Best Master’s in Psychopharmacology Degree Programs

New Mexico State University's online Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology with a Clinical concentration is designed for advanced psychological professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of medication treatments. This APA-designated program stands out as one of only three in the nation, offering a rigorous two-year curriculum that blends neurosciences, pathophysiology, and clinical assessment with hands-on experiential learning. Graduates are well-prepared for psychopharmacological interventions, thanks to comprehensive coursework, supervised clinical fieldwork, and a capstone examination. No entrance exam is required for this online program, making it accessible to qualified professionals looking to specialize in clinical psychopharmacology.

• APA-designated postdoctoral program
• Two-year comprehensive curriculum
• Hands-on clinical fieldwork
• Specialized clinical concentration
• Advanced psychopharmacology training

The online Postdoctoral Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology at New Mexico State University offers a Non-Clinical concentration, catering to professionals interested in advanced psychopharmacological education without the clinical practice component. This program is distinguished as one of three APA-designated postdoctoral psychopharmacology training programs in the U.S. Over two years, students engage in a 33-credit curriculum that covers psychopharmacology fundamentals, clinical treatments, and specialized population interventions, adhering to national standards. The program culminates in a national psychopharmacology examination, equipping graduates with a deep understanding of medication interactions and psychological treatments. Entrance exams are not required for this online program.

• APA-designated postdoctoral program
• Two-year non-clinical track
• 33 total credit hours
• National psychopharmacology examination
• Comprehensive psychopharmacology curriculum

Idaho State University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) as a hybrid program tailored for licensed psychologists aiming to deepen their knowledge in medication-based mental health treatments. This post-doctoral, APA-recognized program spans two years, blending online and in-person learning to cover pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and psychiatric medication management. With a requirement of a 3.0 graduate GPA and current psychology licensure, the program stands out for its interdisciplinary clinical training and preparation for medication prescription. At $579 per credit online, it provides an affordable pathway to advanced professional development without the need for an entrance exam.

• Post-doctoral program for licensed psychologists
• Two learning tracks: in-person, online
• APA-designated program
• 38 total credit hours
• $579 per credit online
• Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
• Doctoral degree in psychology required
• Current psychology licensure mandatory
• Interdisciplinary clinical training
• Medication prescription preparation

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) at Idaho State University is an online program focusing on didactic coursework for licensed psychologists. This APA-designated program enhances professionals' ability to utilize psychotropic medications through a 38-credit curriculum. Offering flexibility with online and in-person tracks, the program emphasizes pharmacodynamics and treatment interventions without requiring an entrance exam. Priced at $579 per credit, it's an accessible option for psychologists seeking to expand their expertise in medication-based mental health treatments, with the convenience of online learning.

• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Online and in-person learning tracks
• Post-doctoral program for licensed psychologists
• $579 per credit tuition rate
• Comprehensive 38-credit curriculum
• Flexible learning options
• Two distinct program tracks
• Focuses on medication-based treatments

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers an MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a hybrid program blending online learning with a one-week on-campus intensive. Designed for mental health professionals, this 30-credit hour program focuses on preparing psychologists for prescribing medication, adhering to APA and Colorado guidelines. Tailored for working professionals, it features courses in 8-week sequential terms, two per semester, without an out-of-state tuition surcharge. The program leads to prescribing psychology certification and includes a fellowship option. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for qualified applicants seeking to enhance their clinical practice in psychopharmacology.

• 30 credit hours total
• Primarily online program
• One week on-campus intensive
• Designed for working professionals
• No out-of-state tuition surcharge
• Follows APA and Colorado guidelines
• Courses in 8-week sequential terms
• Two courses per semester
• Leads to prescribing psychology certification
• Fellowship option available

The Chicago School at Los Angeles offers an Online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program, tailored for licensed psychologists aiming to deepen their medical knowledge in mental health care. This two-year, fully online program emphasizes psychopharmacology principles, medical conditions, and psychological disorders through case-based learning. It provides two pathways: a 31-credit coursework-only option and a 67-credit Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track, catering to professionals seeking prescriptive authority in Illinois. The program is APA-designated, requires a doctoral degree for admission, and includes clinical rotation opportunities, preparing graduates for diverse roles in medical and mental health settings.

• Fully online master's program
• Two-year part-time format
• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Two program track options
• Doctoral degree prerequisite
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Prepares for prescriptive authority

Focusing on the Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track, The Chicago School at Los Angeles's Online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program is designed for licensed psychologists. This two-year, part-time, fully online program blends rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical rotations across various medical settings. It aims to equip professionals with advanced knowledge in psychotropic medications and integrated treatment approaches, enhancing their ability to contribute to mental health care. The program is APA-designated, requires a doctoral degree, and offers multiple medical setting rotations, preparing graduates for roles that demand prescriptive authority.

• 100% Online Coursework
• Two-Year Part-Time Program
• APA Designated Program
• Doctoral Degree Required
• Clinical Rotation Opportunities
• Prescriptive Authority Track
• Multiple Medical Setting Rotations

The Coursework Only Track of the M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program at The Chicago School at Los Angeles is a fully online, two-year part-time program ideal for professionals looking to specialize in psychopharmacology. It focuses on integrating medical approaches into client care, covering advanced pathophysiology and clinical biochemistry. Admission is restricted to those with a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, targeting licensed psychologists or doctoral candidates. The program, which is APA-designated, requires 31 credit hours and emphasizes a case-based learning approach, enhancing collaborative practice skills without the need for fieldwork.

