Many people interested in psychology want to work directly with clients, helping them discover and change unhealthy patterns to create a happier, healthier life. Earning a master’s degree in clinical psychology can be a fantastic first step toward working in clinical psychology as a counselor or therapist, and online programs make completing this graduate degree more convenient than ever. Here, we’ll explore what you’ll learn over the course of your clinical psychology master’s program, as well as what you can consider now to boost your likelihood of getting into an online program of your choice.

2024 - Best Master’s Degrees in Clinical Psychology Programs

Counselingpsychology.org's Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology rankings are based on an extensive methodology that evaluates the quality and value of each program. Factors taken into account include completion rates, affordability, competitiveness of the institution, variety of program offerings, and faculty experience. The methodology used to evaluate each program is detailed in detail on the website. Read more about the full methodology here Counselingpsychology.org's Rankings Methodology.

1.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in Lancaster County. This university offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. With its rich history and vibrant community, Millersville provides a unique educational experience for students.

2.

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA

California Lutheran University (CLU) is a private, liberal arts university located in Thousand Oaks, California. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology. CLU has an enrollment of about 4,000 students, and provides a personalized and supportive learning environment. With its excellent academic programs and impressive facilities, CLU is a great place to pursue higher education.

3.

Ball State University

Muncie, IN

Ball State University offers a highly regarded Clinical Psychology Master's program through its Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services. Located on the beautiful Muncie campus, this program provides students with hands-on clinical training, a diverse curriculum, and opportunities to conduct research in areas such as child and family therapy, substance abuse, and trauma. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in mental health settings and continue to make significant contributions to the field.

What Will I Learn in an Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Degree Program?

Usually, an online master’s program in clinical psychology takes about two years to complete. Your master’s program will likely include practical components, including a practicum and internship. This will allow you to learn what it will be like to actually practice in the field while also getting the skills-based, in-classroom knowledge you need to succeed as a mental health practitioner. Because you’ll be in an online classroom, practicum and internship hours will be performed in your own community with approval from your program director, rather than through the campus directory.

You may choose to specialize in a certain area of clinical psychology (such as treating anxiety or depression), or you may choose to take a more general approach. If you’re searching for a specific type of program, chat with an admissions officer about whether you’ll be able to design the program you want through individual study or elective options. Often, master’s programs are customizable and allow you to focus on the specialty area of your choice.

In a standard clinical psychology master’s degree program, your courses will cover several topics, including:

  • Attachment issues: You’ll learn how the attachments formed during childhood and throughout life could positively or negatively affect the relationships your clients form with others.
  • Stress reactions: Your courses will teach you how many people deal with stress, and will give you the tools you need to provide your clients with actionable skills they can use in day-to-day life to help them lower their stress levels.
  • Mental illness diagnosis: As a counselor, it’s crucial that you’re able to identify and treat mental health issues. Throughout your coursework, you’ll learn how to identify symptoms in your patients and provide them with the therapeutic tools they need to move forward.
  • Crisis intervention: Often, people come to counselors in their time of need. You’ll learn crisis intervention skills that can help you support your clients when they’re dealing with extreme emotional difficulties.

It’s essential that your clinical psychology program is properly accredited. Organizations like the American Psychological Association work to vet programs to ensure that you’re getting information that’s based on the latest research and best practices in the field.

Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology

Each master’s in clinical psychology program has its own guidelines for admission. It’s important to remember that the guidelines describe the ideal candidate, and that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t apply if you don’t meet every requirement. For example, a high GPA may outweigh having a bachelor’s degree in a field that is less closely related to psychology. Requirements are usually identical for both online and campus-based clinical psychology graduate programs.

Typically, requirements for admission to a master’s in clinical psych program include positive recommendation letters from your current supervisor or past professors, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, a personal statement explaining why you’re interested in going into the field of clinical psychology, and a GPA that’s competitive for your program. It’s recommended that you check the admissions requirements and ensure that you have fulfilled them before applying to any online master’s program in clinical psychology.

