CollegeChoice.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.
Turn Your Dreams Into Reality
Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.
>
Clinical Psychology Master's Quick Facts
-
-
Completion Time: 27-48 months
-
-
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university; 3.0 GPA; transcripts; GRE or MAT scores; personal statement, recommendation letters; resume or CV
-
Key Skills Learned: Assessing and diagnosing clients; conducting research; developing an ethical practice; formulating treatment plans; understanding human behavior
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Degrees
#1 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University
- Malibu, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Many students attend schools such as Pepperdine University to earn degrees from a distance, and the private school develops programs with them in mind. The institution’s 12 online master's degrees are a big draw to learners who want to attend graduate school online. One option is the master's in clinical psychology program.
The program lets students earn an advanced degree without sacrificing rigor or other obligations. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments at convenient times. An online format lets faculty seamlessly integrate academic rigor, advanced career preparation, and flexible scheduling.
Applicants can expect an admissions rate of 32% each year on average, though this number can vary between programs. Degree-seekers usually need a bachelor’s degree in the major or a related field for entry into a master’s program. Contact the school to see how to apply to this program and submit the required documents.
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Without significantly interrupting their lives, graduate students can earn degrees at Regent University, an institution that emphasizes flexibility and accessibility. Remote learners can access the Virginia Beach, Virginia, school’s catalog of 37 online master's degrees, including the master's in clinical mental health counseling. A busy schedule is no barrier to graduate education with degrees like this one.
The admissions criteria for a master's varies depending on the degree, but applicants typically need a bachelor’s in a related major. A master’s degree such as the master's in clinical mental health counseling is a worthy undertaking for many people because the investment often pays off with advanced job opportunities and potentially higher pay. Some graduates interested in research, academia, or related positions go on to earn a Ph.D.
The average tuition for students living in and outside of Virginia is $15,552 per year. Degree-seekers can apply for grants and scholarships to help pay for their education. Loans are another way to help pay for part or all of the program's tuition.
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology
LeTourneau University
- Longview, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
At LeTourneau University, degree-seekers can choose from a variety of online graduate programs. The master's in clinical mental health counseling may appeal to graduates with a bachelor’s in clinical psychology. The program provides the rigorous education expected from a graduate program using a flexible online format.
Students benefit from the school's 11-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Learners complete specialized coursework and training focusing on advanced ideas and practices in clinical psychology. Graduates leave the program well-prepared for careers in academia, business and industry, or a doctoral program in some cases.
Texas students and enrollees who live out of state pay a yearly average of $18,618. The scholarships and grants available to many degree-seekers help them reduce the price of tuition. Student loans are also available, with 41% of enrollees using them to finance all or part of their degree.
Percent Online Enrollment
60%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Manchester-based Southern New Hampshire University is a private college with a strong catalog of academic programs and a learning experience tailored to meet learners’ needs. The institution is a leader in online graduate education, offering 22 master's degrees remotely. One of these is the master's in counseling online.
The program's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate students. Professionals, caretakers, and other busy enrollees can attend virtual sessions and complete assignments when convenient. A hallmark of this institution is ample experience providing rigorous degrees that emphasize both rigor and flexible learning.
Overall, about 88% of applicants get admitted each year, with some variations to be expected depending on the program. Degree-seekers usually need a bachelor’s degree in the major or a related field for entry into a master’s program. The counseling program department can provide more application information, such as what documents to submit and how to provide them.
Students Enrolled
113,514
Percent Online Enrollment
94%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology
Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private college located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Keiser University has a lot to offer. The institution’s 15 online master's degrees are a big draw to many students who want to attend graduate school online. The master's in clinical mental health counseling is ideal for learners interested in the field.
Graduate students can use online education's flexibility and adaptability to accomplish longstanding goals. Caretakers, professionals, and other busy enrollees may immediately see how they can balance work, family, and their education. This format does not come at the expense of academic rigor or advanced career preparation.
