Wyoming, like many states, faces serious mental health challenges, with its suicide rate ranking third in the nation. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports drug overdose deaths in Wyoming at over 12 per 100,000 people. Consequently, psychology students can expect expanding employment prospects in mental health care positions. State employment projections indicate an almost 23% increase in mental health counselors through 2026.
Wyoming covers a vast geographical area, with a population of over 570,000, making it the second least densely populated state, after Alaska. Earning an online psychology degree in Wyoming is a convenient option for residents who live some distance away from their ideal schools. Our guide provides information regarding online psychology programs in Wyoming, licensing requirements, internships, scholarships, and other useful resources.
How Do Online Psychology Degree Programs in Wyoming Work?
Because Wyoming is home to only 10 degree-granting postsecondary institutions, distance learning has become an attractive option for learners. Approximately 11% of undergraduate and graduate students in the state enroll in entirely web-based courses, while almost 18% take some of their courses online. Students interested in online psychology degrees in Wyoming will find fully online and hybrid programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels.
Students enrolled in online degrees can generally complete their requirements in the same amount of time as campus-based programs. Although each program establishes its own curriculum, on-campus and online psychology colleges in Wyoming offer high-quality educational experiences. Online and in-person psychology degrees from accredited schools offer the same rigorous academic standards, and employers view both types of degree-holders as equally qualified and competitive.
What Courses Are Part of an Online Psychology Degree Program in Wyoming?
Each psychology program establishes its own curriculum, and courses also vary by the educational level of the degree. The following descriptions provide examples of some common undergraduate course offerings.
Required of all majors, this course introduces students to the discipline of psychology as the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Enrollees can become familiar with classical and contemporary theoretical paradigms and research methods, along with the major specializations within psychological practice, including developmental, cognitive, clinical, behavioral, and neuroscientific approaches.
Cognitive psychology explores how humans perceive and interpret information, incorporate information with prior experiences, and determine how to respond to an ever-changing environment. In contrast to behavioral psychology, which studies external, observable actions, cognitive approaches center on internal thought processes like consciousness, perception, memory, attention, and emotions. The course places special emphasis on biases in judgment and rational decision making.
This course examines psychopathological disorders through the lenses of several traditional and current theoretical perspectives. Students can become familiar with the criteria used in clinical practice for mental and behavioral disorder classification. Major themes include diagnosis, treatment, intervention strategies, and legal and ethical issues relevant to clinical practitioners.
The psychological study of personality addresses how our personality characteristics emerge and become organized to make us into unique individuals. Degree-seekers can review the historical and contemporary theories of personality and assess their scientific validity. The course addresses the role of environment versus genetics on the cognitive, emotional, and motivational processes that shape individual personality traits.
This branch of psychology traces the major physical, cognitive, social, and emotional transitions in human growth and development from birth through death.
Students can analyze the connections among biology, genetics, and environmental influences on physical growth, cognition, and behavior to review research on the roles of race, gender, class, and culture on lifespan development.
Becoming a Psychologist in Wyoming
Begin your path to a career in psychology by learning about the degree and specializations appropriate for your professional goals. While a bachelor's degree leads to entry-level employment and provides a stepping stone to graduate study, an online master's in psychology in Wyoming qualifies you for more advanced positions in clinical practice and counseling. Doctoral degree-holders can enter many research, teaching, and professional practice roles.
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Specialize
Specializations offered in psychology programs allow degree-seekers to acquire the knowledge and skills for pursuing their careers and obtaining licensure. One of the most common specializations, clinical psychology, prepares students to diagnose and treat mental and behavioral disorders in direct practice. School psychologists provide assessments and counseling to children and adolescents in educational settings. -
Earn Your Degrees
The length of time needed to complete an online psychology degree in Wyoming depends on each program level. Bachelor's degrees, which include general education requirements alongside coursework in the major, typically take four years of full-time study. Psychology master's programs in Wyoming, which generally require two more years of study, incorporate practicum experiences into the curriculum to prepare students for specialized counseling and therapy positions.Doctoral degrees that lead to formal national licensure in psychology may require five or more years to complete, including internships and dissertation requirements. Because of the limited availability of web-based Ph.D. or Psy.D. degrees without residency requirements in Wyoming, distance learners should look for online doctorates from out-of-state schools.
