A WMU student working on a large document project at a creative work space.

Experience-Driven Learning empowers Broncos

At Western, experience powers education. You’ll build knowledge in the classroom and apply it through internships, research and hands-on projects that bridge learning to life. These opportunities will prepare you to graduate career-ready, equipped to shape the future and live the life you want.


Craft a meaningful career
Build the critical thinking skills employers seek most, graduating ready to make a real-world impact. 

Pursue resume-worthy experiences
Paid internships, research opportunities and industry partnerships available as early as your first year.

Become your best self 
Bronco life supports the whole you with everything you need to thrive emotionally, physically and socially.

9 of 10 Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like; 2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
93% of Broncos participate in Experience-Driven Learning; 2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
$60K-$70K median salary for recent graduates working full time; 2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
A Western degree is a pursuit of purpose where passions drive you and possibilities inspire you.
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Broncos crack cold cases

Western students work alongside Michigan State Police detectives through the Cold Case Program, applying classroom skills to real cases. Broncos have served as paid investigators on nearly 60 cases, resulting in seven solves and national attention on The Today Show and 48 Hours.

Broncos design the future

The Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation is where creativity meets opportunity. Broncos turn ideas into market-ready products, elevating concepts into intellectual property. In 2024-25, 16 Broncos filed for patents—a University record.

Experience-Driven Learning at Western shaped my career by giving me hands-on opportunities early. Whether it was working events, collaborating with teams or learning from professors who pushed us into real-world projects, those experiences built the foundation for everything I do today.
— Max Hahn, B.A.’13, Emmy-winning senior video producer for the Detroit Lions

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WMU students Genesis Fernandez and Ainsley Rahm strutting down the streets of New York's Times Square.

Broncos fashion dreams

From Kalamazoo to couture, Western makes fashion careers happen through the Merchandising Opportunities and Design Association (MODA) and the annual New York Fashion Week contest. Students earn the chance to experience fashion week in New York City, gaining a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make industry connections.

A Western Michigan University student posing in pilot gear in front of a blue sky.

Broncos Lead

From arts to tech and business, Broncos gain real-world experience early. Through the Broncos Lead Internship Program, students can land paid internships as soon as their second year, giving them a head start in their careers and opening doors to roles after graduation. 

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*WMU collected data for 3,124 graduates, of which 2,240 were employed full time, 67 were employed part time, 603 employed their degree to gain admittance to graduate school or were otherwise continuing their education, 18 were engaged in military service and 4 were volunteering full time. In addition, 872 of those working full time were satisfied with their job, based on 922 responses, and 1,645 of those working full time had a job related to their degree, based on 1,742 responses. Please review the Career Outcomes Report for detailed information about the methodology.

**2024-25 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts