Online PhD In Clinical Psychology Programs

Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Team College Learners

Check out the following article for more information on attending online phd in clinical psychology programs in one of the best universities in usa. The article provides a comprehensive list of online doctorate programs in clinical programs in the best universities in usa

Master’s programs in clinical psychology prepare students to understand, assess, and treat individuals struggling with psychological issues. In these programs, students learn about psychological theories, cognitive function and behavior, developmental processes throughout the lifespan, and treatment strategies and techniques.

Clinical psychologists typically work in research or clinical settings, but they may also work in forensic or industry sectors, or a wide range of other sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists earned an annual median salary of $80,370 in 2019. The BLS projects jobs for psychologists to grow 14% between 2018 and 2028, a faster rate than average.

Introduction to Clinical Psychology | Harvard University

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

Complete a master’s degreeTo complete a master’s degree, students must complete coursework, clinical experience, and a comprehensive exam or thesis. Most master’s degrees in clinical psychology require 36-60 credits and can be completed in 2-3 years. Students can choose a master of arts or master of science degree in clinical psychology, both of which provide students with a background in the theory and practice of clinical psychology.Enroll in a Ph.D. programStudents can complete either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. The latter prepares students to provide psychological services to patients; the former teaches students psychological theories, best practices, and research methods to prepare them to conduct their own original research and advance science in the field. A Ph.D. in clinical psychology takes 4-7 years to complete and results in a dissertation. Students may also have to complete comprehensive and qualifying exams as a part of the doctoral program.Complete clinical trainingMost states require a certain number of clinical training hours for licensure as a clinical psychologist. This can include two years of postdoctoral supervised clinical experience, roughly 3,000 hours of clinical experience, or a related requirement. In some states, clinical experience obtained during master’s and doctoral programs may be sufficient to meet the requirement, while other states require postdoctoral clinical training. These clinical hours should be completed in a mental health setting related to the candidate’s career goals.Become licensedState licensure requirements for clinical psychologists typically include the completion of a doctoral degree, a number of supervised clinical experience hours, and satisfactory scores on a licensing exam. Prospective psychologists should check with their state’s licensing board to ensure their graduate programs and clinical training satisfy the state’s requirements. After completing the necessary education and training requirements, eligible candidates must take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Licensed psychologists must also maintain their licenses by regularly completing approved continuing education courses.

Common Clinical Psychology Courses

  • Human Growth and Development: This course covers the fundamental principles and theories of developmental psychology, including infancy, early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. It covers physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth and development throughout the lifespan. Students also learn social frameworks and theories that explore and explain characteristics of individuals, groups, communities, and cultures.
  • Psychopathology: This course introduces students to psychological disorders, including models and definitions, conceptualizations and theories about each disorder, and contemporary treatment approaches. Students explore the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders’ categories (e.g., anxiety, obsessive compulsive, bipolar) and learn to apply it as a basis for the diagnosis and classification of psychopathology. Students also learn about cultural, social, and ethical issues related to the field of psychopathology.
  • Counseling Theories: This course provides an overview of theoretical approaches and best practices related to counseling and psychotherapy. Topics covered include client and counselor roles, assessment and evaluation, intervention strategies and techniques, and fundamental counseling response skills. Students learn about contemporary psychotherapy types, such as psychoanalytical, humanistic, existential, and behavioral. Some counseling theory courses may also cover issues related to counseling practice, including confidentiality, working with minority clients, and conducting group therapy.
  • Neuropsychology: This course introduces students to the branch of psychology focused on the relationship between brain injury or disease and psychological disorders. Students learn how the brain affects cognition and behavior. Topics covered may include brain function in relation to memory, judgment, reasoning, language, intelligence, and emotions. Learners study various brain disorders, their diagnoses and categorizations, their effects on cognitive and behavioral functioning, and effective treatments. The course provides an overview of conditions commonly dealt with in the field of neuropsychology, such as autism, learning and attention disorders, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, stroke, and dementia.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This course introduces students to cognitive behavioral therapy, a treatment that centers on changing patterns of behavior or thinking in order to help patients overcome personal struggles and difficulties. Students learn to apply cognitive and behavioral techniques to treat depression, anxiety, addiction problems, marital issues, and eating disorders. The goal of CBT is to teach clients skills to change their thinking and behavior to create lasting improvement in their mental well-being.

Clinical Psychology Concentrations

Concentrations in a psychology graduate program allow students to narrow their focus and prepare for a subfield within clinical psychology. Clinical psychology graduate programs offer concentrations in forensic psychology, neuropsychology, developmental psychology, childhood and adolescent development, substance abuse and addictions, and other specialties related to a practice area or working with specific populations.

