This master's in clinical psychology online program includes a scaffolded Professional Development Series. This series includes unique learning and mentoring experiences that empower you with skills beneficial to real-world practice.
Licensure-Leading Pathways
In select states, this program of study allows students to pursue licensure as a mental health professional.*
Gain Hands-On Experience
An integrated field experience provides you with practical, hands-on experience as you develop your clinical skill set.
Build Your Cultural Competency
The principles of creating positive social change are woven into our courses, with a focus on diversity and cultural sensitivity.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Our MS in Clinical Psychology online General Program curriculum provides you with a solid foundation in psychology practice, ethics, and assessment. An integrated Professional Development Series helps you further refine your clinical skills.
Featured Master’s in Clinical Psychology Online Courses – General Program
This course is designed to provide a foundation in multicultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity necessary for the delivery of psychological services, research, and teaching in clinical psychology. Students explore multicultural issues, intersectionality, and their impact on social justice and clinical psychology. Specific populations include those related to race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, social class, economic status, age, values and beliefs, and different abilities.
While each of us wants to believe we have freely chosen to become who we are, we may not fully acknowledge the influence of others in shaping our individual trajectories. Examining the myriad ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others is the purview of Social Psychology. Through a social psychology lens, students in this course will consider the power of the situation to explain: the self and the pursuit of self-esteem; person perception and attribution; attitudes and why they may change; what compels conformity, compliance, and obedience; how the media mediate our understanding of the social world; how culture influences our understanding of other people; group influences on performance; relationships and attraction; why people help others; why people hurt others; and the sources and consequences of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Students will apply social psychology theory and concepts to explain real-world experiences and, in the process, will come to see the relevance of social psychology in both everyday life and as agents of positive social change.
This course examines the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. The guidelines for practice in specific psychological services and with identified populations are explored. The ethical decision-making process is studied in depth. Topics include informed consent, confidentiality, duty to warn, mandated reporting, record keeping, the limits of competency, and dual (multiple) relationships. The course also addresses issues of professional development such as supervision, peer consultation, and continuing education.
Students in this course examine the theoretical and conceptual foundations of psychotherapy. Students will apply psychotherapy theoretical orientations to the development of basic case conceptualizations. They will apply therapeutic skills and techniques from specific theoretical orientations to life problems and mental health disorders.
In this course, students learn about a variety of psychological assessment methods, focusing on diagnostic assessment, clinical interviewing, and other commonly assessment methods used in clinical practice. They engage in a comprehensive examination of functional and dysfunctional behaviors, within a context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process. Additionally, students will critically evaluate, select, and apply assessment methods relevant to diversity characteristics of the service recipient that draw from the best available empirical literature. The course will assist students in understanding and applying assessment results to treatment planning and communicating assessment results and implications to a variety of audiences. Ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues, including cultural bias and fairness, will be addressed alongside professional standards for psychological assessment.
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Are you looking to pursue licensure as a mental health professional? The State Education specialization track allows you to take the specific courses your state requires for licensure eligibility.
Featured Master’s in Clinical Psychology Online Courses – State Education Courses
This course is designed to provide a foundation in multicultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity necessary for the delivery of psychological services, research, and teaching in clinical psychology. Students explore multicultural issues, intersectionality, and their impact on social justice and clinical psychology. Specific populations include those related to race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, social class, economic status, age, values and beliefs, and different abilities.
While each of us wants to believe we have freely chosen to become who we are, we may not fully acknowledge the influence of others in shaping our individual trajectories. Examining the myriad ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others is the purview of Social Psychology. Through a social psychology lens, students in this course will consider the power of the situation to explain: the self and the pursuit of self-esteem; person perception and attribution; attitudes and why they may change; what compels conformity, compliance, and obedience; how the media mediate our understanding of the social world; how culture influences our understanding of other people; group influences on performance; relationships and attraction; why people help others; why people hurt others; and the sources and consequences of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Students will apply social psychology theory and concepts to explain real-world experiences and, in the process, will come to see the relevance of social psychology in both everyday life and as agents of positive social change.
This course examines the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct. The guidelines for practice in specific psychological services and with identified populations are explored. The ethical decision-making process is studied in depth. Topics include informed consent, confidentiality, duty to warn, mandated reporting, record keeping, the limits of competency, and dual (multiple) relationships. The course also addresses issues of professional development such as supervision, peer consultation, and continuing education.
Students in this course examine the theoretical and conceptual foundations of psychotherapy. Students will apply psychotherapy theoretical orientations to the development of basic case conceptualizations. They will apply therapeutic skills and techniques from specific theoretical orientations to life problems and mental health disorders.
