Clinical Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Learn how you can help people navigate anxiety, phobias and other mental health challenges. Capella’s Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling provides a rigorous foundation in clinical assessment, evidence-based interventions and psychological research methods, all underpinned by a strong ethical framework. Hands-on experiences including a supervised practicum, in-depth internship and two residencies bridge theory with real-world application, preparing you to make an impact in clinical settings. As part of our APA-accredited psychology program, the competency-based coursework meets many prerequisites for Capella’s PhD and PsyD psychology programs, simplifying your path to doctoral study.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 5 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Elective courses
- 2 Residencies
- 1 Practicum
- 1 Internship
- 74 Total credits (20 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward scholarship to help fund your master's degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore clinical counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 74 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, four specialization courses, two elective courses, two residencies, one practicum and one internship
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling specialization presents foundational scientific theories and practices used in clinical psychology, and is designed to socialize you into the professional field. The curriculum emphasizes clinical assessment, counseling interventions, psychological testing, research methods, and informed principles.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply ethical principles related to the academics, research, and practice of advanced clinical counseling
- Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and technological forms, using the professional standards of the discipline
- Apply theory and research findings to the professional practice of counseling and clinical psychology
- Analyze research related to counseling and clinical psychology
- Evaluate the importance of multicultural competencies and individual differences in scholarly work
How much does the MS in Clinical Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $510 per credit
- $160 resource kit
- 74 total quarter credits
- 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
“No additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and intend to practice in a state for which no additional credits are recommended for state licensure. “Additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and reside in a state for which additional coursework may be necessary for state licensure requirements. It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for state licensure or certification, including total credit requirements, in the state or territory for which you intend to practice. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment specialist.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
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Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling specialization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions related to this accreditation should be directed to the CoA: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 2002, (202) 336-5979, [email protected]
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AL, DE, FL, KS, KY, ME, MI, MO, MT, MP, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PR, RI, TN, VA, VI, VT, WI, WV, WY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What are the MS in Clinical Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Clinical Counseling program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- A goal statement
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AL, DE, FL, KS, KY, ME, MI, MO, MT, MP, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PR, RI, TN, VA, VI, VT, WI, WV, WY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How Does Clinical Psychology Differ from Non-Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology involves working directly with human subjects and requires licensure. Learn more about key differences.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
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What can you do with an MS in Clinical Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in clinical psychology, clinical counseling specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- Behavioral health professional
- Intensive outpatient therapist
- Licensed professional counselor
- Psychotherapist
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- General government support
- Individual and family services
- Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.