Top Online Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology 2026
Learn more about graduate programs in clinical psychology and what to expect in the application process.
Clinical psychology helps improve the lives of people with mental health conditions through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. There are meaningful opportunities for professionals at both the master’s and doctoral levels.
Discover a few important factors to consider when searching for a graduate program in clinical psychology and some insight into the application process.
Employment for clinical psychologists in the U.S. is projected to grow by 11% from 2024-2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Explore the top online clinical psychology programs and take the first step in joining the in-demand field of clinical psychology.
Top Online Programs in Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University – Best for Distance Learners
- Malibu, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose Pepperdine: Flexible Online Option Prepares Students for Licensure in Multiple States
We chose the MA in clinical psychology program at Pepperdine for its four start dates, virtual career and student resources, and clinical placements that can be completed locally. The curriculum meets the requirements for marriage and family therapists (MFTs) or licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in California and other select states.
The program requires 62-68 credits and takes 2.5-3 years to complete. The curriculum focuses on applied methods in psychotherapy, as well as practice-focused courses with clinical training. You’ll learn how to diagnose clients, form clinical cases, develop treatment plans, and facilitate the therapeutic process.
Other Highlights
- No GRE or standardized tests required.
- Career support services include one-on-one advising with an executive coach, student and alumni job boards, the PeppConnect online alumni community, and virtual and in-person networking events.
- Student support services include dedicated academic advising, student groups, and one-on-one sessions with faculty members.
Considerations
- $2,030 per unit
- $55 application fee
- 2-5 page personal statement required to apply
39%
$41,400
88%
$41,400
- Acceptance Rate
- 63%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,976
- Institution Type
- Private
Union College – Most Affordable Public School for In-State Students
- Barbourville, KY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose UCU: Cheapest Public School Pathway for Kentucky Residents
We chose UCU's MA in clinical psychology because it is the most affordable public school for Kentucky residents at $370 per credit. The hybrid program requires a 51% in-class requirement.
The 60-credit program includes 27 credits core psychology courses, three credits of electives, 18 credits of clinical program courses, and 12 credits of endorsement contract courses that are required to qualify for Kentucky licensure.
Other Highlights
- No application fee
- Accepts up to 9 transfer credits
- Access to personal advisor and 24/7 support
Considerations
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 required to apply
- Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate
- $50 graduation fee
72%
$8,880
58%
$8,880
- Acceptance Rate
- 55%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,129
- Institution Type
- Private
Vanguard University of Southern California – Most Affordable Private School
- Costa Mesa, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose VU: Cheapest Route for California Students Seeking a Private-University Education
We chose VU's MS in clinical psychology because it has the most affordable tuition from a Christian, private school in California of $855 per unit. Students must have a minimum of five semesters of residence to be eligible for graduation.
You’ll complete 61-66 units in 2-4 years, depending on whether you want to qualify to become a marriage and family therapist (MFT) or a professional clinical counselor (PCC) in California. If you want to qualify for both credits, you’ll complete 5-6 additional credits in career development and violence, abuse, and trauma. You’ll complete 225 clinical hours and a minimum of 150 face-to-face hours in one of 60 approved practicum placements that the faculty will support you to secure placement with.
Other Highlights
- 10-15% tuition scholarship available based on undergraduate cumulative GPA
- 8-week long online courses in the afternoons, evenings, or both.
- 2-4-year tracks available, which require 6-14 units per semester
Considerations
- 2-year track is an accelerated track and requires department approval
- 30 sessions of personal therapy required as part of the degree
- Must be enrolled in at least five units per semester to qualify for financial aid
59%
$12,618
74%
$12,618
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,219
- Institution Type
- Private
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 an Online Clinical Psychology Program
It’s important to consider several important factors when selecting a graduate program in clinical psychology. Online graduate programs in psychology require in-person clinical experiences. It’s also important to note that online programs are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Take time to reflect on your career goals, capacity for in-person or online study, and financial situation to find the right program for you.
Accreditation
Program accreditation is important in preserving the integrity of the psychology field, upholding rigorous research and clinical practice standards, and protecting public well-being.
In many states, only clinical psychologists with doctoral degrees from programs accredited by the APA or its equivalent are eligible for licensure. Check your state’s licensing requirements before enrolling in a graduate program to ensure it meets your state’s educational requirements for licensure. At this time, there are no fully online APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology.
Admission Requirements
Compare each program’s admission requirements as you decide which to apply to. Most graduate programs in psychology require official transcripts from a bachelor’s in psychology program or another degree that includes psychology coursework, a minimum GPA, a written statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Doctoral programs may prefer applicants with research experience.
Some programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others do not.
Career Relevance
Depending on licensure requirements in your state, a master’s in clinical psychology can prepare you for a career as a licensed counselor or mental health therapist, working with adults, children, and/or couples and families facing mental health and relationship concerns.
A fully online doctoral degree in clinical psychology may not satisfy requirements for clinical psychologist licensure in your state, so it’s important to check with your state’s licensing agency for specific requirements. Typically, you must complete in-person clinical components and/or meet residency requirements to become eligible for licensure as a clinical psychologist.
Flexibility
Some clinical psychology programs offer more flexibility than others. The top-rated Ph.D. programs in psychology are intensive, requiring your on-site, full-time commitment for at least six years to complete the program. Students looking for more flexibility can consider programs at the master’s or doctoral level that offer part-time or online options.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of clinical psychology graduate programs varies depending on the degree type, program location, and available funding options, such as scholarships. While some of the most sought-after Ph.D. programs are fully funded and offer a small stipend to cover living expenses, others can require significant financial investment.
Online programs may have less expensive tuition than their in-person counterparts, but they often lack scholarships and other funding opportunities to help offset those costs. Consider your budget and explore funding opportunities available for the programs you are interested in applying for.
How To Apply to an Online Clinical Psychology Program
Whether you’re applying for a master’s or doctorate in clinical psychology, there are a few key components to the graduate application process that you’ll find most programs require. It can take time to prepare all the necessary documents to complete your graduate school application, so begin early.
- Step 1: Online Application
The first step in applying for graduate school is to complete the university’s program application, which is typically online. This is where you’ll share basic information about yourself, your educational and employment history, and pay any application fees. Here you’ll also find details on how to submit the other components of the application.
- Step 2: Official Transcripts
Request that official transcripts be sent to the university that you are applying to, from your alma mater where you completed your undergraduate studies. GPA is an important consideration in graduate school admissions, as is the completion of any required prerequisite courses at the undergraduate level. If you have a master’s degree, be sure to submit the transcripts from that degree program as well. There may be a nominal processing fee associated with the transcript request, depending on your university’s policies.
- Step 3: Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are often required as part of the admissions process. These often come from professors you studied under in your bachelor’s program who know you well and can speak to your academic achievement. You may also include letters of recommendation from previous employers, particularly if you have any clinical or research related work experience.
Give your recommenders adequate time to draft a strong letter on your behalf, and be sure to offer gratitude for their time, regardless of your admissions outcome.
- Step 4: GRE Scores
The GRE is required for some graduate programs, though this is less common. Other programs have made the GRE optional, and you may submit your scores if you believe they add value to your application. If you do choose to take the GRE, be sure to allow enough time for your scores to be processed to ensure you meet any important application deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
Earning a doctorate in clinical psychology, completing the required clinical practicum and internship, passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and applying for licensure in your state will allow you to work as a clinical psychologist.
