Top Masters in Psychology Programs in Kansas

Planning to pursue a Masters in Psychology in Kansas? That’s a smart career choice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor projects a 12% growth in clinical psychologist jobs through the decade’s end.

Kansas presents excellent opportunities for students seeking either masters to phd psychology programs or standalone graduate options. Seven colleges across the state offer seventeen postgraduate psychology degree programs. Students can specialize in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or industrial/organizational psychology.

These programs deliver remarkable results. Some programs boast 100% of their graduates working in their field or advancing to doctoral studies. Graduates become eligible right away to work as Temporary Licensed Master’s Level Psychologists in Kansas after completing certain programs.

This guide gets into seven top-rated psychology masters programs in Kansas. You’ll find details about costs, curriculum, and admission requirements to help plan your 2026 enrollment.

1. Washburn University – MA in Clinical Psychology

Washburn University is notable among Kansas’s psychology master’s programs with its clinical focus and real-life training approach. The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Washburn prepares professionals specifically for Kansas licensure, making it an ideal choice for students who plan to practice in the state.

Program overview

The MA in Clinical Psychology at Washburn University gives you hands-on professional training that prepares you for immediate licensure and practice under Kansas requirements. You’ll become eligible to apply for a temporary license as a Licensed Master’s Level Psychologist (LMLP) in Kansas right after graduation, which lets you start working as a therapist immediately. The program’s success speaks for itself – 100% of graduates in the last five years have either started working in the field or continued into doctoral programs.

The program’s value comes from its early clinical experience. Students begin working with clients in the university’s Psychological Services Clinic during their second semester. This practical approach makes Washburn graduates the preferred choice for many Kansas employers.

On top of that, while most graduates become therapists after completing the program, approximately 20% continue to doctoral programs each year. These students report they were well-prepared for advanced study.

Curriculum highlights

Students must complete 60 credit hours spread across several components:

• Core courses covering theory and research
• Clinical courses focusing on therapeutic techniques
• Practicum experiences in the university’s training clinic
• Supervised internship
• Thesis or Empirically Supported Case Study

The program has specialized training in:

• Diversity issues in assessment and treatment
• Group therapy theory and application
• Psychopathology
• Individual adult psychotherapy
• Psychological assessment of children
• Child, marital, and family therapy

The program’s training clinic (Washburn University Psychological Services Clinic) sets it apart. Your course instructors also provide clinical supervision. This creates smooth integration between classroom learning and clinical practice—a feature you’ll typically find in doctoral programs but rarely at the master’s level.

The program guarantees internship placement and offers numerous site options for your off-campus clinical training. Employers value graduates highly because of this guarantee and the program’s focus on empirically supported treatments.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements differ for Washburn graduates and external applicants.

Washburn University psychology graduates who meet “Standards of Achievement” get direct admission without competing. These standards include:

• GPA requirements: Overall 3.2+ GPA, 3.5+ GPA in last 60 hours, and 3.5+ GPA in all psychology courses
• Course grade requirements: No more than one C in prerequisite courses
• Research experience: Completed and presented research project
• Faculty recommendations: “Highly Recommend” from at least three full-time Washburn psychology faculty

Students with degrees from other institutions need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• Minimum 21 hours of undergraduate psychology courses, including:
  • Introductory psychology
  • Statistics
  • Research methods/experimental lab
  • Abnormal psychology
  • Three upper-division psychology courses

Students can apply by March 15 for fall admission and December 1 for spring admission. The program doesn’t require GRE scores or application fees.

Tuition and fees

Graduate tuition rates at Washburn University for 2025-2026 are:

• Kansas residents: $504 per credit hour
• Non-residents: $944 per credit hour

Full-time graduate students taking 22 credit hours per academic year can expect these total costs for 2025-2026:

• Kansas residents: $14,107 tuition + $11,856 living expenses + $1,495 books/supplies + $1,649 personal expenses + $1,551 transportation + $256 loan fees = $30,914 total
• Non-residents: $26,020 tuition + same additional expenses = $42,827 total

Students can access graduate assistantships and other aid through FAFSA. Most MA students work part-time in psychology-related jobs on or off campus while studying. This helps with finances and builds valuable experience for their resumes.

