Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs for 2027
Updated August 29, 202625+ min read

Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs for 2027

Compare accredited programs by cost, outcomes, and format to find the right fit for your clinical career path.

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • APA accreditation for doctoral programs and MPCAC recognition for master's programs are essential for licensure eligibility.
  • Annual net prices across featured programs range from roughly $6,420 to $15,812 depending on the institution.
  • Clinical and counseling psychologists earn a national median salary of $94,310 and face 11% projected job growth through 2032.
  • Online formats deliver coursework remotely but still require in-person supervised practica and internship hours for clinical training.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% growth for clinical and counseling psychologists through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, with a national median wage of $94,310. As demand climbs, online and hybrid delivery has expanded across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, including APA-accredited PsyD options that were rare a decade ago.

The credible-degree question still surfaces in every admissions inbox. The short answer: yes, provided the program holds the right accreditation for your intended license, and provided the in-person practicum and internship hours are structured to meet your state board's rules.

State licensure boards, not delivery format, set the bar for who can call themselves a clinical psychologist.

Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs

Online clinical psychology degrees are a real option at accredited institutions, and the online and hybrid programs below are among the strongest options available in 2026. Across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, these choices emphasize flexibility, clinical training, and state licensure alignment. Remember that graduation rates and net prices are institution-wide averages after financial aid, not guarantees for any individual student, and program-level earnings outcomes are not yet reported for most clinical psychology degrees.

How we ranked these
Factors considered
  • Online and hybrid program availability
  • Institutional graduation and retention rates
  • Student debt and post-enrollment earnings
  • Program curriculum and licensure alignment
  • Cost after financial aid
Data sources
  • Federal College Scorecard outcomes data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Program-level records maintained in house
  • Original research on individual programs
  • National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
UN

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL · $10,000/yr

Hispanic-Serving Institution
Best for: Florida residents seeking an online pre-clinical foundation

Based in Orlando, this large public university offers an online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a clinical track that maps to Florida graduate and licensure pathways. Coursework spans the core of psychological science plus specialized study in psychopathology, behavior therapy, and health psychology. Students can finish the degree remotely while building the research and capstone foundation expected for competitive graduate applications.

  • Psychology (BS), Clinical Psychology Track — Online
    University of Central Florida
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 15-16 credits in clinical track courses
    • Track courses cover psychopathology, behavior therapy, and health psychology
    • Fully online option available
    • Starts fall, spring, and summer each year
    • In-state tuition is $212.28 per credit
    • Capstone required
    • Honors in the Major available
    Visit Website
FR

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Steubenville, OH · $24,000/yr

Best for: Catholic students wanting values-based clinical preparation

Franciscan University of Steubenville offers a four-year online bachelor's in clinical psychology that builds clinical knowledge on a Catholic liberal arts foundation. The major includes psychopathology, personality, and biopsychology, plus a thesis or capstone and an optional 150-hour internship for applied experience. Rolling admission and no application fee make it accessible to students who want to start in fall, spring, or summer.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology — Online
    Franciscan University of Steubenville
    Rolling admissions
    • Program requires 61-66 credit hours
    • Cost is $650 per credit with no application fee
    • Rolling admissions with fall, spring, and summer starts
    • Optional 150-hour internship
    • Thesis or senior capstone option
    • Integrates Catholic intellectual tradition into psychology coursework
    • No letters of recommendation required
    Visit Website
PE

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA · $40,000 – $45,000/yr

Best for: Working Californians pursuing marriage and family therapy

Pepperdine's online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy is structured for working professionals pursuing California LMFT or LPCC licensure. Weekly live classes are supported by asynchronous coursework, and four field placement sessions take place in students' own communities. Cohorts average 14 students, and the no-GRE admission process includes multiple start dates each year.

