Clinical psychology is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field that provides many opportunities for people with the ability to be empathic and analytical. A clinical psychologist assists people with mental disorders such as depression, substance abuse, and drug addiction. Patients and the broader community benefit from their work, which saves lives. Additionally, clinical psychologists earn a competitive salary while assisting the neediest people. It is estimated that experienced clinical psychologists make over $167,460 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Is Clinical Psychology?
The field of clinical psychology deals with the evaluation, diagnosis, rehabilitation, and management of mental disorders. Clinical psychologists use a variety of approaches to help people with psychological problems, including individual, group, family, and couples therapy, and they may also conduct psychological testing.
Difference Between Clinical Psychology And Psychiatry
Mental health services can confuse people when they do not know who best serves their needs. The chart below highlights the differences between two important mental health disciplines: Clinical psychology and psychiatry.
| Psychiatry | Clinical psychology |
| Psychiatrists go to medical school | Psychologists do not attend medical school |
| Psychiatrists are medical doctors who prescribe medications. | Psychologists specialize in treating emotional and mental suffering through psychotherapy |
| Medication management and treatment are major focus areas for psychiatrists. | Clinical psychologists can conduct psychological tests to determine which treatment will work best |
| Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have earned their MD or Doctor of Medicine degrees. | A psychologist isn’t an MD but must earn a doctorate in psychology in order to be licensed. |
Choosing An Online Degree In Clinical Psychology
Choosing an online degree in clinical psychology is a big decision. There are many things to consider, from accreditation to student support. Here are four things to keep in mind when choosing an online clinical psychology degree:
1. Accreditation. Ensure the program is accredited by a reputable agency. This will ensure that employers and other institutions will recognize your degree.
2. Student support. Find out what kind of support the school offers students, both in terms of academic and personal counseling. You want to make sure you have access to resources if you need them.
3. Student ratio. Ask about the student-to-teacher ratio in the program. You want to make sure you’ll get individualized attention and not feel like just another number in a large class.
4. Cost. Online programs can be cheaper than traditional on-campus programs but make sure to compare apples to apples. Scholarships and tuition rates are generally reasonable at most universities. However, some schools may not be as affordable.
Types Of Online Clinical Psychology Degree Programs
A number of accredited schools offer clinical psychology degree programs. These are available from undergraduate to doctoral levels as follows:
| Degree | Program | Credits | Admission Prerequisites |
| Associates Degrees | Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts (AA), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) | 60-70 | 2.0 or above cumulative GPA High school transcripts |
| Bachelor | Bachelor of arts (BA), Bachelor of science (BSc), | 120+ | High school or college transcripts GPA of at least 2.0 |
| Masters Degrees | Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) | 60-70 | Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field 3.00 GPA in undergraduate coursework |
| Doctoral Degrees | Psy. D (Doctor of Psychology)or a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | 60-80+ | A master’s degree in psychology or closely related field. Some schools accept bachelor’s degrees. Transcripts from colleges with regional accreditation Professional recommendations Autobiographical/ personal statement Résumé |
7 Affordable Online Associate’s Degree In Clinical Psychology
A transfer-friendly associate degree can help you get started in clinical psychology. Here are 7 affordable associate’s degrees available online.
#1. Georgia Military College
Program: Psychology Associate Degree, A.A.
Tuition: $162 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving aid.
This A.A. in Psychology program offers a liberal arts education in a learner-centered environment that will give students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of psychological principles and concepts and relate this information to the world while gaining a better understanding of how the scientific method works and how critical thinking is applied to information evaluation.
#2. Foothill College
Program: A.A. Transfer Psychology
Tuition: $252 per credit
Accreditation and ranking: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and ranks #1 Best community college in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 66% of students receiving aid.
This 90-credit A.A. transfer degree in psychology program prepares students for transfer to a local California State University (CSU). Psychology majors and majors in related disciplines who earn the Associate in Arts in Psychology for a Transfer degree will be given preferential transfer status to local CSUs. Students who receive the Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree will gain a solid understanding of statistics, research methods, and biological aspects of behavior.
#3. Northern Vermont University
Program: Psychology (A.A.)
Tuition: $355 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
NVU offers a comprehensive and thorough psychology curriculum. The study of psychology includes learning the fundamentals of psychology and research, developing critical-thinking skills, and analyzing and integrating information from other disciplines. The wide variety of electives offered in developmental, abnormal, and social psychology allows students to tailor their degrees to their interests.
