Online Master’s Degrees in (Clinical) Psychology
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“Technological advancements in artificial intelligence are evolving rapidly. Yet, little is understood about their long-term effect on childhood development, education, and overall well-being. Psychology is uniquely poised to research these outcomes and drive legislation to protect public health outcomes.”
Krysten Dial, PsyD, Clinical Associate Professor and Program Director, Pepperdine University
Psychology is an academic discipline that takes learners through intimate explorations of the inner workings of the human mind, human motivation, and human behavior. Because every industry that involves people requires professionals that understand how people move through the world, the career applications for a student of psychology can present themselves in any industry and at various levels.
One major career track for those interested in psychology happens at the clinical level, where psychology expertise is applied to helping people cope with or overcome mental health struggles, cultivate greater self-awareness, and move toward lives that center on self-confidence, self-reliance, and well-being.
Those interested in clinical psychology will find that demand for mental health professionals of this kind is on the rise. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics (BLS 2024), occupational growth for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is predicted to grow by 7 percent between 2023 and 2033, a rate that’s nearly double the predicted growth for all occupations nationwide. That amounts to an additional 14,000 new clinical psychology positions created, for a total of 221,600 by the end of this time period.
Prospective students interested in becoming a part of this field will find many master of psychology programs offering formalized psychology training. Students who wish to continue working while studying, can’t physically move to pursue higher education, or want the flexibility to fit an academic program into their current life’s schedule can pursue master’s-level training online. While most online programs do not require any sort of in-person commitment, those that do often attempt to minimize disruptions to student life by offering residencies, immersions, or orientations that happen only for a few days.
The following comprehensive guide to master’s degrees in clinical psychology includes detailed information on admissions requirements, coursework, supervision and internship requirements, accreditation, and possible career options for graduates.
Ask the Expert: Krysten Dial, PsyD
Dr. Krysten Dial is a clinical associate professor and program director for the master of arts in psychology and the master of arts in clinical psychology online programs at Pepperdine University. She teaches various classes, including courses on group therapy, interventions for children and adolescents, counseling techniques, practicum, and career development.
Dr. Dial is an alumna of Pepperdine’s MA in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy (MACLP) program. She earned her PsyD degree from the University of Hartford in clinical child psychology and has clinical interests in the assessment and treatment of children with neurodevelopmental conditions and chronic medical illness.
CounselingSchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about psychology and/or psychology master’s programs?
Dr. Dial: One of the biggest misconceptions about psychology is that it centers primarily around providing individual therapy where clients talk to a therapist in an office. The field of psychology is vastly broader than that.
While talk therapy undoubtedly has a pivotal role in the field, only a small percentage of professionals provide direct therapy services to the public. The vast majority are engaged in rigorous scientific research to further our understanding of concrete topics such as learning, memory, development, aging, performance, technology, public safety, mental illness, and health. This research informs those providing an array of therapeutic services so that their care is rooted in scientific data. Thus, the entire field relies upon research to develop evidence-based practice.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring students in psychology?
Dr. Dial: Get involved and gain experience! It is never too early to join a national or regional psychology association and begin connecting with your peers and those who can serve as mentors. APA and its regional divisions, AAMFT and its regional divisions, and PsiChi are just a few that welcome and support undergraduate and graduate members. Many also grant scholarships to students and hold networking functions.
Research experience at any level is valuable, so consider connecting with a professor or a graduate student to see if you could support any ongoing projects. Lastly, volunteer and contribute to your community. Serving others will enhance your well-being and that of those you are helping, both key principles in the field of psychology.
CounselingSchools.com: What does the future of the field look like to you?
Dr. Dial: With the growing need for mental health care and the acknowledged mental health crisis in America, the future of the field will likely be the increased integration of technology into clinical care. Digital interventions will flourish, improving access to care, reliable diagnosis, and affordable treatment interventions.
Additionally, with growing evidence that social media has unintended developmental and social health consequences for people of all ages, there will likely be an increased focus on psychological research to explore these adverse outcomes and develop ways to mediate their impact.
Lastly, technological advancements in artificial intelligence are evolving rapidly. Yet, little is understood about their long-term effect on childhood development, education, and overall well-being. Psychology is uniquely poised to research these outcomes and drive legislation to protect public health outcomes.
Typical Admissions Requirements for Clinical Psychology Master’s Degrees
Online master of psychology degrees come in many forms, with a wide range of prerequisites needed to apply. Prospective master’s-level students will need to ensure they are familiar with admissions requirements by carefully studying admissions pages on program websites or by contacting admissions officers.
