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Applied Research
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research specialization helps you establish critical expertise to help you pursue advanced career paths in the field of clinical psychology. The coursework fuses theory, research, and practice to help you develop a highly functional skill set for a diverse range of professional settings. Your coursework is led by scholar-practitioners who emphasize real-world application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods, and ethical principles. It can also prepare you for advanced doctoral study in the field of clinical psychology.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 6 Specialization courses
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 applied research courses
- This degree requires a total of 53 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses and six specialization courses
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PSY6095
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the course, learners examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, social, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations.
5 quarter credits
PSY6210
Introduction to Psychopathology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan. Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging diagnoses, and ethical and individual considerations associated with psychopathology. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY7310
Biological Basis of Behavior
5 quarter credits
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research and ethics.
5 quarter credits
PSY6015
Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and systemic differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY5120
Social Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings.
5 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research specialization equips you with foundational knowledge and skillsets for academic practice, research roles, or doctoral-level study in the field of clinical psychology. The curriculum develops your understanding of applied research methodology, psychotherapeutic theory and testing, psychopathology, human development and informed principles.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply theory and research findings into standards of practice for the professional discipline of clinical psychology
- Analyze research related to clinical psychology
- Apply ethical principles related to practice in academics, research, and practice of clinical psychology
- Communicate in scholarly writing and through the use of any technologies using the professional standards of the discipline
- 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
- 53 total quarter credits
- 15 max transfer credits
$27,030
NO TRANSFER CREDTS 24 months
*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.
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 counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
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.
What are the MS in Clinical Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Applied Research 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 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- 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.
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
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
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, applied research specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- Analytics and insights manager
- Compliance manager
- Program manager
- Regulatory affairs manager
- Research program manager
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- General government support
- Individual and family services
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
*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.