2026’s Top Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs
Thinking about a career in psychology? Explore our ranking of top clinical psychology master’s programs.
A master’s in clinical psychology can pave the way to a career helping others. This guide ranks the top master’s degree programs and provides tips on selecting the right degree for your career goals. Learn about accreditation, admission requirements, program format, and tuition costs.
Top Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology
Brenau University – Best Clinical Experience Opportunities
- Gainesville, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Brenau University: Choose From Two On-Site Clinics or 150 Community-Based Clinical Sites
We chose Brenau’s master’s in clinical psychology because it offers students many clinical experience opportunities to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. The on-site program offers two on-site clinics (one of only two official institutes for play therapy in Georgia), along with over 150 other clinical sites.
You’ll gain clinical experience starting your first year. You’ll also have access to state-of-the-art facilities with virtual reality treatment technology and driving simulator technology. You’ll also have to complete 62 credits of coursework and a research thesis to graduate.
Other Highlights
- Three start dates in fall, spring on the Gainesville campus, and summer on the North Atlanta campus
- Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
- Active-duty military personnel and their dependents qualify for a $250 per credit tuition rate.
Considerations
- Tuition costs $845 per credit
- Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, a combined GRE score of 270, three letters of recommendation, a writing sample about your career interests, and prerequisites in abnormal psychology, statistics, and research.
- Between 2021 and 2023, 9% of graduates became licensed mental health professionals.
61%
$14,130
65%
$14,130
- Acceptance Rate
- 88%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,436
- Institution Type
- Private
DePaul University – Best for Urban Community Practice
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose DePaul: Preparing Students to Provide Health Equity in Underserved Areas
DePaul’s MA/Ph.D. in clinical psychology prepares students for urban community practice in underserved communities. Graduates can pursue practice in clinical psychology in urban settings with diverse ethnic and socioeconomic populations, as well as in underserved areas.
The program requires 80 quarter credits, 68 for the MA and 12 for the Ph.D program. Program core competencies include psychological assessment and intervention, consultation, communication and interpersonal skills, adherence to ethical and legal standards, and understanding of individual and cultural diversity.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by the American Psychological Association
- If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field besides psychology, you can still apply if you meet the other admission criteria
- 97% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation, according to DePaul.
Considerations
- Must complete your master’s thesis and doctoral candidacy comprehensive project before advancing to Ph.D. coursework
- Must complete the Ph.D. program requirements within five years of advancing to candidacy
- GRE scores and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5 are recommended but not required for admission
59%
$22,135
86%
$22,135
- Acceptance Rate
- 76%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,210
- Institution Type
- Private
Northwestern University – Best Tuition Benefits
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Northwestern: All Students Receive a 45% Tuition Remission
Northwestern’s clinical psychology MA program is the newest on this list, enrolling its first cohort of students in Fall 2025. The program prepares students for licensure as professional counselors and clinical professional counselors in the state of Illinois. The school awards a graduate scholarship to all students enrolled in the MA program, providing a 45% tuition remission for each quarter.
The full-time program requires you to take three to four quarter-units over two years or eight quarters. Courses include psychotherapy, research methods, group therapy, and psychological assessment. Students start an internship and practicum in the summer of their first year and complete five quarters of internship or practicum, which includes 15-20 hours of clinical experience per week, totaling 700 hours.
Other Highlights
- Rolling admissions until the final deadline of May 1st
- GRE scores are not required
- A master’s thesis is not required
Considerations
- The program is currently seeking accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Admission requires a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.2; volunteer, paid, or research experience with clinical populations; an essay describing interest and preparation for the program; and three letters of recommendation.
- All students receive a 45% tuition remission throughout the program.
11%
$52,698
97%
$52,698
- Acceptance Rate
- 7%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,801
- Institution Type
- Private
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Best for Students Seeking Applied Behavioral Analysis Certification
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UTRGV: Obtain ABA Certification While Earning Your Degree
We chose UTRGV’s master’s in clinical psychology because it allows you to earn your applied behavioral analysis certification through the ABA certificate, which only requires one additional course you can take while you earn your degree. Six of the seven courses in the ABA certificate will count toward your master’s degree. You’ll take courses in behavioral change and assessment, social psychology, developmental psychology, research design, and personality development, and complete an internship and practicum.
