A master's in clinical psychology can pave the way to a career helping others. This guide ranks the top master's degree programs and provides tips on selecting the right degree for your career goals. Learn about accreditation, admission requirements, program format, and tuition costs.
Popular Online Psychology Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Master's Degree 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 a Clinical Psychology Master's Program
Consider several factors as you explore clinical psychology master's programs. Your career aspirations will help determine your education and training needs. Other factors to consider include admission requirements, program format, and the cost of your education.
Accreditation
The top clinical psychology master's programs hold programmatic accreditation from the Master's in Psychology Accreditation Council, the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, or equivalent. Choosing a degree with specialized accreditation ensures your education meets current best practices and adequately prepares you for a doctoral degree, clinical licensure, and the workforce.
Admission Requirements
Every application you submit takes time and costs money, so take a closer look at each program's admission requirements to help narrow down your options. Consider factors including minimum GPA, test score requirements, and letters of recommendation. Consider when you want to begin classes and look for programs with corresponding admission deadlines and start dates.
Career Relevance
If you plan to pursue counseling licensure following graduation, make sure the clinical psychology master's program you choose includes the coursework and clinical hours required for your desired career.
If you plan to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, all states require a license and doctorate in clinical psychology. Make sure the master's program you select adequately prepares you for doctoral study.
Flexibility
Choose a program format that is right for you. Psychology departments offer master's programs on campus, online, and/or in hybrid format. You may also want to pursue a degree with classes offered during the day or in the evenings, depending on your schedule. Part-time and full-time enrollment options add additional flexibility.
Cost and Financial Aid
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition and fees were $20,513 on average for the 2021-22 academic year. The majority of students may need help paying for their education. First fill out the Free Application For Financial Student Aid. Submitting this form helps you qualify for financial aid such as federal loans, grants, and work-study.
While you research clinical psychology master's programs, also explore what financial aid is available. Colleges and psychology departments often list institutional aid that can help pay for your degree.
How To Apply to a Clinical Psychology Master's Program
You'll need a bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, or a closely related field. Some programs may have no preference for undergraduate majors. Many programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Make sure your qualifications match admission requirements.
Step 1: Fill Out the Application
Step 2: Official Transcripts
Step 3: Letters of Recommendation
Step 4: GRE scores
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
A master's in clinical psychology can be worth the time and expense if you are passionate about helping others and interested in entering a high demand profession. Master's program graduates can pursue careers as licensed counselors or progress to doctoral studies and earn clinical psychologist licensure.
