The field of psychology is ever-growing as is the need for professionally trained counselors who have earned an online Master’s in Clinical Psychology. These programs are designed to prepare students for work as clinical psychologists, which are highly trained mental health professionals who work with families or individual clients in need of psychiatric care. With nearly 200 clinical graduate programs to choose from, finding the school that is the right fit for your needs and goals can be a challenge. For this reason, we have developed a list of the top 30 Master’s in Clinical Psychology degrees online to help you on this journey.
Methodology
This ranking list was developed with the goal of identifying the top Master’s in Clinical Psychology degrees based on a number of ranking factors. To start, we generated a list of schools from the College Navigator database using search terms for “Master’s in Clinical Psychology degree online.” We took the initial pool of 40 institutions and narrowed the list down to the top 30 graduate schools based on the following ranking criteria.
Average Cost of Graduate Attendance
When narrowing down a list of potential schools, one of the most important factors for many students is the average cost of attendance. When looking at tuition rates, it is important to remember that cheaper is not always better, and that what may appear to be an extremely affordable education might not be ideal when it comes to the quality of education. We used the College Navigator Tool and data taken from each institution’s website to obtain tuition information for the purpose of determining the average costs of graduate attendance and awarded points accordingly.
Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $24,999: 2 points
$25,000+: 1 point
College Ranking
Recognization from a national body dedicated to reviewing colleges and universities such as U.S. News & World Report indicates that the school in question is more likely to offer high-quality, affordable programs to its students. In addition to evaluating schools based on how they rank regionally, we also used data compiled from lists for best value schools, best national universities, and top public schools as well as rankings for their graduate psychology and graduate clinical psychology programs.
Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best Regional University, Best Value School, and Top Public School Ranking
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 points
Top 100: 1 point
U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Graduate Psychology Program, Graduate Clinical Psychology Program Ranking:
Top 50: 5 points
Top 100: 3 points
Top 150: 2 point
Top 200: 1 point
Accreditation
When choosing a school, it is important to consider whether the school and the programs it offers are accredited to ensure that the institution is adhering to high standards of quality in terms of the education it provides. Schools that have achieved accreditation are given more consideration than those that have not earned any type of accreditation. In addition, colleges and universities that offer specialized programs in the field of psychology that have been recognized by the two psychology-specific accrediting agencies gain additional points.
Points:
American Psychological Association: 3 points
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs: 2 points
Regional accreditation: 2 points
Ranking Master’s in Clinical Psychology
29. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Waxahachie, Texas
Points: 5
Program Website
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private Christian seminary and university located in Waxahachie, Texas. The Harrison Graduate School at SAGU offers a master’s degree in clinical psychology, a 48-credit degree program that consists of core classes in human growth and lifespan development, psychopharmacology, methods and techniques in counseling, clinical psychopathology, and ethical and legal issues. Although courses are available mostly online, five of the 16 classes must be taken on-campus. Students round out the program with two practicum experiences and a research component.
Degree Options:
Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $28,080
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
28. City University of Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Points: 5
Program Website
Also known as CityU, the City University of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution of higher learning based in Seattle, Washington that offers flexible and affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students pursuing the 90-credit Master of Arts in Counseling can choose from four concentrations: Professional School Counseling, Addiction Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. All four emphases include core knowledge courses such as ethics, human development, theory, and research, and courses cover a broad spectrum of issues designed to prepare students for real-world situations. Students also participate in three 600-hour internships and two 100-hour practicum experiences.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $26,550
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
27. Adler Graduate School
Richfield, Minnesota
Points: 5
Program Website
Located in Richfield, Minnesota, Adler Graduate School is guided by the philosophy of Alfred Adler, who believed in mutual support, open-mindedness, and encouragement to advance the public interest. The school educates those seeking to enter the field of mental health in six areas, including clinical mental health. The Master of Arts degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy with a concentration in clinical counseling is a 60-credit program that prepares students for licensure as a professional clinical counselor (LPCC). The curriculum includes field experiences and coursework in Adlerian psychology, and there are some residency requirements with the program.
