Wyoming, with its vast open spaces and relatively small population, is not widely known for having a large number of private colleges and universities. However, the institutions that do exist in the state are distinct in their offerings and have a significant impact on the state’s educational landscape. While public institutions like the University of Wyoming dominate, private institutions provide unique alternatives for students seeking specialized education in liberal arts, religious studies, and technical fields.
Wyoming Catholic College
Overview
Founded in 2005 and located in Lander, Wyoming Catholic College (WCC) is a small, private, Catholic liberal arts college that has gained national recognition for its distinctive educational model. The college is dedicated to a classical liberal arts education, emphasizing the Great Books and the Catholic intellectual tradition. WCC is also known for its unique outdoor leadership program, which is deeply integrated into the student experience.
Academic Offerings
- Liberal Arts Program: WCC offers a single, broad-based major in Liberal Arts with a heavy focus on classical texts, theology, and philosophy.
- Core Curriculum: Includes works from authors such as Aristotle, Dante, and St. Augustine, along with studies in theology, rhetoric, and political philosophy.
- Socratic Method: Classes are conducted using the Socratic method, encouraging dialogue and critical thinking.
- Latin and Ancient Greek: All students are required to take Latin, and many choose to study Ancient Greek as well.
- Outdoor Leadership Program: One of the most unique features of WCC is its required outdoor leadership program. Students participate in activities such as:
- Backpacking
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Wilderness survival skills
- These activities are designed to cultivate personal growth, teamwork, and leadership.
- Faith and Formation: As a Catholic institution, WCC integrates spiritual life deeply into its daily routine.
- Daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass)
- Weekly spiritual direction and confession opportunities
- Annual spiritual retreats
Campus Life
- Close-knit Community: With a student body of fewer than 200 students, WCC provides an intimate and tightly-knit community. The small size allows for personalized attention from faculty and close relationships among students.
- Extracurricular Activities:
- Students participate in activities like choir, theater, and service projects, often related to their faith or outdoor leadership.
- Opportunities to engage in intellectual discussions outside of the classroom are encouraged through student-led reading groups and philosophy clubs.
Impact on Wyoming
WCC has attracted students from across the nation who are interested in a rigorous classical education and the unique integration of outdoor experiences. Though small, the college contributes to Wyoming’s higher education by providing an alternative to more mainstream education models, fostering leadership and a deep sense of community.
Summit Christian College
Overview
Located in Lander, Summit Christian College (SCC) is a private, Christian institution focused on preparing students for leadership roles in ministry, education, and community service. SCC is dedicated to equipping students with a solid biblical foundation and practical skills for effective ministry and leadership in both church and secular environments.
Academic Offerings
- Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies: This program offers an in-depth study of the Bible, theology, and ministry, with courses in Old and New Testament studies, church history, and Christian ethics.
- Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership: Focuses on leadership within church settings, as well as nonprofit and educational institutions. It combines theological education with leadership theory and practical ministry training.
- Associate of Arts in Christian Ministry: A two-year degree for students looking to enter ministry roles or further their theological education.
- Practical Ministry Training: SCC emphasizes real-world application of ministry skills. Students participate in:
- Church internships
- Mission trips (both local and international)
- Community outreach programs
- Online Learning: SCC offers several programs online, providing flexibility for working adults or those living outside Wyoming. These programs mirror the rigor and spiritual focus of the on-campus courses.
Campus Life
- Spiritual Growth and Community: SCC fosters a supportive Christian community. The college offers:
- Daily chapel services
- Small group Bible studies
- Opportunities for spiritual mentorship with faculty and local pastors
- Extracurriculars: Students can participate in a variety of activities that support their faith and leadership development, including:
- Worship teams
- Community service projects
- Leadership workshops
Impact on Wyoming
SCC plays a significant role in preparing students for ministry roles across Wyoming and beyond. Many graduates go on to serve in churches, Christian schools, and nonprofit organizations, making meaningful contributions to their communities. The college’s emphasis on leadership and service equips students to be active participants in shaping the moral and social fabric of their communities.
