Kansas Psychology Doctorate Programs: Your Complete 2025 Guide to PsyD & PhD Degrees
Kansas faces a significant mental health challenge, with 19.5% of adults experiencing diagnosable mental illness—slightly above the national average of 19%. However, the state demonstrates exceptional progress in mental health service utilization, with 16.6% of Kansas adults receiving mental health services annually, surpassing the national rate of 14.9%. This increased demand for psychological services creates substantial opportunities for doctoral-level psychology professionals in the state.
The psychology profession in Kansas is experiencing robust growth, with clinical and counseling psychologist positions projected to increase by 12.5% through 2032, significantly outpacing the overall job growth rate. This expansion, combined with competitive salaries and diverse practice opportunities, makes Kansas an attractive destination for psychology doctorate graduates.
For prospective psychology students in Kansas, the doctoral pathway represents both substantial educational investment and promising career prospects, with multiple accredited programs available within the state and region.
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Kansas
The journey to becoming a licensed psychologist in Kansas follows a structured pathway that typically spans 8 to 10 years of post-secondary education and training. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board oversees this comprehensive process, ensuring that all practicing psychologists meet rigorous educational and experiential standards.
Step 1: Complete Undergraduate Education
All doctoral psychology program applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While psychology majors receive preference, the Kansas Board accepts graduates from closely related fields, including:
- Social work and human services
- Biology and neuroscience
- Sociology and anthropology
- Education and human development
Non-psychology majors may need to complete prerequisite coursework in statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology before being admitted to a doctoral program.
Step 2: Earn Your Psychology Doctorate
Kansas requires all licensed psychologists to hold a doctoral degree in psychology from an institution accredited by the American Psychological Association. The state recognizes both:
| Degree Type | Focus | Typical Duration | Career Emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) | Clinical Practice | 4-6 years | Direct patient care and applied psychology |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Research & Practice | 5-7 years | Research, academia, and clinical practice |
The Kansas Board strongly recommends APA-accredited programs, which streamline the licensure process and ensure comprehensive professional preparation.
Step 3: Complete Supervised Experience Requirements
Kansas mandates 1,800 hours of supervised post-doctoral professional experience before full licensure eligibility. This requirement can be fulfilled through:
- Post-doctoral fellowship programs
- Supervised practice in healthcare settings
- Structured training programs in community mental health centers
Temporary licensure may be granted to doctoral holders while they are completing their supervision requirements, allowing them to practice under qualified supervision.
Step 4: Pass Required Examinations
Licensure candidates must achieve:
- Minimum score of 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
- Passing score on the Kansas jurisprudence examination
Step 5: Maintain Professional Licensure
Kansas psychology licenses require biennial renewal, accompanied by ongoing continuing education requirements, to ensure current professional competency and adherence to ethical practice standards.
Kansas Psychology Doctorate Programs
While Kansas maintains a smaller number of psychology doctorate programs compared to larger states, the available options provide quality education with strong regional connections and competitive outcomes.
Kansas City University – College of Biosciences
Program: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Accreditation Status: APA Accredited on Contingency
Location: Kansas City, Missouri (Serves Kansas students)
Unique Features: Integrated health sciences approach, strong emphasis on underserved populations
Kansas City University’s PsyD program, although located in Missouri, explicitly serves students from both Kansas and Missouri. The program has maintained contingency accreditation status with the APA while building outcome data. From 2017 to 2024, the program graduated 10 students with an impressive 80% licensure rate.
“The Kansas City University program provides excellent preparation for clinical practice with diverse populations, particularly relevant for Kansas practitioners who often serve rural and underserved communities.” – Program Graduate, 2023
Additional Kansas Options
Students in Kansas also have access to several accredited online PsyD programs that provide flexibility for working professionals and those in rural areas. These programs typically require periodic residencies and maintain the same rigorous standards as traditional programs.
Nearby Programs Serving Kansas Students
Kansas students benefit from proximity to several highly regarded psychology doctorate programs in neighboring states, particularly Missouri, which hosts multiple APA-accredited options.
University of Missouri System
The University of Missouri system operates three campuses offering APA-accredited psychology doctorate programs, all within a reasonable distance of Kansas:
| Campus | Programs Available | 2014-2024 Graduates | Licensure Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | PhD Clinical, Counseling, School | 45 (Clinical) | 89% |
| Kansas City | PhD Clinical, Counseling | 38 (Clinical) | 84% |
| St. Louis | PhD Clinical | 35 (Clinical) | 88% |
The University of Missouri system offers competitive tuition rates, and most clinical students receive complete tuition remission plus annual stipends, making these programs financially accessible options for Kansas residents.
Regional Private Universities
Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University both offer prestigious APA-accredited PhD programs in Clinical Psychology, though with more competitive admission and higher tuition costs.
