What you’ll learn in this article…
- Kansas ranks 10 psychology programs for 2026 based on affordability, online access, and graduation outcomes.
- Annual net prices range from roughly $8,000 at public schools to over $27,000 at private institutions.
- The state needs 52 more mental health practitioners to resolve federal shortage area designations.
- BCBA and licensed psychologist paths both require supervised fieldwork hours set by the Kansas BSRB.
Kansas faces a growing behavioral health workforce gap; the state needs dozens more practitioners just to lift its federal shortage designations. That demand creates real opportunity, but also a financial calculation: net prices among ranked psychology programs range from under $13,000 to over $32,000 per year. Online and hybrid options at public schools like Fort Hays State and Wichita State cut costs, while private institutions often package specialized licensure tracks. Which path makes sense depends less on prestige than on your tolerance for debt and whether your target career requires a BCBA certification, an LCP, or a school psychologist credential.
10 Best Psychology Programs in Kansas: Rankings
Kansas students have an advantage that students in many states do not: several public universities here deliver psychology degrees online or in hybrid formats without charging out-of-state rates, and private schools compete on accelerated terms and licensure-aligned counseling tracks. The ten schools below offer the strongest mix of affordability, flexible delivery, and program depth available in Kansas. One note before you compare them: graduation and retention figures are reported for each institution as a whole, not for its psychology department.
Factors considered
- Share of Pell Grant students
- Affordability and net price
- Online and hybrid availability
- Program breadth and specializations
- Licensure and certification alignment
- Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
- Original research on individual programs
- National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University has built one of the most accessible graduate psychology pipelines in Kansas, and it does so with some of the lowest graduate tuition in the state. The online Master of Science in School Psychology leads to Kansas school psychologist licensure with only a single five-day campus workshop, while the hybrid Master of Science in Clinical Psychology includes 600 supervised hours and eligibility for Kansas LMLP licensure. A short online graduate certificate adds training in autism spectrum disorder and leadership for educators and counselors. Most students keep working while they study, and the online formats reach students well beyond western Kansas.
- Fully online with a single five-day on-campus workshop
- Prepares for National Certification as a School Psychologist (NCSP)
- 30 credit hours at $348.78 per credit
- Full-time and part-time tracks with a fall start
- GRE required, waived for applicants holding a master's degree
- Available to students in all 50 states
- Aligned with Kansas school psychologist licensure requirements
- 3.0 GPA minimum and two letters of recommendation
- Hybrid format combining online coursework with campus workshops
- 62 credit hours, completed in about three years
- 600 supervised clinical hours, including practicum and internship
- Eligible for Kansas LMLP licensure
- Two concentration options plus a thesis or capstone
- No entrance exam required
- Fall start with a mid-January application deadline
- $21,624 total program tuition at $348 per credit
- Online graduate certificate focused on autism and leadership
- 9 credit hours total
- Open to non-degree applicants
- Does not lead to teaching licensure
Master of Science in School Psychology — Online
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
Exceptional & Diverse Learners Graduate Certificate (Autism Spectrum Disorder and Leadership) — Online
Washburn University
Washburn University organizes its psychology offerings around a single flexible pathway: the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can be completed entirely online or on campus in Topeka, so students can change formats as work and family demands shift. Coursework covers human behavior, research methods, and communication, with classes in abnormal psychology, sensation and perception, and counseling psychology. A 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps instruction personal, and an accelerated BA to MA option shortens the road for students who already know they want graduate study. Graduates move into education, law, criminal justice, healthcare, marketing, and nonprofit work, and many continue on to graduate school.
- 100% online or on campus in Topeka
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio
- Accelerated BA to MA pathway
- Internship for credit available
- Seamless transfer pathways from community colleges
- Certificate in Addiction Counseling available
- About 40% of graduates pursue graduate education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Online
Emporia State University
Emporia State University pairs a deep school psychology pipeline with clinical and educational psychology options, all delivered in hybrid or online formats that reach students across Kansas. The Master of Science plus Educational Specialist pathway totals roughly 60 credit hours and is structured around Kansas school psychologist licensure, with a statewide field placement network that lets candidates complete practica near their home districts. A hybrid clinical psychology master's places students in Kansas mental health agencies and hospitals, and a fully online educational psychology track is designed for working teachers. Competitive tuition and small cohorts make it a practical choice for Kansans who want to stay in the state.
