Board of Regents approves Wichita State PhD in Education and Behavioral Studies

The Kansas Board of Regents approved Wichita State University's proposed PhD in Education and Behavioral Studies during its meeting, advancing a 60-credit program split between 30 core research credits and 30 concentration credits.

Provost Lewin Sperry introduced the proposal and said the program will include concentrations in educational psychology and clinical mental health counselor education designed “to meet the growing demand for experts in these fields.” Dr. Phil Mullins, the department chair who will house the program, said the educational psychology track “focuses on specific training on how people think, learn, [and] are motivated” and that the counselor education concentration is aimed at training practitioners and supervisors.

The program proposal cited a regional shortage of mental health providers. Mullins noted Mental Health America data showing Kansas has large areas designated as mental health shortage areas and said the program would support workforce needs across the state. He also told the Regents the proposal drew positive feedback from a February site review panel, which flagged broad community support and a “well designed” curriculum.

Mullins said the program will leverage existing university resources, including the WSU counseling and play therapy clinic, and does not require substantial campus expansion. Wichita State is pursuing CACREP accreditation for the counselor education concentration as a quality-assurance step, Mullins added. The proposal aligns, he said, with Wichita State’s strategic goals to increase research capacity and grow doctoral enrollment.

Regents asked about demand and placement for likely students. Mullins said applicants will include current EdD students considering the PhD, graduates of local master’s programs, and working professionals seeking research and supervision credentials. Rose Lounsberry, who identified prior experience on a mental health board, told Regents the pandemic widened awareness of statewide mental health needs and increased demand for clinical providers.

A motion to approve the program was made and seconded by members of the Board; the roll call and vocal ayes followed and the item was approved. The transcript does not provide a numerical roll-call tally.

The Regents and presenters said the degree is intended to help address a statewide shortage of clinical supervisors and researchers in mental–health and educational psychology fields and to bolster Wichita State’s research mission. The university will continue pursuing accreditation and will work with stakeholders to recruit students and implement the program.