  • MA in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis — Online
    Pepperdine University
    No entrance exam
    • Meets California LMFT and LPCC licensure requirements
    • Four supervised field placement sessions in your community
    • Live weekly classes plus asynchronous coursework
    • Complete in as few as 27 months
    • Average class size of 14
    • No GRE required
    • Four start dates each year
    • Scholarships available up to $5,000 or more
    Visit Website
WE

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester, PA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

West Chester University's Doctor of Clinical Psychology is an APA-accredited, five-year hybrid PsyD built on a scholar-practitioner training model. Students complete online coursework alongside supervised practice in an in-house clinic and at placements such as Nemours Children's Hospital and the Philadelphia VA. The option to specialize in child and adolescent mental health or trauma sets this program apart for clinical practitioners.

  • PsyD in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
    West Chester University of Pennsylvania
    APA accredited
    • APA-accredited program in a hybrid format
    • 5-year program totaling 105 credit hours
    • Specializations in Child and Adolescent Mental Health or Trauma
    • Clinical training begins in an in-house community clinic
    • Placement sites include Nemours Children's Hospital and Philadelphia VA
    • No GRE required
    • Funding available through graduate and teaching assistantships
    • Scholar-practitioner model with online coursework
    Visit Website
SA

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN · $12,000/yr

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota blends online study with two in-person residencies in its Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. The program's Catholic Christian framework addresses clients' spiritual and emotional needs while still meeting LPC and LPCC licensure-oriented training. With 720 hours of supervised clinical practice and active faculty researchers, it is particularly suited to Upper Midwest students seeking holistic, faith-integrated clinical training.

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
    Rolling admissions
    • Hybrid delivery with two in-person residencies
    • 720 hours of supervised clinical training
    • Prepares graduates for LPC or LPCC licensure paths
    • Curriculum integrates Catholic Christian Meta-Model of the Person
    • Rolling admissions; starts fall and spring
    • Cost is $670 per credit
    • Research and publication opportunities with faculty
    • Students of all faith backgrounds welcome
    Visit Website
EM

Emporia State University

Emporia, KS · $9,000/yr

Emporia State University delivers a hybrid Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with online coursework, on-campus classes, and hands-on supervised practice. Small cohorts support close mentoring, and students can pursue clinical internships or faculty research depending on their goals. The degree is positioned for Kansas-oriented clinical practice or as a stepping stone to doctoral study.

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
    Emporia State University
    • Hybrid format blends online coursework with on-campus classes
    • Clinical internships and supervised client work
    • Research opportunities with faculty
    • Small class sizes for personalized mentorship
    • Scholarships and tuition reduction programs available
    • First public Kansas university named College of Distinction
    • Prepares for professional practice or doctoral study
    Visit Website
VA

Vanguard University of Southern California

Costa Mesa, CA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Vanguard University of Southern California offers an online-track Master of Science in Clinical Psychology for California residents pursuing MFT or LPCC licensure. Students complete practicum work through a network of more than 60 partner sites while keeping cohorts small enough for strong faculty mentorship. The program's integration of faith and clinical training makes it a distinctive fit for values-driven counselors.

  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
    Vanguard University of Southern California
    • Meets California LMFT and LPCC licensure requirements
    • Online track includes weekly live sessions
    • Practicum available through 60-plus partner sites
    • Cohort sizes average 12 students
    • Faith-based clinical training emphasis
    • Cost is $855 per credit
    • Starts in fall or spring
    Visit Website
DE

Delaware State University

Dover, DE · $5,000 – $10,000/yr

HBCU

Delaware State University, a public historically Black university, offers a fully online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with two very different concentrations. The LPCMH counseling track includes 700 supervised field hours and aligns with CACREP standards for the Delaware counselor licensure exam. The neuropsychology track is research-focused and thesis-based, so students can choose the online path that matches their career goal.

