For individuals seeking to evaluate and treat mental illnesses, provide psychiatric therapy to individuals, families, and groups, and address abnormal behavior, an online Master’s degree in clinical psychology is an excellent choice. This degree program provides access to a broad range of in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities. Moreover, it serves as a stepping stone to earning a doctorate and becoming a licensed clinical psychologist.
Healthcare professionals can benefit from the convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of an online clinical psychology Master’s program. With various options to select from, this guide can assist in finding the ideal program. The following information and recommendations can aid in locating an accredited online Master of Clinical Psychology degree program, leading to a fulfilling profession as a clinical psychology expert.
The Top Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs of 2024
From any location, an online clinical psychology Master’s degree program can set you on the right track. These top-rated programs have earned recognition based on various factors, including accreditation, cost, and online program availability. A school’s overall affordability and online accessibility play a significant role in its ranking. Discover which online master’s programs in clinical psychology stand out in 2024.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
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Malibu, California
There are several reasons why individuals looking to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) should consider Pepperdine University's Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology online program. The curriculum offers a specialty in marriage and family therapy, providing the necessary skills and training needed to help a wide range of clients — from individuals to couples and families. But whether students want to become LMFTs or LPCCs, the core curriculum remains the same, with the difference in coursework coming through electives. Many of the classes are available online, with synchronous coursework available at day or evening hours. While there are several in-person components, most notably the extensive clinical practicums, Pepperdine University has more than 130 approved sites where students can complete these experiential learning requirements.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
- Credits: 62-68
- Length: 8-12 semesters
- Cost: $1,875/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: WSCUC
How to Choose the Right Online Clinical Psychology Master’s for You
To find your right clinical psychology master’s program online, start by identifying your career aspirations, assessing your ability to fit a degree program into your current schedule, and determining your budget in terms of both finances and time. With this information, explore the available accredited online clinical psychology master’s programs. Factors to consider include affordability, the comprehensiveness of the curriculum, the program format, access to courses and flexibility in scheduling, available specializations or concentrations, and access to support services.
Proximity to the school’s campus is also a crucial factor to consider, as many programs follow a hybrid format (partly online and partly on-campus). This implies that you will need to attend some classes on campus and/or participate in orientation meetings, seminars, thesis defense, and other related activities.
What You’ll Learn in Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs Online
Students of clinical psychology master’s programs acquire relevant knowledge and skills to prepare them for work in research, academics, and clinical practice. This includes:
- A foundational understanding of historical and current psychological theory.
- Skills for the proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illnesses and behavioral disorders.
- The ability to create, develop, and conduct research projects and to properly assess, summarize, and present research results.
- A solid understanding of relevant ethical and legal principles and standards of psychology, and the ability to apply those principles and standards in day-to-day professional practice.
Concentrations in Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs Online
Graduate degree programs sometimes offer students the option of focusing on a particular area within the broader major subject. Opting for such a concentration track can be a great way to stand out in the job market. However, most online clinical psychology master’s programs are not offered with designated specialization options. The two exceptions are the programs at Pepperdine University and Capella University (both highlighted above) whose concentration options are described below:
Applied Research
The Applied Research concentration is intended for PhD or PsyD students who plan to pursue advanced research careers. The curriculum focuses on essential clinical psychology topics, including psychology and counseling theory, assessment, psychopathology, and ethics, as well as advanced research skills such as research methods, tests, and measurements.
Clinical/Professional Counseling
This concentration prepares students to provide professional counseling services to individuals and groups dealing with phobias, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Coursework covers foundational psychology and counseling theory as well as concentration-specific subjects such as clinical interventions, psychological testing, group counseling, career counseling, and addiction-related treatments. With the addition of required fieldwork, graduates may qualify for licensure as an LPC.
Forensic Psychology
This concentration is for students interested in understanding the behaviors of criminals and the workings of criminal minds. Along with foundational coursework in psychology theory and practice, students complete courses covering psychology and the law, forensic techniques, and issues and trends in forensic practice.
