Accelerated MS Program in School Psychology
The Master of Science in Psychology (School) and the Education Specialist (Ed.S) in School Psychology programs at Fort Hays State University are designed to prepare students to become skilled and compassionate school psychologists. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application, these programs combine on-campus and online coursework to equip graduates with the tools necessary to address the psychological and educational needs of children in school environments.
Students engage in rigorous academic training, supervised field experiences, and internships that build essential competencies in assessment, intervention, consultation, and collaboration. Known for its comprehensive and well-structured curriculum, these programs provide a strong foundation for diverse career opportunities within the field of school psychology.
Why should you do this program?
The Accelerated MS Program in School Psychology is designed to allow high-achieving undergraduate students at FHSU to begin graduate coursework early. One benefit of this program is students are allowed to use 9 credit hours of graduate work to count both toward the graduate degree and the undergraduate degree. At this time, only FHSU undergraduates, on-campus and online, are eligible for the accelerated school psychology program.
Which courses will you take?
On-Campus Program of Study
| Semester | Courses & Experiences | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Number | |
Fall of Senior Year |
PSY 685 | Behavior Therapy |
| PSY 810 | Developmental Psychology | |
| Spring of Senior Year | PSY 830 | Professional Ethics in Psychology |
Fall of 1st Year in Graduate Program |
PSY 840 | Appraisal of Children |
| PSY 845 | Experimental Methods | |
| PSY 880 | Methods in School Psychology | |
| PSY 895 | Pro-Seminar in Curriculum Based Measurement | |
Spring of 1st Year in Graduate Program |
PSY 812 | Advanced Child Psychopathology |
| PSY 820 | Advanced Learning and Motivation | |
| PSY 850 | Inferential Statistics | |
| PSY 881 | Observation in School Psychology | |
| EdS Program of Study starts Fall of 2nd Year in Graduate Program | 1 Year and 2 Year Track Options Available | |
Online Program of Study
| Semester | Courses & Experiences | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Code | Course Number | |
Fall of Senior Year |
PSY 685 | Behavior Therapy |
| PSY 810 | Developmental Psychology | |
| Spring of Senior Year | PSY 830 | Professional Ethics in Psychology |
Fall of 1st Year in Graduate Program |
PSY 845 | Experimental Methods |
| PSY 880 | Methods in School Psychology | |
| PSY 895 | Pro-Seminar in Curriculum Based Measurement (1 hour) | |
| Spring of 1st Year in Graduate Program | PSY 820 | Advanced Learning and Motivation |
| PSY 850 | Inferential Statistics | |
| Summer of 1st Year in Graduate Program | PSY 840 | Appraisal of Children (4hr) * Requires one week on campus, during the 8-week course |
| Fall of 2nd Year in Graduate Program | PSY 812 | Advanced Learning and Motivation |
| PSY 881 | Observations in School Psychology (1 hour) | |
| EdS Program of Study starts Fall of 2nd Year in Graduate Program | 1.5 Years for Completion | |
Admission Requirements
Students must meet the following minimum criteria for admission into the accelerated program.
- Domestic student
- Junior standing
- FHSU psychology major
- At least one semester completed of full-time, degree-seeking coursework at FHSU
- 3.25 cumulative GPA
- 3.50 psychology GPA
- Completed personal statement
- 2 letters of recommendation addressing interpersonal skills of the applicant
- A passed background check (completed after accepted into the program)
No GRE score is required for admission into the accelerated program, however faculty recommendation is highly encouraged. Applicants must apply to the accelerated program by February 1st of their junior year of standing, prior to beginning the program in the fall semester of their senior year.
Terms of Admission
Students accepted into the accelerated program will be admitted to the graduate program, pending successful completion of all of the coursework for their undergraduate degree, and earned grades of B or better in all accelerated courses.
Program Handbook
For more in-depth information, please refer to our program handbook.
Interested in the Program?
Start your journey with Saige—your first stop for program information. Reach out via email at schoolpsych@fhsu.edu or call 785-628-4336.