#4. Liberty University
Program: Psychology Associate Degree, A.A.
Tuition: $455 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #3 of the Best online colleges in America.
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving aid.
If you are interested in a career in human services but are just starting your college career, Liberty’s Associate of Arts in Psychology is a great choice. As part of your online psychology degree, you will take foundational general education classes before moving on to psychology courses that focus on all phases of human development and growth.
#5. Colorado Christian University
Program: Psychology Associate Degree, A.S.
Tuition: $494 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
With the Associate of Science in Psychology degree from CCU, you will gain a basic understanding of psychology. In psychology courses, you will learn the importance of integrating faith and the study of human behavior in a scholarly setting that encourages critical and creative thinking.
#6. Upper Iowa University
Program: Psychology (A.A.)
Tuition: $498 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
Based on American Psychological Association standards, the Associate of Arts in Psychology covers coursework in learning and cognition, individual differences, the Biological Basis of Behavior, and Developmental Changes in Behavior. Many people who graduate from this two-year psychology degree program may proceed to bachelor’s programs in clinical psychology.
#7. Florida Institute of Technology
Program: A.A. in Applied Psychology
Tuition: $510 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving aid.
The Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology at Florida Tech provides a liberal arts education as well as psychological principles. Psychology and sociology will be covered in general and concentrated subsets. The program can be used as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree.
10 Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree In Clinical Psychology
#1. University of Central Florida
Program: Psychology (B.S.) – Clinical Psychology Track
Tuition: $212.28 per credit hour (in-state); $748.89 per credit hour (out of state)
Accreditation and ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #4 Top public university in Florida
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving aid.
At UCF, the Psychology (B.S.) – Clinical Psychology Track program provides a solid foundation in the psychological sciences and allows you to customize your curriculum based on your interests. Students will acquire a broad understanding of psychology and learn how to analyze psychological information outside the classroom.
#2. Louisiana State University
Program: B.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology
Tuition: $291 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 94% of students receiving aid.
With LSU Alexandria’s Online Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology, students will acquire knowledge of concepts, theories, and historical trends in psychology. In addition, they will prepare for performing basic research techniques and clinical skills in a variety of professional fields. The program is fully online and is a good option for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree in psychology or a related field.
#3. Metropolitan State University Of Denver
Program: Psychology, B.S. with Clinical and Counseling Concentration
Tuition: $385.5 per credit hour (resident); $875.9 per credit hour (non resident)
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 72% of students receiving aid.
MSU Denver offers the Clinical and Counseling Concentration in the Psychology Major to better meet the needs of students who are planning a career or graduate school in the mental health field. The curriculum includes foundational psychology courses and core clinical and counseling courses.
#4. Regent University
Program: B.S. in Psychology: Clinical & Counseling Psychology
Tuition: $395 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC and ranks #5 Top private universities in Virginia
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
With Regent’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Clinical & Counseling Psychology degree, students will learn how to think logically and responsibly about psychological issues. In this course, students study case management, marriage and family, group facilitation, counseling skills, and evaluations from a Christian perspective.
#5. Methodist University
Program: Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling/Clinical Psychology
Tuition: $400 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving aid.
With Methodist University’s Online Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Counseling/Clinical Psychology, students learn about the science behind behavior and mental processes, including perception, emotion, and cognition. Throughout the program, students acquire the skills needed to analyze, present, and understand data, as well as develop critical thinking skills. This online degree can be tailored to meet your needs.
#6. Saint Leo University
Program: B.A. Psychology – Clinical/Counseling
Tuition: $410 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 98% of students receiving aid.
With Saint Leo’s B.A. Psychology – Clinical/Counseling, students can tailor the course of study to meet their individual needs as working professionals. Students learn about the human experience using personality theory, cognitive psychology, the biological bases of behavior, childhood development, race and ethnicity, and in-depth and statistical research methods. Students apply their knowledge in courses such as forensics, industrial and organizational psychology.
#7. Eastern Kentucky University
Program: B.S. Psychology
Tuition: $421 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 99% of students receiving aid.
