Clinical psychologists have a lot of similarities with therapists. However, they also have some key differences. Clinical psychologists require more education than therapists. They also require more specific licenses, and they qualify for more specialized jobs. Because they qualify for more specialized jobs, clinical psychologists also make higher salaries than therapists. This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology.
If you want to become a clinical psychologist, then earning a master’s degree will help you qualify. You’ll also still qualify for more traditional therapist jobs, so overall, a master’s in clinical psychology will increase your range of possible careers.
With a master’s in clinical psychology, you can take on some specific jobs, including substance abuse counseling, trauma counseling, and other specialties. You can also work in locations that may not hire traditional therapists, like clinical settings. For example, some hospitals hire clinical psychologists to help patients manage their mental health as they deal with physical illness.
After you earn your master’s in clinical psychology, you might also earn a PhD, which some clinical psychology jobs require. A PhD would increase your job range and salary potential even further.
Not only will a master’s in clinical psychology open career options, but it also comes with a lot of learning options. For instance, you might earn your master’s in clinical psychology online. Online programs may still require some campus visits and clinical supervision. However, by earning your master’s in clinical psychology online, you can still get a lot of flexibility that you wouldn’t get from a campus alone.
You can even pursue an accelerated master’s in clinical psychology. Online accelerated master’s programs are challenging, especially if you want an accelerated master’s in clinical psychology. Online accelerated master’s programs basically compress two years’ worth of courses into a one-year period. However, they do let you earn your degree fast, which is why they appeal to a lot of students.
Methodology: Ranking the Most Affordable Master’s in Clinical Psychology Online for 2022
Fast Online Master’s editors want Clinical Psychology Students to find a program that pays off for them. That’s why we feature only trustworthy, accredited institutions. In the Most Affordable ranking, we present programs in order from lowest tuition to highest, according to current IPEDS stats.
1. American Public University
American Public University’s School of Arts, Humanities & Education (APU Online) offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Psychology that is among the most affordable of accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree programs in West Virginia. American Public University’s online accelerated master’s programs in Clinical Psychology offer students an in-depth exploration of cultural diversity, lifespan development, and psychopathology. Required credits to earn this affordable Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree is 39, with online start dates offered monthly and the potential to transfer 15 credits, if eligible.
American Public University’s master’s degree in psychology offers classes that are delivered in eight- and sixteen-week formats and include these academic concentrations – developmental or personality psychology, generalist, child life, military & trauma psychology, and organizational/industrial psychology. Feature core classes include professional ethics and standards, introduction to scholarly and technical writing, and qualitative/quantitative methods in social science research, to name a few.
2. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Psychology that ranks among the leading Indiana online accelerated master’s programs in psychology with a one-year completion timeframe for full-time students. Degree candidates enrolled in IWU’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program complete thirty graduate semester units with a minimum of a C in all classes to graduate. This affordable master’s degree in psychology offers two specializations tracks – life coaching & positive psychology or industrial & organizational psychology.
The core curriculum for Indiana Wesleyan University’s graduate psychology degree includes theories of personality development, research methods in psychology, foundations of interviews and interventions, and the history and systems of psychology, among others. Graduates of Indiana Wesleyan University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree find rewarding careers working in coaching, nonprofit organizations, organizational/business consultants, the ministry, or a government agency.
3. Edinboro University
Edinboro University (Edinboro Online) offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Counseling that is considered among the leading online accelerated master’s programs in Counseling in Pennsylvania. This nationally ranked accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is also considered among the most affordable as well. This master’s degree in counseling has received accreditation from the CACREP or the NASADCA, or CAAHEP. Coursework explores professional ethics, human development, and personality theories, and psychopathology, to name a few. School counseling differs by state, so students are encouraged to confirm their state’s mandates.
Edinboro University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree provides these academic tracks to degree candidates – school counseling, college counseling, art therapy counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or clinical rehabilitation & clinical mental health counseling. In addition, Edinboro University’s graduate counseling degree is ranked as the best in the Northeastern US by Best Counseling Degrees.
