Higher education is not cheap, but it is considered an investment if you are looking to take your career to the next level. While many people are satisfied after earning their bachelor’s degree, those who wish to specialize in their field of interest have to go a step ahead and apply for master’s programs – maybe even some doctoral programs or PhDs – at a later stage in their careers. If you don’t want to invest the kind of time and money that a full-time degree needs, you can opt for clinical psychology master’s programs online instead. This will allow you to work as you study.
What Is a Master’s in Clinical Psychology?
While an undergraduate degree in psychology may form a good base for future knowledge in the field, if you want to specialize in an area within the broad subject – for example, clinical psychology – you will be required to pursue graduate programs. The most commonly chosen of these programs is a master’s degree in the area of your interest, which will allow you to focus on the theoretical, practical, as well as research-related aspects of the field.
A graduate degree in clinical psychology differs from other areas within the realm of psychology, as it is more inclined towards the practical aspects of the clinical setting. While there may be aspects of research included in such programs, there will be added emphasis on preparing you to assess, diagnose and treat individuals suffering from mental, emotional or behavioral issues. The emphasis is on providing hands-on care to people who need the services of a clinical psychologist.
Best Online Master’s Programs in Clinical Psychology
As technology advances, most universities are setting up online schools that enable students to indulge in long-distance learning.
Clinical psychology is one of the fields in which such online master’s programs are readily available, but how are you supposed to pick the best one of these? To make the process easier for you, here is a list of some of the best online master’s programs in clinical psychology.
Palo Alto University
The first university on this list – not on the basis of rankings – when it comes to good online master’s programs in the field of clinical psychology is the California-based Palo Alto University. The best part about the MA Counseling program offered by the institution is that you can choose to specialize in clinical mental health. After completing the master’s program, you can also choose to transfer credits to the Palo Alto University’s doctoral program.
Requirements
If you are looking to apply to this school, you will be required to fill an online application, upload your resume, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and your academic transcripts, in addition to the application fee. International students can also apply.
Completion Time
The average time for completion of this degree is two years, but it depends on the amount of time you take to finish the required credit hours.
Cost
The tuition fee for this master’s program is over $40,000, but it can differ depending on the year you choose to enroll.
Wake Forest University
Another great master’s program that you can pursue online is the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which is offered by Wake Forest University. This 60 credit hours program includes some foundation courses, to begin with, going on to the core subjects of the program later in the course. Students who graduate from this program have shown a great success rate at the National Counselor exam.
Requirements
In order to apply to the master’s program at Wake Forest University, you need to have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. There may also be an interview.
Completion Time
The completion time for this master’s program depends on how long it takes for you to finish the 60 credit hours requirement.
Cost
The tuition cost for this program stands at approximately $1,340 per credit hour.
Indiana Wesleyan University
One of the best online master’s programs in the field of clinical psychology is the Master of Arts program with a major in clinical mental health counseling. This is also a 60 credit hours program that focuses on the practical aspects of psychology to prepare students for a career in the field of counseling.
Requirements
In order to be accepted to this program, you need a bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, writing samples, a good GRE score, letters of recommendation and more.
Completion Time
The amount of time that you take to complete this program will be entirely dependent on how much time you dedicate to it, but most people tend to finish it within two years.
Cost
The tuition fee for this program stands at $560 per credit hour, which can work out to be over $30,000 for the entire duration of the course.
Regent University
This Virginia Beach, Virginia-based university offers an online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with a master’s program marriage, couple and family counseling. In order to receive the degree, you need to complete 60 credit hours, which includes the study of core subjects, a practicum, as well as an internship. Keep in mind that you may be required to visit the campus a few times during the duration of the course.
Requirements
In order to be eligible for this degree program, you need to have an undergraduate degree, an undergraduate GPA of over 3.0, a personal statement, resume, decent GRE scores, letters of recommendation and more.
Completion Time
The amount of time it takes for you to complete the program will depend entirely on the amount of time you can dedicate to it.
Cost
The cost per credit hour for this course stands at $710, but it may differ depending on your year of enrollment.
Conclusion
You must keep in mind that receiving a degree from clinical psychology master’s programs online is not the only prerequisite for practicing as a clinical psychologist. You will have to get the necessary licenses that your state requires as an important qualification for practice. With the help of this list of some of the best clinical psychology master’s programs online, you will be able to ascertain which program is more in line with your needs, requirements and budgetary constraints, so that you can use your education to achieve your career goals in the best possible manner.