  • MS in Clinical Psychology, LPCMH Counseling Concentration — Online
    Delaware State University
    • Fully online and asynchronous coursework
    • 60 credit hours including practicum and internship
    • 700 hours of supervised field experience
    • Aligned with CACREP counseling standards
    • Prepares graduates for Delaware LPCMH licensure
    • Two-year or three-year completion options
    Visit Website
  • MS in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology Concentration — Online
    Delaware State University
    • Research-focused track requiring a thesis
    • Starts fall and spring
    • Requires a 2.5 GPA and three letters of recommendation
    • Background in social sciences preferred
    Visit Website
NA

National Louis University

Chicago, IL · ~$13,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

National Louis University's Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology emphasizes evidence-based assessment, cultural responsiveness, and hands-on supervised practice over a 50-semester-hour curriculum. A full-year practicum and a comprehensive clinical evaluation prepare students for further doctoral training or supervised mental health employment. Rolling admission makes it convenient for working professionals in the Chicago area.

  • Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology — Hybrid
    National Louis University
    • 50 total semester hours
    • Full-year practicum with diverse clients
    • Strong assessment emphasis across cognitive and personality testing
    • Core courses must be completed with a B or better
    • Comprehensive clinical evaluation required
    • Rolling admissions; $1,162 per credit
    • Requires five undergraduate psychology prerequisites
    • Admissions interview required
    Visit Website
FA

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL · $22,000/yr

Faulkner University's online Bachelor of Science in General and Clinical Psychology is built for working adults who want an asynchronous route into mental health and human services. The curriculum combines a general psychology foundation with exposure to clinical, school, and research applications, plus 18 hours of free electives. Affordable per-credit tuition and military discounts help keep the degree within reach.

  • Bachelor of Science in General and Clinical Psychology — Online
    Faulkner University
    Military benefits
    • $335 per credit with asynchronous online coursework
    • 18 credit hours of free electives
    • Military tuition rate of $250 per credit
    • No ACT or SAT required for transfer students with 24-plus credits
    • Explores clinical, school, and research psychology roles
    • Flexible online degree for working adults
    Visit Website

How Online Clinical Psychology Programs Work

How do online clinical psychology programs deliver the hands-on clinical training the field demands?

This question sits at the heart of any prospective student's decision. Clinical psychology requires extensive supervised practice with real clients, and understanding how programs structure this training in an online format is essential before you commit years of study and significant tuition dollars.

Delivery Formats: Synchronous, Asynchronous, and Hybrid

Most accredited online clinical psychology programs use a hybrid model that combines online coursework with in-person requirements. The didactic portion, covering theory, research methods, assessment, and psychopathology, typically happens through a mix of asynchronous lectures you complete on your own schedule and synchronous video sessions where cohorts meet in real time for discussion and case consultation.

The critical distinction from fully online degrees in other fields: clinical psychology programs cannot be completed entirely at a distance. The American Psychological Association's accreditation standards require supervised clinical experience that demands physical presence with clients. Most programs schedule intensive on-campus residencies, often lasting one to two weeks, multiple times per year. These residencies focus on clinical skill development, practicum orientations, and professional networking.

Practicum and Internship Placement

Practicum placements represent the most variable component across programs. Some programs maintain established networks of approved sites across multiple states, while others expect students to locate and propose their own placements subject to program approval. Before enrolling, check each program's website for a dedicated "Clinical Training" or "Practicum" section. Look specifically for:

  • Explicit details on placement assistance and coordination support
  • Types of approved clinical sites (hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices)
  • Geographic distribution of placement sites
  • Whether the program requires synchronous residencies and how frequently

Verifying Accreditation and Supervised Hour Requirements

Visit the APA's website directly to confirm any program's accreditation status. The APA also publishes Guidelines for Clinical Supervision that outline required supervised hours regardless of whether coursework is delivered online or in person. These standards apply equally to traditional and online programs seeking accreditation.

State licensing boards add another layer of requirements. Supervised experience hour mandates vary by state, and completing a program that meets APA standards does not automatically satisfy your specific state's licensing prerequisites. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards maintains current contact information for every jurisdiction's licensing authority.

Getting Reliable, Current Information

Program websites and published materials only tell part of the story. Contact admissions offices directly and ask pointed questions:

  • What percentage of students secure practicum placements within their first year of eligibility?
  • Can you provide examples of where current students are completing clinical training?
  • What is the typical timeline for internship match results?
  • How does the program support students who live in underserved or rural areas?