Generally, a prospective student applying to an online master of psychology programs can expect requirements like the following:
- Official transcripts demonstrating graduation from an accredited bachelor’s program
- Official transcripts demonstrating any completed post-secondary coursework and GPA
- Personal statement or letter of interest
- One to three letters of recommendation
- Application fee
- Resume or CV
- GRE or other standardized test scores.
- Proof of licensure or license eligibility (rarely)
Courses in Master of Clinical Psychology Programs
Coursework in a master of clinical psychology program varies greatly depending on the program, concentration, or clinical focus. The following is a list of sample coursework that a student may encounter while earning a master of psychology degree online:
- Abnormal Psychology & DSM 5
- Advanced Individual Counseling
- Advanced Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- Advanced Research Methods
- Applied Statistics for Psychology
- Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
- Child Psychology
- Child and Adolescent Intervention
- Clinical Issues in Human Diversity
- Comparative Theories of Personality & Psychotherapy
- Developmental Psychology
- Essential Interviewing Skills
- Ethical and Professional Issues
- Ethics and Standards of Professional Psychology
- Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Modern Emphasis
- Foundations of Addictions and Co-Occurring Disorders
- Foundations of Adlerian Psychology
- Foundations of Professional Psychology
- Introduction to Professional Writing and Portfolio
- Introduction to the Counseling Profession
- Life Span Development/Aging and Long Term Care
- Multicultural Counseling
- Principles of Research
- Psychological Assessment
- Research and Bibliographic Methods
- Testing, Measurement, and Assessment
- The Counseling Process
- Theory and Practice of Group Counseling
Supervised Clinical Hour Requirements & Internships – Master of (Clinical) Psychology
Supervised clinical hours and internships are crucial components for students aiming to become licensed mental health professionals. Master’s programs in psychology vary in their focus; some are designed to prepare students for licensure, while others are not. It’s essential for prospective students to thoroughly review program details and consult with program coordinators to understand the available supervision and internship opportunities.
Programs tailored for licensure typically include required supervised hours to meet state-specific criteria for licensing exams. For instance, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s M.A. in Psychology program mandates a minimum of 700 hours of clinical training over 9 to 12 months, including at least 280 hours of direct client contact. Many online programs allow students to complete their supervised hours near their residences.
Conversely, some master’s programs, such as those offered by Walden University, are not licensure-focused and do not require clinical supervision or hands-on internships. Graduates from these programs can still pursue supervised hours and internships independently during or after their studies.
The required number of supervised hours varies by state and license type. For example, in California, becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) requires completing specific educational components and supervised clinical experience. California State University, Dominguez Hills, offers an M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an LPCC option, requiring students to complete 63 units of coursework and a minimum of 280 face-to-face clinical hours. It’s important to note that licensure requirements can change, so students should verify current standards in the state where they intend to practice.
In all cases, prospective students should consult current program materials and state licensing boards to obtain the most up-to-date requirements and ensure their educational path aligns with their licensure goals.
Program Accreditation for (Clinical) Psychology Master’s Programs
Accreditation is the process by which universities submit to being adjudicated by a third-party accrediting organization to prove institutional and/or programmatic relevance and quality. For students looking for a master of psychology program, accreditation is a sign of the quality of education, and graduating from an accredited program is powerful for professionals looking to be competitive in the job market. Accreditation is essential for those interested in pursuing education at the doctoral level and for those who intend to become licensed mental health professionals.
Accreditation occurs at national, regional, and programmatic levels. At the master’s level, prospective psychology students should ensure their prospective program is offered by a university accredited at the regional or national levels. The accrediting body should be amongst those approved by the Department of Education (DOE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
At the programmatic level, accreditation for psychology programs is generally only done at the doctoral level. With that said, some master’s in psychology programs offering specializations bring in programmatic accreditation from outside the psychology realm. For example, Purdue Global University offers a master’s of psychology with a concentration in addiction that is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). Purdue offers four other concentrations that fall under Purdue’s institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), but that do not have any specialized programmatic accreditations.
Featured Online (Clinical) Psychology Programs
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University offers three online psychology programs: a master of arts in clinical psychology, a master of arts in psychology; and a master of science in applied behavior analysis.
The 62- to 68-unit MA in clinical psychology is designed to prepare students for licensure, offering two tracks: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Students in the LMFT track must complete 700 hours of supervised field experience, with at least 225 hours of direct client contact. The LPCC track requires 280 hours of direct contact. The program can be completed in as few as 27 months.
The 36- to 48-unit MA in psychology provides a broad foundation in psychological principles with a clinical framework. While there are no official concentrations, students can tailor their studies by selecting two elective courses. This program can be completed in as few as 18 months.
Pepperdine does not require GRE scores for admission to either of these programs.