In order to receive consideration, master's degree-seekers need a bachelor's degree unless otherwise stated. Contact the program or admissions department to determine entrance and application requirements. These may include transcripts and recommendation letters.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
47%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
At CollegeChoice, we use reliable data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education to rank schools based on their academic quality, affordability, and return on investment. When determining a program's value, we consider metrics such as student debt, graduation rate, and average student earnings after enrolling.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our ranking methodology.
What Is a Master's in Clinical Psychology Degree?
The clinical psychology field attracts people interested in helping others improve their mental and behavioral health. Succeeding in this profession requires compassion, patience, and strong communication skills.Earning a master's in clinical psychology (some schools list their programs as master's in clinical mental health counseling) allows graduates to pursue doctoral studies in clinical psychology and occupations in schools, prisons, hospitals, and private practice. Graduates with master's degrees in clinical psychology often begin working under the supervision of licensed clinical psychologists, clinical professional counselors, or clinical social workers. Specializations for these professionals may include substance-use disorders, child psychology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and marriage and family therapy.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology?
A master's in clinical psychology helps you pursue counseling and therapy roles, along with more advanced education. Other benefits include higher salaries and greater marketability, along with opportunities to help people and ease a national mental healthcare professional shortage.
Learn more about the key benefits of earning a master's in clinical psychology or clinical mental health counseling.
-
Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that, while psychology salaries vary widely, psychologists with higher degrees tend to earn more. Data from 2019 demonstrates a median psychologist salary of $50,000 for bachelor's degree-holders and $60,000 for those with master's degrees.
-
A clinical psychology or clinical mental health counseling master's degree develops an in-demand skill set. Abilities include analysis, oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving.
-
In 2023, the National Center for Health Work Analysis posted a Behavioral Health Workforce. The report found that more than half of the U.S. population lives in a mental health professional shortage area. Between 2021 and 2026, the supply of practitioners trends downward by 13% while the demand for help increases by 62%. The report projects a substantial shortage of mental health professionals by 2036.
What to Expect From a Clinical Psychology Online Master's
Clinical psychology and mental health counseling online master's programs cover personality assessment, clinical best practices, and therapeutic approaches. Enrollees learn to apply these skills to assess mental health conditions and help clients cope with emotional challenges. Master's in clinical psychology online degrees usually require 60-68 credits and take 2-4 years to complete. Typical classes include clinical assessment, developmental psychology, professional ethics, and psychopathology. While tuition costs vary by program, in-state public schools usually offer the lowest rates.Some psychology degree master's programs provide concentrations, including addiction counseling, school psychology, marriage and family counseling, and pre-doctorate psychology.
Admission Requirements
The best online clinical psychology master's programs often require applicants to hold bachelor's degrees in psychology, sociology, social work, or related fields from accredited schools. However, some programs may accept candidates with a bachelor's in other disciplines with relevant professional experience.
An applicant typically must submit a resume, a statement of purpose, 2-3 recommendation letters, and GRE scores. Some schools waive testing requirements for distance learners. While schools may not maintain minimum GRE requirements, most universities require a 3.0 GPA or higher. GRE scores in the 90th percentile and a 3.5 GPA or higher can improve admission chances.
Concentration Options
Some clinical psychology online master's programs offer concentrations in a particular subfield. Examples include child psychology, family counseling, and behavior therapy. Other programs allow students to specialize through a mix of electives. Common clinical psychology focus areas include:
- Substance-Use Counseling: Enrollees investigate addictive processes and dependencies in this specialization. Students learn about assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and interventions. The concentration also explores broader issues related to addictive disorders in individuals and families.
- Child Psychology: This focus area trains learners to assess and treat behavioral problems and mental health conditions in children. Topics include early childhood development, behavioral regulation, and childhood abandonment.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A cognitive-behavioral therapy track delves into therapeutic approaches for altering people's thinking or behavioral patterns. Students learn about exposure therapy, token economy, and emotional regulation.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology: This field, also known as I/O psychology, is the study of individual and group behavior in the workplace. Topics include improving employee performance and creating positive and productive work environments.