- MS plus EdS pathway totaling about 60 credit hours
- Structured to meet Kansas school psychologist licensure requirements
- Statewide field placement network across Kansas districts
- Hybrid delivery with three concentration options
- Hybrid program with online and on-campus coursework
- Clinical internships in Kansas mental health agencies and hospitals
- Research opportunities and small class sizes
- Financial aid, scholarships, and tuition reduction programs
- Designated a College of Distinction program
- Fully online, designed for working educators
- 30 credit hours with fall and spring start dates
- Action research emphasis and customizable electives
- Does not lead to licensure or certification
- Three letters of recommendation and prerequisite coursework required
- Application deadlines of February 1 and October 1
- 12 graduate credit hours, fully online
- Covers ASD strategies, medical issues, and behavior interventions
- Flexible scheduling and open to family members
- Can be applied toward a master's degree
Master of Science in Psychology (School Psychology) — Hybrid
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
Master of Science in Psychology (Educational Psychology) — Online
Graduate Certificate in Autistic Spectrum Disorders — Online
Ottawa University-Online
Ottawa University's online campus serves working adults across Kansas and the Midwest with accelerated terms and frequent start dates. Psychology offerings run from a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology, which adds focus areas in clinical psychology, clinical neuroscience, and forensic psychology, up through graduate counseling programs. The hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling includes field placement and state licensure preparation, and the online Master of Science in Addiction Counseling holds NASAC accreditation. Eight-week terms mean students can finish without relocating.
- Fully online, accelerated format
- Capstone seminar required
- Communication concentration available
- Prepares for counseling, social services, and human resources roles
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Recognized as a Military Friendly School
- Focus areas in clinical psychology, clinical neuroscience, and forensic psychology
- Hands-on experiential learning activities
- Prepares for roles such as child protective services and criminal investigator
- Two concentration options
- Hybrid format with 63 credit hours
- Field placement included and prepares for state licensure
- Eight-week accelerated terms
- Concentrations available for specialization
- Hybrid format focused on trauma treatment
- Accredited program with licensure preparation
- Flexible scheduling for working professionals
- Financial aid available
- Fully online and NASAC accredited
- 36 credit hours with accelerated eight-week terms
- Includes practicum experience
- Meets licensure requirements in many states
- Evidence-based treatment curriculum
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Online
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology — Online
Master of Arts in Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling (Treatment of Trauma, Abuse, and Deprivation) — Hybrid
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas brings its research reputation to online learners through a bachelor's completion degree, a well-regarded behavior analysis master's, and two graduate certificates. The online bachelor's follows the same curriculum as the campus program and charges flat per-credit tuition to domestic students whether they live in Kansas or elsewhere, which makes it unusually predictable for out-of-state transfer students. Graduate students gravitate to the online Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science, which prepares candidates for BCBA certification, while the ABAI-verified graduate certificate lets working professionals add the required coursework without enrolling in a full master's. Online students learn from faculty who are active researchers, and KU's behavior analysis program carries national recognition.
- Degree-completion format designed for transfer students
- Flat per-credit tuition for domestic students regardless of residency
- Same curriculum as the on-campus program
- Rolling admissions
- Taught by faculty who are active researchers
- Prepares for roles in business, healthcare, and social services
- Online with synchronous and asynchronous options
- Prepares students for BCBA certification
- Group supervision for fieldwork hours
- Partners with clinical sites for fieldwork placements
- Capstone required
- 93% licensure pass rate reported
- ABAI-verified online curriculum
- 24 credit hours across eight courses
- Meets BCBA educational requirements
- No master's degree required for admission
- Five start dates per year with asynchronous classes
- 15 credit hours, fully online
- Asynchronous eight-week courses
- Includes field observation
- Does not lead to teacher licensure
- Bachelor's degree required
Online Bachelor's in Psychology — Online
Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science — Online
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis — Online
Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder — Online
Kansas State University
Kansas State University's psychology graduate options are built around working professionals, particularly in human resources and special education. The hybrid Master of Science in Psychology with an industrial and organizational emphasis requires only short summer sessions in Manhattan, with the rest of the coursework online and a research practicum completed inside the student's own organization. A fully online graduate certificate gives special education teachers advanced training in autism spectrum disorder and includes an advanced practicum. Both formats let students in Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka, and rural districts keep their jobs while they study.
