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A master's program in clinical psychology prepares learners for various careers. Courses cover counseling, psychological theory, abnormal behavior, and research techniques to equip students to be competitive in the job field.
A master's degree in clinical psychology prepares students for careers in mental health counseling. Explore the degree requirements, courses, and various professional paths associated with this field.
Degree Snapshot
- Typical Admission Requirements: Each applicant often needs a bachelor's degree in psychology (or a related field) from an accredited program, a competitive GPA, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. Applicants may also need to meet minimum GRE scores.
- Time to Completion: 1-3 years, depending on enrollment status
- Average Salary: $60,000 (Payscale, March 2024)
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Why Get a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology?
Most learners pursue a master's in clinical psychology for personal and professional reasons. Graduates can enjoy the following benefits:
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Increased Earning Power
Professionals with a master's degree in clinical psychology or higher often earn larger salaries than bachelor's degree-holders. -
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Greater Professional Opportunity
Students earning a master's degree in clinical psychology develop a broad knowledge base and expert-level skills that can lead to advanced professional opportunities. -
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Personal Accomplishment
After earning a graduate degree in the field, many people feel a sense of personal accomplishment. -
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Licensure
Clinical psychologists need a doctorate to obtain a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state. -
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Further Study
A student interested in pursuing a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology may earn a master's degree first, although it is not always required for doctorate enrollment. Students enrolled in a terminal doctoral program often receive a master's along the way. Completing a clinical psychology master's program may offer learners a greater selection of programs if they wish to pursue a doctorate.
Example Courses
The courses below are a sampling of popular offerings in master's in clinical psychology programs. While most programs share common learning objectives, core courses and free electives vary by school. Research the specific requirements and curriculum descriptions for each program that interests you.
Master's-level learners often take coursework covering all major components of clinical psychology. They explore foundational theories and counseling techniques, research methods and assessment strategies, professional ethics, and contemporary issues in cultural diversity.
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Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
This course introduces the theoretical foundations for various approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. The class covers both historical and contemporary approaches to client interaction. Learners focus on practical applications and problem-solving throughout the therapeutic process by practicing active listening, setting manageable goals, and giving constructive feedback. -
Clinical Psychology
Students in this course gain a working understanding of the history, development, and current trajectory of clinical psychology as a discrete subdiscipline. Coursework explores the clinical symptoms and characteristics of common psychiatric disorders, along with valid treatment plans. Enrollees examine several popular case studies and practice strategies for mental health assessment and intervention. -
Psychopathology
This class covers the definitions and models that focus on common psychological disorders. Students explore prominent literature in the field, including "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." Learners use this text to classify symptoms, offer diagnoses, and create long-term treatment plans for clients. -
Human Development
Learners in this course examine major theories and concepts related to lifespan development. Students use psychoanalytic theory, understand the origination of cognitive processes, and identify some behavioral approaches. Coursework covers language development, social development, object attachment, separation and individuation, and identity development. Near the end of the course, learners apply these theories and concepts and may complete an integrative research project.
What Can You Do with a Master's Degree in Psychology?
Obtaining a master's degree in psychology opens the door to numerous career options. Although licensure regulations vary per state, people who hold a master's degree may practice in fields, including counseling, therapy, school psychology, industrial organizational psychology or human resources settings, and even teaching.
Those interested in further study and education may wish to pursue a doctorate, which would allow for a career as a clinical psychologist. Getting a doctorate in psychology provides a more comprehensive knowledge of psychological concepts, as well as valuable research experience.
What Is the Role of a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical psychologists help patients overcome mental health challenges, diagnose and treat complex and severe conditions, and conduct in-depth research and assessment. They may function as generalists or focus on specific patient populations or disorders.
Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work?
Clinical psychologists work in private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, outpatient care centers, and as independent consultants.
Can You Practice Clinical Psychology with a Master's Degree?
Yes, a master's in clinical psychology qualifies you for counseling licensure in most states. However, you need a doctoral degree and licensure to earn the title of psychologist and practice independently as a clinical psychologist in most states. Some doctoral programs require a master's degree in clinical psychology for admittance.
Career Advancement
A professional with a master's in clinical psychology can consider many career advancement opportunities. Graduates can pursue licensure, advanced studies, and membership with professional organizations. Each opportunity offers resources that can expand professional prospects and increase earning potential.
