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Experience
the Difference

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.

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At A Glance

Student Profile

Kori Mooney

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.”

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Student Profile

Dawson Baxter

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.”

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Student Profile

Jewel Johnson

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.”

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Alumni Profile

Baleigh Doyle

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.”

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Alumni Profile

Joey Paulsonmorgan

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."

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Alumni Profile

Ava Nelson

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.”

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Alumni Profile

Caitlin Hortert

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.”

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Alumni Profile

Isabel Moughamian

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.”

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Alumni Profile

Paul Helfrich

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.”

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Alumni Profile

Brandon Hunter

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.”

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#3 Top Public School

2020 U.S. News & World Report

Most Affordable

UMW is the most affordable four-year university in Montana

15 to Finish

92% of UMW students complete 15+ credits per semester

Completion

90% of first-time freshmen complete their courses

Small Class Sizes

Average Class size: 15

Glass

Nation’s only four-year degree in Glass with a specialization in Scientific Glassblowing

Natural Horsemanship

Nation’s only B.S. degree with options in management, psychology, science & instruction

Best Colleges List

2019-20 Money Magazine

News

Montana Western to Hold 124th Annual Commencement Ceremonies

The University of Montana Western will celebrate its 124th Annual Commencement Ceremony in-person and online on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, 2021.

APRIL 15, 2021

Montana Western Professor Publishes Essay on History of Commercial Whaling

University of Montana Western Professor of European History, Dr. Bill Janus, recently had an essay titled “Songs Whales Sing: The Peculiar History of Commercial Whaling” published in The Revelator, an online news and idea initiative of the Center for Biological Diversity.

APRIL 13, 2021

2021 Colt Sale Raises Over $200,000 for Natural Horsemanship Program

The University of Montana Western’s Fifth Annual Colt Challenge and Sale, held April 2 and 3 at the Montana Center for Horsemanship, broke previous sale records by generating more than $200,000 for the UMW Natural Horsemanship Program.

APRIL 9, 2021

Montana Western Performing Arts Series Presents “Mythfest”

The University of Montana Western and The Bank of Commerce is pleased to announce its spring virtual performance festival, Mythfest. This online presentation is a collection of performances of new work featuring the stories and songs of homesteaders, ancestors, troubadours, and mystics. The festival features performances by UMW students and faculty under the direction of guest artist Miranda Zent.

APRIL 5, 2021

Events

Apr20

ASUMW Bike Repair Night

Come and tune up your bike for riding this spring!

Apr21

UMW Chancellor Search Finalist Visit: Jill Thorngren

Apr22

Spring Paw Prints for Success Auction- Firescape

Apr22

"Old School" Photo Gallery

Please join us for the final show in our The Work Continues series with Old School, a photography exhibit by former UMW student Zach Begler from March 22 to April 22.

Apr22

UMW Chancellor Search Finalist Visit: Debbie Storrs

More Events

Mythfest

We are in Block Eight

Explore the University of Montana Western,Wherever You Are

See Our Virtual Tour

Chancellor Search

Commencement Information

X-Block & Summer Session Courses

Apply Now

Visit Us

Tuition & Aid

Request Info

Certificates & Degrees

Register forClasses

Experiencethe Difference

At A Glance

Student Profile

Kori Mooney

Student Profile

Dawson Baxter

Student Profile

Jewel Johnson

Alumni Profile

Baleigh Doyle

Alumni Profile

Joey Paulsonmorgan

Alumni Profile

Ava Nelson

Alumni Profile

Caitlin Hortert

Alumni Profile

Isabel Moughamian

Alumni Profile

Paul Helfrich

Alumni Profile

Brandon Hunter

#3 Top Public School

Most Affordable

15 to Finish

Completion

Small Class Sizes

Glass

Natural Horsemanship

Best Colleges List

Connect with Us

News

Montana Western to Hold 124th Annual Commencement Ceremonies

Montana Western Professor Publishes Essay on History of Commercial Whaling

2021 Colt Sale Raises Over $200,000 for Natural Horsemanship Program

Montana Western Performing Arts Series Presents “Mythfest”

Events

ASUMW Bike Repair Night

UMW Chancellor Search Finalist Visit: Jill Thorngren

Spring Paw Prints for Success Auction- Firescape

"Old School" Photo Gallery

UMW Chancellor Search Finalist Visit: Debbie Storrs

We are in
Block Eight

Register for
Classes

Experience
the Difference