Clinical Psychology Master’s Programs

Northwestern University offers a Clinical Psychology MA Program for those students pursuing academic clinical psychology as a career. The program’s primary objective is to help students become proficient in research design, analytics, and ethics. While learning these core skills, students will be able to explore various disciplines within clinical psychology. The program is challenging to get accepted into, but the rewards are great.

The school designed the program to be completed within 15 months (five quarters). Students must earn at least 17 units to graduate. Core coursework includes study in statistics, research methods, and ethics. Other electives are available such as cognitive psychology, child psychopathology, behavioral neuroscience, and more.

Students will learn from and receive mentoring from over 90 faculty members. These faculty will assist in teaching, research labs, and reviewing papers. A low teacher-to-student ratio provides more hands-on learning from qualified professionals.

The University of Central Florida offers two tracks for students seeking a Master of Arts Clinical Psychology Program. Both programs are available at the beautiful UCF Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

One path is the Applied Pre-Licensure/Non-Thesis Track. This program is for psychology students who would like to eventually become Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) and practice in Florida. This program requires 49 credit hours of graduate coursework after the Bachelor’s degree. Sample courses include multicultural psychotherapy, developmental psychology, and group psychotherapy. In addition to those required classes, students must complete 12 credit hours of an internship.

The other track is the Research/Thesis track, designed for students who want to focus on research or an eventual doctoral program. This program does not lead to LMHC eligibility. This track requires nine credit hours of required psychology courses, 15 credit hours of general clinical elective classes, and 14 additional credit hours of research coursework.

The University of Tulsa offers a 45-credit hour Master of Arts (M.A.) program in clinical psychology. The program’s focus is to teach students the foundational skills of intervention, evaluation, and consultation. Students who graduate with this degree become equipped to seek entry-level clinical positions in organizational settings, agencies, and healthcare.

The university’s small, private setting ensures high-quality education with a low student-to-teacher ratio. The school emphasizes individual and cultural diversity and the ability to adapt clinical activities accordingly.

Students in the program will take 18 credit hours of clinical psychology classes. Courses include psychopathology, assessment, and the scientist-practitioner-based approach. The program also requires three hours of research methods, seven hours of practicum, 12 hours of general psychology, and nine credit hours of electives. The school believes practical experience is vital to the training. Therefore, the practicum assignments are an essential part of the program.

Wheaton College offers an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program’s focus is to develop qualified Christian mental health counselors. As a Christian school, the integration of faith and counseling is essential. Faculty come alongside students to explore the impact of a Christian worldview on becoming a counselor.

Students who seek this degree program must complete 60 credit hours. Sample courses include counseling skills, family system theory, ethics, and trauma. Students also must complete six credits of theological studies.

The acceptance rate for Wheaton is relatively high, so most students have a good chance of getting in. The school boasts that its graduates are now serving in 25 countries around the world. For those students wanting a clinical psychology education from a Christian worldview, Wheaton is an excellent choice.

Pepperdine University offers multiple tracks for their Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program for students pursuing clinical psychology careers. There are both on-campus and online options available, allowing students to complete graduate degrees without worrying about relocating. All of the school’s faculty are active clinicians and experts in their fields.

One track is the M.A. Clinical Psychology MFT program, which trains students in marriage and family therapy. This program prepares students to become a state-licensed provider as either a therapist or clinical counselor.

The coursework focuses on applied methods of psychotherapy. In this program, students will become equipped to diagnose and treat mental health disorders, perform assessments, and counsel in multicultural situations. Students must also complete a clinical practicum at an approved clinical site. The exact amount of time depends on the state in which you want to become licensed.

For students who want the campus experience, there are multiple campuses from which to choose.

LeTourneau University offers a highly sought online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program equips students to be able to perform counseling, clinical assessment, testing, and intervention. Graduates will be able to work with individuals, couples, and families.

The program is 100% online, giving students the flexibility of completing their coursework from anywhere. Students that complete the program successfully will be fully prepared to take their state licensure exams.

The degree requires 45 hours of core coursework, including psychopathology, research, counseling, and ethics. The core requirements also include practicum and two internships. Students must also take six hours of clinical theology classes and 15 hours of specialization courses. These additional courses include human sexuality, addictions, couples therapy, and family assessment.

