The Best Clinical Psychology Programs of 2024

Degree-seekers can pursue Northwestern University's MA in clinical psychology on campus in Evanston, Illinois. Students complete 17 units in 15 months of full-time enrollment. The core curriculum includes courses in research methods/statistics and advanced research methodology.

Enrollees use elective courses to explore areas in clinical psychology and discipline-specific and professional competency subjects. Weekly seminars acquaint students with various mentors and their research at Northwestern, while providing academic and career exploration opportunities. 

Students participate in research lab work, and degree completion includes a capstone research project. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, test scores, and essays.

New York University's MA in psychology offers a clinical psychology focus. The 36-credit program enrolls students planning to pursue doctorates or careers in clinical psychology or human services.

In addition to core courses, students complete electives in topics, including psychosis in social contexts, health psychology, rehabilitative neuropsychology, and the psychology of violence. Students acquire hands-on experience in research labs at NYU or at other institutions and organizations in the New York metro area.

The degree culminates with a research thesis or comprehensive exam. The program features small class sizes to promote personalized learning. Evening classes accommodate the needs of busy students.

The MA in clinical psychology at the University of Central Florida offers two tracks: applied pre-licensure/non-thesis and research/thesis. Students complete either terminal degree at the UCF Sanford/Lake Mary campus. 

The 61-credit applied pre-licensure/non-thesis track prepares practitioners who can deliver clinical services in various settings, and meets educational requirements for mental health counselor licensure in Florida.

The 38-credit research/thesis track prepares enrollees for clinical research careers or doctoral programs. Students develop research experience and use elective credits to pursue specialized areas of interest. This track does not prepare participants for licensure as a licensed mental health counselor. 

Located in Berkeley, California, the Wright Institute specializes in developing clinical practitioners. Students move through the Wright Institute's 60-credit MA in counseling psychology as part of a cohort.

Enrollees explore topics, such as counseling theories and techniques, individual and family development, and clinical assessment and measures. Participants learn how to work with various client populations and apply their training during a clinical practicum at a behavioral health agency in California.

A conjunctive yearlong seminar helps enrollees develop their expertise and practice as mental health clinicians. Enrollees receive access to student mentors, a field placement office, and opportunities, such as teaching assistantships. 

DePaul University's MA in clinical psychology uses a scientist-practitioner model to prepare enrollees for clinical practice and research. The 76-credit curriculum includes core training in physiological processes, perception and cognition, and cognitive development. 

Elective courses provide training in the psychology of trauma and the psychology of disaster and crisis intervention. An elective course explores group therapy, adult therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques.

Participants learn theory, research, and interventions in the clinical-child or clinical-community areas of emphasis, specializations within the clinical psychology department. A practicum provides clinical experience, while a thesis and oral defense culminate the MA in clinical psychology. 

The MA in clinical psychology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley paves the way for credentialing as a psychological associate or licensed professional counselor in Texas. The curriculum offers thesis and non-thesis options. 

The 48-credit curriculum requires coursework in neuropsychology, advanced studies in personality theory, and advanced psychological measurement. Clinical coursework provides training in personality assessment and individual and group psychotherapy. 

Enrollees apply their knowledge and skills during required practicum and internship experiences. UTRGV provides value because of affordable tuition and less student debt. Graduate assistantships and other aid help students pay for their education.

California State University-San Bernardino's MS in clinical/counseling psychology prepares enrollees for state licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Students complete the full-time day program in two years. 

The 63-71 unit degree covers community and public mental health, family processes, multicultural counseling, and clinical assessment. Enrollees learn how to assess and treat clients with substance abuse disorders.

Foundational skills in marriage and family therapy provide training in counseling and treatment planning. Enrollees participate in extensive practicum experiences in both marriage and family therapy and counseling psychology. Participants choose a culminating exam or research thesis.

The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers an MA in clinical psychology to prepare enrollees for licensure as psychological associates and professional counselors in Texas. Students learn psychological assessment skills and evidence-based individual and group therapy techniques. 

Enrollees can opt for specialized training in anxiety disorders, behavioral medicine, and couples and sex therapy. A notable course examines the theories and research supporting mindfulness and acceptance-based therapies. 

Participants also have the option to work with faculty on research projects. Applied learning comprises a supervised two-semester practicum at the university's Psychological Services Clinic and a 500-hour internship at a site in the Houston area.

Antioch University offers an MA in clinical psychology with a variety of focused areas of practice. Students complete the degree on a full- or part-time basis in 8-16 quarters at the Los Angeles campus. The 90-unit degree meets the educational requirements for California licensure as a marriage and family therapist and licensed professional clinical counselor. 

Specializations include child studies, spiritual and depth psychology, and addiction and recovery. Enrollees complete practicum experiences at one of the 100-plus affiliated mental health services agencies. Graduates enter the field equipped to help clients address many of the contemporary world's sensitive issues.

Teachers College at Columbia University is renowned for its clinical psychology program. The 36-credit MA in psychology in education at TC is best suited for aspiring Psy.D. or Ph.D. students. The degree does not lead to licensure in New York State.

Participants receive foundational training in psychopathology, theory, and treatment methods. The MA's ten areas of concentration provide enrollees with specialization options, including child and family, psychotherapy, clinical psychology and technology, or spirituality and mind/body practices. Learners can also design a curriculum with more than one concentration.