Admissions staff should be able to share recent placement data and connect you with current students or alumni willing to discuss their experiences. Programs that cannot or will not provide this information warrant skepticism. The most reliable path to understanding how any specific program actually operates is direct conversation with people currently navigating it.

Online vs On-Campus Clinical Psychology: Key Differences

Choosing between an online and on-campus clinical psychology program is less about prestige and more about fit. Both formats can lead to the same licensure outcomes and career opportunities, but each comes with practical tradeoffs worth weighing honestly before you commit.

Pros
  • Geographic flexibility lets you enroll in top accredited programs regardless of where you live, expanding your options significantly.
  • You can maintain employment and income while studying, which helps offset tuition costs and build relevant clinical experience simultaneously.
  • Lower overall living costs since relocation is not required, eliminating expenses like campus housing or commuting to a distant university.
  • Asynchronous coursework offers scheduling control that suits working professionals, parents, or students managing other obligations.
  • Access to programs outside your home state means you are not limited to nearby schools when seeking the best curricular fit or faculty expertise.
Cons
  • Practicum and supervised clinical hours typically fall on the student to arrange locally, which requires proactive planning and strong self-advocacy.
  • Spontaneous peer networking and informal mentorship happen less organically than in on-campus cohorts, though virtual communities can partially bridge the gap.
  • Some employers or licensure boards may scrutinize an online degree more closely, making accreditation status (regional and, for doctoral programs, APA accreditation) essential.
  • Certain states impose specific requirements around supervised hours or residency components that online students must verify well before enrolling.
  • Hands-on lab experiences or in-person research collaboration may be limited, requiring students to seek supplemental opportunities independently.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Can I reach supervised clinical placement sites from where I live?
Most online clinical psychology programs still require hundreds of in-person practicum or internship hours. If no approved sites exist within a reasonable commute, completing your degree on schedule may be difficult or impossible.
Do I need a master's degree or a doctorate for the career I actually want?
A master's in clinical psychology can qualify you for licensed professional counselor roles, but independent practice as a clinical psychologist requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD). Choosing the wrong level delays licensure and adds unnecessary cost.
Will my target state accept an online clinical psychology degree for licensure?
Some state licensing boards restrict or add conditions for degrees earned primarily online. Confirm your state board's policies before enrolling so you do not complete a program that leaves you ineligible to practice where you plan to live.

Clinical Psychology Program Costs and ROI

Net price across these programs ranges from roughly $6,420 at the University of North Texas at Dallas to $15,812 at Northern State University, a spread of nearly $9,400 per year. Keep in mind that net price is an institution-level average after financial aid; your actual cost will depend on your aid package, residency status, and enrollment intensity. ROI also varies significantly by degree level: a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology opens different earning trajectories than a master's or doctorate, so weigh total debt against realistic salary expectations for the credential you are pursuing. Program-level earnings at one and four years post-completion are not yet available for these programs, but institution-wide median earnings ten years after enrollment offer a useful long-term benchmark. Median monthly loan payments on a standard ten-year repayment plan are also not yet published at the program level for these schools, so compare median graduate debt figures directly against expected starting salaries to gauge affordability.

SchoolDegree LevelIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNet Price (Avg. After Aid)Median Graduate DebtMedian Earnings (10 Yr, Institution-Wide)
University of North Texas at DallasMaster's$6,379$13,759$6,420$18,606Not available
University of Central FloridaBachelor's$6,368$22,467$10,411$18,190$58,308
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaMaster's$12,474$12,474$11,704$21,500$58,170
University of Wisconsin-SuperiorMaster's$9,658$18,789$12,220$22,500$49,606
Fort Hays State UniversityMaster's$4,949$12,745$12,569$21,000$48,928
Sul Ross State UniversityMaster's$6,661$14,220$13,286$15,900$41,871
Delaware State UniversityMaster's$9,114$17,484$13,910$26,000$49,307
Northern Arizona UniversityDoctorate$13,023$19,306$14,158$19,000$54,384
New Mexico Highlands UniversityMaster's$8,016$12,792$14,838$11,399$45,937
Northern State UniversityMaster's$6,736$11,936$15,812$22,320$47,618

Accreditation and Licensure Requirements for Online Clinical Psychology Degrees

Will an online clinical psychology program meet your state licensure requirements? The answer hinges on a web of accreditation standards and state-level rules that every prospective student must navigate carefully. Below, we break down what you need to know to pursue a license-ready education.

