Top Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology for 2025
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Choosing the right clinical psychology master’s program is the first step toward a successful career. This guide ranks the top master’s degree programs in 2024 and details what to look for in a program. Learn about accreditation, program format, admission requirements, financial aid, and cost.
Start your journey toward a career in clinical psychology today.
Popular Online Psychology Master’s Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology
New York University
New York, NY- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,384
- Out-of-state$55,384
- In-State$37,332
- Out-of-state$37,332
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled57,335
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$62,391
- Out-of-state$62,391
- In-State$51,869
- Out-of-state$51,869
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate7%
- Students Enrolled22,801
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$42,449
- Out-of-state$42,449
- In-State$21,719
- Out-of-state$21,719
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled21,348
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,857
- Out-of-state$20,097
- In-State$7,002
- Out-of-state$14,562
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled31,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Clear Lake
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,380
- Out-of-state$24,360
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$17,316
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled8,876
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled18,510
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Columbia, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,288
- Out-of-state$34,534
- In-State$13,374
- Out-of-state$29,760
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled36,579
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Murray State University
- Murray, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,708
- Out-of-state$14,742
- In-State$9,144
- Out-of-state$9,144
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled9,857
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Ball State University
- Muncie, IN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,688
- Out-of-state$26,696
- In-State$9,884
- Out-of-state$21,222
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled20,440
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Our Ranking Methodology
Psychology.org ranks education programs using data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education. Our vetting process also includes a quality assurance team that assesses datasets for accuracy.
Psychology.org reserves the right to exclude any schools that lack significant data from the rankings to ensure accurate calculations. This list is for 2025. For more about how Psychology.org evaluates and ranks education programs, visit our full ranking methodology.
What to Look for in a Master’s Degree Program in Clinical Psychology
The best master’s program in clinical psychology for you depends on factors, such as your career interests, the program format, and your background. Other important things to consider are a program’s accreditation status, admission requirements, and cost.
Accreditation
Accreditation matters in determining the value of a program. A degree from an unaccredited school can have negative consequences in the long term. Most employers do not consider candidates from unaccredited programs. States require licensure candidates to have graduated from an accredited program.
Before enrolling in a master’s in clinical psychology program, be sure the institution offering the program is accredited, so you can transfer credits, earn a valid degree, and receive financial aid. Institutions and schools are accredited by agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements help you determine a school’s selectiveness and how likely you are to be accepted. For example, many schools require an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and recommendation letters.
Cost and Financial Aid
The average graduate tuition was $20,513 for the 2021-22 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, you can typically pay less if you attend an in-state public school, which cost an average of $12,596 for that same year.
Carefully consider financial aid options, especially if you plan to continue your education and earn a Ph.D. Also, think about potential travel expenses, book costs, and if you can work while studying.
Hybrid and Online Options
You may take some or all of your courses in an online or hybrid format. Choosing an online or hybrid program means more access to programs across the country, less time spent commuting, and more choice on where to live. However, you need to ensure you can find a local placement for practicum requirements. Keep in mind that it can be harder to get to know and network with students and staff in an online program.
The Benefits of Earning an Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology
Most states require a doctorate in clinical psychology for psychology licensure and practice. A master’s degree can prepare you for a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program. Online study allows you to attend class at a time that fits your schedule. Some programs charge in-state tuition to online students regardless of residency.
A master’s in clinical psychology can lead to positions that don’t require a psychologist license. For example, some government jobs do not require licensing. Positions in research, school psychology, and counseling may be open to graduates of master’s programs. Other benefits of earning an online master’s include:
Preparation for a doctoral program and state licensure- Flexibility to attend class online
- Cost savings on commuting and parking
- Potentially lower tuition costs
- Fewer credits required for graduation
- Job opportunities that do not require a doctoral degree
How to Apply to a Master’s Program in Clinical Psychology
Give yourself plenty of time when applying to your top master’s in clinical psychology programs. Ask a trusted teacher or mentor to review your graduate application to make sure it reflects your strengths and abilities.
Most schools require or prefer a 3.0 or higher GPA and a bachelor’s degree. An undergraduate degree in psychology is not typically required. You may need to submit GRE scores, though some schools require it only for students below a certain GPA level.
You must include your undergraduate transcript, though many schools accept an unofficial transcript for application and require the official copy only after acceptance, and at least two references. Schools have different procedures for sending reference letters, so be sure to contact the program’s admissions office for more information.
How to Pay for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology Program
You can pay for your master’s in clinical psychology program with financial aid resources, including:
- Federal loans and grants
- Public and private scholarships
- Teaching or research assistantships and fellowships
- Federal work-study programs
While researching clinical psychology master’s programs, explore the financial aid sections of the schools’ websites. Colleges and universities, along with psychology departments, often list school-based scholarships and provide links to private scholarship offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Degree Programs in Clinical Psychology
A master’s in clinical psychology can be worth it for students interested in improving their understanding of mental health. It also trains them for jobs that assist people with these issues.
