Wyoming isn’t just the home of the most affordable mountain town in the West — as it turns out, the state also has one of the lowest unemployment rates at just 3%. While the majority of Wyoming residents enjoy gainful employment regardless of their education, earning a master’s degree is one of the top ways to boost earning potential and qualify for higher-paying positions.
Commuting to college can be a challenge given Wyoming’s rural towns and harsh winters. Fortunately, the state is also home to accredited colleges with quality online master’s degree programs. If you’re ready to bask in scenic views and enjoy a lower cost of living while earning your master’s degree from home, this guide is for you. Keep reading to discover best-in-class online master’s degrees Wyoming has to offer.
2024’s Top Online Master’s Programs in Wyoming
Wyoming’s higher education system consists of a total of 10 colleges and universities — one public four-year institution, two private four-year institutions, and seven public two-year institutions. Although this means fewer options than most states, it’s still more than enough to accommodate its almost 30,000 students.
If you’re interested in enrolling in online master’s programs in Wyoming, it may be because of your career or other obligations; many professionals seek online master’s programs because they allow them to maintain their careers while earning the credentials to help them work their way up the corporate ladder.
On the other hand, hybrid programs provide students with a hands-on learning component and some in-person instruction in lieu of fully remote options. Hybrid students must be mindful that these programs require better time management, and thus can be more demanding than traditional programs.
Below, you’ll find three options for online or hybrid master’s programs in WY. While everyone defines “best” differently, these programs stand out for a variety of reasons. Read on to discover top online programs in Wyoming.
If you’re researching accredited online master’s programs in Wyoming, odds are, your search will begin with the online graduate programs at the University of Wyoming. As the only four-year public institution in the state, the vast majority of students who want to earn master’s degrees while living in the state begin by exploring this top-rated choice.
With 15 fully online master’s degree options and two hybrid programs, the University of Wyoming has a diverse menu from which to choose — at a reasonable price. The tuition per credit hour varies by type of degree but ranges from about $332 to $850 per credit hour. You’ll also find a robust range of online student support resources, from mental health and accessibility resources to IT support and software and beyond.
Alternatively, if the University of Wyoming isn’t a good match, the University of Phoenix could be a great fit. Although it’s not based in Wyoming, this accredited college offers highly flexible, nationwide programs that allow students to earn their degrees around their own schedules. Moreover, the school offers a highly rated support service that is available 20 hours a day, five days a week.
Offering 27 online master’s programs in fields like education, healthcare, and business, the degree options at the University of Phoenix can provide a convenient way to upskill and maximize your professional potential. Additionally, the University of Phoenix charges $698 per credit hour, no matter where you live in the country. This makes it a great choice for states like Wyoming that may have limited online master’s opportunities.
Explore Your Options: Types of Master’s Programs in WY
Wyoming has many different types of master’s programs available to online students, so it’s best to choose a program based on your unique educational background and goals. For example, if you’re working a full-time job while pursuing a master’s degree, you may want to opt for a part-time program and/or online-only courses to ensure that you are able to complete the work around your obligations.
Alternatively, if you’re able to dedicate abundant time to pursuing a master’s degree, you may want to choose a full-time program to ensure you can reach your academic goals as soon as possible. Let’s explore the many types of online master’s degree programs you’ll find in WY.
Full-Time Online Master’s Programs in Wyoming
If you’re interested in enrolling in full-time master’s programs in Wyoming, you have lots of options. For instance, The University of Wyoming offers an online accounting master’s degree. This program is designed to empower students to become leaders within the field. You’ll learn practical ideas as well as more philosophical concepts like decision-making skills. On the other hand, UW also offers an online Master of Science in Family & Consumer Science. This program features a 100% online concentration in Human Development and Family Sciences.