The Accreditation Hierarchy

All legitimate programs start with regional accreditation, a baseline from bodies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). For doctoral clinical psychology programs, the gold standard is programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) Commission on Accreditation.1 Most states effectively require an APA-accredited doctoral degree for licensure as a clinical psychologist.

A critical distinction: APA only accredits doctoral programs, not master's degrees. If you earn a master's in clinical psychology, you cannot become a licensed clinical psychologist; typical pathways for master's graduates lead to licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor or similar title. For master's-level quality assurance, look for the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

Licensure: The Road to Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

State boards demand a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program, or one that meets equivalent in-residence criteria.1 After graduation, you'll need to accrue supervised clinical hours: typically 1,500 to 2,000 pre-doctoral hours and an additional 1,500 to 2,000 post-doctoral hours, totaling at least 3,000 hours over one to two years. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is mandatory, with a passing scaled score of 500. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam on local laws.

The Online Factor: State-by-State Restrictions

No fully online doctoral program in clinical psychology holds APA accreditation.1 The only APA-accredited program with a distributed learning model is Fielding Graduate University's PhD in Clinical Psychology, a hybrid program with in-person components, and even that program is not accepted for licensure in Oklahoma.3 Several states, including California, North Carolina, and Vermont, explicitly do not accept online or hybrid psychology doctorates for licensure. Before you enroll, contact your intended state's psychology licensing board. Ask directly: does this program satisfy the state's education requirements? Do you require a certain number of in-residence hours? A handful of states have hard restrictions that could derail your career in psychology.

Key Accrediting Bodies to Verify

  • APA Commission on Accreditation (APA-CoA): The essential programmatic accreditor for doctoral clinical psychology programs. Verify a program's status at the APA website.
  • MPCAC: For master's-level counseling and clinical psychology programs, not a path to clinical psychologist licensure but relevant for LPC or similar credentials.
  • Regional accreditors: HLC, SACSCOC, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and others. Confirm the school itself holds regional accreditation before anything else.

Accreditation is your safeguard. A degree from an unaccredited or improperly accredited online program may leave you ineligible for licensure, locking you out of the career you've worked to build.

Choosing the Right Clinical Psychology Degree Level

Clinical psychology credentials follow a clear ladder, and each rung opens different doors. Understanding what each degree level qualifies you to do helps you plan the most efficient path to your career goals.

Four-step credentialing ladder from bachelor's through doctoral degree showing typical career outcomes at each clinical psychology degree level

Psyd vs PHD: Salary, Career Paths, and Which to Choose

Choosing between a PsyD and a PhD in clinical psychology is less about earning potential and more about whether you want to spend your career in the therapy room or the research lab.

The Core Distinction: Research vs. Practice

PhD programs in clinical psychology are grounded in the scientist-practitioner model. They prioritize research training, often provide full tuition waivers and stipends, and prepare graduates for academic, research-intensive, or clinical roles. PsyD programs, by contrast, follow a practitioner-scholar model: they emphasize clinical skills, assessment, and therapy from day one.1 These programs are typically tuition-driven, meaning students often graduate with significantly more debt. This funding difference has real long-term consequences. While a PhD student may receive a stipend and pay no tuition, a PsyD student might graduate with over $100,000 in loans. The career paths reflect these emphases: PhDs are more likely to land tenure-track faculty positions or lead research teams, while PsyDs overwhelmingly work in direct clinical settings. For those exploring broader options, our clinical psychologist career guide breaks down day-to-day responsibilities across both tracks.

