The field of psychology is growing. The need for professionally trained counselors who have earned an online Master’s in Clinical Psychology is also growing. These clinical psychology online programs are designed to prepare students for work as clinical psychologists. Clinical psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals. They work with families or individual clients in need of psychiatric care. With nearly 200 graduate clinical psychology programs to choose from, finding the school that is the right fit for your needs and goals can be a challenge. Potential clinical psychologists might be wondering, “What school has the best clinical psychology program online?” We have developed a list of the top 30 Master’s in Clinical Psychology degrees online to help future clinical psychologists 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. We used 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. We used 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. 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
- top public schools
We also used rankings for their graduate psychology and graduate clinical psychology programs online.
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 offers an online masters degree in clinical psychology. It is a private Christian seminary and university located in Waxahachie, Texas. The Harrison Graduate School at SAGU offers a 48-credit online clinical psychology masters degree. It 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 online clinical psychology master’s 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
The City University of Seattle is also knows as CityU. It is a private not-for-profit institution of higher learning based in Seattle, Washington. It 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
- Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
All four emphases include core knowledge courses such as:
- ethics
- human development
- theory
- research
The 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
Adler Graduate School is located in Richfield, Minnesota. It is guided by the philosophy of Alfred Adler, who believed in the following to advance the public interest:
- mutual support
- open-mindedness
- encouragement
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. It prepares students for licensure as a professional clinical counselor (LPCC). The curriculum includes field experiences and coursework in Adlerian psychology. There are some residency requirements with the online clinical psychology 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. It is 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). It is 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: $36,000
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 is a private, Christian, non-profit university in Phoenix, Arizona. It 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. It is designed for students seeking careers as professional counselors. The curriculum of the online MS clinical psychology prepares students to assist clients who are impacted by many the following issues:
- emotional
- behavioral
- social
- psychological
After graduating with the online MS clinical psychology, 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: $16,500
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 is located in the historic Olmsted Crescent of Buffalo, New York. It 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. It consists of 60 credit hours of coursework. It 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
Nova Southeastern University is located on a 315-acre campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It 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. They can 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
- 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. It 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
- a practicum for a total of 60 credits
Due to the nature of the degree, two week-long campus visits are required. 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 is located in Keene, New Hampshire. It is part of the Antioch University System. It serves a student body of around 1,000 students. Students may pursue an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It 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
- human growth and development
Full time students may complete the 60-credit-hour program within three years. 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
Union College offers one of the top online clinical psychology masters programs. It was founded in 1879. Union College is a four-year private college located in Barbourville, Kentucky. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Through the masters degree in clinical psychology online program, students gain clinical experience by addressing the mental health needs of their communities. The 48-hour clinical psychology masters programs online allows students the opportunity to use various techniques of psychotherapy and counseling. The future clinical psychologists administer psychological tests while working on their degree. Students in the clinical psychology degree program can expect core courses in:
- diagnosis and treatment planning
- advanced behavioral neuroscience
- advanced developmental psychology
They will also complete the master’s in clinical psychology program coursework in techniques of:
- counseling
- clinical assessments
- 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
Livingston Female Academy was founded in 1835. It once was a private teacher training school. It is now the University of West Alabama. The school offers more than 10 graduate and 60 undergraduate programs. It serves 2,800 online and 2,300 residential students each year. UWA offers an online master’s degree in experimental psychology. It allows students to build upon their research skills, including:
- presentations
- qualitative and quantitative analysis
- search methods
- critical thinking skills
Students may complete the 36- to 54-hour program within one to two years. Each course lasts eight weeks. Students may choose from these options:
- general
- health and sports psychology
- clinical psychology
Degree Options:
M.S. Experimental Psychology
M.S. in Family Counseling
M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $15,444
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. It can be completed in three and a half to four years. The program provides students with training in both developmental and clinical counseling. It meets state licensure requirements for licensed professional counselors. Core courses are available in emphasis areas such as:
- marriage and family counseling
- substance abuse treatment counseling
- career counseling
- group counseling
- psychopharmacology
- child and adolescent counseling
- 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 offers one of the top online masters in clinical psychology programs. It was originally The Graduate School of America. It was established in 1993. It offers most of its education and degree programs entirely online. The online clinical psychology masters program consists of:
- five core courses
- three specialization courses
- two electives
