Key Takeaways
Clinical psychologists earn a median annual salary of $95,830 and work in healthcare, private practice, research, and other settings.
A bachelor's or master's degree can lead to psychology-related roles, but becoming a licensed clinical psychologist requires a doctorate.
Online clinical psychology programs can make the academic path more flexible while still preparing you for required in-person training.
Clinical psychology combines the study of mental health with research and clinical training, preparing students for careers in psychology and related fields. While you can complete some of this education online, your options depend on the degree level.
Online programs are most common at the bachelor's and master's levels, while doctoral programs are mostly in person. Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist generally requires a Ph.D. or Psy.D. with substantial in-person training.
Keep reading to compare online clinical psychology degrees, in-person requirements, costs, and what to check before enrolling.
Can You Earn a Clinical Psychology Degree Online?
Yes, depending on the degree level. Online clinical psychology programs are most common at the bachelor's and master's levels. However, an online program may not be fully remote, especially if it includes practicums, internships, or other clinical training.
Doctoral clinical psychology programs generally require substantial in-person training. If you plan to become a licensed psychologist, check your state's education and accreditation requirements before choosing an online or hybrid program.
| Degree Level | Online Availability | In-Person Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | Readily available online | None; optional internship(s) |
| Master's | Readily available online | Varies by program |
| Doctoral | Typically in-person only | Extensive |
Bachelor's in Clinical Psychology
A bachelor's in clinical psychology does not qualify you for clinical licensure, but it can prepare you for graduate study or entry-level roles in areas like social services and human resources. If you plan to pursue graduate school, consider whether a BA or BS in psychology provides the coursework and research experience required for your intended program.
Online bachelor's in psychology programs are widely available, but dedicated clinical psychology majors are uncommon. You'll typically complete a general psychology bachelor's program with the option to pursue a clinical psychology concentration.
Master's in Clinical Psychology
A master's in clinical psychology does not qualify you to practice as a clinical psychologist, but it can strengthen your preparation for doctoral programs, particularly if your bachelor's degree is outside psychology. In many cases, psychology undergraduates move directly into a doctoral program following their bachelor's.
Online master's programs in clinical psychology are widely available. If you plan to stop at the master's level, check your state's licensing requirements before choosing a program. Some programs may meet education requirements for master's-level counseling or therapy licenses, while others primarily prepare students for doctoral study, research, or nonclinical roles.
Doctoral Clinical Psychology Programs
A doctoral degree in clinical psychology is required to become a licensed clinical psychologist in most states. You can choose between a Ph.D. or Psy.D., depending on your career goals.
A Ph.D. in clinical psychology generally emphasizes research alongside clinical training, while a Psy.D. places greater emphasis on clinical practice. Fully online options are limited because APA-accredited doctoral programs must include in-person education and training. Both Ph.D.s and Psy.D.s prepare you for psychologist licensure and careers in clinical practice, research, teaching, or leadership.
What In-Person Training Do Clinical Psychology Programs Require?
| Degree Level | In-Person Required? | Training Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | No | Online undergraduates may have the option to complete a psychology-related internship, but availability varies by program. |
| Master's | Varies by program | Some online master's programs require clinical training, while others require a thesis, capstone, or research project instead. |
| Doctoral | Yes | Doctoral clinical psychology programs require practicum training and a year-long internship. Students provide psychological services as part of their clinical training. |
In-person requirements vary by curriculum, program design, accreditation standards, and career or licensure goals. When clinical training is required, online students may be able to complete it at an approved site near them.
Some programs help students find local training sites, while others require them to arrange placements themselves. Availability can also depend on where you live.
Before enrolling, check the program's residency, practicum, internship, and travel requirements. This is especially important if you live far from campus or plan to pursue a career that requires clinical training or licensure.
What to Check Before You Enroll in a Clinical Psychology Program
Before enrolling in a clinical psychology program, check its accreditation, licensure eligibility, and program format.
Confirm institutional accreditation: Make sure your college or university is accredited by a recognized institutional accreditor, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Check for programmatic accreditation: If you plan to become a licensed psychologist, check your state's programmatic accreditation requirements. Some states require doctoral programs to be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), while others accept programs that meet equivalent education and training standards.
Verify licensing requirements: Each state sets its own requirements for psychologist licensure. Before enrolling, confirm that your program's education and clinical training meet the requirements in the state where you plan to practice.
Check the program format: For online or hybrid programs, verify that required residencies, practica, internships, and other in-person training meet applicable accreditation and state licensing requirements.
If you're considering a doctoral clinical psychology program, keep in mind that the APA does not accredit fully online programs. However, APA-accredited programs can include some online coursework, giving you some flexibility while still completing required in-person training.
Admission Requirements for Clinical Psychology Degrees
| Degree Level | Prior Education | GPA | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | High school diploma | 2.0-3.0 | Personal statement, SAT or ACT scores |
| Master's | Bachelor's degree, psychology prerequisites | 3.0 | Personal statement, recommendation letters, GRE scores |
| Doctoral | Bachelor's in psychology or related field | 3.0-3.5 | Research statement and writing samples, resume, recommendation letters, GRE scores |
Clinical psychology admission requirements vary by degree level and school. Undergraduate programs typically focus on your academic record, while graduate programs may also consider psychology coursework, research experience, career goals, and recommendations.
Before applying, check each program's GPA, prerequisite, and testing requirements. You may also need additional psychology coursework or research experience for graduate admission.
How Long Does an Online Clinical Psychology Degree Take?
An online clinical psychology degree can take about 3-7 years, depending on the degree level:
Bachelor's: 3-4 years full time or 5-6 part-time
Master's: 2-3 years full time or 3-4 years part-time
Doctoral: 4-7 years full time or 6-10 years part-time
Your timeline can vary based on whether you study full or part time, transfer credits, and program requirements. Clinical training, research, dissertations, and internships can also affect how long graduate programs take. Part-time study typically takes longer and is typically rare for many doctoral programs.
How Much Does an Online Clinical Psychology Degree Cost?
The cost of an online clinical psychology degree depends on factors like degree level, school, and program format. You may be able to lower costs with financial aid such as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The table below shows average annual tuition and fees, along with the overall annual student budget, which includes additional expenses like housing, food, transportation, and books.
| Degree Level | Average Tuition and Fees Paid | Average Overall Student Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | $13,940 | $29,730 |
| Master's | $17,580 | $39,250 |
| Doctorate | $36,960 | $67,980 |
Source: NCES DataLab, 2020 Postsecondary Student Aid Study
All costs above were adjusted to 2026 Dollars via CPI Inflation Calculator
Is an Online Clinical Psychology Degree Worth It?
An online clinical psychology degree can be worth it if it fits your career goals, budget, and schedule. Before enrolling, consider whether:
The degree level prepares you for your intended career.
The program meets the accreditation and state licensing requirements for that career.
You can complete required in-person training and clinical placements.
The online format fits your schedule and learning style.
The program offers enough support for finding clinical placements or you feel confident that you can find those placements on your own.
The total cost, including tuition, fees, and travel, fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Clinical Psychology Degrees
You can complete some of your education online, particularly at the bachelor's and master's levels. However, becoming a licensed clinical psychologist generally requires a doctoral degree with substantial in-person training, though some programs may include online coursework.