- Marriage and Family Therapy: Coursework covers family and relationship dynamics. Classes in this specialization include attachment theory, couples therapy, and grief counseling.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This concentration prepares students for entry-level jobs in hospitals, outpatient settings, or group practices. It also prepares learners for clinical practice under a licensed clinical psychologist's supervision. Coursework focuses on psychodynamic theory and intervention.
- School Psychology: This specialization prepares enrollees for counseling roles in K-12 schools. Coursework includes motivational psychology and behavioral psychology. Students also learn counseling theory and practice.
Popular Clinical Psychology Courses
Courses for master's-level clinical psychology and mental health counseling programs include social psychology, personality psychology, and advanced clinical counseling. Popular electives cover topics like behavioral psychology, early childhood development, and grief counseling. Most psychology and mental health counseling master's programs also require a practicum or clinical fieldwork component.
The following section covers six common courses in a clinical psychology or mental health counseling degree program.
- Behavioral Psychology: An elective in behavioral psychology explores how life experiences and coping strategies shape human behavior. Learners analyze the psychological processes behind behavioral therapeutic techniques. Examples include exposure and response prevention, token economy, systematic desensitization, and modeling.
- Clinical Assessment: This course provides an overview of the principles and applications of mental health assessment in a multicultural society. Students learn to conduct culturally appropriate and ethically responsible assessment methods and techniques.
- Personality Psychology: The first part of this required class examines major theories in personality psychology. Coursework analyzes how hereditary factors, experience, emotions, and aging can shape personality. The second part focuses on the use of personality assessment tools.
- Psychopathology: Psychopathology examines historical and conceptual perspectives of mental illness and disorders and how they integrate with therapeutic strategies.
- Professional Ethics: Students learn about ethical guidelines, legal aspects of practice, professional standards, and ethical decision-making in clinical settings.
- Proseminar in Clinical Psychology: This survey course typically occurs in the first semester of study. Enrollees develop core proficiencies in clinical assessment and therapeutic approaches.
How Much Will a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology Online Cost?
Several factors can influence tuition costs, including school type, state residency, and program format. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public universities charged an average of $12,596 for graduate tuition and fees in 2021-2022, compared to $28,017 per year at private institutions.
Many schools offer distance learning courses at discounted rates. Some public institutions offer in-state tuition for all online learners, regardless of state residency. Remote students can also save on commuting and relocation costs. Institutions may include additional technology fees for online students, however.
Some schools offer tuition waivers and graduate stipends to learners qualified for teaching or research assistantships. However, these institutions may require on-campus attendance for stipend recipients. Other financial aid options include scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans.
Jobs for Clinical Psychologist Degree Graduates
A master's in clinical psychology or mental health counseling can lead to in-demand careers in mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, school counseling, and industrial-organizational psychology.
Wages vary depending on the career. For example, as of May 2023, marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of $58,510, while industrial-organizational psychologists earned a median income of $147,420 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
A clinical psychologist generally needs a doctoral degree to become licensed and use the title of "psychologist." However, a master's degree in clinical psychology can suffice for some psychology careers in coaching, therapy, and counseling. Unsupervised psychologists, counselors, and therapists will also need licensure.
The following section covers careers for graduates with master's degrees in clinical psychology or mental health counseling.