Part-Time Online Master’s Programs in Wyoming
Part-time master’s degree programs are great for anyone who has a busy schedule or lots of commitments that prevent enrollment in full-time coursework. These programs take longer to complete but also allow professionals to slowly work towards earning their degrees without drastically affecting their overall quality of life.
For instance, The University of Wyoming’s MBA program can be completed on a part-time basis. This is excellent for those who are already working in the business realm but need more credentials to advance in their careers.
No-GRE Online Master’s Programs in Wyoming
Although taking the GRE exam may be an excellent idea for some students, it’s not the best option for everyone. Some college admissions departments are recognizing that scores don’t necessarily predict student success, so in Wyoming and elsewhere, you’ll find many online master’s programs that don’t require GRE scores for admission. The University of Wyoming offers an Master of Arts in Education, for example, that does not require students to submit GRE scores for admission consideration.
Hybrid Online Master’s Program in Wyoming
Lastly, hybrid programs offer master’s students the best of both worlds. Students can complete part of the curriculum online while also benefiting from hands-on experience and in-person instruction. The University of Wyoming has two options for hybrid master’s programs online. The first is the Master of Arts in English degree. This program emphasizes advanced skills in literature, rhetoric, and culture, enabling students to enter into a wide array of sectors upon graduation. The hybrid model allows for independent study time while also enabling the exploration of topics in a group setting. The other option is the MS in Health Services Administration. This non-thesis-driven program enables students to study independently while receiving hands-on instruction from experts in the field.
Popular Subjects for Online Master’s Students in Wyoming
Business Administration
Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are made specifically for professionals who have business experience and are seeking a high-quality program that fits their scheduling needs. These programs teach students how to develop a better understanding of the business realm in order to make better and more informed decisions. Providing them with the insight and tools required to maintain a competitive edge of others, these forward-thinking programs educate students to enable them to choose the most innovative business path possible.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Accounting
From mathematical application and critical thinking to budget evaluation and synthesis, today’s business environment requires diverse professional skills — especially when it comes to crunching numbers. Earning an online master’s degree in accounting can qualify you for a career with a public accounting firm, private and corporate business, nonprofit organization, or government agencies. Many programs also prepare you to take the CPA exam and become licensed.
Quality Example an of Online Program
Education
Working as an educator is highly rewarding. This is especially true in an age in which passionate teachers are in demand all over the country. Therefore, if you’re considering enrolling in an online master’s program in Wyoming in education, you are making an excellent decision for your future as well as your future students. Fortunately, Wyoming offers a wide range of online master’s programs for educators. Here are three of the top options.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Healthcare
Working in healthcare means great pay and job security, among various other benefits. As the country is facing national nursing shortages, taking on a job in healthcare will allow you to provide relief to overwhelmed patients and staff in healthcare settings across the state of Wyoming. Nevertheless, in order to acquire better-paying, more advanced positions, healthcare professionals are advised to pursue advanced degrees, such as a master of science (MSN) in nursing. Here are some examples of online healthcare degrees offered in Wyoming.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Sports Management & Health
If you’re interested in working in athletics in any capacity, earning a master’s degree in the field of sports is a fantastic choice. The athletics sector is immense and enables professionals to choose from various career paths.
Therefore, choosing this degree path can be a great step, empowering you to work in sports-related roles in a variety of sectors. Whether your goal is to earn a degree in sports management, become a coach, become a fitness guru, or pursue any other sports-related career, earning an athletic master’s degree is an excellent first step.
Quality Examples of Online Programs
Is Tuition Affordable for Online Master’s Students in WY?
Master’s degrees can be expensive. However, choosing to pursue an online master’s program in Wyoming can be a great way to make this goal more affordable. Fortunately, by taking the time to shop around and compare costs, available assistance, etc., students can minimize the out-of-pocket costs of earning an online master’s degree.