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Duration: 12 to 27 months
Adler University offers an online master of arts in psychology designed for students seeking to apply psychological principles to social change. Emphasizing socially responsible practice, the program integrates empirical research with a commitment to social justice. Students complete 35 credit hours, including core coursework, elective studies, a Social Justice Practicum, and a capstone or thesis project. The curriculum allows for specialization in gender and sexuality studies, crisis management, health and wellness, or child and adolescent development. Fully online and designed for working professionals, the program provides a flexible learning experience but does not lead to licensure.
- Location: Minnetonka, Minnesota
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: Oneto two years
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online master of arts in applied psychology program designed to equip students with practical skills to apply psychological principles across various sectors. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural understanding and real-world application, preparing graduates to address complex issues in diverse organizational settings.
A distinctive feature of the program is the applied research project, which allows students to delve into one of seven concentration areas, integrating scholarly theory with practical practice. This program is ideal for individuals aiming to enhance their expertise in psychology to effect positive change in communities and organizations.
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Duration: 12 to 16 months
Purdue Global offers an online master of science in psychology designed to provide students with a strong foundation in psychological theories and their practical applications. The program emphasizes research, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates for roles in various professional settings. Students can choose from four concentrations: General psychology, which offers a broad exploration of psychological concepts; addictions, which focuses on substance abuse treatment and counseling strategies; forensic psychology, which applies psychology within criminal and civil legal systems; and industrial/organizational psychology, which examines workplace behavior, motivation, and leadership.
The program requires 60 to 75 credits, depending on the track, and can typically be completed in one year of full-time study. As a culminating experience, students may complete a capstone project or a thesis, with the latter being ideal for those considering doctoral studies. While the program does not lead to licensure, the Addictions concentration is accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) and may fulfill certain state-specific certification requirements.
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: 12 months
Walden University offers several online master of science in psychology programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in psychological theories and their real-world applications. These programs are not licensure-focused but are intended to prepare graduates for careers in research, education, and applied psychology across various settings.
The master of science in developmental psychology explores human growth and development across the lifespan, with specializations in administration and leadership, adult development and gerontology, child and adolescent development, health and human development, and international perspectives in developmental psychology. This program is designed for professionals seeking to apply developmental psychology principles in educational, healthcare, and community-based environments.
The master of science in psychology provides a broad understanding of psychological disciplines, offering specializations in applied behavior analysis (ABA), applied psychology, educational psychology, general psychology, health psychology, and social psychology. The applied behavior analysis specialization includes a course sequence verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI), fulfilling coursework requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam, though additional supervised fieldwork is required.
Each program consists of 48 credits and is typically completed in two to three years, depending on individual pacing. Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and operates primarily online, with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. No GRE scores are required for admission, making these programs accessible to a wide range of students.
- Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: Two to three years
What Can I Do With a Master’s in (Clinical) Psychology?
In addition to a traditional career path such as becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC), here are two other roles to consider.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) work with individuals, couples, and families to create positive and life-enhancing behaviors through a family-centered approach. MFTs help clients to express and understand their emotions regarding relationships, major life-changes, decision making, familial roles and niches, mental health issues, attitudes, feelings, thoughts, and more.
In addition to client work, MFTs refer clients to necessary services, keep detailed confidential records, and if in private practice, they take care of the marketing, client acquisition, budgeting, billing, and other responsibilities related to owning a small business.
According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics (2024), between 2023 and 2033, the demand for MFTs is predicted to grow 16 percent, which is four times the predicted rate of growth for all occupations nationwide in the same time frame. The BLS notes that the reason for this rapid rate of growth lies in the rise of integrated care, where MFTs are becoming more essential.
Art Therapist
An art therapist helps clients through struggles in mental health using the modality of art-making. Art therapists improve cognitive functioning, sensory-motor functioning, improve self-esteem, foster self-awareness, help clients to build emotional resilience, improve social skills, manage conflict, reduce stress, and more.
Art therapists use a wide range of techniques to engage clients in expression beyond verbal, using kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic techniques. In addition to working directly with clients, art therapists will engage in the documentation of visits, patient monitoring, giving referrals to needed social services, and the co-creation of treatment plans with clients, families, and other healthcare providers.
Becca Brewer, MEd
WriterBecca Brewer is building a better future on a thriving earth by healing herself into wholeness, divesting from separation, and walking the path of the loving heart. Previously to her journey as an adventurer for a just, meaningful, and regenerative world, Becca was a formally trained sexuality educator with a master of education.
Matt Zbrog
WriterMatt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2020, he’s written extensively about how counselors and other behavioral health professionals are working to address the nation’s mental health and substance use crises, with a particular focus on community-driven and interdisciplinary approaches. His articles have included detailed interviews with leaders and subject matter experts from the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA), the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).