  • Developmental psychology: This concentration focuses on adolescent psychology and childhood development. Schools, foster and adoption agencies may be more likely to hire clinical psychologists with this concentration since their organizations work primarily with students and children.
  • Forensic psychology: A concentration in forensic psychology provides students with an understanding of the justice system and the role of psychology in family, civil, and criminal court cases. Forensic psychologists often serve as expert witnesses during trials to help the jury and judge understand the psychological elements of cases. They may also provide counseling or psychological services to populations involved with different facets of the criminal justice system.
  • Neuropsychology: This concentration focuses on how the brain and nervous system affect cognitive function. Students who want to diagnose and treat cognitive disorders related to brain injury may choose a concentration in neuropsychology.
  • Substance abuse and addiction: If you wish to become a substance abuse counselor and help patients with addiction, this concentration will focus on addiction brain chemistry, psychological dependence, and different facets of treatment, such diagnosis and treatment planning.

Clinical Psychology Master’s Degree Requirements

Admissions criteria to graduate programs in psychology include a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline, a minimum GPA requirement, satisfactory GRE scores, and the completion of prerequisite courses.

50 Most Affordable Graduate Degrees in Clinical Psychology

When it comes to affordable graduate degrees in clinical psychology, American students have no shortage of options available to them. In this article, Best Psychology Degrees has done the leg work for you to find the 50 most affordable Clinical Psychology degrees available in the U.S.

Clinical psychology harnesses the power of empirical data and scientific research to improve treatment outcomes for patients with psychological issues and disorders. Clinical psychologists are expected to both consume scientific research and contribute to it.

To compile our list of the most affordable clinical psychology degrees, we used the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool. We started by identifying every school in the U.S. that offers graduate degrees in clinical psychology. We then examined the tuition rates for each one of those 210 schools and narrowed our list down to the 50 most affordable clinical psychology degrees in the entire country. These tuition rates are sourced directly from the schools themselves. It is always best to visit each school’s website for the most precise and current tuition rates for the degree program you’re interested in.

Located in each major region of the United States, these affordable psychology degrees are ranked from high to low in order of their per-credit graduate tuition rate.

20. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Indianapolis, Indiana

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At Indiana University, students can earn a well-rounded Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology with a strong research focus. The program utilizes the scientist-practitioner model, but the focus of the program is on research and the advancement of general psychological knowledge. Within the program, students can choose between two areas of focus: clinical health psychology and severe mental illness/psychiatric rehabilitation. The university maintains a relationship with a robust network of psychological treatment centers in the Indianapolis area, giving students many opportunities for hands-on learning and internships.

Cost per credit tuition: $357

19. San Diego State University

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – San Diego, California

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San Diego State University offers a joint doctoral program in partnership with the University of California – San Diego; students of the five-year program can also earn a Master of Science in clinical psychology while earning their doctorate, but that degree is only available to students who are on the doctorate track. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model, but the emphasis of the program is on training researchers. The first two years of the program provide students with a solid foundation in the general field of clinical psychology; in the final three years, students will focus on one of three major areas of study: behavioral medicine, experimental psychopathology or neuropsychology.

Cost per credit tuition: $347

18. Brigham Young University – Provo

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Provo, Utah

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The clinical psychology program at Brigham Young University follows the scientist-practitioner model, and the program is intentionally broad to expose students to the full range of psychological schools of thought. The program is structured to be completed in five years of study, with the final year consisting of an on-site internship in a practicing facility away from the university; the program partners with prestigious institutions such as the Yale School of Medicine. The university is owned and operated by the Mormon church, and students are expected to live up to the school’s honor code.

Cost per credit tuition: $345

17. Idaho State University

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology – Pocatello, Idaho

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Using the scientific-practitioner model as the foundation, Idaho State University prepares students for work as a clinical psychologist through the Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology program. The ability to understand research is a large part of this program; clinical psychologists must understand how to formulate a hypothesis and test it in order to better serve their patients. To achieve this goal, students enrolled in the program will have ample options to pursue research opportunities through their coursework and an internship with a mental health organization. Students will also need to work on independent research to strengthen their critical thinking skills.

Cost per credit tuition: $337

16. The University of Texas at Tyler

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Tyler, Texas

PhD in Clinical Psychology

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Students with a strong desire to help people understand and overcome the psychological conditions affecting the quality of their lives will find the University of Texas at Tyler promotes a compassionate and rigorously science-based approach to psychology. Many of the graduates from the school’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree go on to work at hospitals, private practices and schools. Students have the choice to select a specialization in general psychology or neuropsychology. The program also prepares students to take the licensing exam required to become a school psychology specialist in the state of Texas.

