School Psychology - Kansas Community College Pathways Program
*This program is pending approval and is not currently active.
Purpose
The School Psychology Kansas Community College Pathways Program at Fort Hays State University offers students a clear path to an exciting and in-demand career that supports children and communities of rural Kansas and beyond. The program connects the Kansas community college transfer agreement with the FHSU accelerated school psychology graduate program. The result is a clear and efficient pathway to complete either the on-campus or online accelerated MS and EdS school psychology program. For more information, eligibility criteria, and to apply, please see the information below. At this time, community colleges outside of Kansas are not included in the pathway program.
What Do School Psychologists Do?
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. They help schools:
- Improve Academic Achievement
- Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health
- Support Diverse Learners
- Create Safe, Positive School Climates
- Strengthen Family-School Partnerships
- Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability
- Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior
Benefits to Completing the FHSU School Psychology Pathways Program
1. Guaranteed Admission into the School Psychology Graduate Program at FHSU: This secured path removes the stress of a highly competitive application process, allowing students to focus on developing skills and experiences crucial for working in schools.
2. High Demand for School Psychologists: Addressing the nationwide shortage of school psychologists, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is critical. Graduates are well-positioned to meet this demand, making a difference in communities facing these shortages and responding to the increasing mental health needs of students.
3. Preparation for Licensure and Certification: Completing the program allows graduates to pursue licensure and certification as school psychologists, enabling them to provide direct services, conduct assessments, and support students across various settings.
4. Professional Growth and Personal Fulfillment: A career in school psychology offers opportunities for professional growth and personal satisfaction, combining skills in psychology with educational impact. Many find this work both fulfilling and impactful, as they support the social-emotional and academic development of diverse student populations.
How to Apply for the Program
Students apply for the pathway during the third semester of the AS/AA program. Students are guaranteed acceptance to the accelerated MS School Psychology program if they maintain a 3.5 GPA at both the associate’s and bachelor’s level. At this time, community colleges outside of Kansas are not included in the pathway program.
School Psychology Pathways Program - Application Link
*Note: Students can use the link above to apply to the program during the third semester of the AS/AA program. In addition to completing this application, students must also apply to Fort Hays State University as a degree-seeking undergraduate student. (https://www.fhsu.edu/admissions/admissions-application/)