Degree Options:
Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $18,000
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
26. Touro University Worldwide
New York City, New York
Points: 5
Program Website
Touro University Worldwide offers online courses as a component of the Touro College and University System, a private university system headquartered in New York City, New York. Students may choose to pursue an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in licensed professional clinical counseling (LPCC), an 82-credit-hour program. In addition to completing the core curriculum, students are also required to complete a total of 500 practicum hours in which they have direct contact with a client. After graduation, students are eligible to sit for the LPCC licensure examination.
Degree Options:
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling
Average Program Cost: $18,000
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
25. Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Points: 5
Program Website
Grand Canyon University, a private, Christian, non-profit university in Phoenix, Arizona, is currently the largest Christian university in the world. The school’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a 62-credit, eight-week online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree that is designed for students seeking careers as professional counselors. The curriculum prepares students to assist clients who are impacted by many emotional, behavioral, social, and psychological issues. After graduation, students are academically prepared to become a licensed professional counselor or a licensed associate counselor in clinical or independent settings.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $15,965
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
24. Medaille College
Buffalo, New York
Points: 6
Program Website
Medaille College, located in the historic Olmsted Crescent of Buffalo, New York, is a private liberal arts college that offers on-campus and online undergraduate and graduate degree programs while drawing extensively from the southern Ontario and western New York regions. The school offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree that consists of 60 credit hours of coursework and prepares students to sit for licensure in New York State. The program is organized into a fixed sequence of 17 seven-week classes as well as an internship and three semesters of practicum.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $28,650
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#142-#187 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
23. Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Points: 6
Program Website
Located on a 315-acre campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University is comprised of 18 schools and colleges that offer more than 150 online and on-campus programs of study. Students may pursue the 33-semester-hour Master of Science in Counseling and specialize their degree by completing an additional 27 credits of track courses in the clinical mental health counseling concentration. The emphasis curriculum covers areas such as community mental health, child and adolescent psychopathology, human sexuality, and mental health counseling techniques. Students must complete a counseling internship and a counseling practicum in order to earn their degree.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $22,650
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#157 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#191 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
22. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Points: 6
Program Website
Regent University is a Christian, private research university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia that educates more than 9,000 students in more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. The online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is explicitly taught from a Christian worldview by integrating biblical principles with modern psychology. Students can expect a curriculum of core coursework in counseling and psychopathology, an internship, and a practicum for a total of 60 credits. Due to the nature of the degree, two week-long campus visits are required, and graduates need to develop practical skills in order to obtain licensure.
Degree Options:
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $21,300
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
21. Antioch University New England
Keene, New Hampshire
Points: 6
Program Website
Antioch University New England in Keene, New Hampshire is part of the Antioch University System and serves a student body of around 1,000 students. Students may pursue an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that trains students in eight core areas, including research and program evaluation, assessment and testing, group counseling and group work, counseling and helping relationships, career development, and human growth and development. Students may complete the 60-credit-hour program within three years if attending full-time. The program consists of 39 credits in core courses, nine credits of electives, and 12 credits in internship and practicum experiences.
Degree Options:
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $20,993
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
20. Union College
Barbourville, Kentucky
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded in 1879, Union College is a four-year private college located in Barbourville, Kentucky and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Through the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program, students gain clinical experience by addressing the mental health needs of their communities. The 48-hour program allows students the opportunity to use various techniques of psychotherapy and counseling and to administer psychological tests while working on their degree. Students can expect core courses in diagnosis and treatment planning, advanced behavioral neuroscience, and advanced developmental psychology as well as clinical program coursework in techniques of counseling, clinical assessments, and practicum experiences.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $9,800
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#107-#141 in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
19. University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded as Livingston Female Academy in 1835, what was once a private teacher training school is now the University of West Alabama. The school offers more than 10 graduate and 60 undergraduate programs, serving 2,800 online and 2,300 residential students each year. UWA offers an online master’s degree in experimental psychology, which allows students to build upon their research skills, including presentation, qualitative and quantitative analysis, search methods, and critical thinking skills. Students may complete the 36- to 54-hour program within one to two years, and each course lasts eight weeks. Students may choose from a general option, a health and sports psychology option, or a clinical psychology option.
