The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University offers two paths to licensure to support your career goals: the licensed professional clinical counselor track and the licensed marriage and family therapist track.The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University offers two paths to licensure to support your career goals: the licensed professional clinical counselor track and the licensed marriage and family therapist track.The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University offers two paths to licensure to support your career goals: the licensed professional clinical counselor track and the licensed marriage and family therapist track.
The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University offers two paths to licensure to support your career goals: the licensed professional clinical counselor track and the licensed marriage and family therapist track.The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University offers two paths to licensure to support your career goals: the licensed professional clinical counselor track and the licensed marriage and family therapist track.The Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) at Pepperdine University offers two paths to licensure to support your career goals: the licensed professional clinical counselor track and the licensed marriage and family therapist track.
An online master’s degree in clinical psychology can open doors to rewarding careers in mental health counseling, therapy, research, and more With the right online program, you can gain skills to make a real difference in people’s lives without having to put your own life on hold
In this article we’ll explore what an online masters in clinical psychology entails the key benefits, career paths, what to look for in top programs, and how to choose the best fit for your goals.
What is an Online Masters in Clinical Psychology?
A master’s in clinical psychology is a graduate-level degree that focuses on the study and application of psychological principles to assess, diagnose, and treat emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal issues.
Online programs deliver the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus options, but with the flexibility to complete your degree remotely. This allows you to earn your masters without having to relocate or make major disruptions to work or family obligations.
Coursework covers topics like:
- Human development
- Personality theories
- Psychopathology
- Research methods
- Psychological assessment
- Counseling theories and techniques
- Ethics and professional issues
Through a blend of online coursework and in-person practicum/internship experiences, you’ll gain core skills to provide therapy, conduct psychological testing, or pursue doctoral-level study. Programs typically consist of 60-90 credits over 2-3 years of full-time study.
Key Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online
Pursuing your clinical psychology masters online offers many advantages:
- Flexibility – Complete coursework on your schedule, from anywhere. Ideal for working professionals.
- Expanded access – Attend a top program across the country without relocating.
- Cost savings – Avoid expenses like room, board, commuting, etc.
- Customizable pace – Progress at a full or part-time pace.
- Practical training – Gain hands-on experience through local practicum/internship sites.
- Valuable networking – Connect with faculty experts and peers nationwide.
- Reputation – Many online programs are offered by major, reputable universities.
- Self-discipline – Develop valuable skills in time management, motivation, and independence.
While online learning does require dedication and accountability, it opens doors to earn your clinical psychology masters with minimal disruption to your existing commitments.
Career Paths with a Clinical Psychology Masters
An online master’s in clinical psychology prepares graduates for careers across healthcare, education, research, and more. Depending on your specialization and location, roles may require additional experience, exams, or licenses.
Some top career paths include:
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Mental health counselor – Provide therapy, assessment, and guidance to individuals coping with emotional, mental, behavioral issues.
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Marriage and family therapist – Work with couples and families managing relationship problems or difficult transitions.
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Clinical coordinator – Oversee mental health programs, services, compliance, and quality in healthcare settings.
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School counselor – Support K-12 students with academic, social, emotional issues affecting performance.
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Research coordinator – Assist psychologists and social scientists with studies on human behavior, cognitive processes, relationships, etc.
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Rehabilitation counselor – Help people with disabilities or injuries manage limitations and live independently.
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Substance abuse counselor – Treat and support those dealing with addiction and related mental health disorders.
A clinical psychology masters can also prepare you for competitive doctoral programs, like a PhD or PsyD, to become a licensed psychologist.
What to Look for in Top Online Programs
When researching online clinical psychology masters programs, here are some key things to look for:
ACS-Approved Curriculum
The Masters in Psychology Accreditation Council (MPAC) and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) have partnered to develop accreditation standards for master’s degree programs in clinical psychology.
Programs that meet these standards have a curriculum aligned with expectations for entry-level practice, positioning graduates well for licensure exams and professional success. This is an important indicator of quality.
Practicum/Internship Opportunities
Hands-on training is a critical part of your clinical education. Quality online programs provide access to in-person practicum and/or internship sites to gain experience assessing clients, providing therapy, etc. Look for established partnerships that can facilitate local placements.
