Montana Western is the only U.S. public four-year offering Experience One, a program where you take a single course at a time and learn by doing.
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.
Elementary Education
Alexis chose Montana Western because the block system offers so many opportunities for field experience in schools.
Ecology and Secondary Education
Jonah first heard of Montana Western at a college fair that came to Medical Lake High School, WA during his freshman year, upon which he fell in love with the concept of the block schedule, the affordable tuition, and the fact that it had what he wanted to study.
Ecology, Wildlife and Botany Emphasis
Morgan chose Montana Western because of the opportunities the block schedule provides for extensive outdoor field experience. “If you want to learn by doing, consider coming to Montana Western, where each class is lab-based and provides hands-on experience.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
