Last reviewed March 16, 2023
Written by Alyssa Roberts
Alyssa Roberts
Current student: MA in Counseling and Psychological Services (Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota)

Master’s in Clinical Psychology Degree Programs

Consider a featured online psychology program currently taking applications.
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University Program Admissions
University of West Alabama Online Psychology and Counseling Degrees
Multiple programs: Bachelors in Psychology, Master's in Experimental Psychology (Clinical, Healht & Sports Psych), Family Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and more.
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Pepperdine University Online Master's in Clinical Psychology
Become a Licensed Professional Counselor. No GRE required.
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Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Clinical Mental Health
Make a positive impact on people's lives as a clinical mental health counselor.
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View more featured 100% online psychology programs accepting applications for 2024.

Review the Best Clinical Psychology Master's Programs for you

There are over 130 schools with a Master in Clinical Psychology Degrees in our directory. The Clinical Psychology Master's programs are one of the most popular psychology-related majors in the United States. With the thorough investigation of psychological disorders and the potential for licensure, this path is a great choice for individuals with the desire to help people suffering from debilitating mental disorders.

The online Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree is a growing preference for students entering into this path. The online Clinical Psychology Master's program provides a relevant curriculum that is comparable to traditional degree programs.

Finding Online Masters Degrees in Clinical Psychology

Students that choose the online option may still be responsible for completing course assignments and test, just in an online setting. As with any applied science, the Master’s in Clinical Psychology may also require on-site training at local hospitals or mental health facility.

Individuals with critical thinking skills and the dedication to the treatment and prevention of serious mental disorders are excellent prospects for the Master’s in Clinical Psychology field. Programs are available throughout the country. Therefore, students can find accredited and respected educational paths near them or online.

Online Psychology Courses at the Graduate Level

An accredited university providing the Master’s in Clinical Psychology program offers courses in a variety of subjects. The most common courses include Social Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Psychopathology.

Clinical Psychologists are required to take courses focusing on social psychology. Social Psychology courses will introduce students to many different social factors in Psychology. These factors are important to consider when working with people from varying backgrounds. This will help train the Clinical Psychologist to work in a variety of places and settings. There is a diverse population of clients and patients seeking mental health services. So, it is important for Clinical Psychologists to have a wide range of social knowledge and skills.

Introduction to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another foundation course for many programs. CBT is one of the most used therapeutic techniques in this field, and is widely known.

Psychopathology is a course that will teach students about different mental diagnoses. This course will introduce students to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 is a tool that helps diagnose someone with a mental disorder.

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University Program Admissions
University of West Alabama Online Psychology and Counseling Degrees
Multiple programs: Bachelors in Psychology, Master's in Experimental Psychology (Clinical, Healht & Sports Psych), Family Counseling, Guidance and Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and more.
Website
Pepperdine University Online Master of Psychology
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology.
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Butler University Online Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Cover topics like fundamental counseling theory, trauma and crisis response, and psychopharmacology. No GRE Required.
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Concordia University - Saint Paul MAHS in Forensic Behavioral Health
Get the skills you need for a career at the intersection of behavioral health, criminal justice and the legal system.
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University of Southern California Master's in School Counseling Online
Prepare to become a school counselor in grades K–12 with a Master of Education in School Counseling online from the USC Rossier School of Education. No GRE required.
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Typical Requirements for Admission

To be admitted into a Clinical Psychology Master's program, students typically need a Bachelor's degree first. A Bachelor's degree from an institution that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education will do. Having an undergraduate degree in Psychology is not necessary. Any undergraduate major is typically acceptable for Clinical Psychology programs.

If a student does not have their Bachelor's degree in Psychology, there may be pre requisite courses. These courses are Psychology courses that can be completed at any undergraduate institution. The pre requisite courses typically include the following: Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Statistics. This will vary by program.

Grade point average (GPA) requirements are another consideration when applying for admission. They can range anywhere from 2.3 and above, to 3.5 and above on a 4.0 scale. The GPA requirement will vary based on the program. The most common GPA requirement is at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) may also me a requirement. This will also vary based on the program. The GRE is a comprehensive test. The test includes three primary sections. The sections are Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.

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Scholarships Available for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program

There are many scholarships available for students who are apart of a Master’s in Clinical Psychology program. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers scholarship options for students.

There are more options, including scholarship options from the American Psychological Foundation (APF). Any student apart of a psychology master’s program is eligible to apply. You can find more scholarship details, and the link to apply here.

Licensing for Clinical Psychologists with a Master’s Degree

In order to become a practicing Clinical Psychologist, graduates must adhere to their state’s standards for licensure. The standards will vary by state. After program completion, graduates should expect to work for about 1-2 years, working on their license. This work will be under a currently licensed Clinical Psychologist. There are two major licenses Clinical Psychologists typically obtain. The two licenses are a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

This experience is tracked and recorded through state agencies. Reporting is done by the graduate and their supervisor. After completing this step, applicants for a license in Clinical Psychology are required to pass a state exam. These requirements may vary slightly be state. Therefore, students should research their state’s regulations prior to enrolling in a graduate program.

Career Options for Clinical Psychologists with a Master’s

After obtaining a license, master’s level graduates in Clinical Psychology have the potential to work in various mental health settings. Clinical psychologists typically staff the psychology department in most major hospitals and provide direct care to patients with serious mental disabilities.

Similarly, Clinical Psychologists are also needed in mental health facilities and pediatric medical centers. Psychologists are needed to assist with diagnosis, treatment, and assessment of various mental disorders.

The Society of Clinical Psychology / American Psychological Association

It is important for a Clinical Psychologist to stay up to date with the latest research and treatments after they complete their Master’s degree program. Therefore, licensees can join an affiliated Clinical Psychology association in order to stay current on their knowledge and connect with others within their field.

The Society of Clinical Psychology is a specialty branch of the American Psychological Association that partners with professionals in the Clinical Psychology field to encourage Clinical Psychologists to maintain proper ethical treatment of people from diverse backgrounds and network with others within their field.

List of Programs

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University Level Program Admissions
University of West Alabama
Bachelor / Master Online Psychology and Counseling Degrees Website
Pepperdine University
Master Online Master's in Clinical Psychology Website
Our Lady of the Lake University
Master Online Master of Clinical Mental Health Website
Campbellsville University
Master Master of Social Work - Clinical Track Website
Our Lady of the Lake University
Master Master of Arts - Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Website
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