There are so many master’s courses in clinical psychology that it has become extremely difficult to discover the best and most accredited ones. I realized the importance of this issue when I wanted to sign up for one of these exciting degrees a couple of months ago, so I started doing my own research.
If you got struck by the same question and are wondering which are the most accredited online master’s degree programs in clinical psychology, keep reading, as I will tell you everything I discovered about them!
Top Accredited Online Master Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology
In search of a path of personal and professional progress, I embarked on a quest to enhance my understanding of the human mind by researching the finest recognized online master’s degree programs in clinical psychology. Here are some of them:
Pepperdine University
Los Angeles County, California
MA in Clinical Psychology
Pepperdine University’s MA in Clinical Psychology is one of the most accessible graduate programs, with evening classes that are available online and on campus. It offers four field placements:
- diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders
- multicultural counseling
- trauma in various groups
- counseling theory
It prepares students for a meaningful career by assisting individuals, couples, and families in their efforts to prosper. The program trains students to become licensed marital and family therapists (LMFTs) or licensed professional counselors (LPCs).
| Tuition: | $1,875 per unit |
| Credits offered: | 62–68 units |
| Acceptance Rate: | 53% |
| Graduation Rate: | 83% |
| Accreditation: | Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) |
Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
MS in Clinical Psychology
The MS in Clinical Psychology at Fort Hays State University is completed mostly online with supplemental five-day on-campus workshops held during the summer semesters. Students gain knowledge in various Psychology areas, including:
- Counseling Development
- Lifespan Human Development
- Foundations of Counseling
- Lifestyle and Career Development.
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience through practicums and internships. The courses include:
- Cultural Diversity in Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Professional Ethics in Psychology
- Couples and Family Counseling.
Graduates will be qualified to take the Licensed Professional Counselors or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors exam in Kansas.
| Tuition: | $319.45 per credit hour |
| Credits offered: | 62 credits |
| Acceptance Rate: | 90% |
| Graduation Rate: | 77% |
| Accreditation: | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
MS in Clinical Psychology
Capella University offers one of the most affordable and flexible online MS degrees in Clinical Psychology. It emphasizes a competency-based approach to studying mental disorders. Students investigate evaluation systems, investigate key theories, and apply psychotherapy principles.
There are three concentrations available:
- Applied Research
- Clinical Counseling
- Forensic Psychology
The MS program The coursework is precisely crafted to meet PhD in Psychology requirements. It helps graduates obtain higher ROI by allowing them to pursue a concentration that best aligns with their goals. Regardless of concentration, students will focus on learning to scientifically assess mental diseases, theories, and psychotherapeutic applications.
| Tuition: | $495 per credit hour |
| Credits offered: | 53-74 credits |
| Acceptance Rate: | 100% |
| Graduation Rate: | 50% |
| Accreditation: | HLC |
Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, Illinois
MA in Counseling Psychology
Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an academically competitive institution offering an MPCAC-accredited MA in Counseling Psychology. The curriculum of this graduate program is designed to provide students with a transformative educational journey for impactful careers in mental health services for depression, grief, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and stress.
The program offers concentration areas:
- Child & Adolescent Therapy
- Health Psychology
- Latinx Mental Health
- Marriage & Family Therapy
- Trauma & Crisis Intervention
- Treatment of Addiction Disorders
Full-time students can complete the program in two years, while part-time students have up to four years to complete coursework.
| Tuition: | $1,368 per credit hour |
| Credits offered: | 60 credits |
| Acceptance Rate: | 54% |
| Graduation Rate: | 97% |
| Accreditation: | WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) / Master’s in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC) |
Vanguard University
Costa Mesa, California
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Vanguard’s MS in Clinical Psychology is specifically designed to prepare students for certification as Professional Clinical Counselors or Marriage and Family Therapists. It offers a cohort learning format that fosters a supportive environment by requiring active involvement in weekly live class meetings and supporting a hands-on learning approach.
Students gain clinical interests through training and fieldwork experience at various agencies. They complete a practicum placement at Journeys at Vanguard Counseling Center in Orange County. Special training in clinical conceptualization and personal therapy is also provided.
| Tuition: | $840 per credit unit |
| Credits offered: | 64 credits |
| Acceptance Rate: | 75% |
| Graduation Rate: | 61% |
| Accreditation: | WASC |
Chestnut Hill College
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
MS in Clinical and Counseling Psychology
Chestnut Hill College’s online M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology aims to develop skilled, culturally informed, and empathic clinicians for various contexts. Students complete a field placement year in various Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley treatment centers, often leading to employment opportunities.
Students can tailor their coursework by pursuing a specialization suitable to their professional goals. The courses include:
- Child and Adolescent Therapy
- Child and Adolescent Therapy with Specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Co-Occurring Disorders
- Couple and Family Therapy
- Diverse and Underserved Communities
- Generalist
- Trauma Studies
The M.S. degree meets Pennsylvania’s licensure requirements as a Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and prepares students for doctoral study.
| Tuition: | $765 per credit hour |
| Credits offered: | 60 credits |
| Acceptance Rate: | 98 |
| Graduation Rate: | 63% |
| Accreditation: | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) / MPAC |
Eastern University
St. Davis, Philadelphia
MA in Clinical Counseling
Eastern’s Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program trains students to understand human personality, implement positive change strategies, and become licensed professional counselors. The program offers three tracks:
- General
- Trauma Studies
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Classes are available 100% online or in the evenings in the Philadelphia suburb of St. Davids. The program meets the educational requirements for Pennsylvania licensure. It offers elective choices like Substance Abuse Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Grief and Loss, and Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
| Tuition: | $790 per credit hour |
| Credits offered: | 60 credits |
| Acceptance Rate: | 69% |
| Graduation Rate: | 60% |
| Accreditation: | MSCHE, MPAC |
Brescia University
Owensboro, Kentucky
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Brescia University’s MS in Clinical Psychology prepares students for the Kentucky Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA) exam. Students study specialized topics like substance abuse, addictions, expressive therapies, and psychopharmacology to become efficient, effective healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat various mental health disorders.
As a capstone, students must take a practicum in psychotherapy, a project/thesis, and a master’s internship. These requirements ensure that students develop advanced clinical skills in assessing intellectual and emotional functioning, psychopharmacology, and theories of psychotherapy.
Facts
- Tuition: $665 per credit hour
- Credits offered: 45 credits
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 41%
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), MPAC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the online MS in Clinical Psychology program?
For full-time students, the MS in Clinical Psychology program usually lasts two years. Nonetheless, the course provides flexibility to suit varied durations, allowing participants to change their pacing and course loads based on personal preferences and obligations, delivering a tailored and adaptable learning experience.
How is the online program structured? Can I work while pursuing my degree?
The curricula are designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, with a flexible structure that allows students to manage employment and studies effectively. Individuals can effortlessly pursue part-time study alternatives, catering to those managing professional responsibilities while advancing their education in clinical psychology, with courses freely available online.
Is financial aid available? What is the application process for the program?
Certainly! Financial assistance is available to qualified candidates seeking an affordable master’s program. To begin the process, prospective students must fill out the standard online application, provide the necessary documentation, and actively seek out scholarship and financial assistance alternatives suited to their specific needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
These accredited online master’s programs in Clinical Psychology offer diverse personal and professional growth opportunities. With rigorous curricula, flexible formats, and esteemed faculty, graduates are well-equipped to excel in diverse roles, whether in direct practice, research, or pursuing further advanced studies in the field.
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