- Hybrid format with two-week summer sessions on campus
- 38 credit hours, completed in about two and a half years
- Designed for working HR professionals
- Research practicum completed within the student's own organization
- Rolling admissions with summer, fall, and spring starts
- Capstone required
- 100% online, 12 credit hours
- Requires a high-incidence special education endorsement
- Covers ASD characteristics, interventions, and an advanced practicum
- Can be applied toward an MS in Special Education
- Does not provide an ASD endorsement
Master of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology — Hybrid
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Graduate Certificate — Online
MidAmerica Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University's Master of Arts in Counseling is CACREP accredited and delivered in a hybrid format with synchronous remote attendance, a design that reaches students across Kansas who cannot commute to Olathe every week. Three tracks let students target clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or marriage, couple, and family counseling, and each is built to meet Kansas licensure requirements. Students complete 60 to 64 credit hours in about 33 months, with financial aid and scholarship options that include the RISE Opportunity Scholarship. Faculty blend professional practice with faith-integrated coursework, and the program emphasizes ethical and culturally sensitive training.
- CACREP accredited
- 60 to 64 credit hours completed in 33 months
- Hybrid with synchronous online and on-site classes
- Aligned with Kansas LPC and LCPC licensure requirements
- Faith-integrated curriculum
- RISE Opportunity Scholarship available
- CACREP accredited hybrid format
- 60 to 64 credit hours in 33 months
- Prepares for Kansas school counseling licensure
- Minimum 3.0 GPA plus writing assessment and interviews
- Synchronous online attendance available
- CACREP accredited concentration
- 60 to 64 credit hours over 33 months
- Hybrid format with faith-integrated coursework
- Cultural competency and ethics training
- Federal loan eligibility and scholarships available
Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling (School Counseling) — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling) — Hybrid
Baker University
Baker University's online psychology degree is designed for adults who want to finish quickly: six-week courses, year-round start dates, and a path that can be completed in as few as two years. The curriculum covers developmental, social, behavioral, and abnormal psychology along with research methods, and a capstone lets students design their own study. Credit for prior learning and military experience is available, which matters for students connected to Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, and small classes with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio keep instruction personal. Baker is a military-friendly school with financial aid options.
- Online with accelerated six-week courses
- Complete in as few as two years
- 120 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA minimum
- Capstone required
- Credit for prior learning and military experience
- 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- New classes start every six weeks
Bachelor of Science in Psychology — Online
Ottawa University-Kansas City
Ottawa University's Overland Park campus concentrates on graduate counseling and advanced specialization for practicing professionals. The Master of Arts in Counseling includes tracks in expressive arts therapy and the treatment of trauma, abuse, and deprivation, with hybrid delivery and 900 client contact hours built in for licensure. For counselors already working in the field, a 15-credit online certificate in gerocounseling adds expertise in older adult mental health, covering grief, isolation, and retirement transitions. Hybrid scheduling is arranged for students across the Kansas City metro who need to keep working while they accumulate supervised hours.
