Wyoming Psychology Doctorate Programs
As more Americans accept the idea that they would benefit from counseling or other treatments for mental health, anxiety or behavioral issues, the system for this care will continue to be stressed and struggle. In fact, this has been an issue in the U.S. since the 1960s and was a driving factor in the creation of the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), a doctorate that aims to provide the educational foundation of a clinical psychology practice.
But being able to practice professionally in the United States, including here in Wyoming, means first being licensed by the state where you want to practice. Before that can happen, people must first earn a doctoral degree in psychology, which can include a Psy.D. or a more traditional Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).
Let’s explore what degree options exist here in Wyoming, as well as the licensure steps that must be followed in order to practice legally.
What’s On This Page
- Wyoming PsyD Programs
- Other Wyoming Doctorate Programs
- Wyoming Psychologist Requirements
- Wyoming Doctorate Salary Outlook
List of PsyD Programs in Wyoming
There are currently no Psy.D. programs offered here in the state of Wyoming. However, there are a couple of online degree programs that could be appropriate. Students in Wyoming should note that one of the licensure requirements is 1,500 hours of clinical residency or internship as part of a degree program, and this may not come standard in many online programs. So students will need to be sure to advocate for themselves in any online degree program they select; if an internship is not possible, then it’s not the right degree program for them.
California Southern
CalSouthern’s online Psy.D. was constructed following California’s requirements for licensure, but the 100% online approach allows students across the country to benefit. An internship is optional with this program, so students in Wyoming will need to be sure to take that option.
- Institution type: Private, for-profit
- Campus: Online, headquartered in California
- Total expected tuition: $35,970
- Degrees offered: PsyD
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Visit school: Click here
Capella University
Capella’s online Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is designed to be flexible, and the program includes both online and in-person work outside of the internship or practicum experience. According to a Capella survey, 88% of doctoral graduates said what they learned in the program was immediately applicable in their careers.
- Institution type: Private, for-profit
- Campus: Online, headquartered in Minnesota
- Total expected tuition: $78,300
- Degrees offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Visit school: Click here
Other Psychology Doctorates in Wyoming
One other type of psychology doctorate is available on-campus in Wyoming, a Ph.D.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming’s Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology first earned the APA’s seal of approval in 1972, and today’s students can contribute research in a range of areas, including eating disorders, substance abuse, ADHD, aging and self-harm. UW also staffs and supports a community mental health clinic where students gain real-world experience. All 34 graduates over the past decade have earned professional licensure.
- Institution type: Public
- Campus: Laramie
- Annual tuition: Students receive full tuition waivers and assistantships
- Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: APA
- Visit school: Click here
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist in Wyoming
A career as a psychologist in Wyoming begins with education, but the journey doesn’t stop there. Let’s take a look at the steps required to becoming professionally licensed to practice psychology in the state of Wyoming.
- Complete your undergraduate education. Majoring in psychology is the most obvious bachelor’s degree path, but those with degrees in social work, biology or statistics, or some other subject, also can earn professional licensure eventually. Applicants to doctoral programs in psychology should be sure to closely check the admissions requirements of the institutions in which they are most interested, as some schools require all applicants to have psychology degrees, while others may accept those without.
- Get your doctorate. The Wyoming Board of Psychology prefers licensure applicants who have completed an APA-accredited Psy.D. or Ph.D. degree, but those with a doctoral degree that’s not APA-accredited may still apply. The state will require additional documentation during the application procedure to validate that their doctoral program included at least three years of full-time study, plus at least 1,500 hours of clinical residency or internship.
- Meet all other state standards. In addition to a doctoral degree, applicants for licensure must complete a total of 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, all of which can be during their doctoral program. If their Psy.D. or Ph.D. program didn’t include at least 3,000 hours, then they must complete 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised professional experience. Additionally, applicants must score at least 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
- Keep up-to-date on your license. They expire annually in Wyoming, and psychologists are required to complete at least 30 hours of continuing education each year.
Wyoming Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook
An average full-time worker in Wyoming can expect to earn about $49,000 per year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says. But for clinical psychologists, the financial picture is usually better. That’s because clinical, counseling and school psychologists in Wyoming earn an average annual salary of more than $78,000 per year, and they can easily make more than $100,000 on the high end of the salary spectrum.
Additionally, the outlook for psychologists in Wyoming is good, with a robust 8% growth rate projected in employment over the next decade. This is considerably higher than the 5% rate that’s expected for all American jobs.