Applied Research
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Take the first step toward earning your doctorate or develop your expertise toward new career opportunities. In Capella’s MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research program, you’ll learn to design studies, conduct research and interpret data – all keys to supporting evidence-based therapies used to tackle issues like depression, anxiety or PTSD. The curriculum meets many prerequisites for our PhD or PsyD programs, putting you on course for doctoral-level study.
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
*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
*This is only an estimate, effective Jan. 12, 2026, 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 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?
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, Applied Research 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*
- Adjunct psychology instructors
- Associate directors of regulatory affairs
- Compliance managers
- Compliance program managers
- Directors of compliance
- Directors of program management
- Directors of regulatory affairs
- Directors of regulatory compliance
- Program associates
- Program coordinators
- Program directors
- Program leaders
- Program manager
- Psychology instructors
- Regulatory affairs managers
- Regulatory managers
Employment settings to explore*
- Administrative management and general management consulting services
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Junior colleges
- Other general government support
- Other individual and family services
*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.