The science and practice of mental health services is a growing field, whether your interests lie in research, serving in a school or community service setting, or working one-on-one with individuals, couples and families.
Students explore the roots of human behavior and apply that knowledge to help people adopt behaviors and structure environments that will increase their longevity, performance and quality of life. We offer strong and active collaborations with community partners around the Kansas City metropolitan area which help to expand the learning environment.
We provide students with a fundamental understanding of the field of psychology, including its value as a scientific method for understanding human behavior and solving social and behavioral problems. In addition to a wide selection of classes, there are opportunities for study outside the classroom, both through research experiences that allow collaboration with faculty in the department’s research laboratories, as well as applied internships that connect our students with agencies in our community. Our field practicum/internship class allows students to earn course credit through internships with community agencies.
An undergraduate degree in psychology can lead to careers in human resources, nonprofit management, mental health services and research. Many students in these programs pursue graduate studies in psychology or counseling. Still more may continue their education by exploring social work, law, education or medicine.
Students with an interest in psychology will find this minor to be quite adaptable. Common majors to pair with the psychology minor include; sociology, criminal justice and criminology, communications studies, health sciences, biology and chemistry.
With an emphasis on individual and cultural diversity and social justice, we prepare students for careers in counseling tailored to their individual interests. Students find employment in a variety of settings, including colleges, community-based mental health facilities, independent practice, the court system, and PK-12 schools. Graduates also enter doctoral programs in counseling-related areas. Choose from three different emphasis areas to match your learning experiences to your interests:
The Counseling Psychology program at UMKC is dedicated to promoting equity, pluralism, and social justice through student training and education, research, and practice.
We are no longer accepting new students into the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Students interested in being a Health Service Psychologist and studying with our counseling psychology faculty are encouraged to apply to the PhD in Psychology—Clinical Psychology Option. Application information will be posted by mid-November for a late-December or early-January application deadline.
Due to the current academic realignment, graduate admissions to these programs are suspended at this time. We will spend the next year working together to combine our doctoral programs. Check back for updates.
Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data
At the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences there are several different ways to be involved in research, either as a student or a participant. Undergraduate students through doctoral candidates are encouraged to work closely with faculty mentors doing cutting-edge research on topics like infant and child development, the impacts of stress and trauma, aging, social justice advocacy and much more.
There are several student groups directed at growing the networks and experiences of students interested in counseling and psychology at UMKC. Additionally, UMKC offers a wide variety of student groups. More information is available on RooGroups.
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, encourages, stimulates and maintains excellence in scholarship and advances the science of psychology. Membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students making the study of psychology one of their major interests. Membership benefits include;
How to join:
Psychology Club is the sibling organization of Psi Chi. Its goal is to provide enriching social and educational opportunities beyond the classroom within the field of psychology. Whereas Psi Chi events often focus on advancing the science of psychology (which is consistent with its mission), Psychology Club officers have aimed to bring opportunities for practical and applied experiences to students. Also, unlike Psi Chi, Psychology Club membership is free and open to all UMKC students. If you are considering a career in psychology or are just interested in learning more about the field, we encourage you to join Psychology Club.
