Online Clinical Psychology Master’s

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Though some use the terms “clinical counseling” and “clinical psychology” interchangeably, they are very different. “Clinical counseling” refers to “counseling” broadly and often involves therapy for individuals, couples, families, or groups. This counseling is often used to get at the heart of issues patients might face daily.

“Clinical psychology” focuses more on individuals with serious mental illness or psychosis, which means the psychologist will usually work very closely with one person and their medical team to determine the best course of treatment.

There is often overlap between the work of a counselor and a clinical psychologist; however, for the most part, a counselor will be trained at the master’s level while the psychologist will be introduced at the doctoral level.

Accelerated degrees are opted for by those who want to work while completing their academics or have other personal household commitments. It takes students less time to finish the curriculum requirements than the designated two years. It also helps them complete credits quickly, reducing the cost. Here are a few examples of Universities that offer accelerated master’s programs in clinical psychology:

• The University of Vermont²
• Ball State University³
• Marshall University⁴

One-Year Programs

Psychology students and professionals want to pursue online clinical psychology master’s to advance their careers. For some students, a master’s in clinical psychology is a stepping stone to their careers. Therefore, they need to begin by not only choosing the right master’s degree but also looking into how fast students can graduate from the online clinical psychology master’s program. Luckily, some universities will let students graduate from online clinical psychology master’s programs within 1-year. Here are some universities that offer 1-year master’s clinical psychology online programs:

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology⁵

Pepperdine University⁶

Some programs prefer applicants to have a bachelor’s in psychology, while others are more flexible. In some cases, the GPA will be a factor. Most programs will require an official copy of all transcripts and an application essay. It’s also essential to check whether a clinical psychology master’s program is APA accredited. The American Psychological Association (APA) regulates clinical psychology education at the graduate level. Here are some standard admission requirements summarized for applicants interested in applying to include:

• Completed form and fee payment
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA or more is preferred by schools (some colleges accept a lower GPA as well)
• All official transcripts from previously attended schools
• Graduate Record Examination or GRE (not all programs require the score)
• Two to three professional letters of recommendation
• Letter of intent
• Résumé
• Personal essay highlighting interest in the program

Prerequisites

The curriculum of a clinical psychology program provides comprehensive coverage of the knowledge base of assessment, therapy, psychopathology, acquisition of clinical skills in therapy and assessment, and more. All applicants must demonstrate a substantial understanding of psychology’s scientific and historical basics. If a student does not have an academic background in psychology, basic undergraduate coursework may be needed to apply, along with the regular courses. It would include  Intro to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. These classes are readily available to take online or at a community college.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test often required for graduate school admissions. Some universities waive the GRE requirement, considering factors like work experience, academic achievements, or specific criteria for certain programs. This flexibility aims to attract a diverse pool of qualified applicants, promoting inclusivity in higher education.

Accredited Programs

Accreditation is a process that ensures that organizations provide quality education. Different factors are considered when we look for accreditation, like the quality and quantity of resources provided, maintenance of educational standards, and more. Most institutions are expected to qualify the periodic and unannounced external reviews and maintain rigorous internal reviews to ensure that their standards for accreditation are met continuously. 

Students could refer to the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs⁷ and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation⁸ guidelines for clinical psychology programs online. Academic degrees in psychology typically receive accreditation from the American Psychological Association⁹ or APA.

Some psychology programs also acquire programmatic accreditation accredited by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy¹⁰ and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs¹¹. 

Most colleges gain regional accreditation from state agencies, such as:

• New England Commission of Higher Education or NECHE
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education or MSCHE
• Higher Learning Commission or HLC
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges or SACSCOC¹⁵
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities or NWCCU
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges or WSCUC

Free online courses provide students with accessible learning opportunities, enhancing knowledge without financial constraints. While some offer certificates, it’s vital to note that these credentials may lack accreditation. Despite this, students benefit from valuable skills, insights, and exposure, contributing to personal and professional development. Here are a few examples clinical psychology students can tap into:

The cost of an online master’s in clinical psychology degree in the United States varies, influenced by factors like tuition, thesis requirements, and travel expenses. Consequently, students often seek part-time or full-time employment to support their education due to these associated costs financially. To understand how to pay for college, read the different financial aid that can help fund higher education.

Scholarships

Different agencies like community groups, state governments, and more award scholarships based on the academic merits of the applicant. Sometimes, such scholarships are provided based on need or merits in domains other than academics, like sports, music, and more. Various graduate school scholarships are generic and program-specific as well.

Here are a few online master’s in clinical psychology scholarships students can explore and apply for: 

American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarships¹⁵

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) Graduate Student Scholarships offer financial support to graduate students pursuing psychology programs, including clinical psychology. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, research contributions, and potential for positively impacting the field. Recipients receive funding to aid their studies and advance their career goals in psychology.

Award/Amount: up to $5,000

Application Deadline: June, annually

Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships¹⁶

Psi Chi Graduate Scholarships provide financial assistance to psychology students pursuing graduate studies encompassing clinical psychology. These scholarships recognize academic achievements, research involvement, and dedication to the field. Recipients receive valuable funds to support their educational journey, fostering their growth as future professionals in psychology.

