OpenFieldMontana Western · Dillon, Montana, United States
The University of Montana Western (UMW), located in the historic Beaverhead Valley in Dillon, Montana, is the only public university in the United States offering the revolutionary Experience One (X1) block scheduling program. Under X1, students take a single course at a time for 18 days, enabling immersive, full-time experiential field research across geology, horsemanship, biology, and environmental sciences.
UMW delivers undergraduate and professional degrees across departments of Biology, Environmental Sciences, Equine Studies, Fine Arts, Education, Business and Technology, and Mathematics. The campus is bordered by millions of acres of public lands, national forests, and trout-filled rivers that serve as an immediate outdoor laboratory.
Undergraduate admissions evaluate high school graduation credentials, GPA, and transcripts. Test scores are optional. International students must demonstrate English language proficiency (TOEFL 68+ or IELTS 6.0+).
Immersive 18-day block field courses in stream water chemistry, trout population surveys, sagebrush steppe ecology, and riparian habitat restoration throughout Southwest Montana.
Intensive field geology program utilizing Montana's thrust belts, fault scarps, and mining districts for structural mapping, hydrogeology sampling, and petrology analysis.
Nationally recognized four-year equine science curriculum partnering with the Montana Center for Horsemanship, teaching horse behavior science, equine nutrition, and equine facility management.
Practical degree preparing park naturalists, outdoor educators, and wilderness guides in Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, interpretive exhibit design, and outdoor risk management.
Immersive studio block courses in plein air landscape oil painting, wheel-thrown ceramic stoneware, and glass sculpture inspired by the Rocky Mountain wilderness.
Applied mathematics curriculum featuring one-course-at-a-time focus on differential equations, statistical population modeling, cryptography, and Python scientific computing.
Regents Professor of Geology
Department of Environmental Sciences
Dr. Thomas is a nationally celebrated geological educator and researcher investigating Cambrian sedimentary stratigraphy, volcanic geo-hazards, and experiential...
View researcher profile ↗Professor of Biology
Department of Biology
Dr. Morrow conducts field research on rangeland plant ecology, riparian willow community dynamics, invasive weed biocontrol, and sage-grouse habitat conservatio...
View researcher profile ↗Professor of Fine Arts
Department of Fine Arts
Dr. Roberts explores ceramic sculpture, high-fire wood kiln atmospheric firings, regional clay mineralogy, and contemporary three-dimensional craft installation...
View researcher profile ↗OpenField is an independent research platform not officially affiliated with University of Montana Western. Information reflects public documentation reviewed on 2026-10-16. Students must verify application deadlines, fee structures, and prerequisite details directly with official university admissions departments before applying.
Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial policy · Submit corrections