4. Capella University
Capella University’s (Capella Online) School of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Clinical Psychology that offers specializations in clinical counseling, forensic psychology, or applied research. Capella University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is considered among the more affordable online accelerated master’s programs in clinical psychology in Minnesota and beyond.
This Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree offers students three academic tracks in clinical counseling, forensic psychology, or applied research. Coursework for this Capella graduate degree in clinical psychology explores the important theories plus the application to assessments and psychotherapy, emphasizing a scientific and competency-based approach. Potential careers for graduates of Capella’s program include a research associate, or psychologist in the areas of government, nonprofits, higher education, health care systems, military, mental health, and corrections, to name a few.
5. The University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama (West Alabama Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Experimental Psychology with an academic option in Clinical Psychology that is among the most innovative and affordable online accelerated master’s programs in psychology in Alabama. The University of West Alabama’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree requires candidates to complete 39 to 54 graduate units, depending on the path of study. Students may opt for a comprehensive exam or a thesis to complete the degree.
Featured classes for UWA’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program include advanced developmental psychology, the diagnostic process for mental disorders and the theories of personality, plus 5-8 clinical-based courses (like the therapeutic relationship, psychopharmacology, and systems of psychotherapy), among others. Additionally, students are provided with real-world applications in nine hours of internships and practicums.
6. Angelo State University
Angelo State University’s Department of Psychology (ASU) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Counseling Psychology that prepares graduates to sit for licensing exams administered by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Counselors or Psychologists. Angelo State University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree is also ranked among the Lone Star State’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in counseling psychology. All students who have a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply to Angelo State University’s graduate counseling psychology degree.
Featured classes for this accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program from Angelo State University include core concepts in psychological science, advanced abnormal psychology, applied child and adolescent development, cognition and emotion, and marriage and family psychotherapy, to name a few. Career opportunities for Angelo State University’s graduates include work in hospitals, vocational counseling centers, private practice, ore mental health agencies, to name a few.
7. The University of Vermont
The University of Vermont’s College of Arts & Science (UVM), in conjunction with the Department of Psychological Science, offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Psychology that is ranked among New England’s most innovative and affordable online accelerated master’s programs. Degree candidates may complete this Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree with or without a thesis. The thesis-based option offers a clinical psychology or general/experimental psychology academic concentration.
Featured classes for these accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program options include advanced statistical methods, introduction to psychological science, introduction to psycholinguistics, development psych – childhood, psychological research methods, biobehavioral proseminar, and experimental social psychology, to name a few. UVM’s graduate degree in psychology prepares students for a wide range of related careers in the private sector, government agencies, or nonprofits, among others.
8. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Psychology that is among the finest online accelerated master’s programs in the field of psychological science in New Hampshire. Southern New Hampshire University’s affordable Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree requires degree candidates to complete 36 graduate credit units, of which 12 may be transferred if they meet eligibility requirements. Note, applicants have no GRE or GMAT score requirements or application fees.
Southern New Hampshire University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program offers students three academic tracks – forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or child and adolescent development psychology. Featured classes include social psychology, ethical practice, cognitive psychology, and research methods, among others. Career potentials and opportunities for graduates of SNHU’s master’s program in psychology include teaching, training specialists, psychologists, or market research analysts, to name a few.
9. Northcentral University
Northcentral University (NU) offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Psychology that ranks among the most innovative of online accelerated master’s programs in the field of psychological science. Northcentral University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree offers two academic tracks in general psychology and gender and sexual fluidity. Enrolled students must finish at least 30 graduate credit units, with a recommended completion timeframe of 1.5 years to complete the required ten classes. This psychology program offers a start day every Monday.
Northcentral University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is also among the most affordable available in the marketplace. Graduates of NU’s psychology master’s program find rewarding careers as family services workers, social service managers, employee trainers, data analysts, or intervention advocates, to name a few.
10. Divine Mercy University
Divine Mercy University (DMU) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Psychology that is recognized among Virginia’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in the field of psychology. This accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program from Divine Mercy University offers degree candidates these academic concentrations – marriage and family studies, human services counseling, leadership, pre-PhD, and self-designed. Devine Mercy University’s graduate degree can be completed in as few as 16 months, contingent on the degree candidate’s time availability.
This Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree prepares students for rewarding careers as teachers, case managers, residential youth counselors, psychological associates, volunteer program directors, and market research specialists, to name a few. This program requires 33-semester units, including these core classes – human growth and development, developmental psychopathology, cognition, emotion and motivation, social psychology, groups and diversity, and statistical analysis for psychology and the social sciences, to name a few.
11. Regent University
Regent University (Regent U) offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in School Counseling that is among leading Virginia leading online accelerated master’s programs in the field of school counseling. This accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is available online (with a residency) or on-campus with 60 credit units required to meet program criteria. Regent’s school counseling degree programs have received accreditation from CACREP.
Featured coursework for Regent University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree includes theories of counseling, assessment techniques in counseling, addiction therapies for individuals and families, and human growth and development, plus a practicum, to name a few. Graduates of Regent University’s master’s degree in school counseling enter the workforces as a private school counselor, a K-12 school counselor, or a charter school counselor, to name a few.
12. Mercy College
Mercy College (MC Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Psychology that is one of the most innovative of New York’s online accelerated master’s programs in psychology. Students enrolled in Mercy College’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program can finish the degree in approximately two academic years. Students may opt to follow a general advising plan, a professional advising plan, an online plan, or a research & academic advising plan.
Mercy College’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program requires the completion of 36 master’s level academic credits, of which 24 are core, and 12 are elective. Featured classes include physiological psychopathology, professional issues, and ethics, statistics & research methodology 1 I & II, psychology & group experience, and contemporary theories in psychology, among others. Graduates find rewarding work as research assistants, program directors, case managers, or mental health specialists, to name a few.
13. National University
National University’s (NU Online) JFK School of Psychology offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Counseling Psychology that is offered by the largest private nonprofit higher learning institute in the greater San Diego Area. National University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is delivered in four-week classes, with two available academic tracks – marriage and family therapist (MFT) or professional clinical counselor (PCC) – or a combined concentration. Note that this program is designed for California professionals.
Graduates of National University’s online accelerated master’s programs in counseling psychology will find rewarding work in family and child counseling and marriage therapy in a variety of settings that include clinics, hospitals, treatment centers, and private practice. This affordable Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program from National University requires degree candidates to complete 90 quarter credits to meet program criteria.
14. Lynn University
Lynn University’s College of Arts and Science (LU Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Psychology that is among South Florida’s leading online accelerated master’s programs in psychology. ThisMaster’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program offers students these academic specializations – a general track and an industrial and organizational track. Lynn University offers its graduate psychology degree program with three start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The affordable online program from Lynn University requires the completion of 37 graduate units.
Sample classes for Lynn University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program include personality psychology, advanced social psychology, thesis, and advanced statistics, and social and cultural foundations, plus a thesis in psychology, to name a few. Students graduating from Lynn University’s graduate psychology program enter the workforce as an educator, operations research analysts, or market research specialists, to name a few.
15. California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania (CUP Online) offers a nationally ranked Master of Science in Sports Psychology that is among the most innovative online accelerated master’s programs in sports psychology in the marketplace. Degree candidates are offered these concentrations for this 36 credit Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program – nutrition, applied sport science, group fitness leadership, wellness and fitness, wellness coaching, rehabilitation science, and performance enhancement and injury prevention. This graduate degree in the sports psychology program can be completed in one year if studying full-time or 17 months for part-time students.
Featured classes for CUP’s sports psychology program include essentials of human movement science, nutrition for peak performance, and special topics in sports psychology, to name a few. Students graduating from California University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree find rewarding work as personal trainers, educators, coaches, or health & fitness professionals, to name a few.
16. The University of Northern Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC Extended Campus) College of Education and Behavioral Sciences offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Educational Psychology that offers a teach applications emphasis that is ranked among the best online accelerated master’s programs in educational psychology in Colorado and beyond by US News and World Report. This affordable Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program requires degree candidates to complete a minimum of 30 academic credits at the graduate level in a cohort delivered model.
