The Best Graduate Schools for Clinical Psychology Programs
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- Clinical and counseling psychologists make up the largest specialty area in psychology.
- You can work in private practice, psychiatric and substance use hospitals, outpatient care centers, and residential care facilities.
- Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental and behavioral conditions. They need a doctorate and a license to practice.
Are you thinking of a career in clinical psychology? Clinical psychology tops all other psychology specialties for employment level. Roughly 181,600 psychology professionals work in the field, and about 65,000 work in clinical psychology, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Explore the best graduate schools for clinical psychology, including what they cost and your potential earnings after graduation.
What Can I Do With a Clinical Psychology Graduate Degree?
What you can do in psychology depends on your degree. Those with a master's in psychology can pursue positions in schools or organizations.
However, licensed clinical psychologists need a doctorate in psychology. Any psychologist who performs clinical counseling, assessments, and diagnoses mental and behavioral conditions must get licensed.
Where Can I Work With a Clinical Psychology Graduate Degree?
- Clinical Psychologist: With a state license and a doctorate, you can work as a clinical psychologist, providing individual and group psychotherapy and interventions. You can administer diagnosis-based treatment to children, adolescents, and adults at hospitals and community-based facilities. Common disorders and disruptive behaviors treated include anxiety, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
- Mental Health Counselor: As a mental health counselor, you can find positions in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers. Mental health counselors need at least a master's degree to counsel individuals, couples, and groups. In this role, you'll collaborate with other clinicians and make referrals to psychiatrists. Note that some states offer master's-level licensure for counselors.
- School or Career Counselor: Most school counselors work in elementary and secondary schools, including public and private institutions. You can also pursue school or career counselor positions in colleges and universities. As a school or career counselor, you'll provide guidance and counseling to help students create academic plans and prepare for their careers. You may also collaborate with teachers, administrators, and parents.
How Much Can I Make With a Clinical Psychology Graduate Degree?
Clinical psychologists earn an average salary of $87,500, according to Payscale data from August 2023.
Other factors like industry, location, and experience can also impact your earning potential. In clinical psychology, the median annual salary is $90,130. The top 10% of earners make $168,790 a year, according to the BLS.
The demand for clinical counseling in schools, hospitals, and mental health facilities should continue to grow, providing job stability. The BLS projects that clinical and counseling psychology jobs will grow 10% from 2021-2031, which is faster than average.
Featured Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Look for in a Clinical Psychology Graduate School
Not all graduate clinical psychology programs offer the same education, affordability, and accommodations. It's important to examine the school's curriculum, accreditation, length, and availability of clinical experiences to determine the best clinical psychology program.
Program Curriculum
Clinical psychology schools have different curriculum standards. For this reason, you need to review a program's coursework and specialty offerings to ensure that it aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures the school meets education standards. For this reason, we only feature accredited clinical psychology programs on this page.
You should enroll in a program accredited by agencies like the American Psychological Association to meet licensing requirements. Employers typically prefer candidates from accreditation programs.
Program Length
A program's length depends on different variables, such as your enrollment status. If you need more flexibility, consider a part-time program. To finish quicker, look for a full-time or accelerated program.
Clinical Experience or Practicum or Field Placement
You want to attend a graduate clinical psychology program that assists in finding clinical practicum placements. Some schools may allow you to fulfill clinical hours at your current workplace.
The Best Graduate Schools for Clinical Psychology
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Brenau University
Gainesville, GA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $785
Out-of-State | $785
Credits to Graduate: 62
Brenau University’s master of science in clinical counseling psychology helps prepare students for careers as licensed professional counselors, mental health therapists, and researchers.
Graduates often continue their studies in clinical psychology doctoral programs. The curriculum, which integrates coursework and a thesis with practical clinical experiences, emphasizes counseling, research, and psychological assessment. Full-time students can complete the program in five to seven semesters.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a 2.7 cumulative GPA and a GRE score of 270 or higher.