Degree Options:
M.S. Experimental Psychology
M.S. in Family Counseling
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $6,042
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#107-#141 in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
18. Southern Arkansas University
Magnolia, Arkansas
Points: 6
Program Website
Southern Arkansas University is a public four-year institution located in Magnolia, Arkansas. The school’s College of Education offers a 60-credit online Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling that can be completed in three and a half to four years. The program provides students with training in both developmental and clinical counseling and meets state licensure requirements for licensed professional counselors. Core courses are available in emphasis areas such as marriage and family counseling, substance abuse counseling, career counseling, group counseling, psychopharmacology, child and adolescent counseling, and counseling theories and skills.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $4,980
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#107-#141 in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
17. Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Points: 7
Program Website
Capella University, originally The Graduate School of America, was established in 1993 and offers most of its education and degree programs entirely online. The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program consists of five core courses, three specialization courses, and two electives. Students are also required to complete two practica and three residencies prior to graduating from the program. Through the curriculum, students will develop counseling and psychotherapy skills such as clinical intervention and cognitive-behavior therapy with the goal of helping others develop more effective, healthier coping skills.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Average Program Cost: $18,188
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
16. Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1966 and located on a 46-acre campus in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is a private school that offers more than 70 degrees to 10,000 on-campus and online students each year. The school’s Master of Science in Clinical Counseling degree is a 60-credit program that moves from foundational courses in ethical and legal issues, theories of psychotherapy, and counseling to 600 hours of clinical internship and 100 hours of a practicum experience. Though the program is flexible and almost entirely online, students are required to attend two on-campus visits: once after they are admitted into the program and once before they begin the clinical internship component.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical Counseling
Average Program Cost: $17,250
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
15. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Points: 7
Program Website
Established as Ouachita Parish Junior College in 1931, the University of Louisiana at Monroe is a public university located in Monroe, Louisiana that currently offers on-campus and online degrees in a number of industries. The online Master of Science in Counseling has two concentration options: a school counseling track and a clinical mental health counseling track. The latter is designed to prepare students to become skilled in providing counseling, educational, and supportive services to individuals from diverse backgrounds in various settings, including K-12 schools and agencies. Graduates of the program pursue careers as human resources specialists, addictions counselors, vocational counselors, career counselors, mental health counselors, and rehabilitation counselors.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $15,000
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
14. University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Points: 7
Program Website
The University of the Cumberlands is a religious, private college located in Williamsburg, Kentucky that enrolls approximately 7,000 students annually. The school offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that provides core coursework in counseling during grief and crisis, human growth and development, and psychological assessment in clinical practice. The clinical mental health counseling focus also requires specialized courses in advanced counseling theories and techniques, private practice and clinical supervision, and child, adolescent, marriage, and family counseling. Graduates are prepared for careers in settings such as correctional facilities, hospitals, community agencies, private practices, and clinical mental health centers.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $12,500
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
13. Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1928 as San Angelo College, Angelo State University is a public university in San Angelo, Texas that offers more than 100 bachelor’s and more than 30 master’s degrees. The school offers an online master’s degree in applied psychology, preparing students to become licensed counselors in the state of Texas. Students have the option of choosing a thesis or non-thesis option, and coursework may cover areas such as social psychology, research methods, theories of personality, and applications of psychological research. After completing the 60-credit-hour program, students are prepared for positions in vocational counseling in settings such as hospitals and private practices. Students typically earn their degree within two years, although options are available for accelerated study.
Degree Options:
Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology
Average Program Cost: $8,572
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
12. Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Beaumont, Texas, Lamar University is a member institution of the Texas State University System. Lamar offers more than 100 degree programs, educating around 15,000 students each year. The school’s Department of Counseling and Special Populations offers a 60-credit-hour Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that requires two residency experiences and an internship. The curriculum is guided by common-core objectives, and online courses include multicultural counseling, career development, measurement and assessment, and group, marriage, couple, family, individual, and adolescent counseling. Graduates are prepared to provide clinical counseling services in private practices, school-based mental health programs, hospitals, and clinics.