California University of Pennsylvania’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree includes these featured classes, life span developmental psychology, motivation in education, learning and instruction, brain and education, and cultural issues in educational psychology, to name a few. Degree candidates must complete 24 credits at CUP, with the remaining eligible for transfer if they meet university requirements.
17. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (Arizona State Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Psychology that is recognized among the most innovative of online accelerated master’s programs in psychology in Arizona. Arizona State University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is delivered in twelve -7.5 week classes and requires the completion of a minimum of 36 graduate credit units in twelve to twenty-four months, depending on the student’s time availability. Students explore a curriculum that emphasizes social, developmental, and cognitive psychologies.
Featured classes for Arizona State University’s affordable graduate degree in psychology include the fundamentals of quantitative research, professional issues in psychology, and advanced social psychology, to name a few. Graduates of Arizona State University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program find rewarding careers in behavioral health, market research, public relations, program management, education, human resources, or rehabilitation services, among others.
18. National Louis University
National Louis University (NLU Online) College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences & the College of Professional Studies offers a Master of Science (MS) program in Psychology that is considered among the leading Chicago online accelerated master’s programs in psychology. National Louis University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program offers these academic concentrations in general psychology, the teaching of psychology, community psychology, or psychological assessment.
This Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program requires degree candidates to finish 36 graduate semester hours to meet National Louis University’s program criteria and either a comprehensive concluding exam or a thesis as a capstone experience. Sample classes included in this affordable MS psychology degree include advanced social psychology, advanced theories of personality, the psychology of organizational leadership, biological bases of behavior, and principles of community psychology, to name a few.
19. The University of Missouri
The University of Missouri (Mizzo) College of Education and Human Development offers a Master of Education (MEd) program with an academic emphasis in school psychology (EdSp) that one of the best online accelerated master’s programs in Missouri and beyond. This accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program is completed concurrently with the educational specialist program offered by the University of Missouri.
The featured coursework for the University of Missouri’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program includes inquiry into learning, experiencing cultural diversity in the United States, child development, seminar in educational, school and counseling psychology, human learning, introduction to applied statistics, positive psychology and exploring mental health issues in schools, to name a few. Graduates of this master’s program in school psychology find rewarding work in private or public elementary, middle school, and private and public secondary schools.
20. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) College of Humanities & Social Sciences offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Psychology with an academic specialization in Forensic Psychology that ranks among the best online accelerated master’s programs in forensic psychology available in the marketplace. Students enrolled in Grand Canyon University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program requires the completion of at least 36 credit hours, which are available entirely online.
Grand Canyon University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program includes these featured classes – contemporary and ethical issues in psychology, social and cultural psychology, psychology and the legal system, and theories of criminal behavior, to name a few. Career options & opportunities for graduates of this program include work in police departments, prisons, law firms, or rehabilitation centers – working as a consultant court liaison, jury consultant, or victim advocation, among others.
21. Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) offers a Master of Science in Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis that is among the most innovative of Kentucky’s online accelerated master’s programs. Eastern Kentucky University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program requires 33 online semester credits, with up to 12 credit hours of eligible credit hours. Several courses for this graduate degree in psychology are ABAI verified (the Association for Behavior Analysis International).
Featured classes for Eastern Kentucky University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program include behavioral research and measurement, addressing problem behaviors, building new behaviors and ethics, and professional conduct in applied behavior analysis, to name a few. Job opportunities for graduates of Eastern Kentucky University’s program include behavior coach, ABA therapist, organizational consultant, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) parent educator, senior therapist, or educational consultant, to name a few.
22. Ball State University
Ball State University (BSU Online) offers a Master of Arts degree (MA) in Educational Psychology that ranks among Indiana’s most affordable online accelerated master’s programs in educational psychology. Ball State University helps students explore the student of human development and learning. This 30-credit Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program can be completed in eighteen months offering these specializations – in gifted and talented, human development, neuropsychology, applied behavior, and a customizable specialization.
