Online School Psychology Program
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 get this degree?
The online school psychology program is designed for students who have a passion for school psychology but need the flexibility of an online education. Students in the online school psychology program have the opportunity to pursue the MS and EdS degrees part-time or full-time. The entire online program is delivered virtually. Students are only required to come to the FHSU campus for one five-day workshop on appraisal of children, which takes place during a summer semester. Although the online program is designed with the same structure as the on-campus program, whose students primarily work in Kansas, the online program is available for students residing anywhere in the United States.
Designed to prepare students for National Certification as School Psychologists (NCSP), the curriculum emphasizes real-world application of skills. Faculty members remain current with the latest research and trends in the field, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of today’s student populations.
Who is this program for?
These programs are designed for individuals passionate about making a meaningful impact on the lives of children within educational settings. Whether seeking a career change or aiming to advance in the field of school psychology, these graduate programs offer comprehensive training essential for becoming a licensed school psychologist.
With flexible course delivery options available both on campus and online, the programs accommodate out-of-state students and working professionals alike. This accessibility ensures that a diverse range of learners can effectively pursue their educational and professional goals. These programs are particularly well-suited for individuals who:
- Aspiring school psychologists seeking national certification
- Current educators wanting specialized training in assessment and intervention
- Mental health professionals aiming to work in a school setting
- Individuals passionate about improving children's lives and pursuing careers in school psychology
- Out-of-state students interested in flexible learning options
- Those looking to transition into the school psychology profession
What can you do with the degree?
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse and rewarding careers in school psychology. Upon completion, they become eligible for National Certification as School Psychologists (NCSP) and are qualified to work in a variety of educational settings. Their extensive training in assessment, intervention, and consultation enables them to effectively support students and make meaningful contributions to the field.
| MS Coursework and Experiences |
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| EdS Coursework and Experiences |
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| Post-EdS Experiences |
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| Credit Hour Rate | Credit Hours for Degree | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $348.78 | 66 (30 for MS, 36 for EdS) | $23,019.48 |
| **Tuition - The Graduate School - Fort Hays State University (FHSU) | ||
Application Timeline
| Fall 2026 Admittance |
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Admission Criteria
| Degree Requirement | Bachelor's degree in psychology or education with 12 credit hours of coursework from a psychology department |
| Statistics and Research Methods Requirement | One undergraduate course in statistics or research methods; can be from any department |
| GPA Requirement | Must have at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA in undergraduate coursework |
| GRE Requirement | Must have a recent GRE General score – from the past five years. If you have completed a Master’s degree in a related field, the GRE is not required. |
How do you apply to the M.S. in School Psychology Program?
- 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.
- Official GRE General score from the past five years sent to the FHSU Graduate School. We do not have a minimum requirement. *Note: If you have completed a Master’s degree in a related field, the GRE is not required.
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Statement of intent, including career goals and your interest in the program
- Resume
- Transcripts from your undergraduate program
- A completed interview questionnaire
Note. All students admitted to the School Psychology Program will be required to provide documentation of passing a background check prior to enrolling in coursework.
How do you apply for the EdS program?
The requirements below are the minimum requirements for consideration of admission. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the Ed.S. program. All applicants must apply for admission to the Ed.S. in accordance with the application deadlines based on their anticipated timeline for program completion of the MS in Psychology degree as specified in the Program Handbook.
- Go to the FHSU Graduate School website and begin an application
- The Department of Psychology requires the documents listed below for the FHSU MS to Ed.S. application. You may want to print this list for reference.
- 3.00 GPA in undergraduate coursework, and a 3.25 in graduate coursework.
- All graduate coursework must have resulted in a grade of B or better, with one exception. A grade of C is allowed in PSY 850 or equivalent.
- Master’s degree in Psychology from FHSU.
- Successful completion of all requirements resulting in conferral of the Master's degree in Psychology from FHSU.
- If courses equivalent to the FHSU PSY 840 Appraisal of Children and PSY 880 Methods in School Psychology have not been taken within the past 3 years, they must be taken as a condition of admittance.
- Acceptance to the Ed.S. program also requires that the applicant is a student in good standing with the University and the Department of Psychology and has demonstrated appropriate dispositional skills and essential professional characteristics throughout the MS Psychology program.
- Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Interviews may be requested at the discretion of the School Psychology Committee. The Program Director will notify candidates if an interview is requested.
- Response to Application Questions (2-3 pages, double-spaced)
- The rigor of programming increases from the MS to EdS program, including field placement hours to be done during the workday. Additionally, the necessity to uphold both professional and ethical standards intensifies as students engage in practicum and internship. With this in mind, please address the following questions:
- 1. Describe your anticipated plans for completing the 600-hour Practicum. This should include the name(s) of a district(s) you will or have contacted for field placement and, if applicable, any terms for practicum and employment that have been discussed with a district. Additionally, reflect on your time management and completion of the MS program to identify any changes you intend to implement to successfully complete the EdS program to balance the program's rigor with personal/professional obligations. Please review the Program Handbook for information regarding practicum requirements.
- 2. In practicum and internship, you will be supervised by a practicing school psychologist who will provide feedback regarding your performance and progress. As a school psychologist, you will be evaluated regarding your job performance and likely receive corrective feedback from superiors to help you improve identified areas of weakness. Discuss the importance of corrective feedback as a school psychologist and how you would respond to constructive feedback from your supervisor. How would you leverage this feedback for improvement and monitor your progress? Finally, describe 2 educational or professional goals you would like to accomplish in your EdS program.
- The rigor of programming increases from the MS to EdS program, including field placement hours to be done during the workday. Additionally, the necessity to uphold both professional and ethical standards intensifies as students engage in practicum and internship. With this in mind, please address the following questions:
Licensure Disclosure
With the exception of Kansas, Fort Hays State University has not confirmed whether this program meets licensure requirements in other states. Since licensure criteria vary by state and are subject to change, prospective students are encouraged to consult their state education department for the most up-to-date information. For guidance on evaluating licensure eligibility, students should contact their advisor, department chair, or licensure officer. Additional details can be found in the Licensure Disclosure.
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.
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Saige Kirchhoff Student Assistant 785-628-4336 schoolpsych@fhsu.edu |
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Amy Drinnon, Ed.S. Director of the School Psychology Program schoolpsych@fhsu.edu |