- 15 credit hours, fully online
- Designed for practicing counselors and therapists
- Covers aging, loss, isolation, mortality, and retirement
- Addresses a growing older adult population
- Hybrid format with 39 core and 15 concentration credit hours
- 900 client contact hours included
- Three concentration options
- Prepares for licensure in Kansas and surrounding states
- Multiple campus locations in the Kansas City metro
- Hybrid format in Overland Park
- Covers visual arts, movement, and drama techniques
- Arts background required for admission
- Prepares students for art therapist roles
- Hybrid format focused on trauma treatment
- Combines theory with supervised practice
- Prepares for professional counseling licensure
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Gerocounseling — Online
Master of Arts in Counseling — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling (Expressive Arts Therapy) — Hybrid
Master of Arts in Counseling (Treatment of Trauma, Abuse, and Deprivation) — Hybrid
Ottawa University-Ottawa
The residential Ottawa campus offers the same accelerated online psychology degrees as the university's other locations, along with addiction counseling programs that stand out for their accreditation. Undergraduates can choose a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology with clinical, clinical neuroscience, and forensic focus areas, while the Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling includes 300 clinical hours and two practicum experiences. A NASAC-accredited Master of Science in Addiction Counseling is available online for graduate students and meets licensure requirements in most states. All programs use the eight-week term structure and carry Higher Learning Commission accreditation, and Ottawa is recognized as a Military Friendly School.
- Online accelerated format with a capstone seminar
- Prepares for counseling, research, teaching, and human services roles
- Communication concentration available
- Offered online and at multiple campuses
- Focus areas in clinical, clinical neuroscience, and forensic psychology
- Experiential, hands-on learning
- Prepares for government and criminal justice roles
- Offered on campus and online
- NASAC accredited with 300 clinical hours
- Two practicum experiences required
- Covers co-occurring disorders
- Capstone e-portfolio project
- Online accelerated format
- NASAC accredited, 36 credit hours
- 150 clinical hours
- Meets licensure requirements in most states
- Prepares for careers in private practice, hospitals, and clinics
- Recognized as Outstanding Program of the Year
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — Online
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology — Online
Bachelor of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
Master of Science in Addiction Counseling — Online
How We Ranked Kansas Psychology Programs
Affordability as a Cornerstone
Because this list focuses on affordable options, the ranking methodology gives significant weight to net price and financial aid metrics. We examine the average net price for full-time undergraduates after grants and scholarships, not just sticker tuition. Institutions that keep out-of-pocket costs low for in-state students or offer generous institutional aid rank higher. This ensures that the programs we highlight represent genuine value for Kansas residents without sacrificing academic quality.
Flexibility Through Online and Hybrid Delivery
For students balancing work, family, or geographic constraints, delivery format matters. Our rankings factor in the availability of online or hybrid psychology programs, whether fully remote or blended with limited on-campus requirements. Programs that provide flexible scheduling, asynchronous coursework, or multiple start dates receive a boost, reflecting the growing demand for accessible education pathways in Kansas.
Beyond Institutional Averages: Program-Level ROI
Where the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard provides program-level earnings and debt data for psychology graduates, we incorporate those figures to estimate return on investment. Unlike broad university-wide metrics, these data points allow us to assess what psychology alumni actually earn and owe. When such data is unavailable, we rely on institutional completion rates (drawn from IPEDS) as a proxy for student success, but note that these rates reflect the entire institution, not the psychology department alone. Graduates who continue their education through paths like clinical psychology doctorate programs will find that this same data-driven philosophy applies across our rankings.
Why Transparent Methodology Matters
Many ranking sites publish lists without revealing how they arrive at their order. This lack of transparency leaves readers guessing whether factors like advertising agreements influence results. We close that gap by openly describing our weighting logic: prioritizing affordability and flexibility while acknowledging the limitations of available data. This approach empowers you to contextualize the rankings and make a choice that fits your goals, not someone else's proprietary algorithm.
Kansas Psychology Program Costs and What Graduates Earn
Cost and return vary widely across Kansas psychology programs. The schools below represent a range of public and private options, and the gap between what graduates borrow and what they earn a decade later tells a clear story about long-term value. MidAmerica Nazarene stands out with the lowest median debt ($15,000) paired with strong earnings, while public institutions like Washburn and Wichita State keep net prices low even when debt runs slightly higher. Program-level earnings data are not yet available for these schools, so the figures below reflect institution-wide median outcomes.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you need a fully online program, or can you manage some on-campus requirements?
Are you aiming for licensure as a psychologist, or are you pursuing BCBA certification?
Have you calculated the net price of each program, not just the listed tuition?
How quickly do you need to complete the degree, and does the program offer part-time enrollment?
