Best Graduate Clinical Psychology Programs

Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $675

Credits to Graduate: 60

The MA in clinical counseling psychology at St. Michael's College integrates practice and science into its curriculum to prepare students for careers in mental health. Students discover how current research informs and evaluates professional practice. Graduates qualify for licensure in Vermont after completing the traditional program. 

Full-time students can graduate in two years, and part-time students have up to four years to complete the program. The school evaluates enrollees annually based on faculty feedback, grades, and practicum experiences. Students must pass comprehensive exams in the final semester of the program to graduate.

Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,185
Out-of-State | $2,185

Credits to Graduate: 36

The clinical psychology program at New York University prepares students to work in clinical psychology research labs, clinical practice, and human services. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies after completing the program, though it does not lead to licensure at the master's level. Most students continue to Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs. 

The master's program includes coursework about normal and abnormal behavior, testing, and factors that influence psychological disorders. While enrollees can complete research opportunities, they cannot complete supervised clinical practice hours. Each student completes 36 credits in the Department of Psychology but can pick up electives in other departments or schools at NYU.

Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $5,576 online; $7,935 on campus
Out-of-State | $5,576 online; $7,935 on campus

Credits to Graduate: 17 units

Northwestern University's clinical psychology master's program prepares students for careers in academic clinical psychology rather than clinical practice. For those interested in master's-level programs that qualify for licensure, the university has several other tracks, including a master's in marriage and family therapy or counseling. 

The clinical psychology program can be a gateway into the Ph.D. in clinical psychology. The school's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is in the academic medical center, which offers unique opportunities for students interested in translational research or clinical and neural imaging methodologies.

Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $2,049
Out-of-State | $2,049

Credits to Graduate: 36

The Teachers College at Columbia University's clinical psychology program offers a master of arts degree. Students can choose from 10 areas of concentration, including child and family, forensics, neuropsychology, and research methods. The department trains researchers and clinicians seeking the next critical step in attaining Ph.D and Psy.D. degrees. 

The program does not prepare graduates for independent practice or licensure in New York State. Those wanting a master's-level education leading to licensure should consider master's degrees in mental health counseling.

Institutional Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $920
Out-of-State | $920

Credits to Graduate: 37

California Lutheran University's master of science in clinical psychology balances practical skills with evidence-based psychotherapy. The school accepts applications for each fall semester beginning in August of the previous year. Classes are held in person, and the program prepares students either to advance into a doctoral program or to work in clinical research or program evaluation. 

Full-time students can complete the program in 2.5 years with a focus on statistics and research methods. Students learn evidence-based assessment, interviewing, and treatment in clinical experiences. However, coursework in the clinical psychology program does not lead to licensure.

Program Accreditation:  Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $1,194

Credits to Graduate: 61

The University of Central Florida offers a traditional master's in clinical psychology program with two tracks. Students who choose the research thesis track must complete 38 credit hours. This track focuses on clinical research to prepare the student for doctoral-level study. Graduates are not eligible for licensure. 

The second track requires 61 credits and develops skills relevant for individual, marital, family, and group therapies, along with crisis intervention. Students can perform collaborative research with faculty, although it's not required. This curriculum track prepares students for licensure in Florida.

Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $710
Out-of-State | $710

Credits to Graduate: 48

Immaculata University's clinical psychology MA program only accepts doctoral students admitted to the Psy.D. program with bachelor's or master's degrees in unrelated fields. Graduates do not qualify for licensure. 

Courses cover topics in research, assessment,  intervention, and ethical and legal standards. Students must complete all courses with at least a B and pass a comprehensive examination to graduate.  More than 98% of the students receive some financial aid, and all full-time students qualify for an academic scholarship.

Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $895
Out-of-State | $895

Credits to Graduate: 90 quarter hours

The two-year MS in clinical counseling at Rosalind Franklin University uses an evidence-based curriculum and includes clinical internships that promote mental health treatment. The concentrated program works in cooperation with other healthcare team members to prepare students for real-world experiences. 

A minimum requirement of 700 clinical hours offers an opportunity to work with children and adults in various treatment settings. Graduates are license-eligible and may opt for a research track option with added research-related coursework and application.

Institutional Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Unit:
In-State | $876
Out-of-State | $876

Credits to Graduate: 90 units

The clinical psychology degree program at Antioch University prepares graduates to work as marriage and family therapists and professional clinical counselors. Students can choose from several specializations, including child studies, trauma studies, and addiction and recovery. Clinical experiences are available under supervision at one of over 100 affiliated mental health agencies. 

Students can choose full-time or part-time attendance. Antioch offers full-time enrollees access to flexible cohort scheduling, which integrates online learning and in-person classes on weekdays and weekends. The program admits candidates on four dates each year for the spring, summer, fall, and winter terms.

Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,618
Out-of-State | $1,618

Credits to Graduate: 36

The MA program in clinical psychology at Montclair State University prepares students for careers in mental health. While graduates do not qualify for licensure, they can pursue Ph.D. and Psy.D. degrees or secure employment as MA-level clinicians, developmental specialists, or case managers. 

Each applicant must select a specialization in child and adolescent psychology or forensics psychology. As part of clinical experience capstone requirements, an enrollee must complete a 450-hour supervised clinical externship or supervised research lab placement. This clinical experience occurs over two semesters during the final year of study.