Salary Comparisons: What the Numbers Show

The median annual wage for clinical psychologists nationally is approximately $96,100.1 Among PsyD holders specifically, median pay hovers around $96,000, while PhD psychologists in academic roles may earn between $70,000 and $120,000 depending on rank and institution type.2 When both groups work in clinical roles, however, the salary gap narrows. A PsyD in private practice or hospital settings earns much the same as a PhD colleague. Hospital-based psychologists, for instance, report a median of about $95,800.1 The real differentiator is not the degree suffix but the employment setting: private practitioners often out-earn salaried employees, while academic researchers at senior levels can surpass clinical peers. For those eyeing the fastest path to licensure and patient care, the PsyD route may make more financial sense than spending extra years in a research-focused PhD, even if the PhD comes with less debt.

Online Options: Why PsyD Dominates

If you are considering an online doctoral program in clinical psychology, expect to find almost exclusively PsyD offerings. Fully online PhD programs in clinical psychology are extremely rare. The reason is straightforward: PhD training requires close mentorship in research labs, one-on-one dissertation supervision, and often in-person teaching experiences that do not translate easily to a remote format. PsyD programs, with their focus on clinical practice, can more feasibly deliver coursework online while arranging local clinical placements. This makes the online PsyD the default doctoral path for distance learners. Before enrolling, verify that any online PsyD program meets state licensure requirements and is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), as graduation from a non-APA program can limit internship and licensure options.

Clinical Psychologist Salary and Career Outlook

Clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033) earn a national median salary of $94,310 according to the most recent BLS data. The field is projected to grow 11% from 2022 to 2032, well above average, with roughly 4,100 openings expected each year. Top employment settings include outpatient care centers, hospitals, government agencies, and private practice. Program-level earnings data for graduates of the schools ranked on counselingpsychology.org are not yet available at the 1-year or 4-year post-graduation mark, so direct comparisons to the BLS occupation-wide median cannot be made at this time.

National salary range for clinical psychologists in 2024, from $48,230 at the 10th percentile to $145,760 at the 90th
Did You Know?

Accreditation is the single most important factor when choosing an online clinical psychology program. For doctoral programs, look for APA accreditation; for master's programs, confirm regional accreditation and MPCAC recognition. Without the right credentials, you may be ineligible for licensure, disqualified by employers, or unable to access federal financial aid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Clinical Psychology Programs

Prospective students routinely ask the same handful of questions before committing to an online clinical psychology program. The answers below draw on current accreditation standards, published program timelines, and federal labor data to give you a realistic picture of what to expect.

Can you get a clinical psychology degree entirely online?
You can complete most doctoral coursework online, but no fully online PsyD or PhD in clinical psychology currently holds APA accreditation. Every legitimate program requires in-person components, typically a supervised practicum, a predoctoral internship, and sometimes intensive on-campus residencies. Hybrid models let you do the didactic work remotely while fulfilling clinical hours locally or at designated training sites.
Is an online clinical psychology degree credible to employers and licensure boards?
Credibility depends almost entirely on accreditation. Many state licensure boards require or strongly prefer graduation from an APA-accredited program. Hybrid programs that carry APA accreditation are treated the same as traditional on-campus degrees by employers and boards. Programs without APA accreditation may limit your licensure options in certain states, so verify requirements in every state where you plan to practice.
How do online clinical psychology programs handle practicum and internship placements?
Most hybrid programs partner with clinical training sites across the country or help students secure placements near their home. You complete supervised client contact hours at hospitals, community mental health centers, or private practices. Some schools maintain approved site networks, while others expect you to propose and coordinate your own placement, subject to faculty approval. Either way, expect several hundred to several thousand hours of direct clinical work.
What accreditation should I look for in an online clinical psychology program?
The gold standard is programmatic accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). Regional institutional accreditation (from bodies like HLC or SACSCOC) is necessary but not sufficient for licensure purposes. As of 2026, no fully online PsyD program has earned APA accreditation; only hybrid formats have achieved that status. If a program lacks APA accreditation, confirm that your target state will still accept it for licensure.
Who gets paid more, PsyD or PhD clinical psychologists?
Salary differences between PsyD and PhD holders are driven more by setting and role than by degree type. PhD graduates who enter academic or research positions sometimes command higher starting salaries at universities and federal agencies. PsyD graduates often move into clinical practice more quickly and can earn comparably, especially in private practice or healthcare systems. Published salary surveys show substantial overlap between the two credentials.
What does a clinical psychologist earn, and what is the job outlook?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists was approximately $96,100 as of its most recent published data (May 2023 estimates). The BLS projects employment for psychologists overall to grow faster than average through the early 2030s, driven by demand in healthcare, schools, and telehealth settings. Actual earnings vary widely by state, employer type, and years of experience.
How long does it take to complete an online clinical psychology doctoral program?
Most hybrid PsyD programs take four to six years to complete, including the dissertation and predoctoral internship. Some accelerated hybrid formats advertise completion in roughly three to three and a half years of coursework, though clinical training extends the total timeline. Programs typically set a maximum time limit of seven years. For example, both the University of Indianapolis and Northwest University list a five-year standard timeline with a seven-year maximum.

