers the Bachelor of Science degree in:

  • Elementary Education, Secondary Education with options in traditional subject areas,
  • Biology,
  • Business Administration,
  • Early Childhood Education,
  • Environmental Interpretation,
  • Environmental Science,
  • Health & Human Performance,
  • Mathematics, and
  • Natural Horsemanship.

In addition, Montana Western offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees. Bachelor of Arts options include English, Interdisciplinary Social Science, and Visual Arts. Bachelor of Applied Science students may use an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree as a base for the BAS degree with most of the credits from the two-year degree transferring into the BAS at Montana Western. Montana Western also offers Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees for those who want to obtain their general education before transferring to another campus; Associate of Applied Science degrees for those needing entry-level job skills in Business, Early Childhood Education, Education Studies, Equine Studies, Natural Horsemanship, and Tourism & Recreation; and certificate programs in Early Childhood Technology, and Information Technology & Network Administration.

Individualized education has been a campus hallmark for over 100 years. Approximately 1,400 students enroll at Montana Western each fall. Class sizes are kept small (average class size is 18 students). The faculty is nationally recognized for its excellence, creativity, and genuine concern for maintaining the Montana Western tradition of high quality academic and personal experience.

In addition to fulfilling academic life, Montana Western offers National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Frontier Conference sports in football, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association teams, and Equestrian team competition. A varied sports program is also available for students seeking intramural activities.

With close proximity to Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier national parks, Montana Western's geographic location makes an ideal setting for individuals who enjoy the rugged outdoors. With a friendly, small town atmosphere, Dillon offers many of the amenities of a much larger community. Ranching, mining and tourism are the chief industries of the area. Montana Western's picturesque 34-acre campus and friendly atmosphere enhance the community and area. For more information visit the University of Montana Western website or call (877) 683-7331.