Online Clinical Psychology Degree Guide

A clinical psychology degree explores mental healthcare and prepares students to identify and treat common mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. These programs typically combine theoretical coursework, research, hands-on labs, and clinical experiences.

While some bachelor’s programs offer concentrations, specializing in clinical psychology typically begins at the graduate level. For clinical psychologist licensure, you need a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), but a master’s degree in psychology can prepare you for counseling careers and licensure.

Clinical psychology graduates can pursue careers in counseling and therapy, research, and community and social services. Depending on the degree level, clinical psychology education may prepare you for advanced study or help qualify you for state licensure.

Many schools offer online clinical psychology programs, but few run entirely online because of the in-person fieldwork requirements. Many programs allow students to complete practicums at a clinical site near them.

A bachelor’s degree is the first step to becoming a clinical psychologist. Schools do not typically have undergraduate programs in clinical psychology. Instead, they offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a clinical or counseling concentration. These degrees prepare students to pursue master’s degrees in counseling psychology or social work, or even a clinical psychology master’s online.

Some online programs also offer dual-degree options, allowing undergraduates to begin coursework for their master’s degree. Some online clinical psychology Ph.D. programs accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees, potentially saving students time and money.

After earning an undergraduate degree, clinical psychology students may pursue a clinical psychology master’s online.

Students interested in an online master’s in clinical psychology may choose either a master of arts degree, which generally emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum, or a master of science degree, which is more focused on research. Some clinical psychology master’s programs include specializations.

Potential concentrations include clinical counseling, forensic psychology, child and adolescent therapy, couples and family therapy, and applied research. Colleges typically deliver online master’s programs through full-time enrollment, but some offer part-time schedules. Online master’s students complete any required practicums or internships at approved agencies in their communities.

Earning a doctorate in clinical psychology is necessary to apply for licensure in most states. Students can earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a Psy.D. in clinical psychology.

A Ph.D. typically focuses on research and pedagogy and requires students to write dissertations based on original research. In contrast, a Psy.D. emphasizes practical work for students who want to pursue clinical practice.

All accredited psychology doctoral programs require field experience, including clinical hours and an in-person internship. Online students can typically complete these field experiences near their residences. However, some clinical psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs require distance learners to attend residencies on campus.

After you graduate and complete the licensure requirements set by your state, you can practice as a general clinical psychologist or pursue a specialty, such as:

A clinical psychology degree opens the door to careers in mental health, counseling, and research. You can find opportunities in hospitals, private clinics, schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Depending on the role and setting, you may work with children, families, seniors, and/or patients with mental health issues.

While it focuses on clinical preparation, a clinical psychology degree can lead to both clinical and non-clinical roles. Clinical roles, such as those providing direct patient care, typically require advanced degrees, certification, and state licensure. Those with an undergraduate degree can pursue roles in various fields, including marketing or case management.

The cost of an online clinical psychology degree varies depending on degree level, school type, and location. The tables below highlight the considerable differences in average tuition prices for public and private schools and two- and four-year schools. For example, tuition at a two-year public school costs less than a quarter of the price of a four-year private school.

You can save on college costs by studying online, attending an in-state public school, or qualifying for financial aid. Online programs reduce commuting costs and allow you the flexibility to live anywhere in the U.S. Some schools offer the same online tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid may provide you with scholarships and grants that can significantly reduce the cost of your education.

The admission process varies by school, program, and degree level, but some common requirements include:

In general, full-time bachelor’s degrees take four years, master’s degrees take two years, and doctoral degrees take five years to complete. Part-time programs take longer to complete but can better accommodate a job if you have one. Accelerated programs can reduce your program length but typically require more rigorous study.

Other factors can also affect program length, such as whether you enroll full or part time, take classes in the summer, or qualify for transfer credits. Online programs with flexible asynchronous classes can also cut down your study time if you can fit more courses into your schedule.

Accreditation is awarded at the institutional and programmatic levels and signifies that your school or program has met academic or industry standards. Accreditation is mandatory for schools to offer financial aid and many transfer credits. To qualify, accreditation must be awarded by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Program accreditation is usually optional for bachelor’s programs but strongly recommended or required for graduate programs. For example, some states require that only graduates of CACREP-accredited programs can become licensed professional counselors. Some employers prefer graduates from master’s programs accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council or the National Association of School Psychologists. However, many state psychologist licensing boards only accept doctoral programs accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The value of a clinical psychology degree depends on your interests and career goals. However, a career in improving others’ mental health can be rewarding and may require a graduate degree. If you want to be a psychologist, for example, you’ll need a psychology doctorate and state licensure. Counselors and therapists will also need a master’s degree in psychology or counseling.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that psychology degree-holders earn a median annual salary of $55,000, more than the median annual wage for all occupations. While psychologists earn a considerably higher median annual salary of $92,740, they also require more than 10 years of education.