Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology: Courses, Requirements, and Careers

A master’s in clinical psychology develops your psychotherapy skills through graduate-level coursework and clinical placements. You’ll develop client assessment and treatment planning knowledge, which you’ll apply in clinical settings under the supervision of a licensed professional. During your master’s program, you’ll build the theoretical foundation and psychotherapy knowledge to treat patients in many specialty areas.

Completing a master’s in clinical psychology typically takes around two years. You can earn your degree online or in person, with clinical placements in your area for online programs. Many programs also offer part-time tracks or concentrations to prepare for specific licensure after graduation.

A master’s in clinical psychology prepares you for a career as a licensed counselor or therapist. You can also pursue non-clinical roles in social services or apply to a clinical psychology doctoral program to become a licensed psychologist.

You need a doctoral degree in psychology to obtain a license and become a clinical psychologist. Graduates of a master’s program in clinical psychology can choose from two doctorates: Ph.D. or Psy.D. Graduates of Psy.D. programs are more likely to go into clinical practice, while Ph.D.-holders are more likely to teach or perform research.

Professionals with a Ph.D. degree can work as scientific researchers in clinical psychology. Other Ph.D. holders can pursue positions as postsecondary educators in higher education settings.

A master’s in clinical psychology costs an average of $12,500-$28,000 in tuition and fees for the 2021-2022 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, tuition varies widely depending on the program. Public, in-state tuition is generally the most affordable, followed by public out-of-state tuition and private tuition. Attending an online program can potentially help students save on tuition, living expenses, and transportation costs.

You can also lower the cost of a master’s degree by applying for financial aid. Submit the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine whether you qualify for federal student aid programs, and reach out to schools to learn more about their graduate student aid. You can also apply for scholarships and grants to afford your degree.

What are the admission requirements for a master’s in clinical psychology? While the requirements depend on the program, the most common include:

Programs may also look at your undergraduate major, work experience in psychology-related areas, and career goals to determine whether their program offers a good fit. While you don’t need a bachelor’s in psychology to earn your master’s degree, undergraduate psychology coursework can help you get into grad school.

Plan to spend around two years earning your master’s in clinical psychology if you enroll as a full-time student. During that time, you’ll complete coursework along with any clinical placements. Some programs may offer an accelerated master’s option, and many provide part-time enrollment to earn your degree in 3-4 years.

Accelerated programs often require a higher time commitment, making them challenging for grad students who want to work while earning their clinical psychology master’s degree. Full-time online programs often design their schedule for working students, and part-time programs also offer greater flexibility if you plan to work during graduate school.

Accreditation is critical for your master’s in clinical psychology. Accredited institutions meet the highest academic standards, and an accredited degree means more financial aid and career opportunities..

In addition to institutional accreditation, programs may obtain additional accreditation through an independent agency. While the American Psychology Association (APA) does not license master’s programs, you can look for programs that hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC).

In most states, attending an accredited school or program is a standard requirement to pursue licensure as a counselor, therapist, or psychologist.

Clinical psychology master’s programs incorporate clinical practicums or internships as part of your clinical training. During a clinical placement, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or counselor. You’ll also gain experience working directly with clients in your specialty area.

Programs work closely with graduate students to determine the best clinical placement sites. Online learners also complete these components, working with their program to arrange placements in their local area.

Counseling and therapist licenses typically require a minimum number of direct practice hours, so review your state’s requirements when choosing a program if you plan to pursue licensure.

Is it worth investing in a master’s in clinical psychology? The answer might be yes if you want to become a licensed counselor or earn your doctorate in psychology.

Clinical psychology programs provide rigorous psychotherapy training, which can allow you to pursue career paths in counseling and psychology. A master’s degree can strengthen your doctoral program applications, particularly if you have limited experience in psychology.

However, earning a master’s degree is a big financial investment. Consider whether a master’s in clinical psychology or a related degree like a master’s in counseling is the best fit for you and your career goals.