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Obtain Licensure
Before you can become a licensed psychologist in Wyoming, you must first earn a doctoral degree accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The doctorate should incorporate 1,500 hours in a required pre-degree internship. After receiving your degree, you must fulfill another 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience in an APA-approved program. At this stage, each candidate may submit their application, supporting documents, and a $275 application fee to the Wyoming Board of Psychology to determine eligibility for licensure.Wyoming requires each psychology licensure applicant to pass the examination for professional practice in psychology (EPPP), verifying competency in key areas across the discipline. The testing fee costs $688. Candidates finally become approved for formal licensure to practice in Wyoming after passing the EPPP and submitting an additional fee of $200 for the initial license.
Other Licenses and Certifications
While all licensed psychologists in Wyoming must earn either a Ph.D. or Psy.D., master's degree-holders may qualify for other types of specialized certifications and licenses in fields like mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and marriage and family therapy. Graduates of bachelor's programs in psychology or related fields may pursue MSWs to practice as licensed clinical social workers in Wyoming.
Each MFT must hold a master's degree or higher from an accredited school and complete 3,000 hours of supervised experience. Candidates must pass the national examination, which is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapist Regulatory Boards.
Wyoming offers several pathways to this license. A master's degree-holder in counseling or a related field must complete 3,000 hours of supervised professional experiences and pass one of the following exams: the national counselor examination, the national clinical mental health examination, or the rehabilitation counselor certification examination.
Online Psychology Bachelor's Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Salaries and Job Outlook for Psychologists in Wyoming
While Wyoming's economy continues to experience modest growth, it ranks 42nd in healthcare access, healthcare quality, and public health indicators.
With rates of opioid and drug abuse in Wyoming continuing to rise, psychology students can expect employment opportunities to expand throughout the state, especially for positions in addiction counseling. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services projects a 22% increase in the employment of mental health counselors and an 18% growth in providers specializing in substance abuse and behavioral disorders through 2026.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a $56,690 average annual salary for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the state, which ranks higher than the national average of $47,920 for this occupation. The demand for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in Wyoming is projected to increase by 8% through 2026, although the average yearly salary for this group of $78,360 sits below the national average.
Wyoming at a Glance
Population: 577,737
Population Growth (2010-2018): 2.50%
Population Growth Rank: 34
Source: United States Census Bureau
| Mean Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2016-26) | |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | N/A | 33.3% |
| Montana | $69,870 | 16.7% |
| Colorado | $83,630 | 16.7% |
| South Dakota | $84,200 | N/A |
| Idaho | $87,410 | 20.0% |
| Utah | $86,340 | N/A |
| National Average | $95,610 | 10.3% |
Source: BLS, Projections Central
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologist Salary | General Unemployment Rate | Education and Health Services 12-Month Employment Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | $100,020 | 3.5% | 4.4% |
| Casper | $54,180 | 3.8% | 0.0% |
Source: BLS
Psychology Degrees and Careers in Wyoming -- Frequently Asked Questions
Every student who plans to enroll in an online psychology degree in Wyoming should learn how distance learning works and what type of psychology degrees they need for particular licenses and career specializations. We've compiled a list of common concerns for aspiring psychologists below.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Wyoming?
The specific number of years depends on the program and the number of courses students complete each term. Distance learners and on-campus students generally take the same amount of time to finish their degrees, but degree-seekers enrolled in online programs that offer accelerated formats may finish sooner. Part-time attendance, internships, and dissertation requirements can lengthen the time needed to fulfill graduation requirements.
Are Online Psychology Classes Hard?
While web-based learning offers added convenience and flexibility, do not expect to sail through your classes simply because of the format. Distance learners spend as much time on their coursework as they would in traditional in-person classes. Accredited institutions that provide online degrees must ensure that these programs meet the same rigorous academic standards as their brick-and-mortar offerings.
What Skills Are Needed to Be a Psychologist?