The 60-credit master’s degree in clinical psychology prepares you to become a licensed professional associate or earn a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Other Highlights
- Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- No GRE required
Considerations
- Full-time tuition costs $4,338 for nine credits for in-state students, and $7,983 for nine credits for out-of-state students.
- One application for the fall term
- On-campus program
67%
$ 6,948
81%
$14,499
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 33,881
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Houston-Clear Lake – Best for Specialized Study
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UHCL: Choose from Broad Elective Options That Align With Your Interests
UHCL's master’s in clinical psychology allows you to choose electives from various specialties while you earn a degree that prepares you for mental health licensure in Texas. You can choose to specialize in behavioral medicine, anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies, and behavioral parent training for childhood externalizing behaviors.
Courses include behavioral assessment, personality assessment, multicultural counseling, and psychotherapy. You’ll complete two semesters of practicum before you complete a 500-hour internship at one of over 60 clinical sites across Houston.
Other Highlights
- 100% graduation and licensure rate, according to UHCL.
- Internship site placement assistance and clinical training at the on-site psychology clinic,
- Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Considerations
- $35 program fee in addition to the university application fee
- Tuition costs $9,920 per year for in-state students, and $19,352 per year for out-of-state students
- Admissions requires letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of interest
52%
$ 7,920
73%
$17,532
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,137
- Institution Type
- Public
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How To Choose a Clinical Psychology Master’s Program
Consider several factors as you explore clinical psychology master’s programs. Your career aspirations will help determine your education and training needs. Other factors to consider include admission requirements, program format, and the cost of your education.
Accreditation
The top clinical psychology master’s programs hold programmatic accreditation from the Master’s in Psychology Accreditation Council, the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, or equivalent. Choosing a degree with specialized accreditation ensures your education meets current best practices and adequately prepares you for a doctoral degree, clinical licensure, and the workforce.
Admission Requirements
Every application you submit takes time and costs money, so take a closer look at each program’s admission requirements to help narrow down your options. Consider factors including minimum GPA, test score requirements, and letters of recommendation. Consider when you want to begin classes and look for programs with corresponding admission deadlines and start dates.
Career Relevance
If you plan to pursue counseling licensure following graduation, make sure the clinical psychology master’s program you choose includes the coursework and clinical hours required for your desired career.
If you plan to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, all states require a license and doctorate in clinical psychology. Make sure the master’s program you select adequately prepares you for doctoral study.
Flexibility
Choose a program format that is right for you. Psychology departments offer master’s programs on campus, online, and/or in hybrid format. You may also want to pursue a degree with classes offered during the day or in the evenings, depending on your schedule. Part-time and full-time enrollment options add additional flexibility.
Cost and Financial Aid
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition and fees were $20,513 on average for the 2021-22 academic year. The majority of students may need help paying for their education. First fill out the Free Application For Financial Student Aid. Submitting this form helps you qualify for financial aid such as federal loans, grants, and work-study.
While you research clinical psychology master’s programs, also explore what financial aid is available. Colleges and psychology departments often list institutional aid that can help pay for your degree.
How To Apply to a Clinical Psychology Master’s Program
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field. Some programs may have no preference for undergraduate majors. Many programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Make sure your qualifications match admission requirements.
- Step 1: Fill Out the Application
Follow the admission department’s guidelines for filling out the application. Make sure to include all of your supporting documents, like a resume, CV, or personal statement, and upload them online as requested.
- Step 2: Official Transcripts
Some schools will accept unofficial transcripts during the initial admissions review. Applicants send these academic records electronically or by mail. You will eventually need to have official transcripts sent directly from the undergraduate college to the designated graduate school.
- Step 3: Letters of Recommendation
Most programs require at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic or professional competencies. Typical recommenders include professors, academic advisors, and work supervisors. Many schools have online recommendation forms that each recommender fills out and sends directly to the institution.
- Step 4: GRE scores
Many graduate schools no longer require the Graduate Record Examination or similar standardized test scores unless your undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0. Follow the directives of each institution on whether you need the test and how to submit the results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
A master’s in clinical psychology can be worth the time and expense if you are passionate about helping others and interested in entering a high demand profession. Master’s program graduates can pursue careers as licensed counselors or progress to doctoral studies and earn clinical psychologist licensure.
