Last updated: May 10, 2026

Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs

The 12 best online clinical psychology programs for 2026, ranked across master's, PsyD, and PhD levels by accreditation, clinical training quality, licensure outcomes, and what you'll actually pay.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs

Key Takeaways

  • We ranked 12 online clinical psychology programs across master's, PsyD, and PhD levels. Filter the list by degree to find the right fit, or use our "Best for…" callouts to jump straight to the most affordable, fastest, or most prestigious option.
  • The APA does not accredit fully online doctoral programs. The only APA-accredited hybrid PhD in Clinical Psychology in the country runs through Fielding Graduate University, which uses a distributed learning model with mandatory in-person residencies.
  • Most online clinical psychology programs are at the master's level. They prepare you for counselor or marriage and family therapist licensure, doctoral study, or research roles, but not direct licensure as a clinical psychologist, which still requires a doctorate.
  • Tuition for the best online clinical psychology programs ranges from about $339 per credit at Fort Hays State to $2,030 per unit at Pepperdine. Total cost typically runs $20,000 to $140,000 at the master's level and $90,000 to $200,000 plus for hybrid doctoral programs.
  • The BLS projects 6% job growth for psychologists through 2034, with median pay of $94,310. The path from a master's to full clinical psychologist licensure typically takes 6 to 10 years of post-bachelor's training.

Searching for the best online clinical psychology programs means walking into one of the most confusing corners of graduate education. Clinical psychology is a regulated field, and the rules around online delivery are stricter here than in almost any other psychology specialty. The American Psychological Association doesn't currently accredit fully online doctoral programs, which is the credential you need to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist in most states. So when a school advertises a "100% online clinical psychology degree," the honest question is what you can do with it after you graduate.

That doesn't mean an online clinical psychology program is a waste of time. Far from it. The right online clinical psychology degree at the master's level prepares you for licensure as a counselor or marriage and family therapist, gives you a research foundation for doctoral study, or lets you move into research, case management, or behavior analysis roles. And the few APA-accredited hybrid doctoral programs in clinical psychology let you study from a distance while still meeting the in-person training standards licensing boards demand.

We reviewed every regionally accredited online clinical psychology program in the country using NCES College Navigator data, accreditation records from APA, MPCAC, and CACREP, and institutional outcome reports. The 12 programs below represent the best online clinical psychology programs for 2026, ranked across master's, PsyD, and PhD levels so you can find the right fit whether you're building toward licensure as a counselor, preparing for doctoral study, or pursuing the full clinical psychologist credential. Use the filter chips below the rankings to narrow by degree level.

How We Ranked the Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs

We score every online clinical psychology program against five weighted factors using publicly available data from NCES, APA accreditation reports, and institutional outcome disclosures. To qualify, a program must hold regional accreditation at minimum and deliver coursework primarily online, with in-person components limited to clinical practicum, internship, or short residencies. Read more about how we evaluate programs on our methodology page.

  1. Accreditation quality (30%). APA accreditation for doctoral programs and MPCAC or CACREP accreditation for master's programs score highest. Regionally accredited programs without specialty accreditation are eligible but weighted lower because they don't carry the same licensure value.
  2. Clinical training depth (25%). We evaluate practicum and internship hour requirements, supervised clinical placement support, and whether graduates leave the program with the supervised hours their state requires for licensure.
  3. Licensure and career outcomes (20%). Graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and employment outcomes within 12 months. For doctoral programs, this includes EPPP pass rates and APPIC internship match rates.
  4. Affordability and financial aid (15%). Total program cost, scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition partnerships. The most affordable online clinical psychology program isn't always cheapest in real terms once you factor in residency travel and practicum expenses.
  5. Format and student support (10%). Asynchronous course availability, part-time enrollment options, residency frequency, and the quality of academic advising. The best online clinical psychology programs for working adults are built around real schedules.
Read full methodology →