Degree Options:
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $4,125
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
11. Edinboro University
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Points: 8
Program Website
Located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, a town named after Edinburgh in Scotland, Edinboro University is one of 14 schools associated with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Students pursuing the online Master of Arts in Counseling degree can choose from focus areas such as art therapy, clinical mental health, college counseling, clinical rehabilitation and clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling. The mission of each program is to enhance the ethical, social, cultural, and intellectual development of graduate students, and each program emphasizes the integration of practice, research, and theory, thus preparing counseling professionals to serve individuals and diverse communities in a variety of human service settings.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $15,480
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#142-#187 in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
10. Lindsey Wilson College
Columbia, Kentucky
Points: 8
Program Website
Lindsey Wilson College is a four-year United Methodist college located in Columbia, Kentucky that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to online and traditional students. LWC’s School of Professional Counseling offers an online Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development with a specialization in mental health counseling that consists of 60 semester hours and requires students to participate in a non-credit group experience of at least 10 hours. Students complete 21 hours of special requirements in mental health counseling, nine hours of clinical instruction, and 30 hours from nine core areas, including research and program evaluation, group work, social and cultural foundations, and human growth and development.
Degree Options:
Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development
Average Program Cost: $11,376
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#107-#141 in Regional Universities South
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
9. Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, California
Points: 9
Program Website
Founded as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology in 1975, Palo Alto University now offers four graduate programs and two undergraduate programs in the field of psychology. The online Master of Science in Psychology program is a highly structured, innovative two-year master’s degree that can be used to improve career opportunities or as a bridge to apply for a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Palo Alto also offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling degree with a concentration in clinical mental health that fulfills all educational requirements for graduates to pursue licensure as a licensed professional clinical counselor in California.
Degree Options:
M.S. Psychology
M.A. Counseling
Average Program Cost: $21,690
U.S. News & World Report Ranking: N/A
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
American Psychological Association (APA)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
8. Adams State University
Alamosa, Colorado
Points: 9
Program Website
Adams State University, located in Alamosa, Colorado, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as nursing, business, education, and the physical and social sciences. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a 60-hour program that meets state requirements for licensure as a licensed professional counselor in Colorado. The program provides students with a wide range of diagnostic and intervention skills. In addition, through an internship, students begin to choose a specialty, selecting a placement that enhances their experience in an area of interest in community counseling.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $10,440
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#96-#127 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
7. California Baptist University
Riverside, California
Points: 10
Program Website
California Baptist University, founded as California Baptist College in 1950, is a private Christian liberal arts university that operates colleges in engineering, arts and sciences, health sciences, education, and social and behavioral sciences, among others. The 62-credit Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program is available in an online or hybrid format and is designed to prepare graduate students to enter the professional field of clinical counseling or marriage and family therapy with a sound spiritual, psychological foundation. The program provides students with the training and education they need to treat and assess clients who are experiencing relational difficulties, and graduates may be eligible to pursue California licensure in their respective disciplines.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Average Program Cost: $21,731
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#20 in Best Value Schools
#32 in Regional Universities West
Accreditations:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
6. Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Points: 10
Program Website
Located along the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, Lock Haven University enrolls 5,500 students and offers four graduate programs as well as nearly 70 undergraduate degrees. LHU’s master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling is an online, 60-credit program that prepares students to sit for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. The core curriculum features courses related to ethics, differential diagnosis, assessment, and counseling, and nine credits are required in one of three specialization areas, including counseling children and adolescents, counseling military/veterans and their families, and general clinical mental health counseling.