2. Emporia State University – MS in Clinical Psychology

Emporia State University is well-known among Kansas graduate psychology programs. The university provides a flexible, personal approach to clinical psychology training. Students benefit from competitive tuition rates and individual attention that prepares them well for professional practice or doctoral studies.

Program overview

The MS in Clinical Psychology at Emporia State University opens doors to many career paths through its complete training approach. BestValueSchool.org ranks it #5 in the country for its “academic diversity in the field of psychology”. The program shines because its faculty brings decades of ground experience in psychological treatment in a variety of settings.

The program has several unique features:

• It’s all but one of these clinical psychology MS programs in Kansas with a neuropsychologist on faculty
• Every core clinical class includes hands-on learning and practical application
• The job market for clinical psychologists is projected to grow by 12% through the decade
• Graduates work in hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, prisons, university counseling centers, and neuropsychology practices

Students can pursue their research interests or specialized training through independent study. The university’s small campus size means professors take a genuine interest in your success. You won’t get lost in the crowd here.

Curriculum highlights

The curriculum creates a perfect balance between theory and practice. Students find many more opportunities to explore their interests through exciting electives, independent research, and internship choices.

The second year includes a clinical internship. Students can choose their preferred setting and client populations. This supervised experience is a vital part of developing professional competence before graduation.

The Department of Psychology offers these MS program concentrations:

• Clinical Psychology
• Experimental Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• School Psychology

Students must earn a B or better in all courses to count for graduate credit. After completing 15 hours of coursework, students apply for degree candidacy.

Admission requirements

The graduate program requires either:

• A cumulative 3.00 GPA or higher, or
• A 3.25 GPA on your last 60 hours based on a 4.0 scale

Students should also maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for required psychology courses.

These undergraduate psychology courses are ideal preparation:

• Introductory Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Statistics
• Experimental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Theories of Personality
• Foundations of Psychology

Students without a psychology bachelor’s degree can still join the program. They should contact the program director to create a personal academic plan.

Application materials needed:

• Three recommendation letters from psychology faculty or professionals who know your academic work
• A 1-2 page statement about your academic interests and goals, addressing specific questions about clinical psychology
• Current curriculum vitae
• Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts

Applications are accepted year-round. The program typically responds within days after receiving all materials.

Tuition and fees

MS in Clinical Psychology program costs vary by residency:

• Kansas Residents and Corky Plus: $22,522.40
• NEARR/MSEP: $31,115.60
• Non-Residents: $48,302.00

Students can access tuition reduction programs and scholarships. Online and in-person course options add flexibility. These rates make Emporia State University one of the region’s more affordable masters to phd psychology programs.

The program combines academic excellence, practical experience, and affordability. It’s an excellent choice for students who want quality graduate education without a heavy financial burden.

3. Fort Hays State University – MS in Clinical Psychology

Fort Hays State University is popular among Kansas’s Masters in Psychology Programs with its dual-track approach and flexible learning options. The MS in Clinical Psychology program offers detailed training to help you assess patients, provide interventions, and conduct research. Students can start clinical practice right away or pursue doctoral studies.

Program overview

The MS in Clinical Psychology at Fort Hays State University prepares students to become licensed master’s level psychologists in Kansas. Students learn to conduct psychotherapy, perform psychological assessments, and work professionally in mental health centers, private practices, and psychiatric hospitals of all sizes.

The program’s dual-track structure makes it unique:

• Scholarship Track: Perfect for students who plan to research or pursue doctoral studies (PhD or PsyD) in clinical psychology
• Professional Development Track: Built for students who want to begin clinical practice after graduation

Students can choose between traditional on-campus classes and virtual formats. The program works well whatever your location or schedule. Virtual students need to attend just two five-day summer workshops on campus, while completing other coursework online. Working professionals find this setup ideal for advancing their careers.

