Counselors and therapists help clients face and address many issues, from substance use to childhood trauma to mental health challenges. These careers can be a good fit for those who want to help others and their community.
If you want to pursue a career in counseling or therapy, you will need to get your master's degree in clinical psychology. Read on to explore our list of best graduate clinical psychology programs.
Master's in Clinical Psychology Highlights
Completing a master's in clinical psychology program can help you develop the knowledge and skills to provide therapy or counseling to others in various settings, from clinics to schools.
These programs cost around $12,000 per year without financial aid and roughly $11,000 per year with financial aid.
You can expect to take 2-3 years to complete your studies, typically earning 30-60 credits.
Source: NCES
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Top Clinical Psych Master's Programs
Why You Should Get a Master's in Clinical Psychology Degree
Develop skills to help clients: With your master's in clinical psychology degree, you'll be equipped to help clients address their issues and challenges.
Prepare for in-demand jobs: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for psychologists is projected to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is faster than the average rate of 4% for all occupations.
Raise your earning potential: Earning your master's degree can make you a more competitive candidate for higher-paying jobs.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Clinical Psychology Online
BestColleges surveyed more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates in our 2024 Online Education Trends Report and found that:
92% said they think learning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment
85% said an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus
51% said their online classes included assignments they could use to explore future career options
100% said they would recommend online education to others
How to Choose the Best Clinical Psychology Master's Program for You
When you're comparing clinical psychology master's programs, you'll want to consider the length of time it'll take to complete, how many credits you'll need, and how much it'll cost you.
How Much Does a Clinical Psychology Master's Program Cost?
Psychology, 2019-20
Online
$12,047 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$11,012 Avg. Net Price
In-person
$14,044 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,470 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition for an online master's in clinical psychology program is $12,047; with an average net price of $11,012. These figures include tuition, fees, course materials, and related living expenses.
Using financial aid like grants can help you offset some of these costs and make your program more affordable. Talk to the financial aid office at your university for more information.
Find Financial Aid for Your Clinical Psychology Master's Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Clinical Psychology Master's Degree?
Typical # of Credits
30-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
A clinical psychology master's degree usually takes 2-3 years to complete, depending on the program and its requirements. You'll have to look at the requirements of each master's program, as credit requirements can range from 17-74.
For example, the University of Central Florida master's in clinical psychology program requires 61 credit hours to complete, while Notre Dame de Namur's clinical psychology master's program requires 37 units to graduate. Most programs take roughly 30-60 credits to complete.
Although online programs may take less time because they have more flexible schedules, they still require some form of required in-person learning and internship training to meet licensure standards.
Master's in Clinical Psychology Application Requirements
Transcripts from previous programs
Application fee
English proficiency exam, if applicable
Optional test scores
Accreditation for Clinical Psychology Master's Programs
Programmatic accreditation is essential for evaluating the value of many education programs. This process helps ensure students can trust that the programs they apply to meet certain educational standards. You should check if your desired master's program is accredited by the regional accreditor or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Clinical Psychology Accreditation?
"…in general, accreditation is important because it ensures the quality of the education is rigorous and meets the standards to competently practice."
What Can You Do With a Clinical Psychology Master's Degree?
Earning your master's in clinical psychology can help you become eligible for a job as a marriage and family therapist, substance use counselor, or mental health counselor.
Depending on the job, however, you may need to earn additional licenses or certifications or complete additional training.
| Job | Median Annual Salary | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $58,510 | Help couples and families work through challenges |
| Substance Use Counselor | $53,710 | Advise people on issues relating to addiction |
| Mental Health Counselor | $53,710 | Counsel people on their mental health challenges or conditions |
| School Counselor | $61,710 | Help students develop academic and social skills and navigate educational systems |
Is a Clinical Psychology Master's Program Worth It?
Graduates of online psychology programs generally find their programs to be useful for their careers and to have value overall, according to BestColleges' 2024 survey.
Several jobs that you can qualify for with this master's degree have projected employment growth rates above 15% from 2023-33 — much higher than the national average for all jobs, according to the BLS.
Additionally, these roles can yield higher-than-average incomes, with marriage and family therapists earning a median annual salary of $58,510 in 2023 and school counselors earning a median annual salary of $61,710 during the same time period, according to the BLS. These salaries are both significantly higher than the national median annual salary of $48,060 across all jobs in 2023.
When compared to the average net price of an online master's in clinical psychology program, you may be able to secure a return on investment in just a few years.
Education Beyond a Master's in Clinical Psychology
After you earn your master's in clinical psychology degree, you can go on to pursue your doctorate. Earning your doctorate can make you eligible for more prestigious and higher-paying positions, such as a clinical or counseling psychologist. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $92,740 as of May 2023, according to the BLS.
Earning a doctoral degree can also open pathways to a career in research, assessment, or academia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychology Master's Programs
You typically need a doctorate in clinical psychology to become a clinical psychologist. Depending on the employer and what state you live in, you may need an additional license or certification as well.