Doctoral Programs
In most disciplines, including psychology, a doctoral degree is the highest academic credential. Many learners enroll in a psychology master's program to pursue a doctorate.
A doctoral degree in psychology demonstrates expert-level skills and qualifies holders to obtain licensure to practice clinical psychology. Graduates of a master's program in clinical psychology can choose from two doctorates: Ph.D. or Psy.D. Graduates of Psy.D. programs are more likely to go into clinical practice, while Ph.D.-holders are more likely to teach or perform research.
Professionals with a Ph.D. degree can work as scientific researchers in clinical psychology. Other Ph.D.-holders pursue positions as postsecondary educators in higher education settings.
Licensure
Graduates from psychology master's and doctoral programs who plan to work in clinical psychology must obtain a license to practice professionally. Graduates from a master's in clinical psychology program may qualify for counseling or therapy licensure, depending on their state's requirements. However, professionals need a doctorate to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
To maintain their licenses, mental health professionals must periodically apply for renewal, which often requires an application, a renewal fee, and completing continuing education credits.
Therapy and Counseling Licensure
Graduates of a master's program in clinical psychology must meet specific requirements to become a marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional counselor. Per the American Counseling Association (ACA), professionals need a master's degree at the minimum and a set amount of clinical hours supervised by a licensed practitioner. The total hours needed vary by state.
Upon completing a master's program and supervised hours, candidates can sit for the National Counselor Examination (NCE). The NCE assesses licensure candidates' clinical comprehension with a 200-question, multiple-choice exam. After fulfilling all requirements, candidates can apply for licensure by submitting an application, fee, and background check.
In many states, there are two levels of licensure at the master's level. This first level of licensure still requires professionals to practice under a supervisor's license.To practice independently, psychologists must acquire two more years of supervised experience, then apply for the second level of licensure and pass the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE).
Clinical Psychology Licensure
A candidate for licensure to independently practice clinical psychology must often hold at least a doctoral degree in psychology and complete an internship that includes a state mandated number of clinical hours with supervision by a licensed clinical psychologist. Supervised experience allows candidates to narrow down broad career choices and obtain valuable clinical skills. Candidates must also complete the licensing application process, which requires an application, fee, record of supervised experience, exam scores, and official transcripts.
After meeting these requirements, candidates often sit for written and oral exams that assess skills, knowledge, and foundational competencies in clinical psychology. Licensure candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which features over 200 questions covering social foundations of behavior, assessment and diagnosis, intervention and treatment, research methods and statistics, and ethical and legal issues. Most states grant initial licenses following the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychology
What Exactly Is Clinical Psychology?
The psychological specialty of clinical psychology encompasses behavioral, emotional, and mental health care for people, families, and groups, along with research into interventions and treatments.
What Is an Example of Clinical Psychology?
Child psychology is an example of a clinical specialty area. Child psychologists help young patients with the effects of abuse, developmental disorders, and learning disabilities.
Why Is Clinical Psychology Important?
Clinical psychology is an important field because practitioners help diverse groups through multiple avenues, including assessing, identifying, and treating mental disorders. Clinical psychologists provide these valuable services across various settings, such as outpatient mental health centers, hospitals, schools, or private practices.
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Clinical Psychology: This organization serves as a hub that connects working clinical psychology professionals throughout the United States. The organization promotes advanced competency in clinical psychology by sponsoring publications, hosting events, and providing continuing education resources.
- Society of Clinical Psychology: A subdivision of the American Psychology Association, this society supports clinical psychologists through grants and awards and by offering toolkits and other resources to practicing clinicians.
- Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology: This organization focuses on scientific research in the discipline. The society serves as an integrative catalyst for researchers and practitioners by sponsoring events, providing grants and fellowships, and disseminating innovative scholarships.
- American Psychological Association (APA): This organization is the leading professional organization for psychologists. They aim to advance psychology and its applications by increasing the credibility of the APA in psychology, preparing the field of psychology for the future, and helping the public understand and use psychology.
- American Counseling Association (ACA): This organization is the largest organization exclusively serving licensed counselors. It aims to give every person access to quality professional counseling that is ethical and culturally sensitive. The ACA is committed to the growth and advancement of the counseling profession through advocacy and professional development for licensed counselors.
Page last reviewed on March 13, 2024