Online Clinical Psychology Program Comparison

# School Tuition Length Format
1 Pepperdine University $2,030/unit 27 months full-time Online coursework with in-person clinical practicum in your local community
2 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology $1,200 to $1,450/credit 4 to 6 years Hybrid. Online coursework with quarterly in-person residencies
3 Fielding Graduate University $10,385/term ($31,155/year) 5 to 7 years Distributed hybrid. Online coursework, regional in-person clusters, weeklong residential sessions
4 Walden University $610/quarter credit 27 months minimum 100% online with integrated supervised field experience
5 Capella University $525/credit (GuidedPath) 20 to 28 months Online with required practicum and internship for clinical counseling specialization
6 Fort Hays State University $338.62/credit 2 to 3 years Hybrid. Online coursework with two five-day on-campus summer workshops
7 Saybrook University $1,536/credit 5 to 6 years Hybrid. Online coursework with twice-yearly five-day Residential Learning Experiences in California
8 Carlow University Approximately $85,000 to $95,000 total 4 to 5 years Hybrid. Periodic on-campus intensives with primarily online coursework
9 Liberty University $580/credit (full-time), $290/credit (military) 2 to 3 years 100% online, asynchronous, 8-week sub-terms
10 Divine Mercy University Contact for current rates 5 to 6 years (PsyD) Hybrid. Online coursework with required Virginia residencies

Best Online Clinical Psychology Programs in 2026

Best programs for…

Best Master's

Pepperdine University

Rank #1

Best for LMFT/LPC Licensure

Pepperdine University

Rank #1

Best PsyD

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Rank #2

Best Hybrid Doctoral

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Rank #2

Best PhD

Fielding Graduate University

Rank #3

Only APA-Accredited Online

Fielding Graduate University

Rank #3

Best for Working Adults

Walden University

Rank #4

Best Doctoral Prep

Capella University

Rank #5

Most Affordable

Fort Hays State University

Rank #6

Best Humanistic Focus

Saybrook University

Rank #7

Best Practitioner-Scholar Model

Carlow University

Rank #8

Best Military Discount

Liberty University

Rank #9

Best Catholic-Christian Tradition

Divine Mercy University

Rank #10

Best Social-Justice Focus

Adler University

Rank #11

Most Flexible Format

Grand Canyon University

Rank #12
Filter by degree:
1

Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA

Best Master's Best for LMFT/LPC Licensure

Tuition

$2,030/unit

Length

27 months full-time

Format

Online coursework with in-person clinical practicum in your local community

Acceptance

42%

Accreditation

WSCUC Regionally Accredited

Retention

91%

Why We Chose This

Pepperdine's online MA in Clinical Psychology earns the top spot because it does what most online clinical psychology programs don't. It actually leads to professional licensure. Students choose between two tracks, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), with curricula built to meet state board requirements. The 62 to 68 unit program runs through Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology, which has decades of clinical training reputation behind it. Coursework is fully online and asynchronous, but four terms of supervised clinical practicum get coordinated locally.
  • Direct licensure pathway to LMFT or LPC depending on the state where you plan to practice
  • Online coursework with rolling start dates four times a year (winter, spring, summer, fall)
  • No GRE required for admission. Only a personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts
  • 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means actual mentorship, not just recorded lectures
  • Strong stepping stone for students who want to continue to a <a href="/programs/best-online-psyd/">PsyD or PhD program</a>
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2

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Chicago, IL (Online Campus)

Best PsyD Best Hybrid Doctoral

Tuition

$1,200 to $1,450/credit

Length

4 to 6 years

Format

Hybrid. Online coursework with quarterly in-person residencies

Acceptance

68%

Accreditation

WSCUC Regionally Accredited; APA Candidacy Status

Retention

82%

Why We Chose This

The Chicago School holds the rare distinction of offering an APA-pathway doctoral program in clinical psychology with significant online flexibility. The PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology runs as a 66-credit hybrid, with most coursework delivered online and four in-person residencies per year keeping students in compliance with APA training standards. Concentration tracks let you specialize early in forensic psychology, health psychology, child psychology, or general clinical practice. With three start dates per year and rolling admissions, this is the best online clinical psychology program at the doctoral level for working professionals who can't wait for a fall-only enrollment cycle.
  • One of the only doctoral-level online clinical psychology programs with an APA accreditation pathway
  • Specialization tracks in forensic, health, child, and general clinical psychology
  • National practicum placement support spanning 30 plus states
  • Average cohort age of 34. Student body skews experienced and career-focused
  • Three start dates per year with rolling admissions for maximum scheduling flexibility
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3

