Certificate in Western American Studies

Our students become well-rounded observers of the political, social, cultural, economic and environmental issues of the West and are well prepared to apply that knowledge in a wide range of fields.

Certificate in Western American Studies

The Western American studies certificate program provides undergraduate students with an understanding of political, social, cultural, economic and environmental Western perspectives. Students explore the West鈥檚 landscapes and ecosystems while also learning about the evolving issues of the West. From flora and fauna to history and literature, the certificate provides a thorough education of the region.

听Understand the role of the American West in helping to shape the nation
听Enhance your undergraduate studies with a certificate
听Become eligible for the annual Beardsley Family Scholarship, which is available only to Western American studies certificate program students

Learn from world-renowned experts, including the center's faculty director, Patty Limerick, a leader on topics dealing with the American West. She is a former Colorado state historian, a MacArthur 鈥済enius grant鈥� winner, a former member of the National Council for the Humanities, and a recipient of the Hazel Barnes Prize, the University of Colorado鈥檚 highest award for teaching and research.

Connect with peers, faculty and noteworthy featured guests at our off-campus Grace Kempton Student Dinners each semester. Past guests have included New York Times staff reporter Julie Turkewitz, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Brough, and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet.

Submit your writing on Western topics to the annual Thompson Awards writing contest to win cash and gain recognition for your work.听

Be successful.

This certificate allows you to enter the workforce with regional knowledge of America that spans the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities.
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Broaden your employment possibilities with a certificate that complements your major area of study

Gain professional training and work experience interning at Western organizations through the Center of the American West Internships Program

Work in a broad range of fields, including resource management, water law, journalism, museums, public lands policy, government, business and听the arts

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn the certificate in Western American studies, students must complete 18 credit hours of courses selected from the certificate program course list.

Subject areas听include:

Introductory course听
Natural sciences course
Social science course
Humanities course
Elective course
Capstone course

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Community & Involvement

We offer students opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their experience.
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Some opportunities include:

Learn more about:

Be inspired.

The certificate in Western American studies has an extensive list of alumni working and performing in a variety of fields.

Some alumni of the program include:
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HannaLore Hein

(Hist, EthnSt鈥�11)
Idaho鈥檚 first female state historian

Kit Armstrong

(贰苍惫贰苍驳谤鈥�17)
Staff engineer for an environmental consulting firm in Boulder

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