Salary and Career Outlook
Psychology professionals in Kansas enjoy competitive compensation that significantly exceeds the state’s average wages across all occupations. The profession’s growth trajectory and diverse practice opportunities create favorable career prospects for doctorate holders.
Kansas Psychologist Salary Data
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Kansas earn a mean annual salary of $72,570, representing a 29% premium over the state’s average wage of $56,270 for all occupations. While this figure ranks among the lower end of national psychology salaries, the cost-of-living adjustment and growth potential create attractive career economics.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage | Comparison to State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (25th percentile) | $54,890 | -2.4% below state average |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,570 | +29% above state average |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $94,120 | +67% above state average |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $124,580 | +121% above state average |
For detailed salary information across psychology specializations, visit our comprehensive Kansas clinical psychologist salary analysis.
Geographic Salary Variations
Psychology salaries in Kansas vary significantly by geographic region, with metropolitan areas offering substantial premiums:
- Kansas City Metro: $89,760 average (highest in state)
- Wichita Metro: $68,540 average
- Non-metropolitan areas: $61,830 average
Employment Growth Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.5% growth in clinical and counseling psychologist positions in Kansas through 2032, significantly exceeding the national average and creating approximately 45 new positions annually.
May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures shown here for Psychologists. Job growth projections are from the US Department of Labor-sponsored resource, CareerOneStop. Figures are based on state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
Psychology Specializations in Kansas
Kansas psychology professionals can pursue diverse specialization areas, each offering unique career opportunities and earning potential. The state’s demographic characteristics and healthcare infrastructure create particular demand for certain specialties.
Clinical Psychology
The most common psychology specialization in Kansas is clinical psychology, which involves diagnosing and treating mental health disorders across diverse settings. With 19.5% of Kansas adults experiencing mental illness, clinical specialists find robust demand in:
- Community mental health centers
- Hospital behavioral health units
- Private practice settings
- Integrated healthcare teams
Rural and Community Psychology
Kansas’s rural geography offers unique opportunities for psychologists specializing in rural mental health, teletherapy services, and community-based interventions. This specialization helps address the state’s geographic challenges in accessing mental healthcare.
Geropsychology
With Kansas’s aging population, specialists in geriatric psychology find increasing demand for services addressing dementia, late-life depression, and aging-related psychological challenges.
Health Psychology
Integration of behavioral health into primary care creates opportunities for health psychologists to work in medical settings, addressing chronic disease management, pain psychology, and lifestyle interventions.
Explore comprehensive information about psychology career paths and salary potential across specializations.
Licensing Requirements and Timeline
The Kansas licensing process follows a structured timeline that necessitates careful planning and thorough documentation. Understanding these requirements allows prospective psychologists to strategically organize their educational and professional development.
Pre-Licensure Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Requirements | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Education | 4 years | Bachelor’s degree | Psychology major preferred, prerequisite courses |
| Doctoral Education | 4-7 years | PsyD or PhD in Psychology | Coursework, practicum, internship, dissertation |
| Post-Doctoral Experience | 1-2 years | 1,800 supervised hours | Professional practice under supervision |
| Examination | 3-6 months | EPPP (500+ score), Jurisprudence exam | Exam preparation and administration |
Continuing Education Requirements
Licensed psychologists in Kansas must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including specific requirements in:
- Professional ethics (minimum 4 hours)
- Cultural competency and diversity
- Evidence-based practice updates
- Specialty area advancement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PsyD and PhD programs for Kansas students?
PsyD programs focus primarily on clinical practice and applied psychology, typically requiring 4 to 6 years to complete. PhD programs emphasize research training alongside clinical skills, usually taking 5-7 years. Both degrees qualify graduates for licensure in psychology in Kansas. Learn more about PsyD vs PhD differences.
Can I practice psychology in Kansas with a degree from an online program?
Yes, Kansas accepts graduates from accredited online psychology doctorate programs, provided they meet all educational and experiential requirements. However, ensure the program includes required practicum and internship components. Review our guide to accredited online PsyD programs.
How long does it take to become licensed in Kansas after graduation?
After completing their doctorate, Kansas requires 1,800 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience, typically taking 12-18 months. Including examination preparation and processing, expect 18-24 months from graduation to full licensure.
What are the job prospects for psychologists in Kansas?
Kansas projects 12.5% growth in psychology positions through 2032, creating approximately 45 new positions annually. Rural areas, in particular, need psychological services, creating opportunities for community-focused practitioners.
Are there funding opportunities for psychology students in Kansas?
Many programs offer assistantships, fellowships, and tuition remission. Additionally, the Kansas Health Professions Scholarship Program provides funding for students committed to serving underserved areas. Explore fully funded psychology programs.
What specializations are in highest demand in Kansas?
Rural psychology, geropsychology, and integrated health psychology show particular growth potential. The state’s aging population and rural geography create unique opportunities for specialization among doctoral graduates.