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) – Wyoming Campus
Overview
RMCAD’s Wyoming campus, located in the vibrant town of Jackson, is part of a renowned private art and design school originally established in Denver, Colorado. The Jackson campus was launched in 2015 to meet the growing demand for high-quality art and design education in the Mountain West region. RMCAD is known for its commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and professional excellence in art and design fields.
Academic Offerings
- Undergraduate Programs: RMCAD offers several Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs tailored to different creative fields:
- Fine Arts: Focus on painting, sculpture, and drawing with courses on art history and contemporary practices.
- Graphic Design: Emphasizes digital media, typography, branding, and user experience (UX) design.
- Illustration: Combines traditional and digital illustration techniques, preparing students for careers in publishing, advertising, and entertainment.
- Interior Design: Students learn about spatial planning, architecture, and design theory, with a focus on sustainability and functionality.
- Animation: A program for those interested in 2D and 3D animation, game design, and visual effects.
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Design: Focuses on advanced design concepts, research, and professional practice. Students delve into innovation, aesthetics, and sustainability within the design world.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Designed for students seeking to deepen their creative practice, the MFA program emphasizes studio work and theoretical understanding of contemporary art.
- Professional Development: RMCAD emphasizes preparing students for the competitive creative industry. Programs include:
- Internship opportunities with leading art and design firms
- Portfolio development and professional presentations
- Networking events with professionals in the art, design, and tech industries
Campus Life
- Creative Community: The RMCAD Wyoming campus is part of the thriving arts scene in Jackson, home to numerous galleries, museums, and artist studios. Students are encouraged to engage with the local arts community through:
- Internships at galleries and design firms
- Collaboration with local artists
- Participation in community art events and exhibitions
- Extracurricular Activities: RMCAD offers student clubs focused on different aspects of art and design, including:
- Photography
- Digital art
- Sculpture and 3D modeling
- Graphic design competitions
Impact on Wyoming
RMCAD’s presence in Jackson has helped elevate Wyoming’s profile in the national arts community. The college contributes to the cultural richness of the region and helps prepare students for careers in creative industries, many of whom remain in Wyoming or the surrounding region, enriching the local economy and arts scene.
Wind River Institute of Technology
Overview
Wind River Institute of Technology (WRIT) is a private, technical university located in Riverton, Wyoming. Established in 2002, WRIT offers degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as applied sciences that support Wyoming’s industrial sectors, particularly energy and environmental management. WRIT is dedicated to providing education that prepares students for high-demand technical careers.
Academic Offerings
- STEM Programs:
- Mechanical Engineering: Focuses on the design and analysis of mechanical systems, with an emphasis on energy and manufacturing technologies.
- Renewable Energy Engineering: This program prepares students to work in the growing renewable energy sector, focusing on solar, wind, and geothermal technologies.
- Computer Science: Covers areas like software development, cybersecurity, and data science.
- Data Analytics: Focused on the rapidly expanding field of big data and machine learning.
- Cybersecurity: Trains students to protect digital infrastructure in both the public and private sectors.
- Applied Sciences Programs:
- Environmental Science: Addresses Wyoming’s unique environmental challenges, with a focus on conservation, land management, and sustainable resource use.
- Industrial Technology: Prepares students for careers in manufacturing and technical management, emphasizing efficiency and innovation in industrial processes.
- Hands-On Learning: WRIT emphasizes experiential learning through:
- State-of-the-art laboratories and technical workshops
- Partnerships with local industries, including energy companies and manufacturing firms
- Internships and co-op programs with industry partners
Campus Life
- Location and Community Engagement: Located in Riverton, WRIT is close to the Wind River Reservation, and the institute works closely with Native American communities to promote education in STEM fields. WRIT’s efforts to recruit and support Native American students include:
- Scholarships and financial aid for indigenous students
- Culturally sensitive curriculum components
- Community outreach programs to promote STEM education on the reservation
- Student Organizations: WRIT offers clubs and groups related to technology and engineering, including:
- Robotics club
- Environmental science group
- Competitive programming team
Impact on Wyoming
WRIT plays a crucial role in addressing Wyoming’s workforce needs in technical fields, particularly in energy and environmental management. The institute’s focus on renewable energy and sustainability positions it at the forefront of training future leaders in these vital industries. WRIT graduates are often highly sought after by employers in Wyoming’s industrial and technical sectors.