Online Master's Degrees in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology focuses on helping people lead more productive lives by addressing mental health disorders, relationship struggles, and emotional issues. An online master’s in clinical psychology may be a viable option for those who wish to pursue a career in the field. Completing an online degree may equip you with the skills necessary to diagnose clients, develop treatment plans, facilitate therapy, and carry out other daily functions of the job.

Online programs are designed to meet various state requirements, so be prepared to research your top picks before settling on a single program. Ensure your choice aligns with your career interests and goals.

Although becoming a clinical psychologist requires a doctorate, a master’s in clinical psychology may present an array of meaningful career opportunities—such as becoming a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).

Details of Online Master’s Programs in Clinical Psychology

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an online master’s in clinical psychology program. Below we’ll take a look at the details of the available online programs.

In order to compare more programs, including those without a clinical focus, please see our list of online master’s in psychology programs.

How to Choose a Master's Program in Clinical Psychology

When choosing an online master’s program in clinical psychology, it’s important to consider what you hope to gain from the program, as well as your next career or educational steps. Whether you plan to pursue your doctorate, or you plan to have a career in counseling or therapy may impact which programs are most appropriate for your goals.

If you plan to become a clinical psychologist, you’ll need to obtain a doctorate. Certain master’s programs within this discipline may be better suited to prepare you for the postgraduate education that is required. If you plan to pursue a career that requires a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, it’s important to consider programs that focus on preparing you for the next step in your education.

If you wish to pursue clinical licensure without a doctorate, you may want to focus on programs that meet requirements for licensure in the state you hope to practice in. Some online master’s programs prepare you to practice as an LPC or an LMFT. The requirements for these licenses are determined by state boards, so when choosing your program, it’s important to think about the state in which you wish to practice. For those who wish to pursue a career that does not require a doctorate degree such as a therapist of counselor, choosing a program that prepares you for a doctoral program may be less important for your specific goals.

Some programs are accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC), and though considering your program’s accreditation can be useful, some non-accredited programs may still provide a pathway to state licensure. Taking time to consider what your ultimate career and educational goals are can help you determine which programs will help meet your needs. Considering whether or not you wish to pursue a doctorate degree or not may be an important factor to consider.

If you aren’t planning to pursue your doctoral degree, but hope to work in a role where you help people overcome struggles related to mental health, another viable degree option may be a master’s in mental health counseling. A number of master’s in mental health counseling programs help you meet state requirements for licensure to practice.

Education Requirements for Clinical Psychology Degrees

MPCAC sets accreditation standards for master’s programs preparing students for science-based practice in counseling and psychological services. The MPCAC requires programs to be rooted in “science-based practice” and requires students to complete 600 hours of supervised training across at least two semesters, including 240 hours of direct patient contact.

It’s important to remember that accreditation does not necessarily lead to licensure. According to the MPCAC, “licensure across states is not guaranteed for any graduate, regardless of program accreditation.”

Programs that adhere to MPCAC guidelines generally provide students with valuable learning opportunities, but as mentioned above, some non-accredited programs still meet state licensure requirements. If you plan to pursue your LPC or LMFT licensure, be sure to look into whether your program meets your state’s guidelines.

Clinical Psychology Curriculum

The MPCAC does not directly dictate curriculum requirements for master’s in clinical psychology programs, however, it does set forward a set of guidelines that programs must cover. The MPCAC’s core curriculum benchmarks [PDF, 197 KB] include:

• Professional identity, and ethical and professional standards
• Evidence-based theories and practice of counseling and psychotherapy
• Multiculturalism and diversity
• Theories of psychopathology and relevant classification systems
• Tests, measurements, and other assessments of behavior
• Research methods and program evaluation
• Biological basis of behavior
• Developmental basis of behavior
• Social/organizational/community basis of behavior
• Understanding and use of supervision during applied experiences

Online Class Interactions

There are several common criteria students may consider when choosing an online degree program. Prospective students might consider the program’s interactive aspects, particularly whether it offers real-time classes connected with conferencing technology or relies solely on self-paced learning modules.

As an online student, you’ll want to ensure that your computer equipment and internet connection meet the minimum technical specifications for hardware, software, and bandwidth recommended by your school. Lastly, students may want to consider the traditional aspects of a learning environment, such as class size and faculty credentials.

Clinical Psychology Degree & Career Comparison

If you're considering a career in clinical psychology, it’s helpful to understand the different psychology career opportunities you can pursue. You may wish to become a psychologist, or work in a position that doesn’t require licensure—either way, knowing what level of education prepares you for your desired role may help you plan the path to getting there. Below are a few potential careers associated with earning a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate in the field:

Bachelor's Degree:

• Community service manager
• Human resources specialist
• Intake coordinator

Master’s Degree:

• LPC
• LMFT
• School/ Career Counselor
• Counseling Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Marriage & Family Therapist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Learning Disabilities Specialist

Doctorate:

• Licensed Clinical Psychologist
• Academic roles in clinical psychology

How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist

If you want to become a licensed clinical psychologist, there are several common requirements you’ll need to fulfill. The American Psychological Association (APA) sets guidelines for those who wish to work as licensed clinical psychologists. The APA outlines the basic steps to becoming a clinical psychologist, which include:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology (not all graduate programs require your bachelor’s to be in psychology, this is a general pathway recommendation)
• Earn a master’s degree in psychology
• Earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology
  • For those who wish to practice in the clinical domain, some schools offer PsyD degrees instead of traditional Ph.D. programs
• Complete a one-year internship

If you’re considering an online master’s in clinical psychology, there are a few factors you may want to consider. Being informed about different program options, career outcomes, and future opportunities may help you choose the program that’s right for you. The following section addresses frequently asked questions about clinical psychology training.

Related Online Mental Health Degrees

Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW)