30 Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology Programs

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Updated June 6, 2025

The increasing popularity of online college programs means many aspiring psychologists can consider pursuing their master's degrees without schedule conflicts. Typically, these programs allow you to continue your career while completing courses at your own pace. Understanding the various online master's degree options can help you find the right one for your work goals and potentially expand your career opportunities.In this article, we discuss what an online master's in clinical psychology is, including the benefits of earning an education online and 30 options for a clinical psychology master's degree program.

What is an online master's degree in clinical psychology?

An online master's degree in clinical psychology is a higher education program that provides graduate students with a virtual classroom for a comprehensive understanding of mental healthcare and human behavior. Often, in these courses, students can learn about behavioral science and research methods and techniques. This degree program also gives students the required training and education for success in a real-world position. Additionally, this program can require clinical hours and a master's thesis.Usually, earning a master's degree in clinical psychology can take about three years to complete as a full-time student. Some individuals can finish their programs in less or more time than the average length. Here are some areas you may study in your online clinical psychology degree programs:

Child psychology
School psychology
Organizational psychology
Developmental psychology
Gender identity
Psychological theories
Mental health conditions
Social work

Benefits of pursuing a master's degree online

One of the major benefits of pursuing a master's degree online is the flexibility students typically have when completing classes. Many distant learners find they can complete courses on their own time or enroll in a certain number of classes that fit their schedules.Other benefits when completing a master's degree online can include:

More versatile class attendance possibilities, like studying remotely with an internet connection
Less tuition and supply costs
More control over the learning experience
More access to specialized courses
Improved school, career and life balance
More options for schools and programs

16 online master's in clinical psychology programs

Many graduate clinical psychology programs focus on a broad range of mental and behavioral challenges across the lifespan, such as substance abuse and dependence, neurological conditions, traumatic stress reactions and crisis interventions. Students enrolled in a clinical psychology master's program may cover topics like cognitive, behavioral and emotional assessments, evidence-based interventions and research and implementation of clinical psychological processes.Here's a list of some clinical psychology master programs to consider:

1. Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Capella University

The Master of Science in clinical psychology program helps students gain the skills required to work in the mental health industry. This program emphasizes the scientific study of mental health conditions, theories and psychotherapy applications. Available specializations include applied research, clinical counseling and forensic psychology. Admission requirements, tuition and course materials vary for each specialization.Related: 10 Career Paths in Clinical Psychology

2. Master of Arts in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy (MFT) program at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology

The Master of Arts in clinical psychology with an emphasis in MFT program prepares students for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). Curriculum topics may include sexuality and intimacy, treatment for substance use, trauma in diverse populations and diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Students may also receive clinical training under supervision by a licensed counselor at a location convenient for them.Related: How To Become a Clinical Psychologist

3. Master's in mental health counseling at Wake Forest University

The online master's in mental health counseling program prepares students for mental health counseling careers in specializations such as family and marriage counseling or career counseling. The 60-hour program includes undergoing clinical training and learning about topics like the classification of mental and emotional disorders, treatment planning and integrated behavioral health. Additionally, students may consult 24/7 technical support and tutoring services.

4. Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The MA in clinical mental health counseling program prepares students for careers in mental health counseling in various settings, such as business, government, education and nonprofit organizations. Program course topics may include ethics, research, prevention, assessment, advocacy and multiculturalism. Students complete an internship after finishing their courses by working at a local, approved clinical practice. The Chicago School also helps students prepare for licensure in their respective states.Related: How Long Does It Take To Become A Clinical Psychologist?

5. Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling at Regent University

The Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program prepares students for careers in family service centers, outpatient centers, hospitals and private practices. This school's curriculum helps students learn about human growth and development, diagnosis and treatment, emotional and mental health conditions and trauma intervention. Courses may include career and lifestyle development, family systems concepts and crisis and trauma counseling. Regent University doesn't require students to have previously majored in psychology in an undergraduate course to enter the program.Related: FAQ: How To Pursue a Mental Health Counseling Master's Degree

6. Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling at Southern New Hampshire University

The MA in clinical mental health counseling program prepares students for licensure as mental health specialists in many states. It includes online courses and two required five-day residencies. Typically, students learn how to form and facilitate group therapy sessions, develop counseling identities, promote wellness for diverse groups of clients and learn skills for client consultation, treatment and intervention. Some courses may include addiction counseling, diversity in counseling, diagnosis of mental health conditions and intervention of crisis and trauma.