Respected Faculty
The most valuable learning will come from your interactions with faculty. Look for professors with strong academic and professional backgrounds, as well as experience delivering online education. Their expertise and guidance can greatly enrich your learning experience.
Flexible Pacing Options
The right program will offer enrollment options to complete your degree at a full or part-time pace. Accelerated options allow faster completion, while part-time tracks support progress alongside work or family demands. Choose the pace that fits your situation.
Comprehensive Student Support
Earning your degree online has unique challenges. Quality programs provide academic advising, technical support, library access, career guidance, and other resources to help you succeed online.
Affordable Tuition and Aid Opportunities
A graduate degree is a major investment. Compare program costs and look for scholarships, grants, assistantships, or other aid that can help offset expenses.
Prioritizing these factors when evaluating programs can help you choose one that provides a rewarding, high-quality education online.
How to Choose the Best Program for Your Goals
Every student’s needs and goals are unique when it comes to pursuing a clinical psychology masters online. Here are some key questions to help you identify the best fit:
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What career path(s) do you plan to pursue? Your specialization options – such as mental health counseling, marriage/family therapy, etc. – should support your professional goals.
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What pace works best for your situation? Do you need a full-time accelerated track or part-time flexibility? Make sure a program offers the pace and schedule you need.
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Where do you hope to live and work? If looking to practice clinical psychology, consider your desired state’s educational and licensure requirements.
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What stage of life are you in? A program geared towards working professionals may suit someone with more existing responsibilities better. Recent grads may want more structure.
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What learning format do you prefer? If you thrive in live classes, seek opportunities for synchronous learning. If you like learning independently, look for self-paced options.
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How much can you reasonably afford? Compare total costs and don’t overextend yourself. Seek out any scholarships or aid available.
By weighing factors like these, you can zero in on programs that match your situation, learning preferences, and professional aspirations. This will set you up for the greatest chance of success.
Spotlight: Top Online Clinical Psychology Masters Programs
To give you a sense of what top online clinical psychology masters programs look like, here are two examples:
Capella University
Capella offers an online MS in Clinical Psychology with three specialization options: Applied Research, Clinical Counseling, and Forensic Psychology. The program follows ACS guidelines and includes practicum experiences.
Students complete foundational coursework then advance to specialization topics. Pacing options, scholarships, grants, and other support are available.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology prepares students for licensure as an LPC or LMFT. The curriculum follows accreditation standards and includes local clinical training.
Students complete the same coursework and clinical hours as on-campus counterparts. Multiple start dates, scholarships, and other support help online learners succeed.
These are just two examples of respected universities now offering clinical psychology masters programs online. Finding the right fit comes down to your goals, needs, and research.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
Earning your clinical psychology masters online enables you to advance your mental health career without putting life on hold. An accredited program provides the curriculum, training, and support to help you gain skills to make a meaningful difference.
By considering your professional goals, ideal learning environment, and financial realities, you can find the ideal online program to invest in your future. Our guide explored the key benefits, careers, factors to weigh, and examples to help you start your search.
If you’re passionate about helping others and ready to expand your opportunities, an online master’s in clinical psychology could be a rewarding next step.
Clinical Psychology Online Licensure Options: LPC vs. LMFT
Pepperdine’s online clinical psychology master’s program prepares you to pursue licensure as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) or a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
Choose this path if you want to help with:
- A broader scope of mental health issues.
- Diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and addictive disorders.
- Providing service to a larger audience, including individuals, families, and larger organizations.
Choose this path if you want to help people with:
- Issues that stem from marriage and family dynamics and parent-child conflicts.
- Diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and addictive disorders.
- Depression, substance abuse, and trauma, and how they affect couples and families.
FAQ: Does the curriculum differ for each path?
It doesn’t. Foundational courses are the same regardless of the licensure path you wish to pursue. You will have the opportunity to customize your degree through electives.
Tuition and Financial Aid
You will need to complete 62 to 68 units to graduate. To gain a better understanding of the total cost of your degree, Pepperdine offers a calculator tool to approximate the cost of tuition.