For students who want to integrate counseling with a Christian worldview, LeTournaue is a good option.

The Vanguard University of Southern California offers a Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology program. The program prepares students to become licensed therapists or clinical counselors in California. The school provides several schedule options to accommodate busy schedules. Students can elect full-time, part-time, or evening-only tracks.

Students in the program will take courses like clinical foundations, cognitive-behavioral theory, and psychotherapy of family, children, and adolescents. The program takes between two and four years to complete and requires 60-65 credit hours.

The school emphasizes the integration of Christian theology and psychology. The faculty are also licensed clinical professionals who also commit to developing students. For students planning to practice in California who want an education from a Christian worldview, this is a great program to consider.

Clayton State University offers a Master’s program in Clinical/Counseling Psychology. This program prepares students to provide psychological services for the community. Students will learn to ethically perform psychological assessments and provide individual, family, and group therapies.

Sample courses from the program include advanced human development, cultural issues, advanced research methods, and group therapy. As part of the requirements, students will also complete 600 hours of supervised clinical hours for real-life experience.

The program requires nine hours of core coursework and 47 credit hours of clinical counseling courses. To complete the degree, students will complete a capstone project including four additional credit hours. Elective courses are also available for topics of interest.

This program is an excellent choice for students who want the skills to assess mental health issues and implement interventions using various techniques.

The University of Northern Iowa offers a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in Clinical Science. This emphasis combines clinical research and practice, giving students a unique blend in the scientist/practitioner model.

The program requires 43 credit hours and includes courses like cognitive assessment, research, statistics, ethics, and evidence-based treatment. Students learn research design and child/adolescent and adult psychopathology. Through supervised practice in the community, students also gain valuable professional skill development.

This program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue doctoral programs in research or science. Students interested in ADHD, multicultural issues, and mental illness stigma will find the program attractive because the school’s clinical faculty specifically research these topics.

Eastern Illinois University offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. This program excels in preparing students for clinical practice or pursuit of doctoral programs. Following the scientist/practitioner model, the curriculum trains students in both theoretical knowledge and ethical practice.

As part of the program, students also complete 100 hours of practicum with an additional 600 hours of internship. This supervised experience enables students to practice what they have learned.

All of the faculty hold doctoral degrees from renowned universities across the country. The student-to-teacher ratio in the clinical program is remarkably low, providing high-quality instruction from highly-qualified faculty. Students will complete courses such as psychological assessment, advanced psychopathology, and a variety of therapy modalities.

For students wanting to progress quickly, the school offers a full-time, two-year program.

Montclair State University offers an M.A. in Clinical Psychology degree. The program teaches the scientist-practitioner model. It emphasizes theory, practical experience, and scientific research. Many students who complete this program often go on to further doctoral studies. Others begin their careers practicing clinical psychology.

The degree program requires students to complete 36 credit hours of coursework. There are two potential concentrations for the degree, depending on students’ interests. Child / Adolescent Psychology and Forensic Psychology are the two possible tracks. Both paths require core courses like cognitive assessment, development psychology, and ethics. Depending on the specialization, students will take classes geared toward either children or criminal proceedings.

Students that wish to pursue training in evidence-based practice and get experience in research will find Montclair an excellent choice.

Mercer University offers an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for busy working adults. This program boasts instruction from award-winning faculty who also have clinical experience. Students become prepared to serve their communities facing emotional, mental, or behavioral issues.

The program prepares students for several licensure exams throughout the program. As part of the degree study, students prepare for the following:

• Associate Professional Counselor (APC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• National Counselor Examination (NCE)
• National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Exam (NCMHCE).

This program is especially beneficial for students that are busy or that work during the day. Students only have to attend classes one night per week during each 16-week semester. Full-time and part-time paths are available.

Rowan University offers a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The program emphasizes differential diagnosis, evidence-based practice, ethics, and multicultural sensitivity. Students that earn this degree become well-prepared for the state licensure exam.

The degree program requires 60 credit hours of graduate courses. Some classes students must take include psychopathology, assessment, counseling theory, and research methodology. During the program, students must also complete 600 hours of supervised clinical practice. This requirement ensures students receive a hands-on learning approach in a real-world environment.