Fielding Graduate University

Santa Barbara, CA (Distributed)

Best PhD Only APA-Accredited Online

Tuition

$10,385/term ($31,155/year)

Length

5 to 7 years

Format

Distributed hybrid. Online coursework, regional in-person clusters, weeklong residential sessions

Acceptance

57%

Accreditation

APA-Accredited; WSCUC Regionally Accredited

Retention

88%

Why We Chose This

Fielding holds a credential no other school on this list can match. It's the only APA-accredited distributed PhD in Clinical Psychology in the United States. The program blends online seminars, regional in-person clusters, weeklong residential sessions, and supervised clinical training to meet APA's 300-hour face-to-face contact requirement. If your goal is full licensure as a clinical psychologist while keeping flexibility around where you live, Fielding is the only online clinical psychology program in the country built for that exact situation. You'll need to be ready for serious commitment. Five to seven years, with mandatory residencies and the ability to potentially relocate for the practicum and internship years.
  • The only APA-accredited distributed PhD in <a href="/careers/clinical-psychologist/">Clinical Psychology</a> in the United States
  • 42 scholarship programs available. Average award is around $1,500, though some reach nearly $13,000
  • Optional concentrations including health psychology, forensic psychology, and neuropsychology
  • Faculty include practicing clinicians and APA fellows with active research programs
  • Required residential sessions build the same cohort relationships you'd develop in a traditional doctoral program
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4

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN (Online)

Best for Working Adults

Tuition

$610/quarter credit

Length

27 months minimum

Format

100% online with integrated supervised field experience

Acceptance

Open enrollment

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission Regionally Accredited

Retention

78%

Why We Chose This

Walden's MS in Clinical Psychology is built for the student who wants to keep working full-time while building toward either licensure or doctoral study. At 62 quarter credits and roughly $39,000 in total tuition before scholarships, it's one of the more affordable accredited online clinical psychology programs with a real clinical foundation. The curriculum covers psychotherapy, assessment, ethics, and multicultural competency, and a 6-credit integrated field experience lets you build supervised clinical hours in your own community. Walden also offers an Applied Behavior Analysis specialization for students aiming at BCBA certification.
  • Six start dates per year for genuine rolling enrollment flexibility
  • Fully online with no campus residency required. Only the supervised field experience is in-person
  • ABA specialization track aligned with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's coursework requirements
  • Total program cost roughly half of the most expensive online clinical psychology programs on this list
  • Strong foundation for students continuing to a PsyD or PhD program
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5

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN (Online)

Best Doctoral Prep

Tuition

$525/credit (GuidedPath)

Length

20 to 28 months

Format

Online with required practicum and internship for clinical counseling specialization

Acceptance

Open enrollment

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission Regionally Accredited

Retention

74%

Why We Chose This

Capella's MS in Clinical Psychology is the strongest doctoral-prep option among the more affordable online clinical psychology programs, with three concentration paths (Applied Research, Clinical Counseling, and Forensic Psychology) that let you point the degree toward different career outcomes. The Clinical Counseling specialization includes the supervised practicum and internship hours that prepare you for state-level counselor licensure in many jurisdictions. Capella's GuidedPath format at $525/credit puts the total program cost around $25,200, which is dramatically below the master's programs at top private universities. The curriculum is specifically designed so coursework meets PhD program prerequisites at major doctoral programs.
  • Curriculum specifically designed so courses meet PhD program prerequisites for doctoral admission
  • Three concentration paths: Applied Research, Clinical Counseling, and Forensic Psychology
  • Self-paced GuidedPath format lets you accelerate or slow down based on your work schedule
  • No GRE, no application fee, and no prior psychology coursework required
  • Strong starting point for students continuing into a doctoral program in <a href="/careers/forensic-psychologist/">forensic psychology</a> or other specialty areas
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6

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS

Most Affordable

Tuition

$338.62/credit

Length

2 to 3 years

Format

Hybrid. Online coursework with two five-day on-campus summer workshops

Acceptance

92%

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission Regionally Accredited

Retention

76%

Why We Chose This

Fort Hays State runs the most affordable accredited online clinical psychology program in the country. At $338.62 per credit and 61 total credits, the full MS in Psychology with a Clinical track totals roughly $20,996. Online students pay the same rate regardless of residency. The program features a dual-track design with specialization options in clinical neuropsychology, child psychology, or forensic psychology through internships and practicum experiences. The hybrid format requires two five-day summer workshops on campus over consecutive years, which is one of the lowest in-person commitments among hybrid clinical psychology programs.
  • Most affordable accredited online clinical psychology program at roughly $21,000 in total tuition
  • Same per-credit rate ($338.62) for all students regardless of state residency
  • Specialization options in clinical neuropsychology, child psychology, or forensic psychology
  • Graduates qualify for licensure as master's-level psychologists in Kansas and LPC in most states
  • Lower in-person residency than most hybrid programs at just two five-day summer workshops
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7

Saybrook University

Pasadena, CA (Distributed)

Best Humanistic Focus

Tuition

$1,536/credit

Length

5 to 6 years

Format

Hybrid. Online coursework with twice-yearly five-day Residential Learning Experiences in California

Acceptance

64%

Accreditation

WSCUC Regionally Accredited

Retention

81%

Why We Chose This

Saybrook's PhD in Clinical Psychology is the strongest online doctoral option for students drawn to humanistic, existential, or integrative clinical practice. The 100 to 109 credit program runs as a hybrid with twice-yearly five-day in-person Residential Learning Experiences, with eight specializations ranging from Advanced Psychological Assessment to Complex Trauma to Existential and Humanistic Psychology. The program lacks APA accreditation, which limits licensure flexibility in some states, but graduates have built successful careers in clinical practice, academia, and research. Pair this program with serious due diligence on your state's licensure requirements before enrolling.
  • Eight specialization tracks, including Complex Trauma, Existential Psychology, and Jungian Studies
  • Smaller cohort sizes than larger online doctoral programs build genuine peer relationships
  • Faculty include nationally recognized humanistic and integrative psychologists
  • Residencies happen twice yearly in California for predictable in-person planning
  • Strong fit for students whose clinical orientation runs humanistic rather than behavioral or cognitive
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8

Carlow University

Pittsburgh, PA

Best Practitioner-Scholar Model

Tuition

Approximately $85,000 to $95,000 total

Length

4 to 5 years

Format

Hybrid. Periodic on-campus intensives with primarily online coursework

Acceptance

71%

Accreditation

APA-Accredited; MSCHE Regionally Accredited

Retention

83%

Why We Chose This

Carlow's Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology earned APA accreditation in 2011 and currently holds the maximum 10-year accreditation cycle, with a 2028 return visit expected. The 93-credit program implements the practitioner-scholar model, blending clinical training with applied research. Carlow includes periodic on-campus intensives but keeps most coursework online, making it one of the few APA-accredited doctoral programs that genuinely accommodates working students. Total program cost lands between $85,000 and $95,000, well below the $200,000 plus you'll see at fully residential programs.
  • APA-accredited since 2011 with the maximum 10-year accreditation cycle currently active
  • Practitioner-scholar training model emphasizes both clinical work and applied research
  • On-campus intensives are periodic rather than weekly, friendlier to working students
  • Total program cost dramatically below comparable on-campus APA-accredited PsyD programs
  • Located at a women-centered Catholic university with a long history in clinical training
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9

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA (Online)

Best Military Discount

Tuition

$580/credit (full-time), $290/credit (military)

Length

2 to 3 years

Format

100% online, asynchronous, 8-week sub-terms

Acceptance

99%

Accreditation

CACREP-Accredited; SACSCOC Regionally Accredited

Retention

74%

Why We Chose This

Liberty's online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling earns its spot as the strongest CACREP-accredited online program with a meaningful military discount and flexible pacing. Active-duty service members and veterans pay $290 per credit, exactly half the standard rate of $580. The program holds CACREP accreditation, the gold standard for counseling licensure, and graduates are eligible for LPC licensure in most states. Eight start dates per year and 8-week sub-terms let students fit graduate work around shift schedules, and Liberty accepts up to 50% of degree credits as transfer for students with prior graduate coursework.
  • Significant military discount at $290 per credit for active-duty service members and veterans
  • CACREP accreditation, the gold standard for counseling-track licensure
  • Up to 50% of degree credits accepted as transfer from prior graduate coursework
  • Eight start dates per year, the most flexible enrollment cycle on this list
  • Curriculum specifically built around state-level LPC licensure requirements
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10

Divine Mercy University

Sterling, VA

Best Catholic-Christian Tradition

Tuition

Contact for current rates

Length

5 to 6 years (PsyD)

Format

Hybrid. Online coursework with required Virginia residencies

Acceptance

74%

Accreditation

SACSCOC Regionally Accredited; APA-Accredited (PsyD only)

Retention

80%

Why We Chose This

Divine Mercy University's PsyD in Clinical Psychology stands apart for grounding clinical training in a Catholic-Christian understanding of the whole person. The doctoral program holds APA accreditation, which is rare for hybrid programs at this scale, and students consistently match with APA-accredited internship sites. Seven of eight recent PsyD students matched through the APPIC Phase 1 application process, which puts placement outcomes well above national averages. The format blends online coursework with required residencies in Virginia, making it accessible to students who can't relocate full-time but who need the residency component for licensure-track training.
  • APA-accredited PsyD with consistently strong APPIC internship match outcomes
  • Curriculum integrates clinical psychology with Catholic-Christian anthropology
  • Hybrid format with online coursework and required Virginia residencies
  • Smaller cohort sizes than mainstream online doctoral programs
  • Graduates pursue licensure as clinical psychologists in most states
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11

Adler University

Chicago, IL (Online with Chicago residencies)

Best Social-Justice Focus

Tuition

$1,180/credit

Length

3 years

Format

Hybrid. Asynchronous online coursework, live virtual sessions, two Chicago residencies

Acceptance

70%

Accreditation

CACREP-Accredited; HLC Regionally Accredited

Retention

85%

Why We Chose This

Adler University's online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is the standout for students drawn to social-justice-oriented clinical practice. The 62-credit-hour CACREP-accredited program integrates Adlerian theory with rigorous clinical training. Coursework runs asynchronously online with scheduled live virtual sessions, plus two immersive Chicago residencies that build face-to-face cohort relationships. The program meets state licensure requirements for LPC and LCPC tracks in most jurisdictions and is one of the few online options where the curriculum explicitly centers social justice and community mental health.
  • CACREP-accredited with curriculum grounded in Adlerian theory and social-justice practice
  • Two Chicago residencies build real cohort relationships in person
  • Same academic and accreditation standards as Adler's on-campus program
  • Strong fit for students wanting to work in community mental health, advocacy, or marginalized populations
  • Graduates eligible for LPC and LCPC licensure in most states
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12

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ (Online)

Most Flexible Format

Tuition

$485/credit

Length

15 to 24 months

Format

100% online, asynchronous, 8-week courses

Acceptance

78%

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission Regionally Accredited

Retention

69%

Why We Chose This

Grand Canyon's online MS in Psychology hits a sweet spot of affordability and pacing flexibility for students who want a clinical-emphasis psychology degree without the cost of a private university. At $485 per credit and 36 credits total, the program runs around $17,500 in tuition. The 8-week course format with year-round start dates lets students complete the program in 15 months full-time or stretch it over 2 years part-time. GCU offers institutional grants or scholarships to over 90% of beginning full-time students, with average awards around $9,000, which often brings actual cost well below sticker price. The program is general psychology rather than strictly clinical, but coursework can build toward doctoral applications or applied research roles.
  • Affordable per-credit rate combined with high scholarship/grant award rates
  • 8-week course format runs year-round for fastest completion
  • Over 90% of beginning full-time students receive institutional aid averaging $9,000
  • Asynchronous format with no required login times or live sessions
  • Strong foundation for students planning to apply to doctoral psychology programs
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How to Choose the Right Online Clinical Psychology Program

