Explore Wyoming's Top PhDs: Online & Campus Learning
Ready to explore doctoral programs in Wyoming? Wyoming may be a small state, but it has a strong higher education system with plenty of subjects to explore.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
Wyoming has a small population and fewer higher education options, especially at the doctoral level. If you want to earn a PhD in-state, your main option is the University of Wyoming.
As the state’s flagship school, it offers strong research and learning opportunities, particularly in science and technical fields.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is the state’s only public research university and the primary option for doctoral programs.
It offers a range of PhDs across fields like engineering, agriculture, and more, with options that include on-campus, online, and hybrid formats.
Despite being the only in-state choice, UW provides strong research opportunities and campus resources, making it a solid option for doctoral study.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Wyoming
Wyoming offers a range of doctoral fields and program formats, even with fewer schools.
You can choose options like full-time, part-time, or accelerated programs, depending on your schedule and goals.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
A full-time PhD program in Wyoming is a good fit if you can dedicate your full focus to your studies.
Most programs take three to five years, with the dissertation often requiring two years or more.
Examples include the PhD in Animal and Veterinary Science and the PhD in Economics at the University of Wyoming.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
If you’re balancing work or other commitments, part-time PhD programs in Wyoming offer a more flexible path.
These programs typically take five to eight years to complete but allow you to study while continuing your career.
Examples include the PhD in Computer Science and the PhD in Literacy Education at the University of Wyoming.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
If you’re looking to reduce costs, some doctoral programs in Wyoming offer full funding through grants, scholarships, and assistantships.
These opportunities often include tuition coverage, stipends, and hands-on research experience.
Examples include the PhD in Economics and PhD in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
Many PhD programs in Wyoming require you to take the GRE, a general knowledge entrance exam, but this isn’t always necessary.
If you’re looking for programs that don’t require GRE test scores, good examples of no-GRE doctorates are UW’s PhD in Computer Science and PhD in Electrical Engineering.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
Some students may wish to earn their PhD or doctoral degree at a much faster pace, finishing their studies in one to four years.
Many universities offer accelerated PhD programs, some even available in one-year formats, that let you hit the ground running when you graduate.
However, while UW offers accelerated programs for master’s degrees, there are currently no accelerated PhD programs in Wyoming.
Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Wyoming
A dissertation is the keystone of many online doctoral programs in Wyoming. Researching and defending your dissertation can take 2-4 years alone, and failing to do so can often result in failing to earn your PhD.
However, not all doctoral programs require a dissertation and instead replace it with a capstone project.
In Wyoming, however, you may have a hard time finding a program like this, as all graduate students at UW must complete at least 12 dissertation hours.
Expert Insight
Accelerated programs are attractive for many reasons, but they might not be the best academic fit for you. Faster is not always better. For these programs, you need to be an organized self-starter to keep up with the pace of learning.
Wyoming’s Top PhDs: Discover What’s in Demand
Arts and Sciences
At the University of Wyoming’s College of Arts and Sciences, you learn about liberal arts and pure sciences, including anthropology, psychology, English, and history.
This is ideal for curious and creative individuals who enjoy doing research and are passionate about topics like human culture and literature.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Education and Research
The College of Education at the University of Wyoming is the ideal place to study if your aspirations lie strictly in the field of education.
If you want to teach others using what you learn and become a leader and advisor, this field is fitting.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- University of Wyoming’s Doctor of Learning, Design, and Technology
- University of Wyoming’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Engineering
Pragmatic thinkers with a strong aptitude in mathematics, science, and problem-solving are ideal candidates for UW’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
In this program, you learn how to apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Healthcare
Becoming a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist isn’t easy, but helping others can be extremely rewarding.
UW’s College of Health Sciences teaches the ins and outs of medical practice, and online doctoral programs in Wyoming are also available.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- University of Wyoming’s Doctor of Pharmacy
- University of Wyoming’s DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Nature and Science
Suited for individuals fascinated by the natural world, UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources offers programs in nature and science.
Wyoming is rich in such resources, so you can expect plenty ofreal-world application in your studies.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Start on Your Online Doctoral Journey in Wyoming
Online and hybrid doctoral programs in Wyoming offer more flexibility while maintaining the same academic quality as on-campus study.
Options are limited, but the University of Wyoming offers a few, including the online PhD in Learning, Design, and Technology and a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Program formats may include:
- Asynchronous courses you complete on your own schedule
- Synchronous classes with set meeting times
- Hybrid elements like labs or residencies on campus
Online learning can help you balance work, life, and school, but it also requires strong self-motivation and active networking.
Expert Insight
The asynchronous format is self-paced and flexible, but demands that you intentionally make time to digest your coursework and complete assignments. For many adults, this type of learning can fit well with busy or unpredictable life schedules.
Tapping into Assistance: Funding Your Wyoming Doctoral Degree
As a high-achieving person interested in doctoral programs in Wyoming, you’re likely interested in financial aid opportunities. Most PhD programs offered by public research universities are fully funded through graduate assistantships or by other means.
You may also want to look into scholarships/grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. For example, all graduate students in Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Wyoming receive full funding via assistantship.
You can also find scholarships and doctoral research grants available for PhD programs in Wyoming. Earning these can be competitive since slots are limited, but you can at least rely on your assistantship to fund your doctoral studies.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Wyoming
In Wyoming, earning a PhD or doctoral degree can significantly boost your earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with doctoral degrees make on average 2,278/week ($118k/year) compared to master’s degree holders who earn only 1,840/week ($95k/year).
According to Wyoming’s Department of Workforce Services, only 1.2% of projected jobs are for doctoral degrees. However, with less than 100 people earning their PhD each year in Wyoming, competition is low.
Lawyers, postsecondary teachers, physical therapists, and pharmacists are options for employment. See the table below to compare salaries in various professions.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthropologist | PhD in Anthropology | $64,910 | $104,510 |
| Biostatistician | PhD in Statistics | $125,710 | $170,700 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $115,440 | $212,710 |
| Geoscientist | PhD in Geology | $99,240 | $178,880 |
| Mining Engineer | PhD in Engineering | $101,020 | $163,740 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $129,210 | $217,270 |
| Political Scientist | PhD in Political Science | $139,380 | $191,880 |
| Professor | PhD | $72,090 | $199,520 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $94,310 | $157,330 |
| Veterinarian | Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | $125,510 | $212,890 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024