Department of Psychology

College of Arts & Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions about the UW Doctoral Programs in Psychology

How many students are accepted into your program?

Each year we typically accept 5-6 students in the clinical program and 3-4 students for our other programs.

What do you look for in deciding who to admit?

We look at the entire application packet, including relevant experience, GPA and coursework, letters of recommendation, and your statement of interest.  A primary concern is how well your research interests and training goals match with our faculty and our program.

When should I apply?

Our application deadline is December 1 for admission in the following fall. Admission decisions are typically completed by April 15. We do not offer admission at any other time during the year.

Do you require the GRE test?

We will not consider the GRE for admissions. 

What undergraduate courses/experiences are recommended?

 We recommend that applicants have Statistics, 35-40 psychology credits and research experience.

Are students selected to work with a particular faculty member?

Yes. We use a mentorship model in selecting our students.  Each faculty member who is taking a student will select promising students to interview. Once accepted, you will work primarily in that faculty member's research laboratory. You can also choose to work in other research labs in addition to your primary lab; experimental students, especially, often do so. Occasionally students will change their primary mentor.

What is it like to be a student in your program?

As a graduate student at the University of Wyoming, you will join a friendly and collegial department where students support rather than compete with each other.  You will receive individual attention in small classes and work closely with dedicated faculty mentors, all of whom are active in research.

What support is there for students beyond the assistantships?

The Psychology Department is fortunate to have access to scholarship funds that are awarded on a competitive basis to graduate students engaged in research activities and in travel to professional conferences.

What is it like to live in Laramie?

Laramie is a small college town (population 32,000). You will study and live in a beautiful, safe, and affordable environment. Our students also enjoy world-class recreation including hiking, skiing, and rock-climbing. We are about 1 hour away from Fort Collins, Colorado and 2 hours from Denver.

Do you offer Masters degree programs?

We do not accept students for a terminal Master's degree, although our students who do not have a Master's degree at admission will earn one on their way to the Ph.D.

How many University of Wyoming graduate students have full funding?

Our aim is to fully fund (i.e., full tuition waivers and stipends) each graduate student for at least four years, assuming adequate progress in the program.  100% of our current students receive tuition waivers and full stipends. Our stipend levels are nationally competitive and Laramie has a relatively low cost of living.

The Clinical Psychology program is described as following a "scientist-practitioner" training model. Does the program focus more on training scientists or practitioners?

As a student you will be trained in both clinical work and research. Although some programs focus much more hevily on one component over the other, we value both aspects of the scientist-practitioner training model.

Is the Clinical Program APA Accredited?

Yes, the Clinical psychology Ph.D. training program has been continuously accredited since 1972.

What kind of clinical training experiences do students receive?

Students in our Clinical Psychology Ph.D. training program learn to conduct empirically supported therapies and assessments in our in-house Psychology Clinic under the supervision of our faculty. They receive additional clinical experience through two summer clerkships working full time in settings like the Wyoming State Psychiatric Hospital, the Sheridan VA, the Cheyenne VA, or United Medical Services Hospital.

I am interested in a career as a therapist, but I am not interested in research. Should I apply to your program?

No. We find that students who do not enjoy research have great difficulty completing their master's theses and dissertations.  You likely will find programs in counseling psychology or social work to be a better fit for your interests.