2024-2025 Catalog

The University of Montana Western

Welcome to the University of Montana Western (Montana Western or UMW), an institution that prides itself on serving students, achieving academic excellence, and promoting experiential education. The University’s differentiating characteristics are expressed in its mission as well as its signature program, Experience One. Montana Western is the first and only public, four-year university in the United States that offers Experience One—a program designed to enhance student success and support experiential learning.

Experience One

Experience One comprises a unique scheduling model and teaching philosophy. The scheduling model allows students to enroll in one course at a time. Classes typically meet three hours daily over a 3.5 week period. Each 3.5 week period is referred to as a block and there are four blocks in every semester. The longer class periods facilitate a teaching philosophy that discourages lecture-based teaching and encourages project-based student learning and field experiences. Students learn by engaging in authentic practices appropriate to each discipline. Students also form strong relationships with their faculty and student peers.

Most students exposed to Experience One strongly support this learning model. As a first time to college freshman or transfer student, we are confident that you will enjoy Experience One and find it a highly rewarding educational experience.

Mission

As a leader and innovator in experiential education, the University of Montana Western educates undergraduate students through immersive practices in their field of study, strives for continous improvement, and achieves evidence-supported student learning and achievement outcomes.