The core curriculum for this BSU accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program includes advanced educational psychology, methodology of education and psychological research, human learning and achievement motivation, and tests and measurements, to name a few. Potential careers for graduates of BSUs educational psychology degree include undergraduate teaching, development specialist, institutional research, professional evaluation, or human resource development, among others. Still, others choose to pursue a doctorate degree in psychology or a related field.
23. The University of Louisiana
The University of Louisiana (ULM Online) offers a Master of Science degree program (MS) in Counseling that is considered as one the most affordable of the leading online accelerated master’s programs in Louisiana and the Southern United States. The University of Louisiana’s credit Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program requires 60 semester hours and offers these academic tracks -clinical mental health, addiction counseling, school counseling, or a combination of these tracks. Internship and practicum classes max out at six students.
The featured coursework for this CACREP accredited accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree programs include lifespan development, group counseling, methods of counseling law and ethics in counseling, research in counseling, multicultural counseling, diagnostics in counseling, plus a practicum and two internships. Additionally, students may option focus on pediatrics, geriatrics, addiction, or family & marriage.
24. Liberty University
Liberty University (Liberty Online) offers one of Virginia’s best online accelerated master’s programs with its Master of Arts degree (MA) in Applied Psychology, as noted by Niche and the Center for Online Education. This 36-credit Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program can be completed in only 18 months and allows for up to 50% of the credits to be transferred, if eligible. Students may opt for a concentration in developmental psychology if interested.
Liberty University’s accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program prepares students for rewarding careers as adolescent development specialists, rehabilitation counselors, college professors, education consultants, or human resource analysts, among others. Feature core classes include social psychology, cognitive psychology research methods and statistics in psychology I & II, and psychology and Christianity, among others.
25. McNeese State University
McNeese State University’s (MSU Online) Department of Psychology offers a Master of Arts degree program (MA) in Psychology that is ranked among the leading affordable online accelerated master’s programs in psychology in Louisiana and the Southern US. McNeese State University’s Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree program offers three academic tracks in its graduate psychology program – general & experimental psychology (39 credits required), counseling psychology (60 credits required), and applied behavior analysis (58 credits required). The applied behavior analysis track is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International and approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.
Sample curriculum for this accelerated Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree program from McNeese State University includes ethics, principles of learning and behavior, human growth and development, professional standards, plus a related internship, among others.
Is a Master’s in Clinical Psychology Worth It?
Is a master’s degree in clinical psychology worth it? It depends on what you want to do with your career. Many therapists and counselors do have master’s degrees. However, they often have degrees in social work or a similar field. If you want to become a more general therapist, you might pursue that path.
Now, if you want to become a clinical psychologist, then a master’s degree is the bare minimum for the education you’ll need. Again, some clinical psychology positions even require a PhD. If you earn a master’s in clinical psychology, you’ll get the specific training your career will require.
A master’s degree in clinical psychology is also worth it if you want to expand your specialties. Clinical psychology is deeply rooted in research and evidence. Advanced knowledge in clinical psychology can help you focus on a specific area of mental health.
Speaking of research, a master’s in clinical psychology can also help you if you want to become a researcher. This degree can teach you the latest research methods and help you keep up with changes in the field.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology is one of the highest-paying mental health careers. The median wage for clinical psychologists is $79,820. The top 10% of earners make an average of $138,550.
Why such a big salary range? Because a lot of factors make a difference. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that when it comes to clinical psychology salaries, the industry and type of workplace can have an impact. For example, outpatient care psychologists make more money than secondary school psychologists.
The BLS also shows that the state where you work can make a difference. California is the highest-paying state for clinical psychologists. Other high-paying states include Louisiana, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington D.C. However, even in lower-paying states, clinical psychologists make a higher than average salary compared to most employees in the United States.
Your experience level will also dictate your salary potential. The longer you stay in the field, the more money you can earn each year.
As you calculate your potential salary, you can get more accurate numbers if you know your goals. For example, do you want to become a substance abuse counselor? A researcher? When you know what you want to do, you can look up salary information for that position. If you know where you want to live and work, then you can get even more accurate numbers.
