Best Master's Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology

Harvard University's clinical psychology degree is a five-year program that requires students to complete major projects during their first two years. They can finish the program with three years of doctoral-integrated work. 

The program includes a one-year clinical internship and a six-hour exam in the first two years. This research-focused program prepares students for assessment, intervention, and treatment regarding psychopathology. 

Each applicant must submit an online application with a $105 fee, unofficial transcripts, and at least three letters of recommendation. They also need to provide a statement of purpose and a personal statement. 

Learners looking to pursue master's degrees within an academic medical center setting can apply to Northwestern University's clinical psychology master's program. This non-licensure program focuses on academics and research within clinical psychology but does not include clinical training. 

The curriculum requires 17 credit hours of coursework and includes up to eight electives. Major areas of study include forensics, health behavioral medicine, child psychology, and clinical neuropsychology. 

All candidates need to submit three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, an academic statement, and an optional personal statement.

New York University's clinical psychology master's program prepares students to apply for doctoral studies or research-focused careers after graduation. 

Each enrollee takes 15 required core credits. They can choose between two groups of recommended core courses or their own three core courses, but the school notes that core courses not in the two recommended course groups may not be as relevant to clinical psychology. 

The school requires each candidate to submit an online application with a $110 fee, a statement of academic purpose, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.

The University of Central Florida's clinical psychology master's degree is a two-year program accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students can choose from two tracks. The applied pre-licensure non-thesis pathway prepares learners to pursue licensure as mental health counselors through internships and practicums. The research/thesis track does not lead to licensure but prepares graduates to pursue doctoral studies or careers in clinical research. 

For admission, each candidate must possess a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and send in an online application with a $31 fee, along with their official transcripts. 

Degree-seekers interested in short-term programs can apply to Boston University's master's degree in psychology. The school's one-year program, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, features courses in clinical psychology, neuroscience, and cognition.

Undergraduate applicants should have a basic psychology background, including prior coursework related to research methods, statistics, and fundamentals of psychology. This program can prepare individuals to pursue doctoral studies or careers in research, management, or administration.

The university requires applicants to possess bachelor's degrees for admission. The application process requires a $95 fee. Each candidate must submit unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a writing sample, and a resume.

Students interested in Christian-centered psychology programs can apply to Divine Mercy University's master's degree in clinical psychology. This 33-credit, non-licensure program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Learners can specialize in marriage and family studies, leadership, bioethics, human services counseling, or a pre-Ph.D. focus. The school also features an individualized track that allows students to choose electives. 

Each candidate must possess a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 GPA. The application process includes a $55 fee. All applicants need to submit two academic or professional references, a resume, official transcripts, and an essay outlining their goal and statement of intent. 

Individuals seeking master's degrees and hands-on clinical training can apply to The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at San Diego's master's in clinical mental health counseling. This CACREP-accredited program can be completed in two years of full-time enrollment or three years for part-time learners. 

The curriculum covers courses in diagnosing mental health conditions and development across the lifespan, along with a practicum and an internship. Feld training delivers 700 hours of on-site clinical experience.

For admission, each candidate must possess a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. They need to send in an online application with a $50 fee, a two-page essay, three letters of recommendation, and a resume. The admissions department also requires an interview. 

The Wright Institute's clinical psychology program can lead to licensure in California as a professional clinical counselor or licensed marriage and family therapist. 

Enrollees can complete the coursework and practicum experience in two years, although it can take up to three years for students with full-time employment. The coursework includes 60 required units covering professional ethics, addiction counseling, trauma counseling, and clinical assessment.

Each candidate needs to hold a bachelor's degree. They must also submit an online application, a statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts. 

Degree-seekers who wish to obtain a broad education in psychology can apply to CUNY City College's master's program in general psychology, which uses a seminar-based format with a cohort of 26 students. 

Enrollees can opt for a non-thesis program with 40 credits of intensive coursework or 31 credits of research-focused coursework and a thesis. All students must maintain minimum GPAs of 3.0. An applicant needs to possess a bachelor's degree and provide a personal statement, at least two letters of recommendation, and unofficial transcripts. The application process requires a $75 fee.

Learners who wish to attend an American Psychological Association-accredited clinical program can apply to DePaul University's master's in clinical psychology. This degree prepares graduates to pursue professional roles in research or the public sector. The course of study comprises 76 quarter hours of coursework, including four quarter hours of thesis work.

Students can choose a clinical-child or a clinical-community focus. They must complete a clinical practicum and a master's thesis on an approved topic. This degree program combines master's and Ph.D. studies for enrollees to graduate in as little as five years. 

For admission, each candidate must include a $40 application fee with their online application, along with GRE scores, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae.