Kansas State University

by

Updated December 2, 2022 · 3 Min Read

Learn more about the various counseling degree programs available at Kansas State University.

BestCounselingDegrees.net is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Kansas State University has the distinction of being the oldest and largest public university in the state. Known by locals as Kansas State and students as K-State, it operates out of Manhattan, Kansas and has a total population of more than 20,000 students. In addition to classes offered on campus, Kansas State also offers online courses for its students, and many of those enrolled in its graduate program take all or a significant amount of their required courses online.

Established in 1863 as the Kansas State Agricultural College, it originally only offered courses for those planning on working as farmer and for local agricultural industries. It took several decades before expanding its course catalog to offer other types of degrees, but Kansas State did make a name for itself when it became one of the only colleges in the Midwest to accept female students. Kansas State's commitment and dedication to its students led to the school receiving national and global recognition. Both ARWU and the Times included K-State on its lists of top colleges around the globe, and Washington Monthly, Forbes and U.S. New and World Report ranked the university on a national level, with U.S. News and World Report ranking it highest at 143.

Featured Online Programs

Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.

Kansas State University Accreditation Details

Kansas State University is a member of the NCAA, or National Collegiate Athletic Association. Thousands of students, locals, alumni and fans turn out for football games every year, and its basketball team repeatedly ranks as one of the top teams in the country. The university also has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It first received accreditation in 1916 and continues extending its accreditation with each review, which usually occurs once every 10 years. Accreditation requires a peer review process, which lets the HLC visit the campus and examine records and speak with faculty before making a final ruling.

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, also known as CACREP, granted accreditation to the university for its school counseling program the same year the program launched. CACREP granted accreditation again in 2009 to this program. Other educational degree programs offered by Kansas State have accreditation from different organizations, including the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Kansas State Department of Education. All online counseling and educational degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels have accreditation from those same organizations.

Kansas State University Application Requirements

Kansas State University requires that all students entering an online program meet the technology requirements of the school. Students must have access to the Internet and a computer capable of downloading and running different programs. All students must also complete a skills assessment test before enrolling. This test asks them questions about the computer and operating system they use and how to perform simple tasks to ensure they can handle the demands of an online program.

Students must apply for admission online. They'll need to create a free account, fill out the required information and complete any additional steps. Kansas State requires an electronic transcript from each college the student attended. The transcript should show the overall grade point average the student achieved and a total list of courses the student took. If the university accepts the student, he or she will need to send in an official transcript. The university also requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation that students can send via mail or submit online. Once the student pays the application fee, the department they applied for admission to will review the information and make a decision. Students can log back in their accounts to see if the program accepted them.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Kansas State charges tuition rates that vary based on the number of credit hours a student takes every semester. Graduate school fees are a little more expensive than undergraduate fees. The rate students pay also varies based on whether they live in Kansas or outside of the state. Online courses cost the same as courses taken on campus do. The rates start at around $460 for the first credit hour for in state residents and around $920 for out of state residents. The cost of taking a full course load of 12 credit hours ranges from around $4,800 to just over $10,000.

Many students will find that they need to upgrade to a better performing computer and that they need money for supplies and textbooks. As K-State is an accredited school, students can apply for financial aid. They must use the FAFSA, which they can fill out online and submit electronically. The university offers different options for students based on the information they provide on that form. Students who fall below a certain income level may qualify for grants, and most students will find that they qualify for student loans. Parents may also qualify for some loans from the federal government.

Master of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in School Counseling (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in School Counseling (M.S.) is a degree offered by Kansas State University for future school counselors. This program consists of three separate requirements. Students must first complete 28 credit hours of required course classes that include career development for school counselors, program management guidance and guidance in elementary schools. These courses teach students how to work with kids of different ages and the type of skills they will need while working as counselors and in schools.

The second component of the program is a research component that consists of three courses worth nine credit hours. Students learn how to research topics affecting kids today, how to administer tests and how to evaluate their future students. Students will also receive 12 credit hours for internships they do in the field. Before gaining credit, students must spend at least 600 hours working under the guidance and supervision of a licensed counselor. Online students have the option of working in schools near where they live, while students living in Manhattan will work in schools close to campus.

School counselors provide students with assistance and resources when they feel they have nowhere else to turn. Kansas State University offers an online program designed to give those future counselors all the skills they need to work with those students.

Latest Posts

Are you ready to do impactful work in your community?