List of Applied Psychology Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in clinical psychology today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

7440 East Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117-3596
(334) 244-3000

Alaska

3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-1800

California

Master's Programs
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 635-4000

Master's Programs
60 W Olsen Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787
(805) 492-2411

Master's Programs
18111 Nordhoff St
Northridge, CA 91330
(818) 677-1200

5500 University Parkway
San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393
(909) 537-5000

Master's Programs
249 Lambert Rd
Carpinteria, CA 93013
(805) 969-3626 x101

Colorado

1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
(719) 255-3000

Florida

Master's Programs
4000 Central Florida Blvd
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-2000

Master's Programs
341 Tigert Hall 300 SW 13th St
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-1202

Georgia

Master's Programs
2000 Clayton State Boulevard
Morrow, GA 30260-0285
(678) 466-4000

Illinois

600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-5000

North and School Streets
Normal, IL 61790-1000
(309) 438-2111

430 S Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60605-1394
(312) 341-3500

Il State Rte 157
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1259
(888) 328-5168

Indiana

Kansas

Master's Programs
1 Kellogg Circle
Emporia, KS 66801-5415
(620) 341-1200

600 Park St
Hays, KS 67601-4099
(785) 628-4000

Master's Programs
1701 S Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000

1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621-0001
(785) 670-1010

Kentucky

Master's Programs
University Blvd
Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 783-2000

Master's Programs
218 Wells Hall
Murray, KY 42071-3318
(270) 809-3011

901 S Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40203-2188
(502) 585-9911

1906 College Heights Blvd
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1000
(270) 745-0111

Louisiana

175 Sam Sibley Drive
Natchitoches, LA 71497-0002
(318) 357-6011

Maryland

4501 N Charles St
Baltimore, MD 21210-2699
(410) 617-2000

Massachusetts

285 Old Westport Rd
North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
(508) 999-8000

Michigan

900 Oakwood St.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 487-1849

26811 Orchard Lake Rd.
Farmington Hills, MI 48334-4512
(248) 476-1122 x100

Master's Programs
4901 Evergreen Rd
Dearborn, MI 48128-1491
(313) 593-5000

Minnesota

225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402-3389
(866) 808-4080

Master's Programs
South Rd and Ellis Ave
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 389-1866

Master's Programs
515 Darland Administration Bldg
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-8000

Missouri

Master's Programs
One Brookings Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63130-4899
(314) 935-5000

New Jersey

Master's Programs
1000 River Rd
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000

New Mexico

2850 Weddell Street
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
(575) 646-0111

North Carolina

Master's Programs
Highway 107
Cullowhee, NC 28723-9646
(828) 227-7100

Ohio

Master's Programs
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469
(937) 229-1000

Oklahoma

800 South Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104-3189
(918) 631-2000

Pennsylvania

1900 W Olney Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19141-1199
(215) 951-1000

1 South George Street, Lyle Hall
Millersville, PA 17551-0302
(717) 871-4636

1200 Main St
Bethlehem, PA 18018-6650
(610) 861-1360

Rhode Island

One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809-2921
(401) 253-1040

South Carolina

Texas

Master's Programs
1201 W University Dr
Edinburg, TX 78539-2999
(956) 665-2011

Master's Programs
500 W. University Ave
El Paso, TX 79968-0691
(915) 747-5000

3900 University Blvd
Tyler, TX 75799-6699
(903) 566-7000

Master's Programs
2700 Bay Area Blvd
Houston, TX 77058-1002
(281) 283-7600

Vermont

One Winooski Park
Colchester, VT 05439
(802) 654-2000

Virginia

801 East Main St.
Radford, VA 24142
(540) 831-5000

Master's Programs
1 Hayden Drive
Petersburg, VA 23806
(804) 524-5000

Washington

Master's Programs
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9008
(360) 650-3000

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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