Psychologists must acquire the ability to identify and solve complex problems using logic and reasoning. Because mental healthcare providers work with vulnerable individuals and groups, they must develop strong communication skills, empathy, and a commitment to ethical principles. These professionals must also attain cultural competency to understand the needs of diverse populations.
What Schools Are Best for Psychology in Wyoming?
While this sparsely populated state is home to a relatively small number of colleges and universities, Wyoming offers opportunities for online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Finding the best program depends on your specific educational needs and career goals. Before enrolling in any online psychology degree program in Wyoming, take the time to compare curriculum requirements, online formats, available specializations, costs, and other considerations that matter most to you.
Is a BA or a BS in Psychology Better?
The ideal degree depends on what works best for your interests and needs. A BA requires more liberal arts and sciences courses outside the major field, including foreign language study. Students enrolled in a BS take more science and math courses, emphasizing statistics, research methods, and lab work.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Wyoming
Accreditation is an important matter for any school, whether online or on campus. The status is granted by national and regional accreditation bodies. Accredited schools must meet certain quality standards relating to academic programs and career preparation. Regional accreditation, typically awarded to academic-focused colleges and universities, is considered more rigorous and prestigious, while national accreditation is usually granted to vocational schools, trade schools, and religious institutions.
Some organizations offer accreditation of individual programs or departments. Psychology accreditation bodies include APA, the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Programmatic accreditation may be required to obtain certain licenses. APA only accredits degrees at the doctoral level.
Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Wyoming
Internships and fellowships offer students hands-on educational opportunities to complete professional work while still in school or just after graduation. Fellowships tend to focus more on academics, and graduate students typically receive these roles in recognition of specific achievements. Fellows usually receive a stipend or benefits. Undergraduate students commonly take part in internships, completing entry-level tasks with the supervision of permanent employees. Interns may be paid or unpaid.
Internships and fellowships can provide undergraduate and graduate students with valuable professional practice and research training under the supervision of experienced psychologists. Students should find placements related to their specialties in areas such as mental health counseling, opioid addiction treatment, and sexual violence prevention. The following list describes some of the organizations in Wyoming that offer internships and fellowships.
Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center
YBHC offers many services for individuals, including suicide treatment, cognitive therapy, and family therapy. The center provides mental health services on a sliding fee scale to accommodate all patients, regardless of their finances.
Northern Wyoming Mental Health
Since 1966, NWMH has provided mental health care services to individuals and families in northeastern Wyoming. They offer services like group therapy, medication management, couples therapy, opioid addiction treatment, and an after school program.
Central Wyoming Counseling Center
As one of the largest centers in Wyoming, CWCC helps to connect thousands of people every year with many different health services. Their extensive staff and open access intake process allow new patients to be seen as soon as they arrive.
Curran-Seeley Foundation
CSF has provided mental health services since 1988, including anger management, interventions, and intensive out-patient treatment. This nonprofit organization focuses on person-centered treatment, even when dealing with groups.
UW Addictive Behaviors Lab
This lab focuses on addictive behaviors in college students, especially regarding cannabis, alcohol, and stimulants. Its research aims to understand and change the cognitive mechanisms that lead to and sustain addiction.
UW Trauma and Sexual Assault Prevention Lab
This lab's research focuses on developing better treatment methods for survivors of sexual assault, as well as understanding the social mechanisms that perpetuate and excuse sexual assault.
Professional Organizations for Psychologists and Mental Health Professionals
Joining a professional psychology association can connect you with practitioners, educators, and researchers who share your interests. Undergraduate and graduate students often qualify for discounted membership rates, which allow them to access networking events, internships, scholarships, and job listings. The following list describes some of the major national and state-based associations in psychology and related fields.
- Wyoming Psychological Association WPA advances the profession of psychology in Wyoming and serves practitioners and the public through political advocacy. Members can receive continuing education opportunities, state licensing information, and discounted registration at conferences. This association encourages cooperation among members across the state by sponsoring an online forum for networking and referrals.
- American Psychological Association APA has emerged as the most influential professional association promoting the interests of psychologists and advancing education and training in the field of psychology. The association accredits doctoral programs in clinical, counseling, and school psychology, offers continuing education, and sponsors an employment service. Student members can benefit from internships, scholarships, and career guidance.