Online vs. On-Campus Psychology Programs in Kansas
Kansas psychology programs span fully online, hybrid, and traditional on-campus formats, giving students real flexibility in how they earn their degree. Among the ranked programs on counselingpsychology.org, fully online options appear at schools like the University of Kansas, Fort Hays State University, Baker University, Washburn University, and Ottawa University, while hybrid formats are offered at Emporia State University, Wichita State University, Kansas State University, and MidAmerica Nazarene University. Your ideal format depends on where you live, how you learn best, and what your program requires beyond coursework.
- Online programs let students in rural parts of Kansas earn a psychology degree without relocating to a college town.
- Flexible scheduling in online formats works well for students balancing jobs, families, or military service.
- Several online Kansas programs charge a flat per-credit rate with no out-of-state surcharge, lowering total cost for distant learners.
- Accelerated online terms, such as Baker University's six-week courses and Ottawa University's eight-week terms, can shorten time to graduation.
- Online delivery gives students access to strong programs at institutions like KU and FHSU regardless of geographic distance.
- On-campus and hybrid programs provide direct access to faculty-led research labs, which matters if you plan to pursue a doctorate.
- In-person cohort models at schools like Emporia State and Kansas State build professional networks that are harder to replicate online.
- Practicum, fieldwork, and internship hours typically require face-to-face contact even in programs labeled fully online.
- Hands-on training in assessment tools and clinical techniques is easier to practice under live supervision in a campus setting.
- Hybrid programs, such as K-State's I/O Psychology master's, blend online coursework with required summer on-campus sessions, offering a middle ground but still requiring travel.
Related Articles
Psychology Degree Levels Available in Kansas
Kansas schools offer psychology programs at every level of the academic ladder, from a flexible online bachelor's to research-intensive doctoral work. Knowing which level fits your career goal saves you from spending time and money on coursework that does not advance your license or credential. For a broader look at how these tiers compare nationally, review our guide to degrees in psychology.
Bachelor's Degrees
A bachelor's in psychology is the entry point for the field and the most widely available credential across Kansas. Schools such as Washburn University in Topeka, the University of Kansas, Ottawa University-Online, and Baker University all offer bachelor's-level programs, several of them fully online. At this level, you will cover human development, research methods, abnormal psychology, and social behavior.
A bachelor's rarely qualifies you for clinical licensure on its own, but it opens doors to human services, case management, and behavioral health support roles. It also satisfies the prerequisite coursework most Kansas graduate programs expect before admission.
Master's Degrees
Master's programs are the most common pathway for students who want licensure and direct client contact without committing to a full doctoral timeline. In Kansas, master's-level options span clinical mental health counseling, school psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. MidAmerica Nazarene University's CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling, for example, prepares graduates for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCPT) in Kansas. Emporia State University and Fort Hays State University both offer master's tracks in school psychology leading toward school psychologist licensure.
If applied behavior analysis interests you, a master's degree paired with a BACB-approved course sequence is the standard route to BCBA certification. Several Kansas and Kansas-accessible programs embed verified course sequences into their graduate curricula.
Master's programs tend to be the sweet spot for affordability, especially at state schools where in-state tuition can fall well below $10,000 per year.
Doctoral Programs
For those targeting independent licensure as a psychologist in Kansas, a doctoral degree is required. The two main formats are the PhD, which emphasizes research and often includes a stipend, and the PsyD, which is practice-focused and typically completed in four to six years. Students interested in counseling doctoral programs should compare both formats carefully.
Wichita State University illustrates how doctoral work can look at the state's public institutions, offering an EdD in Educational Leadership with an educational psychology track delivered in a hybrid format over roughly three years. Students pursuing a clinical or counseling psychology license at the doctoral level should confirm that their program meets Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board requirements before enrolling.
Graduate Certificates
Beyond the three primary degree levels, some Kansas schools offer graduate certificates that let licensed practitioners add a specialty without returning for a full degree. Ottawa University-Kansas City's Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Gerocounseling is one example, targeting counselors who want focused training in aging and elder mental health. Understanding what different careers in psychology require can help you decide whether a certificate, master's, or doctorate is the right investment.