The program follows the scientist-practitioner model. Graduates become analytical thinkers who can evaluate research, use proven practices, and maintain ethical professional relationships.

Curriculum explains

The program requires 61 credit hours covering these key areas:

• Assessment courses
• Psychological interventions
• Research methodology
• Supervised practicum experiences
• Internship placements

Core courses include advanced abnormal psychology, psychotherapy approaches, neuropsychology, professional ethics, developmental psychology, and community mental health. Students get both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Full-time on-campus students can finish in two years, while the online/hybrid format usually takes three years. Both paths include supervised practicum experiences and internships to build valuable clinical skills before graduation.

A final comprehensive examination tests how well students integrate their knowledge and skills from the program.

Admission requirements

The program accepts students based on several factors that show their potential success:

1. Academic requirements:
   • Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
   • Psychology background courses (minimum 12 hours)
   • One 3-credit research or statistics course
2. Application materials:
   • GRE scores (from last 5 years)
   • Personal statement
   • Official transcripts from all colleges attended
   • Two recommendation letters
   • Background check clearance after acceptance

Psychology department faculty take an all-encompassing approach when reviewing applications. They look at academic performance, relevant experience, and qualities needed for a clinical psychology career.

Students should submit completed applications by March 15 for fall semester admission to receive priority consideration. The program welcomes students from various societal subgroups and subcultures.

Tuition and fees

Here are the 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates based on residency:

Online/hybrid program students pay $348.78 per credit hour whatever their residency. The total cost comes to about $21,624.36 for the 62-credit program.

Students should also plan for these course-related costs:

• Assessment protocols for PSY 840 ($30-$40)
• Testing materials for PSY 855 ($15)
• Comprehensive exam fee ($85)
• Graduation fee

Fort Hays State University delivers quality education at reasonable prices, especially for Kansas residents and regional tuition rate eligible students.

4. Pittsburg State University – MS in Psychology

Pittsburg State University has three specialized emphasis tracks. Students get exceptional value through well-rounded psychological training that prepares them for clinical service and research roles.

Program overview

The Psychology and Counseling Department at Pittsburg State University lets students earn a Master of Science Degree in Psychology. You can choose from three emphasis tracks based on your career goals:

• General Psychology: This track helps students become community college teachers or pursue doctoral studies. The coursework has research methods, tests and measurements, behavior analysis, learning, human neuropsychology, and developmental psychology
• Clinical Psychology: Students learn psychological assessment and intervention strategies to address mental health issues
• Behavior Analysis: The focus lies on client assessment, goal setting, progress tracking, and evidence-based treatments

Students who finish the Clinical Psychology emphasis can become Licensed Clinical Psychotherapists in Kansas after passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. This quick path makes Pittsburg State a great choice for future practitioners.

Graduates find work in many roles such as behavioral counselor, social service manager, health project coordinator, and community college instructor. The General Psychology emphasis builds a strong foundation for students who want to specialize further or pursue doctoral studies. However, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t a practitioner’s degree.

Curriculum highlights

Students get hands-on learning through:

1. Neuropsychology Labs: Students work in specialized labs to understand brain-behavior connections
2. Experimental Learning: Students run experiments about human learning and cognition
3. Research Options: Three ways to complete the program:
   • Option I (Thesis): Students do in-depth research to prepare for doctoral programs
   • Option II (Research Problem): Students tackle specific problems through research, creative work, or internship
   • Option III (Coursework): Students submit research papers, portfolios, and take comprehensive exams

The Clinical Psychology emphasis lets students specialize in areas like child and family therapy, developmental disabilities, counseling, and addictions. A 750-hour practicum gives students ground application of theoretical knowledge with professional supervision.

