On Campus Clinical Psychology Program

Application Deadlines

Spring 2026 Admittance	Final deadline is October 15, 2025 On-Campus Applications Only *International students may start in the fall only on-campus
Fall 2026 Admittance	Accepting applications now! Priority deadline is January 15, 2026 Final deadline is March 15, 2026

The Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical) at Fort Hays State University equips students for careers in mental health services, research, and academia. Tailored for individuals pursuing clinical psychology, the program offers two distinct tracks: one emphasizing preparation for doctoral study and the other centered on applied clinical practice, allowing students to align their education with their career goals.

With small class sizes and personalized faculty support, this program fosters a supportive learning environment. The curriculum integrates foundational theory with practical application, offering extensive hands-on training through practicum placements. Students also complete a thesis or a professional development project, ensuring they graduate with the skills and experience needed to succeed across a variety of professional settings. Although the program is required to meet licensure needs of students who will work primarily in Kansas, it is available for students residing anywhere in the United States.

Why pursue a Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical) at FHSU?

The Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical) program at FHSU is distinguished by its emphasis on hands-on experience, personalized mentorship, and a curriculum that reflects current advancements in the field. Students gain valuable experience working with diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings, strengthening their practical skills and cultural competence.

The program’s dual-track design allows students to customize their education to align with their career goals, whether they intend to pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. or enter clinical practice immediately after graduation.

The program consists of 61 credit hours of coursework in the areas of assessment, psychological interventions, research methodology, and supervised practicum and internship experiences. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study.

Who is this program for?

This program is ideal for individuals passionate about understanding human behavior, addressing mental health challenges, and making a meaningful impact on people’s lives. Designed to accommodate a diverse range of students, from aspiring clinicians to research-focused professionals, it equips graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers across psychology and mental health services. The program is particularly well-suited for:

Aspiring Clinical Psychologists
Mental Health Professionals
Future Doctoral Students
Helping Professionals

What can you do with the degree?

The Clinical Psychology MS program prepares students for licensure as a masters level psychologist in the state of Kansas. Master's level psychologists conduct psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and perform other professional functions in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, private practices, psychiatric hospitals, and various types of residential treatment centers.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities. The program equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed across various professional settings. Program graduates have been very successful in securing employment in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, and various types of treatment facilities. The Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board licenses Master's level psychologists in the state of Kansas.

Career Prospects

Licensed Master’s Level Clinical Psychologist

Licensed clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat psychological disorders in settings such as private practices, hospitals, and community centers. Using evidence-based techniques, they provide therapy and support that directly improve clients’ mental well-being.

Clinical Researcher

Clinical researchers design and conduct studies to deepen understanding of psychological disorders and treatments. They work in universities, research centers, or healthcare organizations, analyzing data and publishing findings to advance mental health care.

Counselor or Therapist

Graduates may serve as counselors or therapists in schools, hospitals, or private practices, providing individual and group therapy for issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. They help clients improve mental health and navigate life’s challenges.

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists apply psychological expertise in legal settings, working in law enforcement, prisons, or courts. They conduct assessments, offer expert testimony, and support offenders or victims, contributing to justice and public safety.

Health Psychologist

Health psychologists work in hospitals, clinics, or public health settings, focusing on how psychological factors influence health and illness. They conduct research, provide interventions, and promote wellness by addressing stress, chronic conditions, and lifestyle changes.

Licensure Disclosure

With the exception of Kansas, Fort Hays State University has not confirmed whether this program meets licensure requirements in other states. Because licensing criteria vary and are subject to change, applicants are encouraged to consult their state licensing board for the most up-to-date information. For further assistance, please contact clinicalpsych@fhsu.edu.

Which courses will you take?

The clinical psychology graduate program offers two separate tracks. Each track has a slightly different area of focus, with different career goals, and thus has slightly different courses and course sequences.

Scholarship Track

The scholarship track is designed for students interested in research and/or interested in continuing their education to a PhD or PsyD program in clinical psychology.

Professional Development Track

The professional development track is designed for students who may have an appreciation for research, but who do not wish to pursue it. Instead, these students may wish to begin clinical practice immediately following the MS degree.

How long does it take?

The clinical psychology program is designed to be completed in two years. The program consists of approximately three semesters of coursework, and one semester of internship (see course sequences above). Upon completion of the program, students graduate with a Master of Science in Psychology (Clinical Emphasis), and are eligible for licensure in Kansas.

How much does it cost?

Category	Credit Hour Rate	Credit Hours for Degree	Total Estimated Cost
Resident/Regional	$284.38	61	$17,347.18
MSEP	$406.27	61	$24,782.47
Non-Resident	$734.83	61	$44,824.63

*Tuition and Fees are subject to change at any time by the Kansas Board of Regents. Tuition - The Graduate School - Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

To reduce the cost of attendance, students registered in the clinical psychology graduate program may be eligible for graduate teaching assistantships (GTA). For more information on the GTA application process, tuition remission, and allocations, please visit the FHSU Graduate School's GTA page.

Internships and Experiential Learning

As a student in the clinical psychology program, you'll have the opportunity to gain extensive supervised experience in the application of mental health services. The required 15 credits of practicum and internship are designed to give you practical experience and professional skills, in addition to exposure to the organization and structure of mental health service agencies. During your first year of study, you'll complete an on-campus practicum in Health & Wellness Services, which serves as the campus counseling center for the university. Staffed by clinical psychology faculty members, Health & Wellness Services provides therapy experience with college students and adults.

After completion of the on-campus practicum, you'll complete a 600 clock-hour internship in an off-campus mental health agency under the supervision of a qualified psychologist. Internship opportunities are offered at area mental health centers, state hospitals, adolescent treatment centers, and chemical dependency programs. Teaching assistantships are not available during the internship semester.

Admissions Criteria

Degree Requirement	Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field with 12 credit hours of coursework from a psychology department
GPA Requirement	Must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA in undergraduate coursework
GRE Requirement	GRE not required

How do you apply?

Go to the FHSU Graduate School website and begin an application
The Department of Psychology requires the following list of documents. You may want to print this list for future reference.
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Letter of Intent/Personal Statement
- Transcripts from your undergraduate program
- Completed Clinical Program Interview Questionnaire

Note. All students admitted to the Clinical Psychology Program will be required to provide documentation of passing a background check prior to enrolling in coursework.

Students should not use AI on application materials. Materials will be screened with AI checking software.

Interested in the program?

Start your journey with Saige—your first stop for program information. Reach out via email at clinicalpsych@fhsu.edu or call 785-628-4336.

	Saige Kirchhoff Student Assistant 785-628-4336 clinicalpsych@fhsu.edu
	Dr. Brooke Mann Director of the Clinical Psychology Program clinicalpsych@fhsu.edu