Marriage and Family Therapist
This concentration prepares students for careers helping people with issues related to marital, parent-child, and family conflicts including depression, substance abuse, stress, grief, and others. This concentration along with required fieldwork may qualify graduates to pursue professional licensure to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Popular Classes in Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
Each online clinical psychology master’s program offers a unique curriculum with course titles and sequences that reflect its academic philosophy and objectives. However, you will find that all programs cover the same or similar clinical psychology subjects. Below are examples of five courses you’ll likely encounter regardless of the specific program chosen:
Ethical and Legal Issues for Mental Health Professionals
Examines ethical and legal principles and issues as they relate to the roles and functions of clinical psychology professionals and their practices. Students identify and analyze specific issues (cultural, privacy, patient-client relationship, etc.) within the context of various practice settings and apply appropriate ethical reasoning, principles, and standards.
Psychopharmacology
This course examines the pharmacological therapeutic effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior. Topics include historical and current theories of psychopharmacology, brain structure and function, synaptic transmission, drug side effects and addiction, and the efficacy of treating patients with a combination of psychotropic medications and psychotherapy for mental disorders.
Psychology of Substance Abuse and Addictions
This course surveys current issues and trends related to the diagnosis and treatment of substance and non-substance related addictions. Emphasis is on the range of factors (physiological, cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral) that determine the development of addictions and on the intervention strategies and treatments for various types of chemical dependency and substance abuse.
Research and Evaluation Methods
This course focuses on the relevant methods employed in creating, developing, and conducting psychology-related research and on the proper evaluation and presentation of research results. Topics covered include experimental and correlational design methods, levels of measurement, statistics and their use in hypothesis testing, systemic and cultural influences on research, and the employment of research in evidence-based practice.
Psychopathology
This course examines the historical and conceptual perspectives of psychopathology along with the current methods used in the classification and diagnosis of psychological states and abnormal behavior. Specific topics include etiology of psychopathology; interviewing, assessment, diagnosis and treatment methods; emerging diagnoses; the politics of mental disorders; and related ethical and cultural issues.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology?
If you’re interested in continuing your education, you’ll be well qualified to pursue a clinical psychology doctorate degree online or through a traditional campus program. Meanwhile, those who want to jump straight into a career can qualify for various jobs with a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Positions are available in research, academics, and clinical practice. Potential employers include government agencies and facilities; public and private schools and school districts; colleges and universities; hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities; and private practice. Below are five occupation examples.
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Clinical Supervisor
Clinical supervisors, also known as clinical directors, are responsible for managing and supervising the administrative operations of healthcare facilities and programs. Their duties include budget planning, overseeing personnel hiring and training, staff scheduling, managing supplies and inventory, evaluating patient care and staff performance, and developing and supervising long-term organizational strategies.
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
LPCs work in hospitals, treatment centers, governmental agencies, large corporations, and private practice. They also may work as individuals or as part of a larger practice group. Typical job duties include conducting counseling therapy sessions with individuals, couples, and groups; assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological issues like depression, substance abuse, PTSD, and domestic and sexual abuse; and creating and maintaining treatment records. LPCs must meet and maintain state-mandated licensure requirements.
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Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to evaluate and help resolve problems within clients’ relationships. MFTs often work in private practice, but they may also work in social service agencies, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. MFT licensure requirements vary from state to state, so it’s crucial to fully understand the requirements before enrolling in any clinical psychology master’s program.
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School/Career Counselor
School counselors help students in their personal, social, and academic development. Career counselors help individuals discover job skills and develop appropriate career paths. Counselors work primarily for private and public schools, and duties include conducting aptitude, interest, and personality tests; advising individuals on degree programs and course choices; advising students regarding education requirements for different occupations; and helping clients develop effective academic and job skills.
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Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors provide therapy services to clients struggling with alcohol and drug use issues. Primary job duties include evaluating client health (mental, emotional, and physical), addiction, and behavior issues; assessing client readiness for treatment; and providing counseling individually and in support group settings. Substance abuse counselors work at hospitals and government agencies and in residential and outpatient substance abuse and mental health facilities.
