15 Best Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology Programs [2024 Guide]
By Joy Miller
Edited by Tania Staley
Updated on September 17, 2024
Earning a master’s in clinical psychology will allow you to explore mental health and counseling at an advanced level.
A master’s in clinical psychology will allow you to expand on your current understanding of psychology, and there are programs leading to counseling licensure available online in many states.
If you wish to improve people’s mental health, a clinical psychology master’s program may suit your interests and career goals.
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Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer master’s degree programs in clinical psychology online or in a hybrid format.
Brescia University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. Courses are available online and on campus, with part-time and full-time enrollment options.
The program requires the completion of 45 academic credit hours, including 600 hours of fieldwork in the form of two practicums and an internship.
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Capella University’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program is available online. Specialization options include Applied Research, Clinical Counseling, and Forensic Psychology.
Coursework is designed to meet prerequisite requirements for PhD in Psychology and Doctor of Psychology programs.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Divine Mercy University offers an MS in Psychology that can be earned online. Concentrations are available in Pre-PhD, Human Services Counseling, Leadership, and Marriage and Family Studies. A self-designed concentration option is also available.
The program can be completed in 16 to 30 months, depending on full-time or part-time attendance.
Divine Mercy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fort Hays State University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. The program is primarily online but does require 5 day workshops on campus during the summer semesters. It also has practicum and internship requirements.
Potential courses in the program include Cultural Diversity in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Professional Ethics in Psychology.
Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Grand Canyon University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that can be earned online. The program requires the completion of 62 credits and can typically be finished in 4 years. Each course is 8 weeks long.
Potential courses include Theories and Models of Counseling, Substance Use Disorders and Addictions, and Counseling Skills.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mercy College offers a Master of Science in Psychology that can be earned on campus or online. Online classes are offered in synchronous and asynchronous formats. The program requires the completion of 36 credits.
For hands-on experience, participation in a practicum and a year-long research project are required.
Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Notre Dame de Namur University’s online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology offers a comprehensive 37-unit curriculum. It has two specialized tracks: Consulting & Applied Psychology and Business, Organizational, and Consulting.
With flexible scheduling and experienced professors, the program can be completed in 18 months to 2 years. The program emphasizes practical training, professional development, and personalized attention.
Notre Dame de Namur University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Pepperdine University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program can prepare you for LPC and LMFT licensure. The program requires the completion of 62 to 68 units of coursework, including four field placement sessions.
The degree can be earned online or on campus. On-campus classes meet in the evenings.
Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers an MS in Psychology with a Clinical Psychology track. The program requires the completion of 63 credit hours. The completion of a thesis is optional. Some classes may be taken online.
The program provides hands-on training at Texas A&M’s Community Psychology Clinic.
Texas A&M University-Commerce is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online program for an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that can be completed in less than 4 years.
Potential courses include Diagnosis of Mental Health Issues, Group Theories and Processes of Counseling, and Assessment of Individuals. The program also requires participation in supervised clinical training experiences.
The Chicago School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools & Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Union College offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology.
The program uses a hybrid of online and face-to-face learning. Potential courses include Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, Statistics for Mental Health Professionals, and Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods.
Union Commonwealth University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Union Institute & University offers an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program provides opportunities to participate in supervised practicums and internships while having the flexibility to complete coursework online. On-campus residencies are held twice each year.
The program requires the completion of 60 credits. Potential courses include Treatment Modalities, Clinical Consultation, and Helping Relationships.
Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers an MA in Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis.
This hybrid program requires the completion of 36 credits and is designed to be finished in 3 years of part-time study. The curriculum aims to prepare students for the BCBA exam.
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of West Alabama offers an online program for an MS in Experimental Psychology with an optional concentration in Clinical Psychology.
The program requires the completion of 39 to 57 credit hours, a practicum, and an internship. It can potentially be finished in 1 to 2 years.
The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Vanguard University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. It can prepare you for Professional Clinical Counselor or Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
The program offers a strong support system through its cohort format, which requires participation in weekly live class meetings. The curriculum emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning.
