You’re the kind of person who listens deeply, notices what others miss, and wants to make a difference in people’s lives. Now, you’re ready to turn (or advance) those natural instincts into a meaningful career in mental health. Whether your goal is licensure, doctoral study, or advancing your clinical skills, an online master’s degree in clinical psychology offers a flexible and attainable path forward. This guide from OMD breaks down top programs, specializations, and what to expect after graduation.
Author: OMD Staff
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
Reviewer: Rebecca Newman, MSW
Expertise: Social WorkPsychologyMental Health- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Salary/Pay
A look at how much I can expect to earn after graduation...
Read more - Licensing Requirements
An explanation of necessary licenses and certifications, including requirements and steps to achieve them…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Programs
A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
Read more
Details of Popular Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology Programs
Pepperdine University – MA in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: WSCUC
- Credits: 68 units
- Duration: ~27 months (full-time)
- Format: Online coursework with live classes; in-person clinical hours completed locally — no campus residency required
- Cost: $1,945/unit; $132,260 total
- Licensure Tracks: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) — meets academic requirements to sit for exams in California and many other states
All coursework is delivered online with robust faculty support. Students complete supervised clinical hours in their local area through practicum courses. Many graduates go on to become licensed therapists in counseling centers, clinics, or private practice.
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Expert Insight
The two licensure track options is a great way to choose your own adventure between two fields and select your licensure area of choice! Both licenses are in high demand, and this program allows for your preference of focus to shine through
Capella University – MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling Specialization
- Accreditation: HLC; APA-accredited for select programs
- Credits: 74 quarter credits
- Duration: ~2.75 years (33 months) full-time
- Format: 100% online, asynchronous; brief in-person residencies required; 600-hour clinical practicum completed locally
- Cost: $495/quarter credit; $36,630 total
- Licensure preparation: Designed for initial licensure as LPC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or master’s-level psychologist where applicable
Capella’s asynchronous format is built for working adults. The curriculum covers counseling theories, psychopathology, assessment, and ethics, aligned with licensure standards. Students can continue working while completing coursework on their own schedule.
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 2.7 GPA
- Official transcripts
- Goal statement
- Resume
Brescia University – MS in Clinical Psychology
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Credits: 45
- Duration: 2–3 years (full-time or part-time)
- Format: Fully online; combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes; required practicum and internship completed locally
- Cost: $685/credit; $30,825 total — most affordable of the three programs
- Outcomes: Prepares graduates for supervised practice (psychologist associate) in Kentucky, research roles, or doctoral studies
Brescia is a small Catholic institution in Kentucky with a lower national profile than the other two programs — but its comprehensive training in assessment, psychotherapy, and research methods, combined with a competitive per-credit rate, makes it a strong value option. A 12-credit psychology prerequisite background is required.
Admissions requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 12 credits in psychology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Personal statement
Tuition and Financial Aid for Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs
Total tuition ranges from roughly $25,000 to over $130,000 depending on the program. Costs vary based on per-credit rate, total credits required (typically 45–70), and whether the school is public or private.
| School | Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | 68 | $1,945 | $132,260 |
| Capella University | 74 | $495 | $36,630 |
| Brescia University Online | 45 | $685 | $30,825 |
What to Factor Into Your Budget
- Per-Credit Rate vs. Total Credits: A lower per-credit rate doesn’t always mean a lower total cost. For example, Capella University charges less per credit than Brescia, but it requires 74 credits vs. 45
- Fees: Online programs often add technology fees and practicum supervision fees on top of tuition
- Residency Travel: Programs with required on-site workshops or residencies (like Capella) may require travel and lodging costs
- Practicum: Some programs charge separately for practicum credits or supervision
Salary Outlook with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology
A master’s in clinical psychology is a foundational step toward licensed practice, preparing graduates to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across a range of clinical settings. Graduates work in community mental health centers, hospitals, private practice, correctional facilities, and VA medical centers — often pursuing licensure as LPCs, LCSWs, or continuing to doctoral study for full psychologist licensure. The degree builds the assessment and therapeutic skills that clinical practice demands.
Licensed clinical psychologists are among the better-compensated mental health professionals, with earnings that grow significantly with years of experience, specialization, and the setting in which they practice. Private practice and healthcare system roles tend to offer the strongest compensation.
Browse the salary table below to see what clinical and counseling psychologists earn across states, and benchmark clinical psychology pay in your area.