EKU’s psychology program explores the many applications and possibilities of psychology. By combining academic and professional preparation, the curriculum offers courses on abnormal psychology, statistics, research, social psychology, psychological behavior therapy, interviewing, and clinical psychology.
#8. Florida Institute of Technology
Program: B.A. in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Clinical Psychology
Tuition: $510 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 92% of students receiving aid.
Florida Tech combines a broad-based liberal arts curriculum with a scientific approach to understanding human behavior in our Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology program. The program, which is 100% online, offers four concentrations: Clinical Psychology, Child Advocacy, Organizational Psychology, or Forensic Psychology. It is also possible for students to choose electives from across concentrations.
#9. Franciscan University
Program: Clinical Psychology BS.
Tuition: $600 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and ranks #4 Best catholic colleges in Ohio
Financial Aid: Available, with 95% of students receiving aid.
Through Franciscan University’s online clinical psychology bachelor’s degree program, students learn how to serve people physically, mentally, and spiritually. By exploring the “hows” and “whys” of human behavior, they cultivate a better understanding of how a person makes decisions, reacts, and lives. Students can build a solid foundation for graduate studies by completing this online bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology.
#10. Faulkner University
Program: B.S. in General and Clinical Psychology
Accreditation: Accredited by SACSCOC
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
The Bachelor of Science in General and Clinical Psychology degree offered by Faulkner University can prepare you for a rewarding career in many fields. Through this program, students explore the different specializations within psychology and develop the skills to succeed in their field after graduation.
5 Affordable Online Graduate Degrees In Clinical Psychology
#1. Fort Hays University
Program: Clinical Psychology MS.
Tuition: $298.55 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and ranks #5 Top Public Universities in Texas
Financial Aid: Available, with 96% of students receiving aid.
Through the online delivery of the Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology, students will be able to pursue their degrees full-time. While the program is designed to meet the licensure needs of students primarily working in Kansas, it can be completed by anyone in the country.
#2. Capella University
Program: Clinical Psychology (clinical counseling specialization) M.S.
Tuition: $485 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
Through the master of science in clinical psychology and clinical counseling specialization at Capella University, you will develop the skills you need to help clients overcome anxiety, phobias, and other mental health challenges. Students will gain a solid understanding of psychological research, theory, and practice through this online program. Furthermore, it can give you the skills and experience you need to pursue future careers as a clinical counselor.
#3. Brescia University
Program: M.S. Clinical Psychology
Tuition: $625 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by SACSCOC.
Financial Aid: Available, with 89% of students receiving aid.
As part of its Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program, Brescia University prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare settings. As part of the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program, students are trained to become licensed psychological associates (LPAs) in the state of Kentucky through an academic and practicum component.
#4. Vanguard University
Program: M.S. Clinical Psychology
Tuition: $820 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Financial Aid: Available, with 100% of students receiving aid.
With Vanguard University’s online master’s in clinical psychology degree, you will gain a deeper understanding of relationships, mental health, and therapeutic skills. A collaborative and supportive online environment allows students to gain academic training and professional development.
#5. Pepperdine University
Program: M.A. Clinical Psychology
Tuition: $$1,770 per unit
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by WSCUC and ranks #4 Best Christian colleges in America
Financial Aid: Available, with 97% of students receiving aid.
Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program for students interested in helping individuals, couples, and families. The program will prepare students to become licensed as an LPC or LMFT.
5 Affordable Online Postgraduate Degrees In Clinical Psychology
A doctoral psychology program is a prerequisite for becoming a licensed clinical psychologist. There are two options for clinical psychology doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The main difference between the two is that the Ph.D. focuses primarily on research, whereas the PsyD focuses on practice. Here are 5 great options to consider.
| School | Program | Cost |
| Walden University | PhD in Clinical Psychology | $289.94 per credit (in state); $1,052.06 per credit (non resident) |
| Capella University | PsyD in Clinical Psychology | $545 per credit |
| Meridian University | PsyD in Clinical Psychology | $676 per credit |
| Pepperdine University | PsyD in Clinical Psychology | $1,795 per unit |
| Saybrook University | Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology | $1,349 per credit |
What Can I Do With A Clinical Psychology Degree?
A clinical psychology degree is a great way to get started in your career as a clinical psychologist. A person’s education level determines most of their career options. The most common career choices in this field are a private practice, education, and research.
