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Is a master’s in clinical psychology worth it?

A master's in clinical psychology can boost your career prospects. It can also be an important step toward earning your doctorate. Research the benefits of a clinical psychology master's degree and the returns you could earn on your educational investment.

By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Last updated: June 12, 2025

What is a master's degree in clinical psychology?

A master's in clinical psychology is an advanced degree that explores the theories, principles, and techniques that professionals use to diagnose and treat behavioral and mental health issues. Programs usually lead to a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) degree.

Schools configure their clinical psychology master's programs in various ways, including pre-licensure tracks for aspiring clinical psychologists and research-oriented thesis tracks for students who want to pursue a doctorate. In either case, you can likely graduate within 2-3 years of full-time study if you complete all coursework on schedule.

Benefits of a master's degree in clinical psychology

Earning a master's degree in clinical psychology can help you prepare for doctoral studies. You need a doctorate to become a licensed clinical psychologist.

Additional benefits include:

  • Deep professional insights that can help you have a positive impact on the lives of people in need of mental healthcare.
  • Opportunities to specialize in mental health topics relevant to specific population groups.
  • Networking with peers, faculty, and potential employers.
  • Internships, practicums, clinical experiences, and field training programs that give you the chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

How much does a master's degree in clinical psychology cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported the following average tuition costs at U.S. graduate schools in the 2021-22 academic year:

  • Overall average: $20,513
  • Private institutions: $28,017
  • Public institutions: $12,596

These figures do not cover additional educational expenses, which may include:

  • Relocation
  • Housing and food
  • Transportation and parking
  • Books and study materials
  • Computer equipment and software

If you need financial aid, start with options that don't need to be repayed. These include scholarships and education grants. Many schools also offer in-field, campus-based employment opportunities for graduate students.

As a last resort, you can take out federal or private education loans.

Does a master's degree in clinical psychology have a good ROI?

Is a master's in clinical psychology worth it? That depends on the return on investment (ROI) you get from your program. To calculate your program's ROI, consider how much you spent to earn your degree and compare it against your earning potential. For the most detailed insights, look at how much you could earn with and without the degree.

To estimate your earning potential, consider Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for these four relevant career paths:

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25th percentile salary (May 2023)
Median annual salary (May 2023)
$147,420
75th percentile salary (May 2023)
$219,410
Marriage and family therapist
25th percentile salary (May 2023)
Median annual salary (May 2023)
$58,510
75th percentile salary (May 2023)
$78,440
Mental health counselor
25th percentile salary (May 2023)
Median annual salary (May 2023)
$53,710
75th percentile salary (May 2023)
$70,130
School and career counselor
25th percentile salary (May 2023)
Median annual salary (May 2023)
$61,710
75th percentile salary (May 2023)
$78,780

The BLS also reports that, as of 2023, master's degree holders typically earn $244 more per week than professionals with only a bachelor's degree. The takeaway: Graduate education generally delivers significant long-term financial advantages.

Are graduates of a master's degree in clinical psychology in demand?

The demand for professionals with master's degrees in clinical psychology varies according to factors including:

  • Position
  • Region
  • Employment sector
  • Your experience level and professional reputation

This BLS and O*NET Online data offers a general snapshot of your overall career prospects:

Industrial-organizational psychologist
Projected Job Growth (2023-33)
Marriage and family therapist
Projected Job Growth (2023-33)
Mental health counselor
Projected Job Growth (2023-33)
School and career counselor
Projected Job Growth (2023-33)

Overall, the career paths available to professionals with master's degrees in clinical psychology are poised for above-average job growth.

Length of Program
MSW
60 credits, generally completed in two years of full-time study
MSSW
60 credits, generally completed in two years of full-time study
MSSA
60 credits, generally completed in two years of full-time study
Training Format
MSW
Both online and in-person options available, with 900-1,200 hours of fieldwork, usually in person
MSSW
Both online and in-person options available, with 900-1,200 hours of fieldwork, usually in person
MSSA
Both online and in-person options available, with 900-1,200 hours of fieldwork, usually in person
Number of Accredited Programs
MSW
MSSW
Less common to find MSSW programs
MSSA
Less common to find MSSA programs
Social Worker (MSW)
Entry Level (0-12 Months)
$44,320
Early Career (1-4 Years)
$47,640
Mid Career (5-9 Years)
$49,940
Experienced (10-19 Years)
$54,760
Clinical Social Worker
Entry Level (0-12 Months)
$47,990
Early Career (1-4 Years)
$51,120
Mid Career (5-9 Years)
$55,950
Experienced (10-19 Years)
$64,570
Social Services, Case Manager
Entry Level (0-12 Months)
$36,160
Early Career (1-4 Years)
$38,540
Mid Career (5-9 Years)
$41,070
Experienced (10-19 Years)
$41,530
Social Services Director
Entry Level (0-12 Months)
$44,860
Early Career (1-4 Years)
$50,260
Mid Career (5-9 Years)
$56,590
Experienced (10-19 Years)
$60,190
Social Worker, Hospice
Entry Level (0-12 Months)
$44,940
Early Career (1-4 Years)
$51,130
Mid Career (5-9 Years)
$56,500
Experienced (10-19 Years)
$56,450
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Entry Level (0-12 Months)
$48,780
Early Career (1-4 Years)
$53,210
Mid Career (5-9 Years)
$60,030
Experienced (10-19 Years)
$64,820

Frequently asked questions about a master's in clinical psychology degree

Can you make money with a master's in psychology?

Yes. Master's degrees in psychology can lead to multiple professional roles with above-average salaries and strong projected growth rates. Enrolling in a master's in psychology program could result in a stable, secure, and potentially well-paid career.

What branch of psychology makes the most money?

Of the psychology career paths available to professionals with master's degrees, industrial-organizational psychologists have the highest earning potential. As of May 2023, the BLS reported a median salary of $147,420 for this role. However, these professionals typically need to earn a doctoral degree.

Which branch of psychology is most in demand?

Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists report respective growth rates of 19% and 16% from 2023-33. This is higher than the average 4% projected growth for all occupations and that of several other psychology careers.

What state pays psychologists the most?

As of May 2023, the BLS reports that New Jersey, California, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Maine are the five top-paying states for clinical psychologists. Average clinical psychologist salaries in these locations range from $117,710-$148,370.


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