In this course, students learn about a variety of psychological assessment methods, focusing on diagnostic assessment, clinical interviewing, and other commonly assessment methods used in clinical practice. They engage in a comprehensive examination of functional and dysfunctional behaviors, within a context to the assessment and/or diagnostic process. Additionally, students will critically evaluate, select, and apply assessment methods relevant to diversity characteristics of the service recipient that draw from the best available empirical literature. The course will assist students in understanding and applying assessment results to treatment planning and communicating assessment results and implications to a variety of audiences. Ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues, including cultural bias and fairness, will be addressed alongside professional standards for psychological assessment.
Admissions
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Pursuing your MS in Clinical Psychology online is an exciting step in your academic and professional journey. To help you get where you want to go, we’ve simplified the application process to include:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Program Admission Considerations: A bachelor's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition Breakdown
We want to help you reach your goals. At Walden, you’ll find many ways to reduce the costs of your MS in Clinical Psychology online program, including:
Believe & Achieve Scholarship®
Partnership-based savings
Federal and state grants
Stay Inspired. Stay on Track. Save Money.
Discover progress-based savings that inspire you to stay on track to graduation.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 62 total quarter credits | $570 per quarter hour | $35,340 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,575 |
| $36,915** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,270 $30,645* | ||
Effective February 24, 2025
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 62 total quarter credits | $590 per quarter hour | $36,580 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,620 |
| $38,200** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,490 $31,710* | ||
*Represents General Program, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships, or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 28 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-483-7976.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,000 to $3,500.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 65–90 total quarter credits | $570 per quarter hour | $37,050–$51,300 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $1,750–$2,100 |
| $38,800–$53,400** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,270 $32,530–$47,130 | ||
Effective February 24, 2025
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | AMOUNT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 65–90 total quarter credits | $590 per quarter hour | $38,350–$53,100 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $180 | $1,800–$2,160 |
| $40,150–$55,260** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$6,490 $33,660–$48,770 | ||
*Represents state education specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 28 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-483-7976.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $2,000 to $3,500.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Choose a Path With Impact
Want to unlock your potential to help others? In our master’s in clinical psychology online program, you’ll prepare to work with clients from all backgrounds across a variety of settings.
Career Opportunities
An MS in Clinical Psychology online degree can help prepare you to meet the growing demand for mental health professionals.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
Expected growth: 19%1
Estimated annual wage: $36,700–$70,1301
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling.
Expected growth: 5%2
Estimated annual wage: $49,790–$106,6102
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing this online MS in Clinical Psychology program, graduates will be prepared to:
Synthesize psychological perspectives reflecting the relevant influences of the social determinants of health.
Synthesize psychological theory and research in real-world clinical mental health settings.
Analyze psychological theory and research regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Apply psychological theory, research, and practice to scholarly professional activities that promote positive social change.
Use a framework of evidence-based practice when delivering psychotherapeutic interventions and psychological assessments.
Demonstrate APA clinical competency benchmarks using clinical and assessment skills in a variety of mental health settings.
Demonstrate professional dispositions and skills in mental health settings and in interactions with others.
Meet Your Academic Team
Featuring active scholar practitioners and subject matter experts, Walden’s MS in Clinical Psychology online faculty are here to support your success.
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Online MS in Clinical Psychology Program FAQ
Both of these credentials can be licensure-leading degrees. However, there are some key differences as outlined below.
MA in Clinical Psychology
- Focus: Emphasizes the application of psychological theories and techniques in clinical settings
- Curriculum: Often includes courses on counseling, therapeutic techniques, and social or cultural applications of psychology
- Approach: More grounded in the humanities and liberal arts
MS in Clinical Psychology
- Focus: Emphasizes the research, scientific method, and science behind psychology
- Curriculum: Also includes courses on counseling, therapeutic techniques, and social or cultural applications of psychology, but adds focus on research methods and psychological statistics
- Approach: More grounded in research
The MS in Clinical Psychology online program provides a broad background in clinical psychology with the opportunity to complete an optional State Education specialization for licensure at the master’s level. It prepares students to work ethically and effectively at the master’s level with diverse individuals in a variety of settings. In addition, this program offers students an opportunity to complete a graduate degree that is more practitioner-focused and less research-focused. It includes a broader survey of the topics in clinical psychology compared to many other degree programs.
An online clinical psychology degree program provides students more flexibility in completing their coursework while maintaining the same rigor as an in-person program. Though a majority of the coursework is completed online, there are still synchronous class requirements and field experience that allow students to develop hands-on skills related to psychotherapy interventions.
