One course at a time,
experiential learning
We are the first and only U.S. public university to offer Experience One (X1), a block scheduling system. Students take one course at a time, three hours a day for 18 days, then move on to the next course. By concentrating on one course at a time, students can maximize their potential for success through Experience One.
Kori Mooney, a transfer student, credits Montana Western’s unique Experience One program for allowing her to gain real-world experience in her field of study, Environmental Science. “Experience One has allowed me to fully immerse myself into my courses. Dr. Spruce Schoenemann assisted me with method development in my research, obtaining grant funding, and involved me in several climate modeling projects as an undergraduate at UMW.”
As a double major in Natural Horsemanship and Business Administration, Dawson says that UMW’s block schedule proved vital when trying to balance classwork, internships, and his social life. “Experience One really gives you that hands-on learning approach that I was looking for. I feel more prepared to pursue a horsemanship or business career because I’ve gotten so much real-world experience.”
UMW’s affordability, along with its innovative Experience One program, has allowed Jewel to pursue her education while still being able to spend time with and care for her daughter. “Everyone at Montana Western really helps you navigate the college experience. They try to make the process as easy as possible so that all your energy can go into focusing on your studies, which is really helpful when you’re trying to balance school and life.”
During her time at Montana Western, Baleigh Doyle completed two internships with NASA, and is now pursuing her master’s degree. “Experience One allows you to learn how to work in teams, and how to produce work efficiently and quickly.”
Joey was an active student and highly involved in Peers Advocating Towards Health, a program dedicated to helping people live healthier lifestyles. "The state-of-the-art Health and Human Performance Lab is an incredible resource for students at Montana Western, and the Dillon area offers plenty of outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, skiing and hiking."
The support and constructive feedback received at Montana Western, in the form of one-on-one time with professors, is what first inspired Ava to pursue a career in writing. "Working as a writer covering university news in the UMW Communications Department, combined with my degree, gave me the instant opportunity to work for the River Press, a newspaper in Fort Benton, Mont., right after graduation. UMW supported my goals by giving me the tools and unique experience I needed to excel in journalism and writing.”
After learning about Montana Western’s renowned education program and Experience One, Caitlin made the move from Portland, Oregon, to pursue her degree in Secondary Education. “I don’t think I would be as knowledgeable in my field if it wasn’t for the opportunity to have small class discussion. I’ve learned not only from my professors, but my peers as well. You get a lot of peer interaction that you wouldn’t get in a traditional lecture hall.”
As an art major, Isabel enjoyed Montana Western’s block schedule because of the creative focus it allowed her to maintain in her work. “The personal relationships that I was able to have with professors made me feel like I have a lot of support through school here, and even now as I look into Master's degree programs. I have several people to ask for help and direction as I navigate into this new chapter of my life.”
The flexible block schedule at Montana Western has allowed Paul to participate in research experiences that are hard to find. From vegetative surveys in Glacier National Park to an internship on a coastal island in North Carolina, Paul’s entire journey at UMW has been experiential. "Experience One has allowed me to conduct graduate level biology research at the undergraduate level.”
Brandon chose to pursue a degree in Business for the versatility and possibilities that the degree provides. He says that Montana Western’s one course at a time approach has been a big advantage academically. “When I came to visit Montana Western the entire university and community felt very welcoming. I felt like they actually cared about my success rather than just being another number like at some other universities.”