Forensic Psychologist
While a clinical forensic psychologist often needs a doctorate, those with a master's can offer research, consulting, and non-clinical services relating to crime and criminal investigations. Master's degrees in forensic psychology can also lead to clinical and counseling roles, along with licensure.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): +6%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $117,750
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists help improve the quality of work life. Their responsibilities include addressing workplace conflicts, improving employee morale, and working with managers to adjust leadership tactics.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): +6%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $147,420
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists help people overcome relationship challenges. These therapists typically counsel groups of clients experiencing difficulties in their romantic and familial relationships. All states require licensure for marriage and family therapists.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): +15%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $58,510
Mental Health Counselor
Mental health counselors advise people with mental and behavioral conditions. Professionals in this fast-growing field assess clients' mental health and develop treatment goals. They also help clients develop strategies for coping with problems. All states require licensure for mental health counselors.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): +18%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $53,710
Rehabilitation Counselor
Rehabilitation counselors assist clients with developmental, emotional, mental, and physical disabilities to live independently. They help manage personal and employment challenges, consult with their clients' other healthcare professionals, and advocate for clients' rights.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): +2%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $44,040
School Psychologist/Counselor
School psychologists/counselors help students cultivate skills for academic success and address behavioral problems. They assist students in developing academic and career goals. These professionals also collaborate with teachers to maximize student success. Public schools require licensure for school psychologists/counselors.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): +5%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $61,710
Social Worker
Social workers are problem-solvers for people in need of help with illness, divorce, unemployment, loss of housing, and other life challenges. They connect clients with resources, intervene in crisis situations, and maintain and monitor case files. Licensure is often required to provide clinical services as a social worker.
- Required Education: Master's
- Job Outlook (2022-2032): 7%
- Median Annual Salary (2023): $63,770
Source: BLS
Choosing the Right Master's in Clinical Psychology Program
Our rankings are a great place to begin your search for a master's degree in clinical psychology or mental health counseling. When researching programs, consider the following factors:
Accreditation
Schools obtain institutional accreditation through a third-party evaluation that assesses academics, faculty credentials, student outcomes, and campus facilities. Attending an accredited university ensures that you will qualify for federal financial aid. Some fields, including psychology and counseling, also have programmatic accrediting bodies to certify departments and programs within schools. Most licenses in clinical psychology require a degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation. Clinical mental health counseling programs should hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.
Cost and Financial Aid
In-state public schools typically offer more affordable tuition than out-of-state public schools and private institutions. Online programs at public schools may offer in-state tuition to all enrollees. Prospective students should also seek financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, which can reduce program costs.
Career Services
The best online clinical psychology master's programs offer various career services, such as job listings, networking events, resume and cover letter-writing services, and career workshops.
Getting Your Master's in Clinical Psychology Online
Master's programs in clinical psychology and mental health counseling may require some in-person attendance for practicums or clinical fieldwork. However, many distance learning programs offer fully remote coursework. Online programs provide convenience and flexibility, allowing learners to attend top schools without relocating.
Course delivery methods vary by school and program. Synchronous courses provide an immersive online environment with real-time lectures and peer discussion. In contrast, students in asynchronous classes listen to lectures on their schedules and contribute to virtual discussion boards.
Each format comes with unique advantages. While the synchronous layout mirrors the on-campus experience, asynchronous learning provides more flexibility to balance school with other commitments. Meeting course deadlines in asynchronous programs requires strong self-discipline and time management skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychology Master's Programs
A master's in clinical psychology can be well worth the effort, especially in fields like industrial-organizational psychology, which can lead to strong salaries and job stability. A master's in clinical psychology also lays the groundwork for those interested in doctoral study and licensure.
The best degree for clinical psychology depends on your goals. Most states require a doctorate and license to work as an independent clinical psychologist and use the title of psychologist. If that is your goal, a doctor of psychology degree is your best choice. A master's in clinical psychology or clinical mental health counseling can still suit several career paths, including counseling, social work, and some psychology roles.
Generally, a master of science (MS) degree in clinical psychology prepares learners for graduate study with a focus on research and post-secondary teaching. A master of arts (MA) emphasizes clinical psychology practice by providing psychotherapy to clients. However, MA and MS degrees share common core coursework.
A master's in clinical psychology is not necessarily more difficult than any other master's degree. Students in MS tracks should be prepared for more statistics and research methodology courses, while MA enrollees may focus more on behavioral sciences and counseling skills.
An online master's in clinical psychology from a regionally accredited college or university is just as respected as an on-campus degree. Your diploma likely will not indicate that you graduated from an online program.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by CollegeChoice. Page last reviewed April 19, 2024.
Edited by