Vanguard University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Is your goal to make a difference for others through counseling, therapy, or other psychological practices? If so, you might want to consider earning a master’s degree in clinical psychology.
As a graduate student in a clinical psychology program, you’ll study assessment and diagnostic techniques. You’ll also learn about interventions and treatments that you can use when working with patients. The curriculum will cover counseling techniques for individual appointments and group sessions.
You’ll also learn research skills so that you can be a well-rounded psychology professional. Whether you want a research career or would prefer to be a practitioner, knowing how to properly read the latest studies in the field can help you do your job well.
Some clinical psychology master programs include the option to specialize in a particular aspect of psychology. Available concentration tracks include:
Real-life experience is important for success in this field, so you’ll probably do some sort of internship to practice the things you’ve learned in the classroom.
Getting a master’s degree in psychology won’t qualify you to be a practicing clinical psychologist, but it can prepare you for other counseling roles. The curriculum and internship might meet your state’s requirements for becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist or professional counselor.
You could also pursue a job as a social services manager, correctional counselor, or school advisor.
In addition, this master’s degree program can be valuable preparation for further study at the doctoral level. A growing number of universities now offer online clinical psychology PhD programs. After completing a doctorate in psychology, you can pursue licensure as a clinical psychologist.
Studying clinical psychology at the master’s degree level can prepare you for a range of interesting jobs.
Licensure requirements vary from state to state. That said, a master’s degree is usually the recommended education for a job as a professional mental health counselor, behavioral disorder counselor, or marriage and family therapist.
It can be useful for counseling positions in substance abuse treatment centers and correctional facilities as well.
You could also pursue work in an educational setting as a career counselor or an academic advisor. The curriculum may also include leadership courses which could be useful preparation for working as a director or a program manager in a community agency.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median annual salaries for a range of positions related to the field of clinical psychology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $96,100 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | $89,440 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $82,140 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $61,800 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $61,710 |
| Survey Researchers | $60,960 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $58,510 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $56,400 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $53,710 |
Some psychology graduates teach classes at the college level. Full-time tenured positions often require a doctorate, but a master’s degree might suffice for part-time or adjunct roles. Community colleges often hire faculty with master’s degrees.
Psychology research is another line of work to consider. Depending on the setting, a master’s degree could qualify you to lead research, conduct surveys, or work as a research assistant. Some social scientist positions require a doctorate.
A doctoral degree is also a must-have if you want to be a practicing clinical psychologist. Licensed clinical psychologists are qualified to conduct assessments and diagnose mental health conditions. They also provide treatment and, in some states, can prescribe medication as well.
Your master’s degree program in clinical psychology can give you an in-depth look at mental health issues and effective counseling practices.
These are some common courses taken for this degree:
In addition, you’ll likely have practicum or internship requirements as well.
Once you’ve decided to pursue a clinical psychology degree, your next step is to identify graduate programs that would be a good fit for you. Evaluating the features of several schools can help you decide. Here are some factors to consider:
Each college has unique characteristics, so comparing several options before making your final decisions can help you find the best fit for you.
Once you decide that this is the degree for you, it’s time to start applying to schools. It’s usually advisable to apply to several schools.
Common application requirements for a clinical psych master’s program include:
In addition, there’s usually an application form to fill out and a fee to submit.
It’s important to pick a regionally accredited school to ensure you’ll receive a respected education.
Regionally accredited institutions have the approval of independent accrediting agencies that are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Courses from accredited schools are more likely to transfer to other programs.
An accredited master’s degree is typically a requirement for doctoral psychology programs. Accreditation often factors into determining whether you’re qualified for industry licensure as well. Plus, hiring committees usually look more favorably upon accredited degrees.
If you’re interested in a counseling or therapy career, you may be wondering if your master’s degree will prepare you for licensure.
To become licensed as a clinical psychologist, it’s necessary to hold a doctorate. Earning your master’s could qualify you to pursue other licensure, such as:
Each state has unique guidelines for counseling licensure and the qualifications they require. Before enrolling in a program, it’s beneficial to check how it aligns with your state’s requirements.
