Introduction
Wyoming offers MPA students a unique and enriching educational experience, with opportunities to study environmental policy, economic development, and community engagement in a beautiful and peaceful setting. These factors, combined with Wyoming’s strong economy, commitment to sustainability, and supportive communities, make it an appealing option for students looking to pursue a graduate degree in public administration.
Key State Takeaways:
- Total MPA Programs Statewide: 1
- NASPAA-Accredited Programs: 0
- Annual Resident Tuition Average: $6,930 (PYR)
- Annual Non-Resident Tuition Average: $10,530 (PYR)
- Program Formats Offered: Online only
- Average Starting Salary: $56,000
MPA Programs in Wyoming
When considering Wyoming for pursuing an MPA degree, the state’s unique blend of natural beauty and Western charm offers several compelling reasons for students to explore this option:
University of Wyoming
- Laramie, WY.
- 39 Credit Hours
- Online
Program:
Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Program Overview:
UW’s MPA is a 39-credit program designed for working professionals statewide: classes meet live online in the late afternoon/evening, so you can stay in your community while earning the degree. A required internship (waivable with 2+ years of relevant experience) and an applied capstone keep the program hands-on. Consider UW if you want an affordable flagship option with small classes, statewide access, and direct ties to Wyoming’s municipal, state, and nonprofit employers.
Unique Components:
- Degree Tracks: Build focus through interdisciplinary options, including Nonprofit focus, Criminal Justice concentration, MPA+JD, and a joint pathway with the Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources.
- Curriculum: 39 credits, including 24 core plus 15 electives. Internship is 3 credits unless waived for mid-career professionals.
- Real-World Experience: Internship required (with waiver option) and an applied capstone; live evening class meetings support working pros across Wyoming without losing faculty interaction.
Key Data Highlights:
- Format: Online (synchronous)
- Accreditation: HLC
- Credit Hours: 39
- GRE: Not required
- Resident Tuition: $15,522 (TTL)
- Non-Resident Tuition: $23,634 (TTL)
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Enrollment: 2,663 (graduate)
Other Considerations:
- Year-round admission with typical cutoffs near the start of each term (Aug 13 for fall; Jan 1 for spring). The program’s long-running distance model and statewide alumni network make it a practical path for Wyoming public servants advancing without relocating.
Accreditation Details
NASPAA’s mission is to ensure excellence in education and training for public service and to promote the ideal of public service. One of the key benefits of NASPAA accreditation for students is the assurance of quality. Accredited programs have been rigorously evaluated to ensure that they meet the highest standards of academic excellence.
It’s important for students considering an MPA program in Wyoming to research and evaluate the program based on its own merits and alignment with their career goals, even if it is not NASPAA accredited. Many factors contribute to the quality of an MPA program, and accreditation is just one consideration.
Career Outlook
Wyoming is a good market for MPA generalists who want real responsibility early: lean city/county teams, special districts, and state agencies need people who can manage grants, budgets, and projects across wide geographies.
Hiring is steady around infrastructure, water and natural resources, broadband, emergency management, and rural health/community development—with roles concentrated in Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, Gillette, and Jackson/Teton, plus work on the Wind River Reservation and with federal land agencies.
- Typical roles: Budget/finance analyst; grants & compliance manager; program coordinator/manager; city/assistant city manager; planner (long-range, transportation, housing); emergency management coordinator; performance/data analyst; natural resources or water policy analyst; nonprofit program director.
- Common employers: State agencies (transportation, environmental quality, health, game & fish); cities and counties; special districts/joint powers boards (water/sewer, conservation, hospital, fire/EMS); regional economic development groups; tribal government; and nearby federal partners (BLM, USFS, NPS, Bureau of Reclamation).
- Pay & progression: Starting salaries are competitive for the region with strong public-sector benefits; because teams are small, high performers often move into program-manager or assistant-director roles within 2–4 years by owning grants, contracts, and cross-jurisdiction projects.
- Early-career pathways: Intern or contract with a city/county, special district, or state office; volunteer on a grant or budget document; and build a portfolio piece (e.g., a successful grant, capital plan, or performance dashboard) that shows measurable impact.
All MPA Programs in Wyoming
| School Name | Degree Program Name | State | City | NASPAA Accredited | Online Degree | Program Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wyoming | Master Of Public Administration | Wyoming | Laramie | No | No | https://www.uwyo.edu/mpa/index.html |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I complete an MPA online from Wyoming?
A: Yes—the UW MPA runs live, synchronous evening courses via Zoom designed for working professionals across the state.
Q: Do Wyoming MPA programs require the GRE?
A: The UW MPA does not require the GRE for most applicants.
Q: Is an internship required?
A: Yes for pre-service students; it’s typically waived for those with substantial, relevant professional experience.
Q: What does the curriculum emphasize?
A: Core public management skills—budgeting/finance, HR, policy analysis, ethics, data/analytics—plus electives that can tilt toward nonprofits, criminal justice, or environment/natural resources.
Q: How long does the degree take?
A: Most students finish in about two years part-time; full-time students can move faster depending on load and course sequencing.
Q: What does tuition look like?
A: Wyoming offers comparatively low resident per-credit rates for online graduate study; nonresident online rates are higher but remain competitive versus many flagships.
Q: Where do MPA grads in Wyoming typically work?
A: State agencies, cities and counties, special districts (water, fire, joint powers boards), nonprofits, and regional/federal partners tied to public lands and natural resources.
Q: What policy areas are “hot” in Wyoming right now?
A: Water and infrastructure, public lands and outdoor recreation, energy transition and permitting, broadband, emergency management, and rural health/community development.
