Clinical psychology helps improve the lives of people with mental health conditions through assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. There are meaningful opportunities for professionals at both the master's and doctoral levels.
Discover a few important factors to consider when searching for a graduate program in clinical psychology and some insight into the application process.
Employment for clinical psychologists in the U.S. is projected to grow by 11% from 2024-2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Explore the top online clinical psychology programs and take the first step in joining the in-demand field of clinical psychology.
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Programs in Clinical Psychology
How We Identified Top Schools and Programs
Our editorial team reviewed each school and program to identify standout characteristics, prioritizing factors like flexibility, affordability, hands-on experience, and relevance of the curriculum to a career in psychology. We assigned each school a superlative category based on its strengths.
Since many psychology programs share similar course offerings and outcomes, our goal is to support your program selection process by highlighting features that matter to you most.
We verified these school and program facts in November 2025.
How To Choose an Online Clinical Psychology Program
It's important to consider several important factors when selecting a graduate program in clinical psychology. Online graduate programs in psychology require in-person clinical experiences. It's also important to note that online programs are not accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Take time to reflect on your career goals, capacity for in-person or online study, and financial situation to find the right program for you.
Accreditation
Program accreditation is important in preserving the integrity of the psychology field, upholding rigorous research and clinical practice standards, and protecting public well-being.
In many states, only clinical psychologists with doctoral degrees from programs accredited by the APA or its equivalent are eligible for licensure. Check your state's licensing requirements before enrolling in a graduate program to ensure it meets your state's educational requirements for licensure. At this time, there are no fully online APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology.
Admission Requirements
Compare each program's admission requirements as you decide which to apply to. Most graduate programs in psychology require official transcripts from a bachelor's in psychology program or another degree that includes psychology coursework, a minimum GPA, a written statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Doctoral programs may prefer applicants with research experience.
Some programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), while others do not.
Career Relevance
Depending on licensure requirements in your state, a master's in clinical psychology can prepare you for a career as a licensed counselor or mental health therapist, working with adults, children, and/or couples and families facing mental health and relationship concerns.
A fully online doctoral degree in clinical psychology may not satisfy requirements for clinical psychologist licensure in your state, so it's important to check with your state's licensing agency for specific requirements. Typically, you must complete in-person clinical components and/or meet residency requirements to become eligible for licensure as a clinical psychologist.
Flexibility
Some clinical psychology programs offer more flexibility than others. The top-rated Ph.D. programs in psychology are intensive, requiring your on-site, full-time commitment for at least six years to complete the program. Students looking for more flexibility can consider programs at the master's or doctoral level that offer part-time or online options.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of clinical psychology graduate programs varies depending on the degree type, program location, and available funding options, such as scholarships. While some of the most sought-after Ph.D. programs are fully funded and offer a small stipend to cover living expenses, others can require significant financial investment.
Online programs may have less expensive tuition than their in-person counterparts, but they often lack scholarships and other funding opportunities to help offset those costs. Consider your budget and explore funding opportunities available for the programs you are interested in applying for.
How To Apply to an Online Clinical Psychology Program
Whether you're applying for a master's or doctorate in clinical psychology, there are a few key components to the graduate application process that you'll find most programs require. It can take time to prepare all the necessary documents to complete your graduate school application, so begin early.
Step 1: Online Application
Step 2: Official Transcripts
Step 3: Letters of Recommendation
Step 4: GRE Scores
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
Earning a doctorate in clinical psychology, completing the required clinical practicum and internship, passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and applying for licensure in your state will allow you to work as a clinical psychologist.