Degree Options:
Master Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $20,598
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#40 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#126 (tie) in Regional Universities North
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
5. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Points: 12
Program Website
Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christian, private university on a 350-acre campus in Marion, Indiana that is associated with the Wesleyan Church. Enrolling more than 15,000 students, it is the largest private college in the state. The school offers a 60-credit-hour Master of Arts degree with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling that prepares students to treat and assess organizations, families, groups, and individuals within their ecological context. Professional practice, learning, and faith are interwoven throughout the curriculum of study, and an internship is required for degree completion.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts With a Major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $16,380
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#32 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#67 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
4. Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Points: 13
Program Website
Founded in 1844 and located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wake Forest University is a liberal arts school that enrolls more than 8,000 students across 40 majors and 57 minors in various fields of study. The online Master of Arts in Counseling with a focus on clinical mental health counseling consists of 60 credits that progress through core courses such as research and program evaluation, social and cultural foundations, and human growth and development. Students also take clinical courses in specialty areas such as mental and emotional disorders, and they are required to complete internships and a professional identity capstone project prior to graduation.
Degree Options:
Master of Arts in Counseling – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $48,312
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#24 in Best Value Schools
#27 (tie) in National Universities
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
3. West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia
Points: 13
Program Website
West Virginia University is a space-grant, land-grant institution located in Morgantown, West Virginia. The university operates 14 schools and colleges, offering 350 majors in just about every industry possible. The online Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program consists of 60 credits, including two on-campus visits for the Counseling Theory and Techniques course and the Group Counseling Theories class. The school also offers a robust practicum and critical internship experience, preparing graduates to gain licensure and seek careers in mental health counseling with confidence and skill.
Degree Options:
Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $18,711
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#57 (tie) in Clinical Psychology
#112 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#131 (tie) in Psychology
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
2. Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Points: 14
Program Website
Oregon State University is a public research university in Corvallis, Oregon that offers more than 200 undergraduate programs as well as a number of doctoral and graduate degrees. Through the school’s College of Education, students may pursue a part-time 90-credit hybrid Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. The program is designed to provide students with the practice and theory to deliver professional counseling services in clinical mental health settings. The hybrid format includes online coursework and on-campus sessions held two Fridays and Saturdays per term.
Degree Options:
Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $14,580
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#70 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#116 in Best Value Schools
#140 (tie) in National Universities
#148 (tie) in Psychology
Accreditations:
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
1. University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, Tennessee
Points: 14
Program Website
Located in Martin, Tennessee, the University of Tennessee at Martin is one of five campuses that make up the University of Tennessee System. In addition to offering online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degrees, UTM also operates several satellite centers and a large experimental farm. Students pursuing a master’s degree in counseling can choose from three concentrations: School Counseling Endorsement, Clinical Mental Health, or School Counseling. Specifically, the clinical mental health concentration consists of 60 credit hours of coursework in areas such as relationships, career development, social and cultural diversity, assessment, group work, and electives.
Degree Options:
Master’s in Counseling
Average Program Cost: $11,760
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#14 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#42 (tie) in Regional Universities South
#44 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are My Career Options for a Master’s in Clinical Psychology Degree?
Clinical psychology is the field of psychology that is most concerned with the treatment and diagnosis of mental illness and abnormal behaviors. Those who graduate with an online Master’s in Clinical Psychology may find employment in a broad spectrum of settings, from assessing mental disorders in social care settings to working in their own private practices. Clinical psychologists may also specialize in subcategories such as learning disabilities or health psychology, which could influence their chances of finding a position in a specific area. The following are 10 interesting jobs that Master’s in Clinical Psychology graduates could pursue:
- Adult Mental Health Psychologist
- University Clinical Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Clinical Psychologist
- Child Mental Health Specialist
- Learning Disabilities Specialist
- Substance Abuse Clinical Psychologist
- Geriatric Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Social Worker
- Professor in Clinical Psychology
- Private Clinical Psychologist
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups clinical psychologists under the broader category of school, counseling, and clinical psychologists. As of May 2016, the mean salary for this occupation was $78,690 per year. Those in the highest 10th percentile earned $120,320 or more, while those in the lowest 10th percentile earned $41,830 or less. When looking at salary by employer, the BLS reports that clinical psychologists who worked for outpatient care centers averaged $75,020 per year, those who worked for substance abuse and psychiatric hospitals averaged $80,040, and those who worked for family and individual services averaged $74,910. Counselors and clinical psychologists who worked for offices of other health practitioners earned an average of $89,530 per year as of May 2016.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 29 Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree programs.
By OPD Staff