The Rowan program provides a foundational clinical psychology degree that equips students for many paths. Some students pursue further doctoral studies. Others become professional counselors. Other students pursue teaching and research. Rowan is an excellent foundation no matter what students choose to do next.

Ball State University offers a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. This two-year program equips students to pursue doctoral programs or become professionals in the field. The rigorous program emphasizes both research and classroom experiences.

To receive the degree, students must complete 36 total credit hours of psychology coursework. Some example classes include the science of psychopathology, psychological assessment, and research methods. Students will also choose electives including cognition, personality, or advanced psychopathology.

Ball State’s low student-to-teacher ratio is an excellent choice for students who want an intimate college experience. The unique curriculum also boasts flexibility for students who want a double Master’s degree. Options include either quantitative psychology or counseling. No matter what, the program prepares students for their desired post-graduate path in clinical psychology.

The University of Dayton offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. This small, selective program is a highly sought-after degree. The degree program’s ultimate goal is to prepare students for entry into doctoral programs in psychology. To do that, faculty equips students with the foundations of research methods, statistics, and both group and individual research projects.

This program requires students to complete 42 hours of graduate coursework, including a thesis and four hours of practicum. Core courses include experimental design and statistics. Clinical courses include assessment, psychotherapy, ethics, family, and developmental psychology. Students will learn to apply therapy in both individual and group settings for children and adults.

For students that wish to pursue doctoral studies in clinical psychology, the University of Dayton’s program is an excellent fit.

Minnesota State University-Mankato offers a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. This two-year, full-time program prepares students to pursue further doctoral studies in psychology. Faculty applies a rigorous, scientist-practitioner model to students’ training.

The program requires students to complete 50 credit hours of graduate psychology coursework. Students must complete a thesis and off-campus practicum. Required coursework includes psychopathology, behavior assessments, research, and clinical practicum. Students also become well-equipped in research design and multivariate analysis.

This master’s degree program is an excellent option for those students wanting a rigorous and academic program to prepare them to pursue doctoral work. Students will participate in clinical research with faculty and other students.

Evangel University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program integrates a faith-based approach to counseling with clinical psychology. Students learn how to address client’s holistic mental health.

To graduate, students must complete 60 hours of graduate coursework. Students will learn the foundations of psychodiagnostics, human growth and development, research methods, and cultural diversity. Graduate students must also complete internships and a variety of hands-on practical learning.

Because of the faith-based approach to counseling, this program is an excellent choice for students who want to study clinical psychology from a Christian perspective. Students will receive preparation to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and take it right there on campus.

Missouri State University-Springfield offers a Clinical Psychology Graduate Program. The program boasts a cohort model structure as recommended by the American Psychological Association. Students who complete the program become prepared for the state licensure exam.

The degree program requires 47 credit hours of psychology coursework. Full-time students can earn the degree in just two years. Required classes include statistics, research design, ethics, psychotherapy, and psychopathology. Students in the program become equipped in diagnostics, test administration, and basic counseling.

This program is an excellent choice for students wanting a mixture of practicum and research experiences from highly-qualified faculty. Upon completion, students can pursue licensure as a professional or additional doctoral work.

Emporia State University offers an MS in Clinical Psychology. This graduate program in clinical psychology prepares students to pursue a professional career to help others. The general training provides a foundation to build upon based on desired research interests.

To be eligible for admission, students must have 24 hours of undergraduate psychology. Required coursework for the master’s degree program includes 60 total hours. Students become well-versed in assessment, treatment, scientific foundations, and research. In the second year, students complete a clinical internship that gives them experience in a real-world clinical setting.

Emporia State University offers an excellent choice for students who want a broad-brush foundational degree in clinical psychology. This program equips students to pursue a career or further doctoral studies.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a Clinical Psychology (MA) graduate degree. The school designed the program to equip students to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health problems. Students with this degree can also teach at the post-secondary level if they so choose.

This program requires 48 credit hours of clinical psychology coursework. Required classes include statistics, psychopathology, personality theory, research design, and more. Students will receive instruction in clinical applications and will participate in supervised clinical practice. Both individual and group therapy courses give students confidence in various situations.

This degree is an excellent choice for students that want a license to be a professional mental health counselor in the state of Texas. The school also offers a thesis option for those that wish to pursue doctoral studies in the future.