More Online Clinical Psychology Programs to Explore

Beyond the top-ranked programs, many other accredited institutions offer quality online clinical psychology degrees. The following directory lists additional programs by degree level and format, helping you find options that match your location, budget, and career goals.

Gwynedd Mercy University
Offers an online 2.5-year, 60-credit CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with practicum and internship hours.
  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Gwynedd Valley, PA · Online
University of Mount Olive
100% online Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, CACREP-accredited, no GRE required, with flexible scheduling.
  • Master of Science in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Mount Olive, NC · Online
Mid-America Christian University
Online Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration, integrating Christian perspectives and flexible six-week courses.
  • Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
Oklahoma City, OK · Online
Vanguard University of Southern California
Hybrid Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with on-campus or online tracks, preparing for MFT or PCC licensure in California.
  • Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology
Costa Mesa, CA · Hybrid
Simpson University
Hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a cohort model, two-year completion, and clinical training for California licensure.
  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Redding, CA · Hybrid
University of Massachusetts Global
Online Master of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling with hands-on training, three practicum courses, and no GRE required.
  • Master of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling
Aliso Viejo, CA · Online
Faulkner University
Online Bachelor of Science in General and Clinical Psychology with flexible scheduling, military discounts, and no stringent admission requirements.
  • Bachelor of Science in General and Clinical Psychology
Montgomery, AL · Online
Florida Institute of Technology
100% online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology, covering abnormal psychology and substance abuse, designed for working adults.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology
Melbourne, FL · Online
Los Angeles Pacific University
Online Master of Arts in Psychology with three concentrations, integrating professional ethics and cultural diversity, ideal for career advancement.
  • Master of Arts in Psychology
  • Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
San Dimas, CA · Online
Fort Hays State University
Hybrid Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with on-campus workshops and internships, three-year completion, no GRE required.
  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Hays, KS · Hybrid
SUNY at Fredonia
Hybrid Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program combining online coursework with fieldwork, accepting diverse academic backgrounds.
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Fredonia, NY · Hybrid
Northern State University
Hybrid Master of Science in Counseling with Clinical Mental Health concentration, CACREP-accredited, 60 credit hours, two-year completion.
  • Master of Science in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health)
Aberdeen, SD · Hybrid
Waynesburg University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling with concentrations in Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Counseling, CACREP-accredited.
  • Master of Arts in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addictions Counseling)
Waynesburg, PA · Online
University of Wisconsin-Superior
100% online Master of Science in Education – Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 60 credits, 700 practicum/internship hours, no GRE.
  • Master of Science in Education – Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Track
Superior, WI · Online
Delaware State University
Online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with LPCMH Counseling concentration, 700 supervised hours, asynchronous learning.
  • Clinical Psychology, MS (LPCMH Counseling)
  • Clinical Psychology, MS (Neuropsychology)
Dover, DE · Online

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