7. Clinical counseling with an emphasis in addictions master's program at East Carolina University

The clinical counseling with an emphasis in addictions master's program prepares students for careers as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors (LCMHC) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialists (LCAS). Possible workplaces for these specialists include inpatient or outpatient programs, detoxification centers, residential and halfway-house programs and other home-based programs. The program's primary objectives include training students in prevention, diagnosis, diversity, advocacy, research and evaluation. Possible courses may include ethical and legal aspects of rehabilitation counseling, family treatment and human growth and development.Related: 16 Careers in Substance Abuse

8. Master of Science in clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling at West Virginia University

The clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling program prepares students for careers as expert counselors at mental health and addiction treatment centers. They may also work at state-federal systems of vocational rehabilitation, Veterans' Affairs, hospitals and other outpatient centers. Students may complete courses online, but they also attend a required two-week immersion course for counseling skill development on campus. The students can learn about topics including addiction, rehabilitation issues and mental health conditions. The courses may include counseling theory, cultural issues, ethical issues in counseling and crisis trauma grief counseling.Related: FAQ: Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling (With 5 Careers)

9. Master of Science in psychology at Mercy College

The M.S. in psychology program offers four different formats where students can learn based on their comfort and preferred learning style. The online format includes standard required core courses, four elective courses, an exam and a master's thesis. Program objectives include teaching students how to identify brain and behavior relationships, demonstrate clinical skills in many settings, conduct group therapy sessions and assess ethical issues in counseling. Students may choose to work as research assistants, nonprofit program directors, mental health workers, case managers or adjunct college professors after receiving this degree.Related: 22 Master in Psychology Jobs To Consider

10. Master of Arts in counseling at City University of Seattle

The M.A. in counseling program offers three paths, which are clinical mental health counseling, marriage, couple and family counseling and school counseling. Students complete varying curriculums based on the path they choose in addition to a standard core curriculum. Coursework for the clinical mental health counseling path typically includes human sexuality, systemic theory, research methods and ethics and law. Students may choose to work in correctional institutions, hospitals, residential care facilities, schools and universities, private and nonprofit counseling organizations or managed care organizations with this degree.

11. Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling at Medaille College

The Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program prepares students for careers working in hospitals, employee assistance programs, community agencies, addiction treatment centers and schools. This program meets New York's state licensure requirements, though out-of-state students may also check with their counseling organizations to verify their licensure requirements. The online format of this program requires students to meet on campus for five days on two separate occasions for specific course requirements.Course topics include psychopathology, social and cultural foundations of counseling, orientation and ethics and recognition and reporting of child maltreatment.

12. Master of Arts in psychology at Adler University

The Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program offers four paths, including gender and sexuality studies, crisis management, wellness and health and child and adolescent development. Coursework topics may include history and systems for applied psychology, community applications of Adlerian psychology and social justice practicum. Adler University emphasizes the importance of empirical research and social justice and trains students to be socially responsible practitioners in their chosen career path or workplace.Related: How To Choose the Right College in 6 Steps (With Tips)

13. Master of Arts in counseling at Palo Alto University

The M.A. in counseling program offers an emphasis in clinical mental health to prepare students for careers in recovery-oriented treatment as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). This program helps students meet the licensure requirements for California, but the program may also satisfy these requirements for other states. Students outside of California may benefit from checking their state's licensure requirements to determine if the program meets their state's requirements. Course topics may include life span development, community mental health, human sexuality, multicultural counseling and advanced play therapy.

14. Master of Science in counseling at Nova Southeastern University

The M.S. in counseling program offers a concentration in clinical mental health counseling that helps students pursue careers working with children, military members, veterans and families. Possible workplaces after graduation include social agencies, mental health clinics, hospitals and corporate human resource departments. Course topics include ethical and legal issues in counseling, psychological testing, substance use disorder, couples and family counseling and advanced treatment interventions. Students also complete a standard curriculum outside of their concentration courses.

15. Master of Art in clinical mental health counseling at Union Institute and University

The M.A. in clinical mental health counseling program prepares students for licensure and future doctoral studies in counseling. Although the program prepares students for licensure in most states, it's helpful to verify a state's specific licensure requirements before enrolling. Students may work at mental health centers, Veterans' Affairs, addiction treatment centers and private practices after graduation. Core courses may include helping relationships and psychopathology ethics. Elective courses may include crisis intervention, military culture, psychopharmacology and substance abuse.Related: Mental Health Counselors: What Do They Do? (Plus Other FAQs)

16. Master of Arts in clinical counseling at Alliant International University

The M.A. in clinical counseling program prepares students for careers in community mental health clinics, family services, hospitals, government agencies, schools, private practices and addiction centers. This program also helps students in California earn licensure, though students out-of-state may also obtain licensure based on their state's requirements. Possible course topics can include counseling theories, addiction challenges, human development, sex therapy, psychopharmacology and emergency response issues in counseling.

Additional online master's in clinical psychology programs

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