Award/Amount: $3,000

Application Deadline: July, annually

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Graduate Scholarships¹⁷

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Graduate Scholarships aid graduate students specializing in school psychology, a field closely linked to clinical psychology. These scholarships acknowledge academic excellence, commitment to enhancing students’ well-being, and dedication to school psychology practice. Recipients receive financial support to advance their education and contribute to improving educational environments.

Award/Amount: $5,000

Application Deadline: Varies

FAFSA

FAFSA, or The Free Application for Student Aid, is an application form that determines federal financial aid eligibility. To understand more about such aids, read the FAFSA guide.

Private loans

Some individuals would need to take up private educational loans provided by national banks, financial institutions, and federal governments. One can look up donors or grants to help one pay off private loans. 

Federal direct loans

The government provides direct federal loans at low interest. It only needs to be paid back once the individual graduates from the institution or is unemployed. 

Graduate Assistantships

A graduate assistantship is a salaried employment for graduate students wherein they can work a set number of hours in return for a tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, and more. It is one good opportunity for students to gain invaluable insights into their chosen program and gain funding for their degree simultaneously.

While graduate students will not be psychologists till they finish their online master’s in clinical psychology, they will be prepared to enter the workforce in a wide variety of positions in therapy and mental health. If they choose to complete a program with a specialization, they could be well-qualified for positions that allow them to spread their wings and help specific populations or groups. Here are some of the most common jobs available for those who graduate from an online master’s in clinical psychology program but do not have plans to continue to earn their doctorate:

Certifications and Licensure requirements will vary by state, so graduates must review the rules for their particular state before starting their master’s program. Most schools that provide online master’s programs in psychology have considered the widely varied requirements across state lines and have created programs that work for most state licensure boards. However, it is still up to the student to ensure a particular program will meet the requirements for certification and licensure on the master’s level (such as for a marriage and family therapist) and provide the appropriate stepping stone to the doctoral degree.

The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)²²

ASPPB is the international association of psychology licensing boards in the U.S. and Canada. It creates and maintains a standardized written exam, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), used by most psychology licensing boards. One can find policies, tests, credentials, and more.

National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. (NBCC)²³

The NBCC is the national credentialing board for professional counselors. Participants may be eligible for the National Counselor Examination (NCE) to become a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC). Most states use the NCE as their counselor licensure examination.

Beck Institute CBT Certified Clinician²⁴

In this certification, an individual with an education in mental health and behavioral specialization could gain expertise in this field. It prepares individuals to practice as clinicians and see clients. They can understand psychopathology, human development, cultural influences, and more. 

State-specific licenses might be required to practice as an individual psychologist. After completing a master’s, graduates can apply to state-specific boards to work as licensed psychologists and consultants. For more information on the same, refer to the American Psychological Association²⁵.

There are many ways to increase one’s knowledge in clinical psychology and create more networking opportunities with other professionals. Resources help one explore more about clinical psychology careers, information about different programs from a professional perspective, and more. These professional associations for psychology can be a big help, including:

• American Academy of Clinical Psychology (AACP)²⁶
  The American Academy of Clinical Psychology unites board-certified clinical psychologists dedicated to upholding excellence in their field. Founded on high standards and ethical practice principles, the Academy encourages quality services in Clinical Psychology. It supports members, advocates for Board Certification recognition, and urges qualified professionals to pursue Board Certification in Clinical Psychology.
• American Counseling Association (ACA)²⁷ 
  The American Counseling Association (ACA) is a leading professional organization dedicated to enhancing the growth and development of counseling professionals. Established in 1952, ACA provides resources, education, and advocacy to promote the well-being of individuals and communities. It is vital in advancing the counseling profession’s standards and impact.
• American Psychological Association (APA)²⁸ 
  The American Psychological Association (APA) is a prominent professional organization representing psychologists in the United States. Founded in 1892, APA publishes influential research, sets ethical standards, and provides resources for psychologists. It is crucial in advancing the field, shaping education, and promoting mental health advocacy worldwide.
• American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS)²⁹
  The American Psychological Association of Graduate Students (APAGS) strives to enhance and champion the development of graduate students, aiming to be a cohesive voice for the field of psychology. APAGS seeks to attain top-notch graduate training experiences, nurturing the next generation of psychology’s scientific innovators, skilled practitioners, and forward-thinking leaders.
• Association for Psychological Science³⁰ 
  The Association for Psychological Science (APS) is a leading international organization dedicated to advancing and disseminating scientific psychology. Established in 1988, APS promotes the generation and application of psychological knowledge through research, education, and collaboration. It publishes journals, organizes conferences, and advocates for the discipline’s growth and impact.
• Psi Chi³¹
  The International Honors Society of Psychology opportunities for students include networking, awards and grants, a career center, and chapter involvement that could consist of mentorships, local conferences, leadership experiences, and more.