- Wyoming Counseling Association This state branch of the American Counseling Association advocates for the counseling profession in Wyoming and promotes standards for ethical practice. The WCA provides members with networking, leadership development opportunities, and online job listings. Students in counseling fields and non-licensed professionals can qualify for reduced associate membership rates.
- American Mental Health Counselors Association AMHCA represents the interests of clinical mental health counselors by advancing ethical practices and professional development opportunities. The association monitors and updates standards for the practice of clinical mental health counseling. Members can receive access to online employment listings, legislative updates, publications, and continuing education. AMHCA offers special membership rates to graduate students and professionals beginning their counseling careers.
- Wyoming School Psychology Association The WSPA, an affiliate of the National Association of School Psychology, represents the interests of these professionals who serve the mental health and educational needs of children and youth. The association sponsors professional development opportunities and advances ethical standards for the profession. Currently, WSPA offers free membership to certified school psychologists and students.
Scholarships for Online Psychology Degree Programs in Wyoming
Vantage Point Recovery awards this scholarship to aspiring mental health professional students in need of financial assistance.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 31
- Eligibility Requirements: Each applicant must write an 800-word essay about their goals as a mental health professional and the importance of mental health.
APF awards two of these scholarships each year to doctoral students in neuropsychology who demonstrate excellence in research.
- Amount Offered: $2,500
- Scholarship Deadline: June 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Each candidate must have completed doctoral candidacy and will need to receive independent review board (IRB) approval, if applicable.
This scholarship supports dissertation research for one graduate student who is investigating mental functions from both a behavioral and neural perspective. The award is intended to help improve our understanding of cognitive psychology.
- Amount Offered: $2,000
- Scholarship Deadline: June 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Each applicant must have completed doctoral candidacy at a regionally accredited institution. Candidates must also have IRB approval, if applicable.
This scholarship provides money to help graduate students interested in studying the stigma and psychological pain of adults with visible disabilities, such as cerebral palsy.
- Amount Offered: Amount Offered: $10,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Oct. 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must be full-time graduate students or graduates in their early careers. Applicants must receive IRB approval before receiving funding.
This scholarship awards funds to graduate students investigating topics related to reducing stress on the LGBTQ+ community.
- Amount Offered: $10,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Candidates must be graduate students, doctoral-level researchers, or early-career professionals studying LGBTQ+ issues.
The American Psychology Foundation offers 21 different scholarships for graduate student research in psychology.
- Amount Offered: $2,000-$5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: June 30
- Eligibility Requirements: Each applicant must be a graduate or doctoral student enrolled in a Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology member institution. Graduate students must show commitment to enrolling in Ph.D. programs.
Granted to students enrolled in psychopharmacology programs, this scholarship supports up to nine students and licensed psychologists per year. APF gives preference to students who commit to helping underserved communities.
- Amount Offered: $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: Feb. 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Graduate students enrolled in clinical psychopharmacology programs or employed as early-career licensed psychologists may apply.
Find Online Psychology Degree Programs in Wyoming
Searching for a psychology program can be daunting, especially for new students. The following database contains information on concentrations, enrollment information, and tuition costs. Below are all of the accredited schools offering online psychology degrees in Wyoming.
Explore Psychology Careers
Mental Health Initiatives in Wyoming
Wyoming bears one of the highest rates of mental illness and lowest rates for access to mental health care services, ranking 47th out of all 50 states and Washington D.C. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reports that only 45% of adults with mental illness in Wyoming receive any form of treatment from public or private providers.
The Wyoming Department of Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Services has begun to address the state's mental health care challenges through several initiatives. This state office administers community grants and programs to provide out-patient and substance abuse treatment. The department also oversees mental health crisis support, opioid crisis and medication-assisted treatment, and certification for peer recovery coaches and specialists.
The Wyoming affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides several resources for individuals and families. This nonprofit, grassroots organization sponsors an outreach program to foster understanding about mental disorders and change negative attitudes. NAMI-Wyoming also sponsors free educational programs for caregivers.