Are you interested in a career as a clinical psychologist? Researching the best clinical psychology programs can pose a challenge to prospective students. Considerations include online vs. in-person courses, program accreditation, financial aid options, application processes, completion times, and practical requirements.
This guide explores the differences between hybrid and online programs and addresses questions potential students have about the best clinical psychology programs.
Featured Online Psychology Programs
What to Look For in a Clinical Psychology Program
Prospective clinical psychology students should review the application and admissions steps for their program options. Schools may require transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, resumes, or specific test scores.
Staff-to-student ratio and graduation rates also play a role in deciding on the best program for your needs. In addition, proper program accreditation is vital. Accreditation ensures students of the program's quality, as it is regulated in part by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Financial aid concerns can often create stress for students, especially as tuition, housing costs, and required materials have steadily climbed. Students should research options to fund higher education as soon as possible, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), grants, and scholarships.
Hybrid and Online Options
Hybrid programs provide courses that meet both online and on campus. Such programs can give students a much-needed balance between coursework and personal life. However, unlike fully online degrees, hybrid programs allow students to partake in campus-based social and networking events.
Per the APA, there are no fully online, accredited doctorates in psychology, as courses taught entirely outside of the campus environment are not considered suitable for the doctoral level. However, accredited doctoral programs can offer some online coursework.
At the master's level, the APA provides accreditation. Fully online master's programs can obtain accreditation through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), which also ensures quality standards.
Practical Experience Requirements
Practical experiences include internships, practicums, and clinical hours. These practical experiences allow students to apply learned theories in a professional environment.
Internships provide students with client contact through independent fieldwork, receiving supervision or feedback afterward. Practicums supply an observational experience, requiring students to watch a licensed professional undertake client treatments.
These practical experiences enable students to connect with clients and patients within professional environments and develop rapport. Upon applying theories learned in the classroom, students can receive feedback and further sharpen their clinical skills. Internships and practicums can also provide the potential to gain a permanent position or networking opportunities within the field.
Often, the student must locate and manage these opportunities independently. On-campus resources, such as career centers and job fairs, can provide students with valuable networking possibilities for securing an internship or practicum.
Best Clinical Psychology Programs
#1 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 years
- Campus
Renowned for academic and research excellence, Harvard offers a Ph.D. in clinical psychology that uses a clinical science training model. The program prepares students for clinical psychologist licensure in Massachusetts. Learners can complete this degree in five years. The program emphasizes research on severe psychopathology.
The curriculum covers topics like psychotherapy research, psychological testing, and diagnostic interviewing. Enrollees complete six semesters of clinical training and a one-year clinical internship. Students design a research project that culminates in a dissertation.
Enrollees receive financial aid that includes tuition, health fees, and stipend support. The psychology department also guarantees teaching fellowship support in years three and four. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree and strong academic record.
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Northwestern's MA in clinical psychology prepares students for academic roles.
The 15-month program does not lead to licensure for clinical practice. Learners complete at least 17 units exploring major areas of psychology. The curriculum includes child psychopathology, health psychology, and forensic psychology.
Enrollees complete weekly career development proseminars. These events teach about faculty mentors, labs, and career options. Students complete about 10 hours of research lab experience each week. The program culminates in a capstone project. The MA is embedded in the Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Master's and Ph.D. students complete coursework and labs together.
Most students use the MA to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology. Master's degree-seekers receive a graduate scholarship that reduces tuition by 45%. In exchange, they complete research lab work. Applicants need a bachelor's degree. The department prefers at least a 3.2 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
2%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students complete UCF's MA in clinical psychology at the Sanford/Lake Mary campus. Degree-seekers choose a research/thesis or an applied pre-licensure/non-thesis track. The pre-licensure track trains enrollees to provide clinical services in a variety of settings. Learners complete two years of supervised clinical experience to qualify for a Florida licensed mental health counselor license.
Degree-seekers who want to pursue careers in clinical research enroll in the research/thesis track. This option does not lead to licensure. Students complete less coursework than their pre-licensure track peers. This lets them devote more time to research activities. Pre-licensure students receive clinical training through a practicum and internship. Research/thesis students can complete an optional internship.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
NYU's MA in psychology offers a clinical psychology focus. The 36-point program prepares students for work in research labs or human services. The MA does not lead to licensure. Most graduates continue on to Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs.
Core classes cover topics like child development, cognitive neuroscience, and theories of personality. Enrollees supplement the rest of the curriculum with elective classes. Options include health psychology, neuropsychology, and modern psychological treatments. With approval, students can pursue electives in other NYU departments and schools.
Enrollees culminate one of the nation's best clinical psychology programs with a comprehensive exam or master's thesis. Students can enroll part time or full time. They can take up to five years to complete the degree. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and school transcripts.
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Houston, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UHCL serves about 9,000 students and offers degrees across four colleges. The MA in clinical psychology teaches students psychological assessment and evidence-based intervention strategies. Graduates qualify for professional counselor and psychological associate licensure.
Core classes cover topics like psychopathology and the biological bases of behavior. Students receive training in behavioral, cognitive, and personality assessment. Enrollees explore psychotherapy theory and research. They learn how to practice individual and group therapy.