Clinical Psychologists
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $100,580 | $135,200 | $180,960 |
| Alabama | $90,800 | $126,430 | $154,340 |
| Alaska | $124,270 | $165,460 | $170,180 |
| Arizona | $119,010 | $141,880 | $170,170 |
| Arkansas | $77,520 | $85,130 | $111,560 |
| California | $116,000 | $162,360 | $188,050 |
| Colorado | $113,290 | $150,990 | $161,700 |
| Delaware | $113,050 | $129,580 | $147,930 |
| District of Columbia | $107,000 | $132,300 | $324,950 |
| Florida | $85,610 | $146,650 | $259,990 |
| Georgia | $96,060 | $137,420 | $179,850 |
| Hawaii | $117,860 | $138,510 | $141,860 |
| Idaho | $97,790 | $130,940 | $148,930 |
| Illinois | $83,750 | $126,890 | $168,730 |
| Indiana | $84,990 | $101,540 | $129,110 |
| Iowa | $91,690 | $129,970 | $168,660 |
| Kansas | $76,690 | $102,120 | $151,800 |
| Kentucky | $99,140 | $134,800 | $174,820 |
| Louisiana | $71,330 | $81,870 | $121,750 |
| Massachusetts | $115,180 | $159,570 | $216,570 |
| Michigan | $84,730 | $111,050 | $134,980 |
| Minnesota | $107,030 | $131,030 | $163,610 |
| Mississippi | $76,000 | $97,670 | $107,160 |
| Missouri | $99,410 | $122,290 | $141,810 |
| Montana | $68,160 | $107,850 | $143,640 |
| Nebraska | $94,540 | $120,630 | $143,190 |
| Nevada | $102,650 | $123,910 | $150,840 |
| New Hampshire | $64,270 | $129,240 | $194,050 |
| New Jersey | $127,090 | $166,490 | $224,050 |
| New Mexico | $124,800 | $131,470 | $169,520 |
| New York | $114,400 | $135,200 | $204,540 |
| North Carolina | $92,130 | $122,440 | $213,160 |
| North Dakota | $116,130 | $127,360 | $148,320 |
| Ohio | $101,190 | $136,930 | $161,580 |
| Oklahoma | $79,950 | $100,660 | $205,790 |
| Oregon | $134,350 | $151,240 | $163,340 |
| Pennsylvania | $91,870 | $131,360 | $175,410 |
| Rhode Island | $107,490 | $128,530 | $144,700 |
| South Carolina | $92,700 | $105,770 | $131,420 |
| South Dakota | $80,130 | $111,940 | $123,210 |
| Tennessee | $76,820 | $100,180 | $126,930 |
| Texas | $83,660 | $106,510 | $136,360 |
| Utah | $99,170 | $131,390 | $156,000 |
| Vermont | $83,270 | $103,570 | $137,620 |
| Virginia | $86,520 | $110,990 | $176,080 |
| Washington | $115,240 | $145,790 | $179,470 |
| West Virginia | $77,040 | $104,640 | $146,240 |
| Wisconsin | $113,360 | $141,440 | $166,270 |
| Wyoming | $89,890 | $126,150 | $169,270 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 49 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Expert Insight
If you’re not sure about a path to a doctorate, earning a master’s in psychology and practicing as an LPC (or similar) for a few years is a great way to see whether a doctorate will advance your career or simply be a feather in your cap.
Licensure and Certification for Clinical Psychology Graduates
A master’s in clinical psychology is the academic foundation for counselor and therapist licensure — but the degree alone isn’t enough. You’ll also need to complete supervised hours and pass a licensing exam before you can practice independently.
The Licensure Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Complete your accredited master’s program. Make sure the program meets your state’s specific academic requirements for the license you’re pursuing (LPC, LMHC, LMFT, etc.).
Step 2: Accumulate supervised clinical hours. Most states require 2,000–4,000 supervised hours post-graduation, typically completed over one to two years.
Step 3: Pass a national licensing exam. Common exams include:
- National Counselor Examination (NCE)
- National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE)
Step 4: Submit your licensure application. Include documentation of your education, supervised hours, and exam results.
Step 5: Maintain licensure with continuing education. Most states require periodic continuing education credits to keep your license active and ensure you stay current with evolving practices and ethical guidelines.
Optional credential: The National Certified Counselor (NCC) designation is not required for licensure but can strengthen your professional profile and is recognized by many employers.
Important: State requirements vary significantly. Always consult your state’s licensing board for exact requirements before choosing a program — the degree must meet your state’s specific standards to qualify you to sit for the exam.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I become a licensed psychologist with a master’s in clinical psychology?
No. Most states require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD) for independent licensure as a clinical psychologist. A master’s may allow you to work in supervised roles (such as psychological associate) but is not sufficient for psychologist licensure in most states.
What a master’s does qualify you for: licensure as a therapist or counselor (LPC, LMHC, LMFT), following supervised hours and exam passage. You can always choose to pursue a doctorate later if your goals change.
Q: Do I need a bachelor’s in psychology to get into a clinical psychology master’s program?
Not necessarily. Most programs accept students from various academic backgrounds. However, many require foundational psychology coursework such as Introduction to Psychology or Statistics.
If your undergraduate degree isn’t in psychology, you may need to complete prerequisites before or during the program, or demonstrate relevant experience through work or volunteer history. Brescia University specifically requires 12 credits of prior psychology coursework.
Q: How do online students handle practicums or internships in clinical psychology programs?
Most online programs arrange local clinical placements near where you live. Schools provide support in identifying and approving local sites — typically counseling centers, clinics, or mental health agencies — and you complete supervised clinical work similar to on-campus students.
Some programs also include brief on-campus residencies for in-person skills practice. Confirm a program’s practicum support process and the extent of placement assistance before enrolling.
Q: What are the benefits of obtaining an online master’s in clinical psychology?
Flexibility is the primary advantage — you can study around work and personal commitments without relocating. Other benefits include:
- Access to faculty and program resources not available locally
- Reduced commuting costs and time
- Asynchronous formats that let you complete coursework on your schedule
- Virtual community through discussion forums and peer networks
Most accredited online programs are specifically designed to meet licensure requirements, so the curriculum prepares you for the same career outcomes as an on-campus program.
Q: Will an online master’s in clinical psychology qualify me to be a therapist or counselor?
Yes, if the program is accredited and meets your state’s licensure requirements. After earning your degree, you’ll complete supervised clinical hours and pass your state’s licensing exam.
The critical step: verify that your program’s curriculum aligns with your state board’s requirements before you enroll. Licensure boards only accept degrees from accredited programs, and state requirements vary on specific coursework and supervised hour minimums.