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $390
Out-of-State | $1,078
Credits to Graduate: 90
The clinical psychology Ph.D. program at IUPUI requires a minimum of six academic semesters and a one-year internship, combining master’s and doctoral training. The program offers specializations in clinical health psychology, severe mental conditions, psychiatric rehabilitation, and substance use.
Undergraduates may enter the program from a variety of academic backgrounds. They should have at least 15 credits in psychology, a GPA of 3.20 or higher, and competitive GRE scores. Coursework in research methods, statistics, and abnormal psychology, while not required, is preferable.
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,245
Out-of-State | $1,245
Credits to Graduate: 81
The Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Marquette University is an on-campus program that requires five years of full-time study and a one-year internship. Students earn their master of science as they progress toward their doctoral degree.
The program’s emphasis on research methods and professional practice skills trains graduates for careers in academic medical settings and higher education.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s from a recognized college or university, a 3.0 GPA, and sufficient coursework in psychology for advanced study.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,585
Out-of-State | $2,662
Credits to Graduate: 48
The master of arts in clinical psychology at UTRGV offers a thesis and non-thesis option. Students planning to earn a Ph.D. after completing their master’s degree should choose the thesis option. The non-thesis option prepares students for licensure as a Psychological Associate and/or Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.
Candidates must have a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and preferred GRE scores of at least 153 on the Verbal test and 144 on the Quantitative test.
Spalding University
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,045
Out-of-State | $1,045
Credits to Graduate: 120
Spalding University’s doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology follows a scholar-practitioner model to provide students with generalist training to work with children, adolescents, and adults.
The program takes five years, including sequential clinical practicum placements and internships. The curriculum offers specializations in forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, and advanced clinical psychology.
Admission to the Psy.D. program requires a bachelor’s degree, including at least 18 credits in psychology and a GPA of 3.0 or higher. GRE scores are not required.
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,476
Out-of-State | $1,476
Graduates of Duquesne University’s Ph.D. in clinical psychology can pursue careers in independent practice, medical and managed care facilities, community clinics, and in research and academic settings.
The curriculum includes foundational, research, and professional coursework, a one-year internship, comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral dissertation. The full-time program may be completed in five years, although most students take 6-7 years to finish all requirements.
Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum of 12 credits in psychology.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Washington DC
Washington, DC - 4 years
- Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,703
Out-of-State | $1,703
Credits to Graduate: 104
The Psy.D. clinical psychology degree, administered at the Washington, D.C. campus of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, consists of four years of coursework followed by a one-year full-time internship.
The curriculum requires one basic interventionist orientation course in each of four areas: existential humanism, cognitive behavior, psychodynamics, and family systems. Students may also choose electives in forensic practice.
Entrance requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and 18 hours of psychology credits with a grade of C or higher.
New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,157
Out-of-State | $2,157
Credits to Graduate: 36
The master of arts in psychology at NYU offers a focus area in clinical psychology. This program prepares graduates to work in research or human services settings or pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical or counseling psychology. The program does not provide opportunities for clinical practice hours required for licensure at the master’s level.
An undergraduate psychology degree is not required for admission. But, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA and completed coursework in introductory psychology and statistics with a grade of B or higher.
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Year:
In-State | $9,608
Out-of-State | $10,004
SDSU administers a doctoral program in clinical psychology jointly with the University of California at San Diego. The 5-6 year Ph.D. program includes an internship and emphasizes psychological assessment, therapeutic interventions and skills, and research methods.
Students accepted into the joint program must meet general education requirements for admission to both universities. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school with an overall 3.0 GPA and GRE scores in at least the 55 percentile.
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: American Psychological Association
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $471
Out-of-State | $982
Credits to Graduate: 66
The State University of New York at Albany offers a cognitive-behavioral doctoral program in clinical psychology based on an apprentice/junior-colleague training model. The program’s structure fosters close interaction with faculty in all aspects of research. Students dedicate their final year to an internship.