Choosing the best online clinical psychology program for your situation comes down to one question first. What do you want to do with the degree? A master's in clinical psychology and a doctoral degree open very different doors, and online delivery has different tradeoffs at each level. Start by checking the ASPPB licensing requirements for the state where you want to practice, then match the program to that endpoint. Not the other way around.

  • Decide on the credential first. If your goal is independent practice as a clinical psychologist, you need a doctorate, and the only realistic online paths are Fielding's APA-accredited distributed PhD, Carlow's hybrid PsyD, or Divine Mercy's hybrid PsyD. If counselor or therapist licensure is your goal, a master's clinical psychology program with a licensure-track concentration like Pepperdine's LMFT/LPC tracks works.
  • Verify accreditation against your state's requirements. The best online clinical psychology programs hold either APA accreditation (doctoral) or MPCAC/CACREP accreditation (master's licensure-track). Some states will not license graduates of programs without specialty accreditation, so check before you enroll.
  • Calculate the real total cost. Per-credit tuition is just the start. Factor in residency travel, practicum-related expenses, malpractice insurance, supervision fees, and the years of post-graduate supervised practice required for licensure. The most affordable online clinical psychology program by sticker price isn't always cheapest in practice.
  • Look at clinical placement support honestly. Even the best online clinical psychology programs only matter if you can find a quality practicum site near you. Ask each program for placement statistics by region, not just nationally.
  • Match format to your real life. Fully asynchronous programs work for parents, shift workers, and rural students. Hybrid programs with residencies suit students who want face-to-face cohort relationships. The best online clinical psychology program for working adults is the one whose schedule actually fits yours.

How to Apply to Online Clinical Psychology Programs

Applying to online clinical psychology programs takes longer than most students expect, typically four to six months from research through admission. Doctoral programs run on annual cycles with hard deadlines, while many master's programs use rolling admissions. The APA's guide to graduate program applications is a strong starting point, especially for first-generation graduate students.

  1. 1 Build a target list of 4 to 6 online clinical psychology programs that fit your career goal, accreditation needs, and budget. Don't apply only to the most prestigious. Apply to programs whose actual graduates end up doing the work you want to do.
  2. 2 Confirm whether each program requires the GRE. Most online clinical psychology master's programs have dropped the GRE in recent years, but APA-accredited doctoral programs often still require it. Build prep time into your timeline if needed.
  3. 3 Write a personal statement that goes beyond "I want to help people." Talk about specific clinical interests, populations you want to serve, relevant experience, and why this particular program is the right fit. Doctoral programs especially want candidates who can articulate research interests that align with faculty.
  4. 4 Secure three letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your readiness for graduate clinical training. Academic faculty, clinical supervisors, or research mentors. Avoid generic character references.
  5. 5 Submit applications well before posted deadlines, and follow up to confirm receipt of transcripts and test scores. Programs with rolling admissions fill cohorts on a first-come basis, so earlier always helps.

Related Rankings

Best Online PsyD Programs

For students committed to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, our PsyD ranking covers the top hybrid Doctor of Psychology programs.

Best Online Master's in Psychology Programs

Compare top online psychology master's programs across all specializations, not just clinical.

Best Online Counseling Programs

CACREP-accredited counseling master's programs are the most direct online path to licensure as a professional counselor.

