UW’s Fogg Transitions to Law School as Part of 3+3 Accelerated Degree Program

Ryan Fogg, of Carpenter, a junior in the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources’ (SER) energy resource management and development degree program, is the first student to be accepted into the UW College of Law as part of the 3+3 accelerated degree program.

The Quickstart 3+3 program allows UW students to earn a bachelor’s degree in energy resource management and development through SER and a Juris Doctor through the College of Law, following the standard application requirements. If accepted into law school, students gain the combined professional credentials in six years instead of the traditional seven, with the first year of law school concurrently satisfying the final year of the undergraduate degree.

“I am thrilled to be headed to law school in the fall,” Fogg says. “I have known that I wanted to go into the legal profession since I was 12 years old, and the energy resource management and development degree was not only an incredibly valuable program, but it also provided the best pathway to law school.”

To participate in the Quickstart 3+3, students must pursue the bachelor’s degree through SER and declare their intention to follow the 3+3 pathway by the fall semester of their sophomore year. The energy resource management and development degree allows students to choose between two concentrations: energy and environmental systems or professional land management.

“With its interdisciplinary nature, the energy resource management and development program provides a natural fit for students aspiring to practice law,” says SER Academic Director Kami Danaei. “Land managers and environmental scientists must have a firm understanding of title, property law, contracts, estates and federal land laws, so the overlap in curriculum provided a natural fit in creating this program to the benefit of our students. We are exceptionally proud of Ryan on his admittance and know he will thrive in law school.”

Growing up in a farming and ranching family, Fogg was exposed to the intersection of law and the energy industry from an early age. His family’s property has been involved in oil and gas, wind, solar, and carbon capture and storage leasing, as well as in easements and right-of-way agreements.

During his undergraduate studies, he took that foundational knowledge of property interests and energy development and built upon it in a program that prioritizes hands-on training and experiential opportunities.

Actively involved in the SER Mentorship Program, Fogg enriched his understanding of the energy industry by participating in site visits, networking events, professional conferences, and trips to the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the North American Prospect Expo Summit.

He also built and diversified his professional experience through an internship with the Wyoming Stockgrowers Land Trust, where he worked on geographical information systems. Expanding his skill set, he interned with Hess Corp. as a surface landman, gaining practical experience in pipeline rights-of-way and a comprehensive understanding of surface landman responsibilities.

Fogg credits the rigorous discussions and analytical thinking fostered in his UW classrooms as the best preparation for the next chapter of his education.

“The faculty and the coursework in the energy resource management and development degree program are unmatched and have set me up with an interest and a passion for legal issues,” Fogg says. “I’ve learned how to read case law; run title; how to do the issue, rule, analysis and conclusion legal research method; and so much more. SER has been supportive, and this experience has solidified my conviction to attend the UW College of Law.”

Looking ahead, Fogg also is eager to explore other areas within the legal field.

“We’re thrilled that Ryan is the first student to reach this significant milestone in the 3+3 Program,” says SER Executive Director Holly Krutka. “Several of our students have successfully pursued law school through the traditional route, and we’re proud of their accomplishments. Our strong partnership with the College of Law is opening new doors for SER students, and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”

Julie Hill, UW College of Law dean, shares this positive sentiment.

“We are excited to have Ryan in the program and hope his success will inspire other legal-minded students to follow suit and earn two exceptional degrees,” she says.

For more information about the Quickstart 3+3 program, view the 3+3 EES degree entry or the 3+3 PLM degree entry in the UW course catalog.

For more information about the program, email SER at seracad@u-wyo.edu.