The University of Kansas offers psychology programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including BA and BS degrees, doctoral concentrations in Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, and Brain, Behavior, and Quantitative Science, and a separate PhD in School Psychology. KU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the Association of American Universities, located in Lawrence, Kansas.
The University of Kansas is a public research university in Lawrence, Kansas, founded in 1866. KU holds a Carnegie R1 classification for doctoral research and is a member of the Association of American Universities. Psychology programs are distributed across three departments: Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Clinical Child Psychology.
Accreditation Details
The University of Kansas is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The PhD in School Psychology, housed in the Department of Educational Psychology, is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the Kansas State Department of Education. The PhD in Clinical Child Psychology is also APA-accredited as a doctoral program in clinical psychology. The KU School of Education & Human Sciences holds accreditation through the CAEP Accreditation System.
Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants submit an online application, an application fee, high school transcripts, and any materials required under KU’s current first-year admission policy. Standardized test scores may be optional, depending on the applicant.
Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, typically with a GPA of at least 3.0. Requirements include an online application, a $65 domestic application fee, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a current CV or resume. Individual programs may have additional requirements, including personal statements and program-specific materials. Doctoral applications for fall admission are typically due in early December. Applicants should verify the current deadline for their intended concentration.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition varies by residency status and enrollment type. The online BA in Psychology is priced at a flat rate of $445 per credit hour for domestic students regardless of Kansas residency. On-campus undergraduate and graduate tuition rates vary by program and residency. Verify current figures on the KU tuition page before enrolling.
Financial aid options include:
- FAFSA
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) and Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) for doctoral students
Psychology Programs at the University of Kansas
Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The BA emphasizes a liberal arts foundation. The BS is oriented toward scientific and quantitative coursework. KU Online also offers an online BA in Psychology at a flat per-credit rate, designed for transfer students and those completing a degree with schedule flexibility. KU’s BA and BS sit alongside other strong undergraduate psychology programs in the Midwest.
Graduate and Doctoral Programs
The Department of Psychology offers a single doctoral degree (PhD) with three concentration options: Clinical Psychology, Social Psychology, and Brain, Behavior, and Quantitative Science. The program does not award a terminal master’s degree. Students admitted to any concentration are expected to continue through the PhD. A Graduate Certificate in Health Psychology is also available.
The Department of Educational Psychology offers a PhD in School Psychology using a scientist-practitioner model, preparing graduates for practice, research, and academic positions. The program requires four years of full-time study followed by a one-year internship. An EdS in School Psychology is available for those seeking a specialist-level credential. The department also offers PhD and master’s programs in Educational Psychology & Research, with concentrations in Development & Learning, Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics, and Sport & Exercise Psychology, as well as a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Students comparing school psychology doctoral programs across institutions can review program costs and accreditation status.
The Department of Clinical Child Psychology offers a doctoral program in clinical psychology specializing in children, adolescents, parents, and families, separately accredited by the APA.
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board regulates psychologist licensure in Kansas. Prospective students interested in practicing as licensed psychologists should review the Board’s current requirements directly.
Compare accredited psychology programs from multiple schools to find the right fit for your goals and location.