Clinical psychology degree students are also required to complete two practica. The online clinical psychology program also has three residencies prior to graduating from the program. Through the curriculum, the future clinical psychologists will develop counseling and psychotherapy skills such as clinical intervention and cognitive-behavior therapy. This is with the goal of helping others develop more effective and 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
Bellevue University was founded in 1966. It is 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. It 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
- 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
The University of Louisiana at Monroe was established as Ouachita Parish Junior College in 1931. It is a public university located in Monroe, Louisiana. It 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
- a clinical mental health counseling track
The latter is designed to prepare online 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
- rehabilitation counselors
- family therapists
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. It enrolls approximately 7,000 students annually. The school offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It provides core coursework in:
- counseling during grief and crisis
- human growth and development
- 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
- child, adolescent, marriage, and family counseling
Graduates are prepared for careers in settings such as:
- correctional facilities
- hospitals
- community agencies
- private practices
- 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
San Angelo College was founded in 1928. It is now Angelo State University. It 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. It prepares online students to become licensed counselors in the state of Texas. Online students have the option of choosing a thesis or non-thesis option. Coursework may cover areas such as:
- social psychology
- research methods
- theories of personality
- applications of psychological research
After completing the 60-credit-hour program, online students are prepared for positions in vocational counseling in settings such as hospitals and private practices. Online 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
Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas. It 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. Online courses include:
- multicultural counseling
- career development
- measurement and assessment
- 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
- 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
Edinboro is 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
- clinical mental health counseling
- school counseling
The mission of each program is to enhance the ethical, social, cultural, and intellectual development of graduate students. Each program emphasizes the integration of:
- practice
- research
- theory
It thus prepares 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 is located in Columbia, Kentucky. It 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
- 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
Palo Alto University offers one of the top clinical psychology master’s programs online. It was 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 degree in clinical psychology is a highly structured, innovative two-year master’s degree. The clinical psychology degree program 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 future clinical psychologist 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 is located in Alamosa, Colorado. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in disciplines such as:
- nursing
- business
- education
- 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 was founded as California Baptist College in 1950. It is a private Christian liberal arts university that operates colleges in:
- engineering
- arts and sciences
- health sciences
- education
- social and behavioral sciences
- others
The 62-credit Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program is available in an online or hybrid format. It 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 psychology students with the training and education they need to treat and assess clients who are experiencing relational difficulties. 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
Lock Haven University is located along the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. It 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 psychology students to sit for licensure as a professional counselor in Pennsylvania. The core curriculum features courses related to:
- ethics
- differential diagnosis
- assessment
Nine credits are required in one of three specialization areas including:
- counseling children and adolescents
- counseling military/veterans and their families
- 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. It is associated with the Wesleyan Church. It enrolls 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. It prepares students to treat and assess:
- organizations
- families
- groups
- individuals
Professional practice, learning, and faith are interwoven throughout the curriculum of study. 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
Wake Forest University was founded in 1844. It is 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. Students progress through core courses such as:
- research and program evaluation
- social and cultural foundations
- human growth and development
Students also take clinical courses in specialty areas such as mental and emotional disorders. 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. It includes 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
University of Tennessee at Martin is located in Martin, TN. It is one of five campuses that make up the University of Tennessee System. It offers 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
- 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
- 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?
Those who have earned online clinical psychology degrees might be wondering about their career options. Newly graduated clinical psychologists from online clinical psychology programs will be happy to know there are plenty of options. 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 masters 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 (BLS) groups clinical psychologists under the broader category of school, counseling, and clinical psychologists. As of May 2019, the mean salary for this occupation was $87,450 per year. Those in the highest 10th percentile earned $132,670 or more, while those in the lowest 10th percentile earned $45,240 or less. When looking at salary by employer, the BLS reports that clinical psychologists who worked for outpatient care centers averaged $99,870 per year, those who worked for substance abuse and psychiatric hospitals averaged $86,350, and those who worked for family and individual services averaged $85,140. Counselors and clinical psychologists who worked for offices of other health practitioners earned an average of $100,300 per year as of May 2019.
This concludes our ranking of the Top 29 Master’s in Clinical Psychology online degree programs.