• Fully online program
• Two years part time
• 31 credit hours
• Doctoral degree required
• Focus on psychopharmacology
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• APA designated program
• Case-based learning approach
• No fieldwork required
• Enhances collaborative practice skills

Drake University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP) tailored for licensed psychologists seeking prescriptive authority. This 30-credit program, at $600 per credit, is entirely online, allowing completion in two years with asynchronous coursework. It prepares graduates for the Psychopharmacology Exam for Psychologists (PEP) and a supervised fellowship, essential for certification. Admission requires a doctoral degree in psychology and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum focuses on patient care, medical knowledge, teamwork among healthcare professionals, and ethical considerations, adhering to APA guidelines. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, emphasizing accessibility for qualified professionals.

• 30 Credit Hours
• $600 per Credit
• Complete in 2 Years
• 100% Online
• No Application Fee
• Fall Start Only
• APA Designated Program
• Prepares for PEP Exam
• Requires Doctoral Degree
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
• Focus on Patient Care
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Ethical Practice Emphasis
• Cultural Competence Training
• Evidence-Based Curriculum
• Experiential Fellowship Required
• Supervised by Licensed Physician
• Flexible Asynchronous Learning
• Monthly Webinars Available
• Assistance with Fellowship Placement

Rockhurst University offers an Online Master of Science in Nursing–Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) program, tailored for BSN-prepared nurses seeking to specialize in mental health care. This CCNE-accredited program stands out for its flexibility, offering both full-time and part-time tracks that can be completed in 6 to 8 semesters. Notably, the program does not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of students. With a curriculum that includes 49 credit hours and 750 clinical practice hours, students receive hands-on training in psychiatric care. The program boasts a 92% first-time pass rate for the ANCC certification exam, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in a field with a projected 38% job growth by 2032. Tuition is competitively priced at $765 per credit hour, and the university provides clinical placement services, ensuring students gain real-world experience. This online program is ideal for registered nurses looking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current professional commitments.

• 49 total credit hours
• 750 clinical practice hours
• CCNE-accredited program
• Full and part-time options
• No GRE/GMAT required
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Active RN license needed
• Competitive per-credit tuition
• Campus and virtual immersions
• Clinical placement services included

The Chicago School at Chicago offers an online M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a two-year graduate program tailored for licensed psychologists. This APA-designated program provides advanced training in medication management, with options for a coursework-only track or an Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track. It covers essential topics like clinical anatomy, pathophysiology, and neurochemistry, preparing students to integrate medical approaches into mental health care. The program includes clinical rotation opportunities in various medical settings, enhancing practical skills. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for professionals seeking to expand their treatment strategies without the hurdle of standardized testing.

• Fully online graduate program
• Two-year part-time format
• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Two program track options
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• Doctoral degree prerequisite
• Medical settings fieldwork
• Advanced medical science courses

Focusing on the Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track, The Chicago School at Chicago's online M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology is designed for licensed psychologists aiming to prescribe medication. This two-year program delves into the complexities of psychopharmacology, including medication interactions with psychological disorders, through a comprehensive curriculum. It mandates a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and offers clinical rotations in diverse fields such as emergency medicine and psychiatry. The program stands out for its focus on prescriptive authority preparation in Illinois, with no entrance exam required, facilitating advanced training for psychologists in a fully online format.

• Fully online graduate program
• Two-year part-time format
• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Doctoral degree prerequisite
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• 31-67 credit hour options

Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus offers an MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a hybrid program tailored for licensed psychologists aiming to specialize in medication management. This APA-designated program combines distance learning with flexibility, ideal for professionals seeking to expand their expertise in psychotropic medications, neuroscience, and pharmacological interventions without pausing their careers. Over 24 months, students engage in a curriculum focused on biological foundations, clinical pharmacology, and treatment strategies for mental health disorders, culminating in a comprehensive qualifying examination. Notably, the program boasts a high PEP exam pass rate and prepares graduates for prescriptive authority in applicable states, featuring weekly interactive online chats and a case-based clinical learning approach. No entrance exam is required for this online-friendly program, making it accessible to qualified candidates nationwide.

• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Distance-based, flexible learning format
• 10 specialized course sequence
• Postdoctoral program for licensed psychologists
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• Weekly interactive online chats
• Case-based clinical learning approach
• Supervised clinical experience option
• Comprehensive qualifying examination
• High PEP exam pass rate

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers a Master of Science in Clinical Psychopharmacology, a hybrid program tailored for PhD and PsyD clinical psychologists aiming to integrate psychotropic medication into their practice safely. This program uniquely combines online coursework with in-person workshops, providing a flexible learning environment for professionals. It emphasizes biochemical therapeutics and human physiology, supplemented by hands-on clinical training. Admission is exclusive to those with a doctoral degree in psychology, with no entrance exam required. Notably, the program is military-friendly, offering accommodations for service members. Online resources, including library access and faculty support, enhance the learning experience for remote students.

• Hybrid learning format.
• For PhD/PsyD psychologists.
• Flexible schedule.
• Access to UH Hilo resources.
• Military-friendly policies.

Fairleigh Dickinson University's MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology is a distinguished online program tailored for licensed psychologists seeking to expand their expertise in medication management. This program stands out with its APA designation since 2010, offering a 10-course curriculum that delves into neuroscience, pharmacology, and treatment strategies for a range of psychological disorders. Unique features include weekly interactive chat sessions and a case-based learning approach, enhancing the online learning experience. With an 83% first-time pass rate on the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists, the program is a testament to its rigorous training. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for professionals aiming for prescriptive authority in eligible states.

• APA-designated program since 2010
• Online, distance-based learning format
• 10-course comprehensive curriculum
• Postdoctoral training for licensed psychologists
• Covers diverse mental health disorders
• Optional supervised clinical experience
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• Flexible scheduling options
• Weekly interactive chat sessions
• Case-based learning approach