A master’s degree is an investment, but financial aid programs can make it more affordable. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin the process of requesting tuition assistance.
Both state governments and the federal government run student aid programs. Low-interest loans are a common source of government funding for grad students. There may be a limited number of grants available as well.
Scholarships are similar to grants, but they aren’t administered by the government. Colleges, industry associations, membership groups, and community programs offer scholarship programs to help students succeed in school.
There may also be fellowships available to help cover the cost of research or conferences. In addition, some employers encourage higher education by contributing to their team members’ college costs.
Signing up for membership in a professional psychology organization could help you build valuable connections in this industry. You’ll likely have opportunities to learn and grow from others in your network.
These are some clinical psychology professional organizations to consider:
In addition to networking, membership organizations offer an array of other benefits. Your membership may include journal subscriptions, newsletters, online resources, professional discounts, and educational opportunities. Plus, these organizations often conduct industry advocacy.
A clinical psychology master’s degree is a graduate degree focused on the study of advanced topics related to counseling and treatment. While earning this degree, you’ll learn to work with patients who need help with depression, anxiety, and other life issues.
You can expect your studies to focus on practical strategies for working with patients, and you’ll likely acquire research skills as well. Your master’s program will not directly prepare you to work as a clinical psychologist, but it is a stepping stone toward that goal.
Studying clinical psychology at the master’s level can qualify you to pursue counseling or therapy roles.
If a clinical psych master’s program meets your state’s licensure guidelines, you can pursue work as a professional mental health or behavioral disorder counselor. Marriage and family therapy is another field that you might qualify for.
Some graduates work in school and career counseling and advising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that these professionals may be employed by K-12 schools, colleges, or social assistance organizations.
There may also be opportunities in correctional counseling. That job involves using psychological assessments and techniques to help people in the criminal justice system prepare for life after prison.
It generally takes 1 to 2 years to complete a master’s in clinical psychology. Many online programs are shorter than on-campus programs because they feature accelerated courses and year-round schedules.
The number of credits required for graduation and your program’s internship requirements will also be a determining factor for how long it will take you to complete your degree.
To graduate as quickly as possible, it’s necessary to enroll full-time, but part-time studies can be an option if you need greater flexibility.
Clinical psychology and counseling psychology sound like very similar disciplines, but each has a slightly different focus.
| Master’s in Clinical Psychology | Master’s in Counseling Psychology |
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Some colleges offer master’s degree programs that cover both clinical and counseling psychology.
Will a master’s degree in general psychology suit your needs, or would you be better suited for a program that’s specific to clinical psychology? Both degrees have similarities, but there are some differences to consider.
| Masters in Clinical Psychology | Masters in Psychology |
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Within either a general psychology program or a clinical psychology one, you may be able to select a concentration to narrow your field of study.
Colleges offer the clinical psychology degree as either a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS). Knowing the differences can help you choose which is right for you.
| MA in Clinical Psychology | MS in Clinical Psychology |
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At schools that offer both degree types, there will likely be a decent amount of overlap between the two programs.
Yes, a clinical psychology master’s degree is worth it for many professionals. Psychology professionals play an important role in helping people deal with the stress of life or serious mental health conditions.
Getting this degree can prepare you for counselor licensure or be a stepping stone toward a psychology doctorate, including a PhD in Social Psychology or Clinical Psychology.
Counseling professionals are in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The expected growth rate for substance abuse, behavior disorder, and mental health counselors is 18% over the next decade.
For marriage and family therapists, the projected growth rate is 15%. Both of these growth rates are much faster than average.
If you are driven to help people, a psychology master’s degree could be a strategic fit. In a clinical psychology program, you can learn how to support people’s mental health needs.
After completing your graduate studies, you can pursue counselor or therapist licensure in your state or a doctoral program, if you’re interested in a career as a licensed clinical psychologist.
You can research the best options for an accredited online master’s degree in clinical psychology by using our degree finder. Just click the link below!
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