Admission requirements

Students need these qualifications for the Psychology graduate program:

• 0 undergraduate GPA
• International students must show English proficiency through:
  • 79 IBT TOEFL
  • 5 IELTS (no score lower than 5.5)
  • 53 PTE
  • Duolingo 110 (no section score under 100)

The application needs:

1. Graduate School Application
2. Official transcripts from previous schools
3. Background check through Validity Screening Solutions (fee applies)
4. Psychology and Counseling Graduate Program Application

Students should apply by March 1 for Summer or Fall semesters and October 1 for Spring semester. Some sources mention minimum GRE scores: 146 Verbal Reasoning, 141 Quantitative Reasoning, and 3.5 Analytical Writing.

Tuition and fees

Graduate tuition for 2025-2026 varies by residency:

These amounts cover campus fees, books ($500 per semester), and residence hall living ($5,317 per semester).

Students benefit from Pittsburg State’s flat-rate tuition. You pay the same whether taking 12 credits or 18+ credits each semester. This means you can take extra classes without paying more.

International students should expect to pay around $34,318 yearly. This covers tuition, required sickness/accident insurance, books, living costs, and orientation fees.

Program graduates work in clinical practices, research institutions, schools, human resources, and industries where behavior understanding matters. This shows the program’s real value.

5. Friends University – MS in Marriage and Family Therapy

Friends University stands out with its Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy program, which ranks among the nation’s best. This program sets you up for a fulfilling career where you’ll help individuals, couples, and families deal with relationship challenges.

Program overview

The Master of Science in Family Therapy (MSFT) at Friends University blends core Quaker values with a transformative educational experience. Students learn to become therapists through a relational and systemic view. The program creates ethically sound clinicians who excel in multicultural, theoretical, clinical, and interpersonal areas.

The program’s Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation makes it special. This credential will give a clear path to becoming a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) in Kansas.

Advanced students provide more than 10,000 hours of relational services yearly to individuals, couples, and families. This hands-on experience is a great way to get ready for the job market.

Curriculum highlights

Students complete 60 credit hours over 24 consecutive months. A new group starts each August, creating a close-knit learning community.

Core educational areas are:

• Knowledge of the profession
• Practice of therapy
• Human diversity and social structures
• Professional identity
• Ethics and law
• Research and evidence-based practice

Clinical training is a strong component of the program. You’ll start supervised clinical work in your first term, and the complexity grows as you progress. By the end, you’ll have 1,000 hours of supervised professional experience, including 500 client contact hours and 125 supervision hours.

Admission requirements

The MSFT program needs:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with at least a 3.0 GPA
• Courses in research methods/statistics and two upper-division courses in family studies, human development, psychology, or sociology
• A personality inventory chosen by the program director
• Your brief autobiography and goals statement
• Three recommendation letters (two academic/professional, one personal)
• A passed background check
• Attendance at an info meeting

A $350 deposit secures your spot after acceptance. The early admission review deadline is October 11, 2025, with an early bird deposit due by December 19, 2025.

Tuition and fees

The full 60-credit hour MSFT program costs $40,860, with fees at $681 per credit hour. Here’s the breakdown:

You should also plan for books and materials ($500 per term), living costs ($4,774 per term), transportation ($972 per term), and personal expenses ($3,094 per term).

Qualified students can access financial aid and payment plans with up to five monthly payments each semester. Payment plans have a $50 fee each semester, plus a $100 setup fee for the MSFT program.

The program might not be the cheapest Masters in Psychology option in Kansas, but it delivers great value through its focused approach, accreditation, and detailed clinical training.

6. MidAmerica Nazarene University – MA in Counseling

MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Counseling program stands out among Kansas’s Psychology Programs. The program merges faith with professional counseling and offers CACREP accreditation along with multiple specializations to help counselors blend clinical expertise with compassionate care.

Program overview

MidAmerica Nazarene University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Program shapes clinically strong counselors who blend faith and practice into their professional identity. We trained compassionate and self-aware professionals who use ethical and culturally sensitive approaches to heal both intrapersonal and interpersonal pain.