Best Online Forensic Psychology Programs

Specialty programs at the intersection of psychology and the legal system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most aren't. The APA does not currently accredit fully online doctoral programs in clinical psychology, and APA accreditation only exists at the doctoral level. There is no APA accreditation for master's programs. The hybrid doctoral programs in our ranking that hold APA accreditation are Fielding Graduate University (PhD in Clinical Psychology), Carlow University (PsyD in Counseling Psychology), and Divine Mercy University (PsyD in Clinical Psychology). For master's-level online clinical psychology programs, look for MPCAC or CACREP accreditation as the closest equivalent quality marker.
Only if the online clinical psychology program is at the doctoral level and meets your state's specific requirements. Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist requires a doctorate (PhD or PsyD), supervised postdoctoral hours, and passing the EPPP. The realistic online paths are Fielding's APA-accredited distributed PhD, Carlow's APA-accredited hybrid PsyD, Divine Mercy's APA-accredited hybrid PsyD, or The Chicago School's APA-candidacy hybrid PsyD. Master's-level online clinical psychology programs do not lead to clinical psychologist licensure on their own. They can prepare you for licensure as a counselor or therapist, or for doctoral study.
Plenty, depending on the program track. A master's in clinical psychology with a licensure-track concentration (like Pepperdine's LMFT or LPC track, Capella's Clinical Counseling specialization, Liberty's CACREP-accredited counseling program, or Adler's CACREP program) prepares you for licensure as a counselor or marriage and family therapist. A non-licensure master's in clinical psychology prepares you for research roles, case management, mental health technician work, doctoral study, or applied behavior analysis if you take ABA-aligned coursework. What you can't do with a master's-only credential is practice as a licensed clinical psychologist.
Master's-level online clinical psychology programs typically run 18 to 30 months. Pepperdine's 62 to 68 unit program completes in 27 months full-time. Walden, Capella, and Adler have similar timelines. Grand Canyon can wrap in 15 months on the faster track. Doctoral programs are far longer: 4 to 6 years for hybrid PsyD programs like The Chicago School and Carlow, and 5 to 7 years for Fielding's and Saybrook's PhDs. Doctoral timelines also include a one-year predoctoral internship beyond the coursework and dissertation.
Master's programs range from about $17,500 at Grand Canyon to $140,000 at Pepperdine. Per-credit rates run $338 (Fort Hays State) to $2,030 (Pepperdine) depending on the school. Hybrid doctoral programs like The Chicago School, Carlow, and Fielding range from $85,000 to $200,000 in total tuition. Don't forget to budget for residency travel (Fielding requires weeklong residentials, Saybrook twice yearly), practicum-related expenses, malpractice insurance, and the years of post-graduate supervised practice required for licensure.
It depends entirely on the program's accreditation and your career goal. A regionally accredited online master's in clinical psychology with an MPCAC, CACREP, or licensure-track concentration is well-respected in the counseling and therapy world. An APA-accredited hybrid PhD or PsyD carries the same weight as an in-person doctoral program when it comes to licensure boards. What employers and licensing boards do scrutinize are programs without specialty accreditation, fully online doctorates without APA accreditation, and programs with poor placement or graduation outcomes. Those have real reputation problems regardless of whether they're online or in-person.
Clinical psychology programs traditionally focus on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, often with stronger research training. Counseling psychology programs focus more on adjustment issues, life transitions, and wellness, with stronger humanistic and developmental foundations. At the doctoral level, both lead to the same psychologist license. At the master's level, the lines blur. Most online master's programs combining "clinical" and "counseling" coursework prepare students for the same counselor or therapist licensure paths. CACREP-accredited counseling programs (Liberty, Adler, Saybrook's counseling MA) are the most direct path to professional counselor licensure, while clinical psychology master's programs are often a better foundation for doctoral study.
Almost all of them require some form of in-person training, even if coursework is fully online. Pepperdine and Walden require local in-person clinical practicum but no campus residency. Capella's Clinical Counseling specialization requires practicum and internship hours in your community. Fort Hays State requires two five-day summer workshops on campus. The Chicago School requires four quarterly residencies per year. Adler requires two Chicago residencies. Fielding requires weeklong residential sessions twice yearly, and Saybrook requires twice-yearly five-day Residential Learning Experiences. The trend is that coursework moves online while clinical training stays in-person, because there's no substitute for supervised face-to-face clinical experience.