Are you searching for doctoral programs in psychology in Kansas to advance your professional career in studying the human brain and behavior? As one of the most productive agricultural states situated in the central Midwestern region of the United States, it may seem that the highest producer of wheat, sunflowers, and sorghum would be lacking in psychology graduate programs. However, the 15th most extensive and 34th most populous state in the nation is actually home to some of the best universities in the Midwest and beyond, with doctorate programs in various specialty areas in psychology. If you are interested in earning the most advanced degree in psychology to become certified as a researcher, clinician, educator, or supervisor, the following are five APA-accredited psychology doctoral programs in Kansas.
University of Kansas
Department of Psychology
As a major public comprehensive research and teaching institution, the University of Kansas is located on a vast 1,000-acre urban campus in Lawrence with a community of just over 20,000 students. Offering more than 225 graduate degree programs and 100 international study abroad opportunities, KU is currently ranked as the 101st best college, 47th top public school, and 15th best university for military veterans in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. Not only has the Department of Psychology been recognized for having the 40th best psychology graduate programs, but it also is acclaimed for the 6th top clinical psychology doctoral programs in the United States.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Child Psychology
Fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Ph.D. in Clinical Child Psychology degree is among the few hybrid online doctoral programs leading to a clinical doctorate with a distinct emphasis on Child Psychology. With the mission of developing leaders for the clinical practice and research of psychological science for increased well-being for children, adolescents, and their families, the program adheres to the scientist-practitioner model of clinical training. Well-known for its excellent combination of didactic coursework with advanced practicum experiences, the program requires the completion of a Master’s degree, thesis project, preliminary doctoral examination, oral comprehensive examination, doctoral dissertation, and an 11-month clinical pre-doctoral internship at an APA-approved setting.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
With an illustrious history of being established in the mid-1940s and represented at the original Boulder Conference, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program focused on the integration of science and practice through adhering to a scientist-practitioner model. The program is designed to develop competent clinical practitioners who understand, appreciate, and apply the scientific research on effective interventions while working with diverse clients with clinical mental health disorders. Throughout the program, students complete required foundational coursework, join research groups, work with clients at the KU Psychological Clinic or KU Medical Center, complete a Master’s thesis, focus on a doctoral dissertation project, and participate in a full-time internship. For those interested in working with the psychosocial and biomedical aspects of physical health or disability, there is also a Clinical Health program track.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in School Psychology
Reflecting a scientist-practitioner training orientation to develop students’ clinical, research, and teaching skills in the specific areas related to school settings, the Ph.D. in School Psychology program is designed to expand graduate students’ theoretical understanding of issues in school psychology to make significant research contributions. Focused on reaching competencies in psychosocial foundations, research design, consultation, assessment, counseling, and ethics, the coursework of the school pyschology program typically is completed within four years of full-time study. However, doctoral students are also required to complete a full-time one-year school-based internship in professional school psychology, which is normally completed in the fifth year.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
Fraser Hall Room 426
1415 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-5696
psycgrad@ku.edu
http://psych.ku.edu/overview-0
Wichita State University
Psychology Department
Based in Kansas’ largest metropolitan area within the southern region of the state to enhance the traditional classroom experience with greater access to opportunities and resources, Wichita State University is a comprehensive public institution that is home to a rich diverse community of more than 12,000 students. Recognized for hosting an exemplary cooperative education program that gives learners valuable real-world work experience, WSU stands out as the state’s only urban-serving research state university. Nationally acclaimed for having the 191st best psychology master’s programs and doctoral programs, the Psychology Department is dedicated to conducting applied research to enhance psychological science in real and meaningful ways that make a difference in the lives of Kansas residents.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Through an integration of education and practical clinical training with a public service orientation, the Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is structured to prepare graduate students to work with underserved and disadvantaged populations in diverse communities through the implementation of effective preventive or clinical interventions. With the mission of educating students in the professional clinical application of research-based science for the amelioration of problems commonly facing humans, the program involves supervised practice in various settings, including mental health clinics, schools, and community agencies. Following the scientist-practitioner and action-researcher models, the curriculum requires the completion of at least 101 credit hours and 2,000 clock hours of applied clinical practicum/internship experience.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Community Psychology
Designed to provide doctorate students with the educational, research, and practical experience in real-world community organizations, the Ph.D. in Community Psychology program follows an apprenticeship model of training to give students extensive professional experience in community research under the supervision of faculty mentors. In an interactive classroom, students gain a strong knowledge base on the theoretical foundations of several psychological approaches, including social-development, cognitive, personality, and biological bases for human behavior. Benefiting from the rich setting in the heart of Wichita, the program also provides ample community-based experience in developing and implementing innovative prevention programs with government facilities, human service organizations, and other human service coalitions for client-centered care.
Accreditations
- American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation (CoA)
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA)
Contact Information
1845 Fairmount St.
Campus Box 34
Wichita, KS 67260
(316) 978-3170
dtnguyen3@wichita.edu
http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/home/?u=psychology
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster than average employment growth to create an estimated 178,900 new jobs by 2022, there will be an increasing number of positions for qualified psychologists in private practices, mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, long-term rehabilitation facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, community agencies, universities, government research organizations, and other healthcare settings. As a result, it is the ideal time for individuals interested in studying the cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral processes of humans to start searching for psychology doctorate programs. Whether you are born and raised or are considering moving to the “Sunflower State,” be sure to check out these doctoral programs in psychology in Kansas that have been accredited by the APA for excellence.
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