Explore an online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology
Choose from three specializations to shape your online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology around the focus area you’re passionate about. Choose Applied Research, Forensic Psychology or Clinical Counseling. Curriculum is guided by Capella’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Advisory Board, keeping coursework grounded in real practitioner insight. The program is offered in our GuidedPath learning format, ensuring a supportive structure with instructor and peer interaction. The Clinical Counseling specialization includes required residencies and practicum hours and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Not sure which path fits? Explore What is clinical counseling? before you apply.
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree program is designed for individuals seeking entry into the profession of clinical psychology. Students begin their socialization into the profession by engaging in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that emphasizes application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods and ethical principles.
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Master of Science in Clinical Psychology outcomes
The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree program is designed for individuals seeking entry into the profession of clinical psychology. Learners begin their socialization into the profession by engaging in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that emphasizes application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods and ethical principles. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to apply psychological and ethical principles in the field or to pursue doctoral-level graduate study.
Financing rupport
- Assistance with the financial aid process
- Scholarships, transfer credits and credit for prior learning
Academic support
- One-on-one enrollment and advising support
- Writing center, online library and tutoring services
- Expert faculty with real-world knowledge
Additional support resources
24/7 courseroom access
Learning online gives you the flexibility to access your coursework anytime, anywhere.
Benefits of online learning
Our GuidedPath learning format offers structured learning with the flexibility of 24/7 access to the courseroom. Set deadlines help you stay focused and motivated. You’ll engage with peers for weekly discussion posts, and instructors provide regular check-ins and feedback on assignments. Your courseload per term is up to you.
Structured for your success
Access courses in an online courseroom, where instructors present engaging interactive learning experiences and guide weekly discussions. The online format gives you flexibility to study on your time – just meet your deadlines and communicate with your instructors and peers.
Additional benefits of a flexible education
MS in Clinical Psychology program insights
Specializations
“My enrollment specialist at Capella made the process very easy and educated me on how my practical experience can be blended with my academic pursuits to further my career.”
Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel
PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
“Initially, I chose Capella because of the flexibility. Working full time raising two toddlers, being a husband and managing my professional career, flexibility was of huge necessity. However, I will say now, looking back on the faculty support through residency, I would not have made it through without their support.”
Tyler Bellemy
MS in Psychology and PhD in Psychology
83%
of Capella faculty have doctorates.
Source: Capella University Fact Sheet, as of November 1, 2024
“While I attended Capella, I moved a few times. So having the flexibility to attend class remotely was a huge benefit. Further, the support of my dissertation faculty members made the last leg of my journey much more enjoyable and attainable.”
Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel
PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Frequently asked questions
Applicants to the MS in Clinical Psychology program must provide the following information for admission:
- Admission application – no application fee required
- 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 minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher (or 2.7 for the Clinical Counseling specialization) on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.
View full admission requirements for each MS in Clinical Psychology specialization: Applied Research, Clinical Counseling, Forensic Psychology
The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree program is designed for individuals seeking entry into the profession of clinical psychology. Learners begin their socialization into the profession by engaging in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that emphasizes application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods and ethical principles.
In the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program, students begin their socialization into the profession by engaging in a competency-based, practitioner-scholar curriculum that emphasizes application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods and ethical principles. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to apply psychological and ethical principles in the field or to pursue doctoral-level graduate study.
For more information regarding the curriculum in the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology courses and specializations, explore:
Interested in more information about the MS Clinical Psychology competencies?
The program coursework is online in our GuidedPath learning format. The clinical counseling specialization also requires in-person residencies, practicum and internship hours.
Learn more about the student experience and start planning your academic journey today.
If you need one specific undergraduate or graduate class, Capella might be able to help. Enrollment specialists Rey Baylen and Terry Metoxen explain how individual courses work and what you can expect from the experience in our blog post.
Continue reading, Yes, you can take an individual college course online >>
Additional Master of Science in Clinical Psychology resources
How can you pursue a career in clinical psychology?
Find out what clinical psychology is, how it differs from other mental health professions and how to pursue professional opportunities with a psychology degree.
Team-based care in counseling, therapy, clinical psychology and social work
Counseling and therapy, clinical psychology and social work often intersect in team-based behavioral health settings. Explore how these fields work together in practice and what their collaboration looks like across healthcare environments.
A guide to the major branches of psychology
Discover the key branches of psychology and their value in studying the mind, human behavior and the real-world applications of this knowledge.