One of the nation's best clinical psychology programs, the program lets students pursue training in specialized areas. Options include methods of treatment for anxiety and stress management and couples and sex therapy. During a two-semester practicum, students deliver therapy services to clients under supervision.
Degree-seekers complete a 500-hour internship in a mental health setting in the Houston area. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, prerequisite courses, and GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UTRGV's MA in clinical psychology prepares clinicians. Graduates can pursue licensure as professional counselors or psychology associates in Texas. The school notes the need for highly qualified counselors and psychologists in the Rio Grande Valley region.
Students choose a 48-credit thesis or nonthesis option. The thesis track provides the foundation for learners to move into a doctoral program. All enrollees complete most of the same courses. They explore issues like neuropsychology, cross-cultural psychology, and advanced psychological measurement. Degree-seekers learn personality assessment techniques and other clinical applications. They apply their learning during practicums and internships.
Non-thesis students complete career development and developmental psychology coursework to prepare for licensure. They culminate the program with a comprehensive exam. UTRGV offers financial aid like scholarships, grants, and paid assistantships. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores.
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
Teachers College at Columbia University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
New York-based Teachers College offers a 36-credit MA in psychology in education. The program provides a tailored educational experience with curriculum customization and enrollment flexibility. The program suits students planning to enter doctoral programs and does not lead to licensure.
Degree-seekers receive foundational training in psychopathology, treatment interventions, and research methods. World-renowned clinicians and researchers teach classes. The program features 10 optional specializations. Choices include forensic psychology, psychotherapy, and clinical psychology and technology.
A unique spirituality and mind/body practices specialization examines how spirituality and contemplative practices can contribute to well-being. Students can choose more than one concentration.
Enrollees complete a culminating project that contributes to the field. Full-time and part-time enrollment options provide flexibility. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, school transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
14%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
The University of Texas at Tyler
- Tyler, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UT Tyler's MS in clinical psychology prepares enrollees for licensure in Texas. Students learn how to administer psychological tests and counseling. They also explore psychotherapy techniques in mental health settings. The 60-credit curriculum offers a general program of study and a neuropsychology specialization.
All enrollees complete core classes covering concepts like advanced psychopathology, counseling theories, and advanced psychological statistics and design. Students completing the general program choose electives from graduate psychology and counseling courses. The neuropsychology specialization provides training in behavioral neuroscience, flexible neuropsychological battery, and neuropsychological assessment of memory.
Students in both tracks practice clinical skills with community clients. They complete 300 hours of supervised practicums in psychology. The program meets the requirements for licensed psychological associate credentialing in Texas. The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers limited graduate assistantships. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, prerequisite psychology coursework, and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#9 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
Antioch University-Los Angeles
- Culver City, CA
- 4 years
- Campus
Founded in 1852, AU is a private school with several campuses. AU-Los Angeles offers an MA in clinical psychology. The 90-unit program prepares students for licensure as marriage and family therapists (MFTs) in California. The curriculum explores concepts like psychopathology, psychological testing, and dependency and addiction. Students learn how to treat children and adolescents.
The program offers eight specializations, including addiction and recovery and psychological trauma studies. A notable body-mind-spirit wellness specialization integrates evidence-based practices from the East and West. Students who want to work as licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs) can choose a specialization for this purpose.
Enrollees learn MFT and LPCC psychotherapeutic techniques. They apply these techniques under supervision at affiliated mental health services agencies. The program offers study-abroad opportunities to enrich students' multicultural competence while they earn credit. Learners complete most of the program as part of a cohort. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, school transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
6%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#10 The Best Clinical Psychology Programs
California Lutheran University
- Thousand Oaks, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Thousand Oaks-based CLU offers an on-campus MS in clinical psychology. The program prepares students for roles in research or program evaluation. It does not lead to licensure.
Degree-seekers complete 37-40 credits with thesis and nonthesis options. Required classes cover topics like clinical and research ethics, psychometrics, and behavioral clinical methods. Enrollees receive advanced clinical training in one of several two-course concentrations. Options include a dialectical behavior therapy/methods in suicide assessment and risk management sequence.
Alternatively, students can pursue advanced quantitative training in meta-analysis and structural equation modeling. Learners complete a research practicum leading to a thesis or a culminating exam.
Degree-seekers study in small classes with about 12-15 students. The program offers two-year full-time and three-year part-time degree plans. Evening classes let students continue to work. Admission requires a bachelor's degree and school transcripts.
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become a clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychology?
Yes. However, if you didn't fulfill clinical experience requirements to practice as a psychologist, you must accrue a certain number of hours determined by your state to qualify for licensure.
How long does it take to become a clinical psychologist?
To become a clinical psychologist, candidates must complete a bachelor's degree, sometimes a master's degree, and a doctorate. Depending on whether a student completes a master's degree, the total time in higher education adds up to about 8-12 years.
How is a clinical psychologist different from other types of psychologists?
Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The word "clinical" implies that they work directly with patients in a health clinic or hospital, as opposed to exclusively teaching or conducting research.
What's the difference between a Ph.D. in psychology and a Psy.D.?
While there is significant overlap between these two programs, a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in psychology program focuses more on research, while a Psy.D. program focuses more on clinical aspects.