Popular Psychology Specializations at Kansas Schools
Kansas students often face a choice between two very different professional destinations: the clinical psychology and counseling track that leads to state licensure, or the applied behavior analysis track that leads to BCBA certification. Both fall under the psychology umbrella, but the coursework, supervised hours, and credentialing bodies are distinct. Picking the wrong lane can add years to your timeline.
Clinical and Counseling Tracks
Most graduate-level psychology programs at Kansas schools are licensure-oriented. MidAmerica Nazarene University offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration, a 60- to 64-credit hybrid pathway designed for students pursuing LPC or LCPC licensure. Emporia State and Fort Hays State both run school psychology programs that lead to K-12 school psychologist credentialing, while Kansas State offers a hybrid Industrial and Organizational Psychology master's for students headed into HR and applied research rather than clinical practice. Wichita State's doctoral track in Educational Psychology rounds out the academic and research-oriented options. Students who want to compare broader program options nationally can explore online master's in psychology programs.
Behavior Analysis and BCBA Pathways
The University of Kansas is the only Kansas institution with ABAI-accredited online applied behavior analysis programs. KU offers a Master of Arts in Applied Behavioral Science in both on-campus and online formats (both ABAI-accredited and aligned with BCBA Pathway 1), plus an on-campus Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology. For students who already hold a graduate degree in a related field, KU offers a Pathway 2 course sequence and an Online graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis with coursework including ABSC 852, Behavior Analysis in Developmental Disabilities.2 KU also operates autism-focused practicum placements and research centers, which matters if you want supervised hours with pediatric ASD populations.
Pathway 1 vs. Pathway 2: Timing Matters
One planning detail to flag: the ABAI Verified Course Sequence system sunsets December 31, 2025.3 Pathway 2 coursework completed before that date remains valid for BCBA eligibility through 2031, but after 2031 only Pathway 1 (an ABAI-accredited degree program) will qualify.4 If you are considering KU's certificate route, the deadline shapes your enrollment timeline. If you are entering a full master's program, Pathway 1 keeps your options open indefinitely.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist or BCBA in Kansas
Kansas credentials in psychology and applied behavior analysis follow distinct but structured paths, all overseen by licensing boards with specific hour and exam requirements. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) manages both the Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (master's level) and Licensed Psychologist (doctoral level) credentials. The BCBA certification is administered nationally by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) but requires state-compliant supervised fieldwork. Below is a consolidated credentialing ladder covering all three tracks.
What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree in Kansas?
Graduates pursuing clinical practice versus applied behavioral roles face different timelines and earning potential in Kansas, but both paths offer robust opportunities in the state's growing mental health sector. Clinical psychologists and behavior analysts serve overlapping but distinct populations, and understanding the local labor market helps graduates align education with career goals.
Kansas Salaries for Psychology Professionals
Clinical psychologists in Kansas earned a median annual wage of $84,570 in 2025, with a mean wage of $90,160. The state employs approximately 570 clinical psychologists, and the occupation is projected to grow 16.8% between 2022 and 2032, well above the national average of 11.2%. Nationally, clinical psychologists earned a median of $96,100 in 2023, placing Kansas salaries slightly below the U.S. benchmark but reflecting regional cost-of-living differences.3
For those entering mental health counseling or substance abuse counseling, earnings vary by specialization and credential. Behavior analysts, particularly those holding BCBA certification, typically command competitive salaries in Kansas due to high demand for autism services and applied behavior analysis in schools and clinical settings. National figures for therapists in related categories show median wages around $63,650, though Kansas-specific data for counselors and behavioral specialists can vary widely depending on setting: rural community mental health centers, university counseling offices, or private practice.4 To benchmark compensation across credentials and locations, prospective students can explore counselor salary data for a broader picture.
Program-Level Graduate Outcomes
Graduates from Kansas programs featured in the rankings show median earnings ranging from approximately $48,900 to $63,900 ten years after completion, depending on institution and degree level. Bachelor's graduates from Washburn University earned a median of $49,774 a decade post-graduation, while those completing programs at Baker University reached $63,855. These figures reflect both psychology-specific roles and adjacent careers in human services, research coordination, and educational support.
