Master’s in clinical psychology programs

Wondering where a master's in clinical psychology can take you? Explore paths, possibilities, and specialization options as you research programs.

Explore clinical psychology programs

Family sitting on a couch talking to a woman sitting across from them holding a clipboard.

Why earn an online master's in clinical psychology?

Prepare for a clinical career

Gain the hands-on clinical training and real-world experience you'll need.

Qualify for licensure

Most mental health provider licenses require at least a master's degree. To practice independently, you must fulfill the degree requirements.

Qualify for doctoral programs

Doctoral programs in clinical psychology may prefer or require applicants to hold an in-field master's degree. Prepare for your doctorate to position yourself for success.

Clinical psychology master's programs offer versatility and access to licensure-track careers. Knowing what to expect — and how you plan to use your degree — can help you select the right program. Find tips and considerations below that can help you optimize the returns from your educational investment.

Explore clinical psychology programs

How to choose an online master's in clinical psychology

Accreditation

"Academic accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a program. If you intend to pursue licensure after graduation, you should research your state's licensure requirements for accreditation and academic coursework to make sure the chosen program will meet these standards," says Megan Pietrucha, PsyD.

When selecting a master's in clinical psychology program, first check to make sure it is accredited. You should also verify that your school maintains institutional accreditation. Accreditation can help you qualify for licensure and stand out to potential employers.

Curriculum

The American Psychological Association (APA) describes clinical psychology as an interdisciplinary specialization that draws on many other psychology subfields. Master's-level curricula reflect this through balanced coverage of:

Developmental and social psychology
Community mental health
Cultural sensitivity and diversity

Programs also emphasize clinical counseling techniques, professional practice standards, research methods, and statistical analysis.

Before enrolling in a program, review its curriculum in detail and ensure it aligns with your interests and career plans. Also keep in mind that a program prepares students to take the licensing exam in the state where it is based. If you plan to practice in a different state, confirm that your program meets your state's requirements.

Many programs also allow you to choose your concentration track. Some popular concentration options include:

(MFT): This specialization focuses on helping people resolve conflicts and challenges within couples and family units.
(LPC): In most states, mental health counselors can become licensed with a master's degree. This track prepares you to take your licensing exams and serve your future clients with integrity and impact.
Doctoral preparation or research: If you plan to become a clinical psychologist, you will need a clinical psychology doctorate to qualify for a license. This track specifically prepares you for the demands and rigors of doctoral-level programs.

Doctoral degree opportunities

Some master's programs explicitly self-identify as doctoral preparation programs. In other cases, you may need to do some additional research to ensure that your master's degree prepares you for a doctoral program.

Look for these cues:

Accreditation: Specialized accreditations from organizations like the Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) signal elevated academic quality.
Compatible coursework: Look for courses in clinical counseling techniques, research and quantitative analysis methods, and field placements in clinical settings.
Student outcome data: If possible, find out the percentage of program graduates who become licensed psychologists or proceed into doctoral programs.

You can also contact the school and ask directly about the degree's compatibility with licensure-track doctoral studies.

Career and licensure preparation

Specialized accreditations can help you identify master's degrees that will help you satisfy state requirements for licensed mental health careers.

The following table links career paths to specific programmatic accrediting agencies:

Career paths by accreditation requirements
Career	Accreditor
Licensed mental health, behavioral, or	Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) (for counseling psychology programs)
Marriage and family therapist	Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
Psychology associate, assistant, limited-license practitioner, or psychologist	American Psychological Association (APA) (for doctoral programs) Master's in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) (for master's programs)

Some states require you to graduate from a program with one of these accreditations specifically. For example, many states require or prefer CACREP-accreditation for master's programs that prepare LPCs.

Note that licensure requirements extend beyond education to also include clinical experiences and examinations. Qualifying master's programs explicitly include these elements or prepare you to meet these requirements.

How to apply to an online master's in psychology program

Admissions requirements vary by program and school. However, most master's in clinical psychology programs require:

or a related field
Transcripts
A statement of purpose
A résumé
Letters of recommendation
Standardized test scores like the GRE or GMAT

Review admissions requirements before you spend time gathering documents or preparing materials. First, ensure that you satisfy all requirements. From there, you can estimate your chances of success by evaluating where your credentials rank in relation to any standards specified in the application guidelines.

"Having experience in the field or in a related field always helps applicants stand out when applying to programs. Therefore, seeking out internship or job opportunities while in your undergraduate program is highly recommended," Pietrucha said.

Note that some programs may require hands-on field experience in lieu of GRE and GMAT scores.

Explore clinical psychology programs

Frequently asked questions

Is a master's in clinical psychology worth it?

A master's in clinical psychology can deliver value if you plan to seek an advanced or licensed mental health career, or if you want to pursue a doctoral degree. In either case, a master's degree can help you satisfy entry requirements and take the next step.

What jobs can you get with a master's in clinical psychology?

You can become a psychology researcher, licensed counselor, or marriage and family therapist, or pursue a limited-license, assistant, or associate psychologist designation. If you want to become a clinical psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree.

How many years is a clinical psychology master's?

If you study full time, you can usually complete a clinical psychology master's program in 2-3 years. Your specific graduation timeline will also depend on factors like the number of credits you need to graduate, the number of credits you take each term, and how long your program's field placements or internships last.

What masters should I get if I want to be a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychology master's program provides an ideal introduction to graduate-level studies if you want to become a clinical psychologist. You can use the degree to qualify for a doctoral program in the field, which in turn can help you satisfy licensure requirements.

Last updated June 18, 2025