With a Bachelor’s Degree, you can find a job assisting licensed psychologists. Business administration, sales, and education are also possible careers. According to ZipRecruiter, a clinical psychology bachelor’s degree holder in the lower percentile earns up to $37,000 median salary per year.
A Master’s degree can lead to a career in education or research. Additionally, master’s degree graduates can assist licensed clinical psychologists on a case-by-case basis. A master’s degree holder can also practice psychological therapy under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
In order to become a licensed psychologist, you must earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists can set up private practices, work as educators, or practice in hospitals and other institutions. Doctorate programs in psychology include a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).
The chart below indicates the educational levels achieved by professionals working as clinical psychologists according to data from Zappia recruiter.
How To Become A Clinical Psychologist
Since clinical psychologists require specialized training and have to meet many education requirements, becoming one can take a significant amount of time. It takes 8-13 years of training to become a clinical psychologist – 4 to 6 of those years in college for undergraduate programs and 4-7 years of graduate school for a doctorate. The following flowchart highlights possible career pathways for Clinical Psychologists.
Is Clinical Psychology In High Demand
Clinical psychologists are projected to have a positive job outlook and high service demand. Depending on the specialty, employment opportunities will vary. By 2050, the number of Americans over 65 years old will double, which is expected to result in a dramatic growth in geropsychology, which focuses on aging populations and geriatrics. With advancements in imaging technology, openings are also predicated in neuropsychology, which studies brain function, behavior, emotion, and cognition.
PTSD is becoming more common among military veterans, so psychologists with expertise in the disorder should find vacant positions. Companies and government agencies are seeking psychologists to assess employee performance and increase productivity and morale by expanding employee assistance programs. Consequently, industrial and organizational psychology has enjoyed a remarkably positive outlook.
The demand for school psychologists is expected to increase as awareness grows about youth mental health issues and behavioral problems that affect learning, such as bullying. In recent years, smoking, alcoholism, and obesity have become more costly, putting an increased emphasis on prevention and treatment, and clinical psychologists should be in greater demand.
The positive outlook for this occupation will also be boosted by the rising incidence of depression and marriage and family difficulties. A job seeker whose degree is supplemented with training in quantitative research will likely have an advantage over their competitors.
The following industries pay the highest salaries to Clinical and Counseling Psychologists based on data from BLS.
Clinical Psychology Degree Jobs And Salary
There are many different settings where clinical psychologists can work, including schools, mental health clinics, prisons, and hospitals. Clinical psychology graduates might hold the following job titles.
| Occupation | Annual Median Salary |
| Forensic Psychologist | $72,828 |
| Licensed Clinical Psychologist | $82,510 |
| Criminal Psychologist | $57,147 |
| Licensed Clinical Therapist | $51,041 |
| Mental Health Therapist | $48,629 |
Is Clinical Psychology A Good Career?
Even though clinical psychology has a variety of approaches and theories, the ultimate purpose is the same – to listen to your clients, learn about them, and encourage positive changes in their lives.
The following are some great reasons why people become clinical psychologists
As a clinical psychologist, your job involves helping others
In your capacity as a clinical psychologist, however, you can help your patients to overcome the difficulties your clients are experiencing. This will help them to live healthier, happier life. Clinical psychology can be a rewarding career that gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
The Field Of Clinical Psychology Is Interesting And Engaging
Predicting what a day will bring for a clinical psychologist is impossible. Practicing clinical psychology will allow you to interact with many different people and deal with different problems every day, making it an exciting and engaging field.
Your problem-solving skills will be challenged
No two clients have the same mental disorder, even if they have been diagnosed with it. This means that the way you approach treatment will differ from person to person. It is this diversity in human behavior that makes clinical psychology challenging. Identifying the root problem, engaging with the client, formulating a treatment plan, and implementing that plan will all be challenged by the individual characteristics of each client.
The career paths available are diverse.
Clinical psychology offers a wide range of career options that allow you to pursue your true passion for helping others. The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding your calling and putting your skills to work in helping people lead happier, healthier lives, whether it be in a private practice clinical setting, helping law enforcement investigate crimes, or working with kids with developmental disabilities.
All things considered, clinical psychology requires a lot of dedication, persistence, and hard work to pursue. If you are passionate about helping people overcome difficult situations in life, then this is the perfect career path for you.
