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HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University's Department of Psychology recently entered an articulation agreement with Midwestern University in Glendale, Ariz., that will guarantee interviews and reserve five acceptances into Midwestern's Clinical Psychology Program, accredited by the American Psychological Association.

To qualify, FHSU students must meet requirements that include a bachelor's degree from FHSU with a minimum 3.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA. This program is for students seeking the degree of Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology.

"Acceptance into graduate programs in clinical psychology is an extremely competitive process, with many more applicants than openings," said Dr. Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, chair of FHSU's Department of Psychology.

"Our partnership with Midwestern University affords FHSU psychology majors a wonderful opportunity," she said. "It is also exciting to know that graduate programs such as Midwestern recognize the excellent training we provide to our undergraduates to prepare students for the next step in their careers."

"We are excited about the partnership with FHSU," said Dr. Jared Chamberlain, program director of clinical psychology at Midwestern.

"Our goal of training excellent clinical psychologists for practice is very much aligned with the goals of quality and academic excellence instilled at FHSU," he said. "I believe the relationship will be beneficial for students interested in obtaining a doctoral degree that focuses on the practice of clinical psychology in various contexts and with diverse populations. We are also excited to open a direct avenue through which highly qualified individuals can become a part of our program."

Clinical psychologists, in the definition of the American Psychological Association, "assess and treat" short term and chronic "mental, emotional and behavioral disorders." The definition includes such examples as adolescent conflicts or schizophrenia, and also notes that clinical psychologists can specialize in disorders such as phobias or clinical depression. They can also work with physicians to treat physical problems that have "underlying psychological causes."

The program begins with fall 2017 graduates of FHSU's psychology program. For information on the program, contact Bonds-Raacke at jmbondsraacke@fhsu.edu or Dr. Leo Herrman, associate professor of psychology and director of FHSU's Clinical Psychology Program, at lpherrman@fhsu.edu.

Application information and questions can also be directed to Elizabeth Armijo, clinical education coordinator for the Midwestern University Clinical Psychology Program, at earmijo@midwestern.edu.

About Midwestern University:
Midwestern University is a graduate degree-granting institution specializing in the health sciences with 11 colleges and two campuses. The Arizona campus, located on a 156-acre site in Glendale, is home to more than 3,500 students and six colleges: the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Pharmacy-Glendale, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, the Arizona College of Optometry, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Clinical Psychology Program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. For more information, visit http://www.midwestern.edu or call 623-572-3215.