The program sits in the School of Counselor Education with CACREP accreditation. Students can choose from three specialty tracks:

• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• School Counseling

Students can add a Christian Faith and Counseling emphasis to any track. This addition makes graduates valuable assets in faith-based settings or when working with clients who want a spiritual approach to therapy.

Curriculum highlights

The program needs 60-69 credit hours based on your track and emphasis choice. Students move through their coursework in cohorts that create supportive learning communities.

Core counseling courses come first, followed by track specializations. Working professionals can choose between two flexible schedules:

• Day program: Classes meet 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Evening program: Classes meet 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Students attend classes twice weekly with regular breaks throughout the year. Faculty members research clinical supervision, play therapy, interpersonal neurobiology, sexual addiction, and multicultural counseling competencies.

Admission requirements

Students need these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Preferred minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or 3.2+ GPA in last 30 hours of undergraduate coursework

The application steps include:

• Completing online application
• Submitting official transcripts
• Completing on-site writing assessment
• Providing three recommendations
• Personal interview
• Background check

International students must score 81 on the TOEFL IBT.

Tuition and fees

The 2024-2025 academic year costs vary by track:

Students can access financial support through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program, military benefits, and the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Applications and interviews happen in February and April with limited spots.

The program has 197 graduate students (77% female, 22% male) and 19 dedicated faculty members – 8 full-time and 11 part-time instructors.

7. Baker University – MS in School Leadership with Psychology Focus

Baker University combines educational leadership with psychological principles in its MS in School Leadership program. This makes it an excellent choice for future educational administrators who want to learn about psychology. Students can earn their PK-12 building administration licensure in Kansas or certification in Missouri through this online program.

Program overview

The Master’s in School Leadership gives you the leadership, organizational, administration, and communication skills you need to lead modern school systems. Baker University has produced more assistant principals in Kansas schools than any other university. The program ranks among the top four Kansas universities where public school principals earned their degrees.

Curriculum highlights

The program concludes with a directed field experience. Students work with practicing school administrators and apply theoretical knowledge in real situations. The program is fully online but includes weekly virtual meetings with instructors and classmates. These sessions help students ask questions and build relationships with their peers.

Admission requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree, professional resume, and an admissions essay to apply. The essay (500-1000 words) should cover your preparation for graduate school, career goals, and personal strengths. Baker allows up to 12 semester hours of transfer credit for grades B or higher.

Tuition and fees

Graduate tuition is $400 per credit hour for 2025-2026. Building-level licensure students get a 30% discount on their per-credit costs.

Next steps

Your future career success depends on picking the right Master’s in Psychology program. Kansas offers some exceptional options for graduate psychology education. The state combines affordable programs, quality curriculum, and strong job prospects. These seven programs offer specialized training paths that match different career goals – whether you want to practice clinically, pursue doctoral studies, or work in educational settings.

Money plays a big role in choosing your program. Kansas residents pay around $17,000 at Fort Hays State, while specialized programs like MidAmerica Nazarene cost over $44,000. Most programs help make education more available through financial aid options, assistantships, or payment plans.

These Kansas programs stand out because of their flexible curriculum. You can pick specialized tracks in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, school psychology, or research-focused paths. The programs include supervised internships that help you graduate with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills employers value.

Psychology professionals have bright career prospects, with 12% projected growth through the decade. Kansas programs excel at preparing students for this expanding market. Their graduates land positions in hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, schools, and research institutions.

These seven Kansas programs provide clear paths to licensure. Graduates from accredited programs like Washburn or Friends University can apply for temporary licensure right away. This lets you start professional practice while completing your supervised experience hours.

The right program should match your career goals perfectly. Washburn’s hands-on approach works best for clinical practitioners. Research-oriented students might prefer Emporia State’s academic variety. Baker University’s educational leadership focus suits school psychology enthusiasts. Friends University excels at relationship counseling training.

Your psychology education begins with good research and careful planning. These programs are competitive, so start your applications early. Review prerequisites carefully and write strong personal statements that show your passion for psychology and helping others. Today’s investment in your education will bring professional rewards throughout your career in this growing field.