Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology

The University of Wyoming maintains a small, collegial psychology department that gives students the opportunity to shine. Our students explore new ideas with supportive faculty through research, teaching, and clinical training opportunities.

About the Ph.D. in Psychology Program

Program Overview

The Department of Psychology offers a doctorate in psychology with various concentration options. Students may pursue programs in:

• Clinical psychology (APA accredited)
• Social psychology
• Cognitive development
• Psychology and law

Clinical Psychology

Students complete a four-year, on-campus sequence of courses. These courses teach core areas of psychology and clinical competency. Students additionally complete:

• A thesis
• A preliminary comprehensive examination
• A dissertation
• One summer clerkship
• A one-year APA accredited internship

Social Psychology, Cognitive Development, or Psychology and Law

Students complete course requirements in core areas of psychology, as well as:

• A preliminary comprehensive examination
• A research-based dissertation Students receive a stipend and tuition & fee package when in good standing, funding permitting.

Curriculum & Courses

The program's curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in psychology.

Admission Requirements

Application materials include:

• The application
• A statement of purpose
• Undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts
• Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation An application fee of $50 is required.

Applications are evaluated based on the applicants' academic qualifications, stated research and (if applicable) clinical interests. Particular attention is paid to the fit between the applicants' expressed research and clinical interests and the particular strengths and offerings of our program.

The deadline for receipt of all application materials is December 1. We only admit students one time per year. Our graduate students begin their programs of study in the fall semester.

Although our graduate programs technically consist of separate masters and doctoral degree components, only students who are applying for, and who expect to complete, the doctoral program are considered for admission. That is, we do not offer a terminal masters degree.

Psychology Graduate Program Highlights

• Research & Teaching Opportunities
• Outstanding Faculty
• The Psychology Center
• Student Organizations

All psychology doctorate students engage in research and teaching while at UW. Many of our students conduct research projects as a research assistant or through independent study. Clinical students receive extensive training in therapy and assessment at UW's Psychology Center.

What can you do with a Psychology doctorate degree?

With a doctorate in psychology, you open the door to a wide range of exciting and meaningful career paths. Whether you want to help people through therapy, shape policy, teach, lead research, or work in business or healthcare, this degree gives you the skills and knowledge to make a real difference and follow your passion.

Some career paths that recent UW psychology doctoral alumni have taken include:

• Academic positions at Vanderbilt University, California State University San Bernardino, the University of Mississippi, and Brown University
• Associate Chief of Mental Health at Cheyenne VA
• Drug Treatment Program Coordinator at a Federal Corrections Facility
• Senior Manager at Under Armor
• Research Manager at Nielsen
• Senior Methodologist at Oracle Life Sciences
• Population Health Analyst at Legacy Health

Notable employers for UW psychology graduates include:

• CVS Health
• University of Wyoming
• University of Colorado
• National Jewish Health
• University of Maryland
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Northern Colorado
• Stockton University
• EDCare
• LIV Health

In recent years, our clinical psychology students have had a 100% match rate with clinical internships, and our non-clinical students have had a 100% employment rate.

Psychology PhD graduates are increasingly sought after in a growing number of fields that recognize the value of psychological expertise. Beyond traditional clinical roles, they are making meaningful contributions in industries such as:

• Healthcare
• Academia
• Government
• Private Sector
• Nonprofits
• Forensic and Legal

Real Experience Beyond the Classroom

When you join the University of Wyoming's doctoral program in psychology, you're not just learning from textbooksyou're learning from professors who are also active professionals in the field. They bring real-world experience into the classroom, offering guidance, support, and mentorship that helps you grow both academically and professionally. This is the perfect setting to gain hands-on experience as you progress through the program.

Related Programs

Interested in a doctorate in psychology? These programs may also be of interest to you:

• B.S. in Psychology
• M.S. in Counseling
• M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences
• M.S. in Health Services Administration
• Ph.D. in Neuroscience
• Community and Public Health Graduate Certificate