The program provides graduates with assessment and interventionist skills, helping them pursue careers in higher education, research, psychotherapy, and healthcare administration.
Applications to the clinical Ph.D. program require a resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of goals. GRE scores are preferred but not required.
What Can I Expect From a Clinical Psychology Graduate Degree
How long it takes to graduate and the number of required clinical hours varies by degree. You can typically complete a master's in clinical psychology in 1-3 years or a doctorate in 4-8 years.
A master's in clinical psychology degree covers normal and abnormal behavior, foundations of psychopathology, psychological assessments, cognitive biological and social influences, and treatments. Many clinical psychology programs provide a practicum experience.
Clinical psychology doctoral programs also offer practicum experience. Ph.D. candidates generally complete teaching practicum hours, and doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) candidates work directly with patients during clinical hours.
Schools may have onsite clinical and research training centers where you can practice in specialty areas of cognitive behavior therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy techniques.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Clinical Psychology Graduate School?
Admission Materials
Whether you enroll in a master's or doctorate program, you'll usually need to submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and an admission essay when you submit your application and fee. If a program requires clinical experience, you must also pay for and complete a background check.
Education
Admissions for any graduate in clinical psychology programs require prior education from an accredited college. Prospective master's students need an accredited bachelor's degree with a competitive academic record.
Similarly, doctorate programs require applicants to hold an accredited master's in psychology degree. You may also get admitted with an undergraduate degree in a related field and internship experience.
GPA
It takes a competitive GPA to get admitted into a master's in psychology or doctorate program. Usually, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Entrance Exam
Sometimes, programs require GRE scores, especially if you do not meet GPA requirements.
Experience
Internship and work experience can bolster your application. Some Ph.D. in psychology programs admit students with bachelor's degrees if they hold adequate work and/or volunteer experience.
How Much Does Graduate School for Clinical Psychology Cost?
You could pay between $12,394-$28,445 to attend the best graduate schools for clinical psychology.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate schools charged an average tuition of $12,394 in the 2020-2021 school year. Private nonprofit graduate schools charged $28,445 for that same year, more than double public school tuition.
Aside from tuition, you'll also need to pay for housing, transportation, and campus fees. If you take an online program, you may also incur distance learning fees. And background checks, required before clinical experience, cost additional money.
While private colleges, on average, charge more for tuition, you can get financial aid. No matter the college, you can find psychology scholarships and assistantships while you study.
Average Cost for Graduate Schools Per Year | 2020-21
Public Institution
$12,394
Private Institution
$28,445
Everything Else You Need to Know About Graduate Schools for Clinical Psychology
Is it better to get a doctorate or master's in clinical psychology?
The degree you pursue depends on your career aspirations. For instance, if you want to work in school counseling or human resources, you can do that with a master's degree. However, to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, you'll need a doctorate and a license to practice in your respective state. Earning a master's degree in clinical psychology is a prerequisite for a doctorate program.
What is the difference between a Psy.D. and a Ph.D. in psychology?
Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees prepare you to work in psychology. To work as a clinical psychologist, you'll need to earn a Psy.D. degree, which takes about 4-6 years. To work in research, statistics, and teaching, you can earn a Ph.D. in psychology within 5-8 years. A Psy.D. is a practice-oriented degree, and a Ph.D. is more research-heavy.
How do you choose the right graduate school for clinical psychology?
Consider what you can afford and if the program suits your career interests. Every graduate school for clinical psychology offers different specialties, including clinical child and adolescent psychology, clinical health psychology, or clinical neuropsychology.
What degree do you need to become a clinical psychologist?
You'll need a Psy.D. in clinical counseling to work in clinical settings providing psychotherapy and crisis intervention. State licensing requirements for clinical counselors vary, but you need a doctorate to get licensed and practice psychotherapy.