Because program-level data aggregates all completers, not just licensed clinicians, earnings reflect a mix of career paths: some graduates pursue direct clinical work after master's or doctoral study, while others enter HR, case management, or research assistant roles immediately after the bachelor's degree. Students interested in applied roles may also consider an applied psychology degree as an alternative pathway. Employment outcomes shortly after graduation are not reported for most programs in the dataset, so prospective students should inquire directly with admissions offices about job placement rates and alumni career destinations.
Job Growth and Rural Demand
Kansas faces persistent shortages of behavioral health providers, especially in rural counties. The state's 16.8% projected growth rate for clinical psychologists far exceeds national trends, driven by expanded telehealth access, school-based mental health mandates, and the opioid crisis. Rural areas often offer loan repayment incentives, higher starting salaries, and faster paths to independent practice for new clinicians willing to serve underserved populations.
Behavioral analysts and licensed professional counselors also find strong demand in Kansas, particularly for professionals trained in trauma-informed care, family therapy, and substance use disorders. Graduates completing CACREP-accredited master's programs, such as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling track at MidAmerica Nazarene University, are well-positioned for licensure as LPCs, a credential that opens doors to private practice, hospital systems, and community agencies across the state.
Kansas would need 52 additional mental health practitioners to lift its federal Mental Health Professional Shortage Area designations, according to 2025 HRSA workforce data. That gap signals strong, sustained demand for psychology and behavioral health graduates entering the Kansas workforce, particularly in rural counties where access remains most limited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Psychology Programs
These are some of the most common questions prospective students ask when exploring psychology programs in Kansas. The answers draw on current accreditation standards, typical cost ranges, and licensure requirements to help you plan your next steps with confidence.
- What are the best psychology programs in Kansas?
- Top-ranked options include programs at the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Wichita State University, and several smaller institutions with strong outcomes. The best fit depends on your degree level, specialization interests, and whether you need online flexibility. Look for regional accreditation at a minimum, and APA accreditation if you are pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or school psychology.
- How much does a psychology degree cost in Kansas?
- Costs vary widely by institution and degree level. In-state tuition at Kansas public universities is generally lower than private alternatives, with bachelor's-level programs often running between roughly $8,000 and $12,000 per year for residents. Graduate and doctoral programs carry higher tuition, and fees, books, and living expenses add to the total. Always confirm current rates directly with each school's financial aid office.
- Can you get a psychology degree online in Kansas?
- Yes. Several Kansas universities offer fully online or hybrid psychology degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels. A degree earned online from a regionally accredited institution carries the same academic weight as one completed on campus. However, no fully online Psy.D. or Ph.D. program currently holds APA accreditation, so doctoral students who need that credential should plan for at least some in-person components.
- How do you become a licensed psychologist in Kansas?
- Kansas requires a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised professional experience (typically one to two years of postdoctoral hours), and a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) oversees licensure. Graduating from an APA-accredited program can streamline the process, as it is widely recognized by licensing boards and employers.
- How do you become a BCBA in Kansas?
- To become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Kansas, you need a qualifying graduate degree, completion of a BACB-approved course sequence, supervised fieldwork hours, and a passing score on the BCBA exam. Several Kansas universities offer verified course sequences at the master's level. After certification, you must also meet any applicable Kansas state requirements for practice. Check the BACB website for the latest coursework and supervision standards.
- What can you do with a psychology degree in Kansas?
- Career options span mental health counseling, applied behavior analysis, school psychology, human resources, case management, and research. A bachelor's degree opens doors to entry-level roles, while a master's or doctorate qualifies you for licensed clinical practice, university teaching, or advanced research positions. Kansas employers in healthcare, education, and social services consistently seek psychology graduates.
- Are online psychology degrees respected by Kansas employers?
- Generally, yes. Employers and licensing boards in Kansas evaluate degrees based on institutional accreditation, not delivery format. A psychology degree earned online from a regionally accredited school is treated the same as its on-campus counterpart. For doctoral-level roles requiring APA accreditation, keep in mind that fully online doctoral programs do not currently hold that distinction, so verify program credentials before enrolling.
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