Financial aid opportunities are available for Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology students. Students may utilize military education benefits, employer tuition assistance, federal student loans, private loans, or scholarships to assist with program expenses.
Requirements for scholarships vary. For more information about scholarship opportunities, please call our admissions team at +1-855-270-5431.
If you are interested in joining us on campus, we offer an on-campus Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology as well as a breadth of traditional psychology master’s programs at multiple campus locations. Note that the on-campus and online programs have separate applications.
Earn Your Master’s Online. Help People Thrive.
Learn more about earning your master’s in clinical psychology online from Pepperdine University.
Now is the time. Advance your career with Pepperdine. Take the next step today.
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Our curriculum focuses on current applied methods of psychotherapy, offering a practice-based course of study with clinical training in or near your community. You will learn about various topics, including the social and psychological implications of socioeconomics and how poverty and social stress affect the ability of individuals, couples, and families to thrive.
Regardless of the licensure path you wish to pursue, our foundation courses are the same. You will have the opportunity to choose electives that most interest you during the program.
Upon graduation, you will know how to:
- diagnose clients
- formulate clinical cases
- develop treatment plans
- facilitate therapeutic processes
The course catalog includes 6 units of core courses that build the foundation of your clinical psychology education and frame the concepts you’ll explore throughout the program. After these foundation courses, you will complete 62 units of master’s-level courses that expose you to the latest advancements being discussed in the field today.
Foundation courses include Psychopathology and Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning. You may be able to waive these courses if you completed them for your undergraduate degree. To qualify for a waiver, course work must have been completed within the last seven years at a regionally accredited institution, and you must have earned a grade of “B” or better.
Consider how people’s identities and backgrounds relate to mental health and treatment. Explore how counselors can take into account clients’ race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, and ableness.
Learn how to interview, formulate clinical cases, develop treatment plans, and facilitate therapeutic processes consistent with major theoretical approaches. Gain practical skills through examination of clinical case material and supervised exercises.
Sample Course Topics
- Multicultural counseling
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Substance abuse treatment
- Diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders
- Assessment of individuals, couples, and families
- Theory of counseling and psychotherapy
- Trauma in diverse populations
Read course descriptions for more information about the classes you will take in the online clinical psychology master’s program.
Curious to know what your schedule might look like? Check out a sample course sequence (PDF).
As part of the program, you will take four terms of clinical practicum, where you will receive clinical training under the supervision of a licensed therapist or counselor at an approved clinical site near your community. Ahead of your clinical practicum, you will take the Preparation for Practicum course, which will introduce you to key skills needed while working directly with clients.
For students in California intending to pursue licensure as a marriage and family therapist (LMFT), 225 hours must be spent directly with clients. For students in California intending to pursue licensure as a professional clinical counselor (LPC), 280 hours must be spent directly with clients.
The licensure path you choose and state of intended employment will determine the breakdown of hours you must complete as part of your clinical training.
As a student, you will work with our dedicated placement team to find and secure Pepperdine-approved practicum and internship opportunities, where you can observe professional counselors and gain experience working directly with clients.
All students outside of California will be required to complete 700 total placement hours, including the 225 (LMFT) or 280 (LPC) hours spent directly with clients.
Online College Courses | Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Applied Psychology
What will I learn in an online clinical psychology master’s degree program?
What Will I Learn in an Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Degree Program? Usually, an online master’s program in clinical psychology takes about two years to complete. Your master’s program will likely include practical components, including a practicum and internship.
Can you get a clinical psychology degree online?
The American Psychology Association only accredits doctoral-level psychology degrees, making the online Clinical Psychology Master’s a great first step for future clinical psychologists. Depending on what your state requires for licensing at the masters level, you may be eligible for licensing after completion of a high-quality masters program.
What is a clinical psychology masters degree?
A clinical psychology masters degree is a graduate program in which students study advanced topics related to counseling and treatment. People in clinical psychology programs learn to work with patients who need help with depression, anxiety, and other life issues.
Does a school have a clinical psychology program?
Schools do not typically have undergraduate programs in clinical psychology. Instead, they offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a clinical or counseling concentration. These degrees prepare students to pursue master’s degrees in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or social work.