Reviewing Accreditation for Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs
Accreditation of postsecondary institutions and their programs recognizes institutions for meeting standards of academic quality and program comprehensiveness. It’s hard to overstate the importance of proper accreditation when selecting your online clinical psychology master’s degree program. Simply put, never consider any program not properly accredited.
There are two fundamental forms of postsecondary accreditation in the U.S. Institutional accreditation concerns the vetting of colleges and universities as a whole, with all departments and programs within the school contributing to meeting academic objectives. This accreditation is carried out by independent national and regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Programmatic accreditation vets individual degree programs offered by U.S. postsecondary institutions. A small number of traditional, on-campus clinical psychology master’s programs are accredited through the Master in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), but most in-person programs and all online programs are not. The absence of MPCAC accreditation does not exclude a program from consideration as long as it is offered by a school with proper institutional accreditation.
Accreditation information for clinical psychology master’s programs can typically be found on either the program’s webpage or the school’s accreditation webpage.
FAQs About Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs Online
How long does it take to earn a master’s in clinical psychology online?
Online clinical psychology master’s programs vary in length from school to school as well as for individual students. For example, University of West Alabama students can complete their entire program in one to two years, while students in Pepperdine University’s program need at least 27 months. The differences are due to many factors, including total credits required, number of credits for previous coursework eligible for transfer, individual student study pace, and required fieldwork hours.
What are the admissions requirements for an online clinical psychology master’s?
Every online clinical master’s program has a unique set of admissions requirements, so review each carefully. In general, programs all have admission requirements similar to the following:
- A bachelor’s degree: All online clinical psychology master’s programs require, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree from a properly accredited college or university. Most programs do not require that the degree be in any specific subject.
- GPA: All programs require transcripts from any postsecondary coursework to confirm applicant meets a specified minimum GPA. Minimums vary by program. Some programs only require a minimum GPA on psychology coursework.
- Other requirements: Programs sometimes require letters of recommendation and/or personal statements. International students may be required to submit proof of English language proficiency.
Do I need to take the GRE to get into an online clinical psychology master’s program?
It depends on the specific program. Those requiring GRE test scores typically designate a minimum score requirement. Some programs waive GRE requirements for applicants with a specified minimum GPA on previous college-level coursework.
How much does an online clinical psychology master’s degree cost?
The cost of online clinical psychology master’s programs varies significantly depending on several factors, such as program length, total credit hours, transfer credits, and whether the school is public or private. While the table below provides an estimate of current tuition prices, it’s important to note that additional program fees, the cost of books and supplies, and internet access fees can increase the total cost significantly.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | 53 (Applied Research and Forensic Psychology concentrations); 74 (Clinical Counseling concentration) | $485 | $35,890 (Clinical Counseling concentration) |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology) | 31 | $1,198 | $37,138 |
| Pepperdine University | 62 to 68 | $1,645 | $101,990 to $111,860 |
| Union College (Kentucky) | 48 | $340 | $16,320 |
| University of West Alabama (M.S. in Experimental Psychology with Clinical Psychology option) | 39 to 57 | $429 | $16,731 to $24,453 |
Will I learn the same skills in an clinical psychology master’s program online as in an on-campus program?
Rest assured that all the online clinical psychology master’s programs mentioned in this guide are accredited and offer coursework of the same quality and content as their on-campus programs. This means that the master’s degree in clinical psychology earned online will provide students with the same knowledge and skills as the on-campus program and will be held in the same regard.
Can I earn my clinical psychology master’s 100% online?
It depends on the specific program and/or specialization. For example, Capella’s Applied Research and Forensic Psychology specializations can be completed 100% online. Its Clinical Counseling specialization, however, includes in-person residency and internship requirements. Also, licensure to practice in most states requires completion of in-person fieldwork, so programs (like Pepperdine’s) leading to licensure include some form of in-person field placement (internship or practicum). Licensure fieldwork requirements are different in each state, so have a clear understanding of your state’s requirements before enrolling.