This means that taking the time to learn more about financial aid, grants, work studies, and other financial aid options can allow you to earn your master’s degrees while paying minimal out-of-pocket costs. If you’re searching for affordable master’s programs in Wyoming, here are a few popular programs for your consideration.
| School/Program | No. of Credits | Resident Cost/Credit | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
30 | $372 | $11,160 | |
32 | $350 | $11,200 | |
33 | $372 | $12,276 |
Wyoming Financial Aid Options
Earning an online master’s degree in WY is a great way to advance in your career. However, master’s degrees are expensive and often require students to take out loans and use other methods of funding to offset the costs.
Fortunately, those in need of financial assistance have an array of financial aid options. For instance, filling out the FAFSA application is always a great first step when trying to secure funding for your master’s degree. Doing so can help you determine how much funding you can receive from the government before exploring other options.
Another option is searching for other scholarships and grants that may be relevant to your master’s degree. For instance, the University of Wyoming offers the Wyoming’s Tomorrow Scholarship for students 24 and older. Out-of-state applicants. They also offer several scholarship options for first-year non-residents. Other options are federal and private loans, as well as work-study programs. Lastly, you may want to research graduate research assistantships.
Lucrative Careers for Wyoming Master’s Degree Holders
Wyoming is a state with abundant employment opportunities. With a thriving tourist industry, those who work in more unconventional sectors such as library, history, or curation can thrive when seeking employment in the state. This is especially true when they choose to invest in advanced education and other credentials that make them more distinguished candidates.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary nationwide for those who hold a master’s degree is $1,661 per week, whereas professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree make an average of $1,432 weekly. Moreover, master’s degree-holders have a collective unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Therefore, earning an online master’s degree in WY can be one of the best steps you can take to stabilize your career and boost your income. Let’s look at a few hot jobs in Wyoming and their earning potential.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Working as a speech-language pathologist is a highly rewarding and lucrative career. This is especially true if you have the proper credentials, meaning taking the time to earn a master’s degree can enable you to secure better-paying positions and can also provide you with more prestigious opportunities.
| WY Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $84,190 | 19% | MS in Speech-Language Pathology |
Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023; Salary.com, 2023
Librarian
Becoming a librarian in Wyoming can be very beneficial to residents of the state. Librarians are tasked with assisting people in finding books and reference materials. They are also responsible for gatekeeping various communal reading materials, keeping them safe and organized. There is a wide range of librarian jobs available to Wyoming residents, and earning a master’s degree can also help you set yourself apart from the other candidates.
| WY Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $64,555 | 3% | MS in Library Science |
Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023; Salary.com, 2023
Curator
Curators are tasked with maintaining and acquiring new materials for various collections. They work in multiple settings and with a wide range of organizations and professionals; curators may conduct public service activities, research, or even instructional activities. They help establish and maintain collections such as historical items, artwork, collectibles, or scientific specimens. This means they may work anywhere from educational institutions to government organizations. Those with advanced degrees can pick and choose which positions are best for their career goals and payment preferences.
| WY Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $60,770 | 10% | MA in Curatorial Studies |
Sources: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2023; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Mathematician
Those who enjoy working with numbers may achieve optimal job satisfaction by becoming a mathematician. They are tasked with analyzing data and applying computational techniques to solve problems in work environments such as educational institutions, governmental organizations, etc. In order to secure higher-paying positions, mathematicians are best served by earning advanced degrees such as master’s or even doctorates.
| WY Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $93,023 | 30% | MA/MS in Mathematics or Statistics |
Sources: Salary.com, 2023; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023
Economist
Economists are tasked with conducting research, generating reports, and evaluating issues involving fiscal and monetary policy. This is an especially important position in 2024 when inflation and money-flow issues are becoming increasingly common. Economists are also responsible for collecting and analyzing various statistical data. To secure higher-paying positions, economists need a minimum of a master’s degree, and many positions require a PhD.
| WY Median Salary | National Job Outlook | Related Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| $72,730 | 6% | MA in Economics |
Sources: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2023; CareerExplorer.com, 2023