Psychology Programs in Kansas
Employers worldwide have begun to appreciate the importance of mental health in facilitating a thriving workplace, increasing productivity, and facilitating employer satisfaction. This has, no doubt, contributed to the rapid rise in demand for psychologists across the entire country, including the state of Kansas. The rise is expected to continue, and if you happen to be a resident of Kansas looking for the best psychology programs in the state, you have come to the right page.
In the next section, we will outline the most prominent training programs for candidates looking to study psychology in Kansas at all levels. We will also reveal their highlights and the awards/specific degrees they offer.
Lastly, we discuss key licensure and certification requirements before presenting the expected salary figures and career projections.
Top Psychology Schools in Kansas
The following are some excellent schools where you can earn psychology degrees as an aspiring psychologist in Kansas.
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS Campus + Online
With an acceptance rate of 95%, Kansas State University is one of the best places to receive training as an aspiring psychologist in Kansas. The school offers a general Bachelors in Psychology program, where candidates will receive a comprehensive introduction to the field and touch upon various key areas such as cognitive, behavioral, and developmental psychology.
Tuition
$12,418 - $29,714Contact
(785) 532-6011
apply@k-state.edu
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS Campus + Online
State residents at the University of Kansas can receive comprehensive training in various disciplines, from certificates to Master's degree levels. These include a Certificate and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology programs (that can be taken online).
Tuition
$365 - $1,084 per CreditContact
(785) 864-2700
adm@ku.edu
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS Campus + Online
Wichita State University's programs for future psychologists include a Bachelor's program, a certificate program, 3 doctorates, and 4 Master's degree programs.
Tuition
$250 - $590 per CreditContact
(316) 978-3456
admissions@wichita.edu
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS Campus + Online
Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas, offers an excellent Bachelor's Degree program in General Psychology for interested candidates across the area. The program is notable for its hands-on element and strong emphasis on producing seasoned graduates.
Tuition
$4,200 - $20,302Contact
(620) 231-7000
psuadmit@pittstate.edu
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS Campus + Online
Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina is another high-quality destination for training in various psychology areas as a Kansas resident. In a not-for-profit school, students can expect a small class size of 10 students to 1 teacher and a serene learning environment.
Tuition
$300 - $630 per CreditContact
(785) 827-5541
admissions@kwu.edu
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS Campus + Online
Lastly, Emporia State University in Kansas City is notable for its excellent Bachelor's in Psychology program that has produced several successful graduates. The program facilitates a pathway towards more advanced training, so candidates can not only earn their Master's degree in General Psychology but also choose additional specialty areas, including Industrial and Organizational Psychology, School Psychology, and Clinical Psychology, among others.
Tuition
$3,640 - $7,797 per SemesterContact
(620) 341-5465
go2esu@emporia.edu
Licensure & Certification
In Kansas, the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board is responsible for setting the licensure requirements for individuals looking to become professional psychologists. Usually, a doctorate is needed to start a career in this profession.
Students must ensure that they have completed a program accredited by the American Psychological Association and offered by a regionally accredited university. Luckily, all of the entries listed above meet these requirements.
After meeting the educational requirements, candidates must also receive supervised professional experience totaling 3,600 hours. Of these, 1,800 hours must be spent in an internship.
After the internship and earning a doctoral degree, candidates can receive another 1,800 hours of experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The supervisor must have been licensed for a minimum of 2 years.
Lastly, candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practices in Psychology (EPPP) and formally send their applications to the board before officially receiving their licenses.
It is possible to work as a psychologist with a lower-level degree, such as a bachelor’s or a master’s. Still, it has to be in roles such as human resources specialist, research assistant, and rehabilitation counseling or specialties like school psychology and marriage and family therapy.
Salary & Career Outlook
As a psychologist in Kansas, I expect the annual average salary to be as much as $149,104. However, this is only possible for candidates who have already worked hard to establish themselves and rise to be among the highest-paid top 10%.
The average annual salary can initially range between $63,815 and $97,545. The first figure of $63,815 pertains to candidates starting from the bottom 10% category, while the second figure of $97,545 applies to those already in the midpoint level of earners.
Experience is not the only factor in determining a candidate’s salary bracket; other factors such as location, credentials, and specialty area are also considered.
Regarding location, Junction City is the highest-paying city for psychologists in Kansas, with an annual average salary of $180,654. Those who work in Manhattan are also very favorably rewarded, with an annual average salary of $115,556.
Job Outlook
In Kansas, the field of psychology has experienced a significant increase in reputation and demand over the last decade. Thankfully, aspiring individuals looking to enter this profession will have even more demand for their expertise, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% increase over the coming decade.
This is because the population will continue to become increasingly aware of the need to care for their mental health, and existing workers in the field will have to be replaced as they either retire or move on to explore other disciplines.