Cost per credit tuition: Master’s $325, Doctor’s $366

15. Sam Houston State University

MA in Clinical Psychology – Huntsville, Texas

PhD in Clinical Psychology

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After graduating from the clinical psychology doctoral program at Sam Houston State University, students can pursue a career in a research or a clinical setting. The program believes strongly in the benefits of mentors, allowing students to pair up with multiple faculty members during the course of the program. The school’s program also believes strongly in preparing students to work with diverse populations. Training is provided to help with this goal, and faculty members are prepared to handle any conflicts. Thanks to the school’s close proximity to the city of Houston, students have plentiful opportunities to gain clinical experience at major medical facilities.

Cost per credit tuition: $320

14. Texas Tech University

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Lubbock, Texas

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Relying on the scientist-practitioner model, this program at Texas Tech University prepares students for a research or clinical psychology career. Both career paths are equally weighted in this program, making it a good fit for those interested in both career paths. On the clinical side, students will learn how to diagnose psychological conditions using the latest discoveries in mental health. The research skills students will gain include the ability and expertise required to conduct studies. Mentorship with faculty members is a large part of this program; students will be assigned to work with one faculty member on a research project.

Cost per credit tuition: $318

13. Eastern Illinois University

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Charleston, Illinois

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At Eastern Illinois University, students can earn a two-year master’s degree in clinical psychology. This program is intended as a terminal degree and will qualify graduates to work in certain clinical settings; students can also pursue a doctorate degree at another institution after graduation. While participating in the program, students will have many opportunities to conduct hands-on research with the department’s faculty across a wide variety of different psychological research topics. The program utilizes the scientist-practitioner model to give graduates a broad understanding of clinical psychology and enable them to work in a variety of professional settings.

Cost per credit tuition: $309

12. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Natchitoches, Louisiana

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The Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana consists of 42 hours of coursework that covers four main subjects: clinical assessment, application, research and theory. Students may opt to work on a thesis or another independent project. Classes are held on campus, and students can expect a hands-on approach from faculty members. Students will need to complete a 300-hour practicum in order to graduate. Upon completion of the program, students can progress to a clinical career in psychology or pursue a doctoral degree.

Cost per credit tuition: $307

11. The University of Texas at El Paso

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – El Paso, Texas

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Students interested in pursuing a doctoral program in clinical psychology can begin with the master’s program at the University of Texas at El Paso. This program is also useful for students who wish to practice psychology in a mental health setting. The program requires 45 credit hours, which includes coursework and a thesis. Students must also work on an internship to gain hands-on experience. For those students wishing to work right away in Texas, additional requirements must be completed before earning a counsellor’s license.

Cost per credit tuition: $291

10. Missouri State University-Springfield

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Springfield, Missouri

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The Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Missouri State University-Springfield utilizes a cohort model to help students progress effectively through the degree. Classes are taught by licensed faculty members with years of experience, giving students an important glimpse into the field of advanced psychology. Throughout the duration of the program, students will have a chance to work on research projects. Students who keep a full schedule can expect to finish the course within two years.

Cost per credit tuition: $289

9. University of North Texas

Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology – Denton, Texas

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The doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of North Texas uses the scientist-practitioner model, and gives individualized attention to each and every student to create a very personal and highly effective learning experience. Faculty mentorship plays a major role in achieving the program’s goals – students are expected to begin working with a faculty member on a research project immediately upon beginning the rigorous program. Students can take advantage of the diverse specializations among faculty members to glean real knowledge from experienced professionals with backgrounds in areas like clinical neuropsychology and forensic psychology. In the fifth and final year of the program, students will work full-time in a doctoral internship.

Cost per credit tuition: $278

8. Emporia State University

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Emporia, Kansas

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The Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Emporia State University can be completed within two years for students who take classes during the summer. Most of the classes are held on campus and feature small class sizes. The program relies on the scientist-practitioner model, giving students a strong foundation that can lead to advanced educational opportunities or a career as a clinical psychologist. Students are also allowed to take on independent research projects to prepare themselves for their future careers.

Cost per credit tuition: $266

7. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology – Dallas, Texas

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The doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center prepares students for future employment as a researcher, scholar or clinician in psychology. The school has set several essential goals for each student to meet, including gaining an understanding of the basics of psychology and learning how to evaluate scientific research. Successful completion of the program also requires passing several key exams, an internship and an approved dissertation. Most students will finish the program in under five years.

Cost per credit tuition: $255

6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Ph.D. Program in Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology Concentration – Charlotte, North
Carolina

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The Ph.D. program in health psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a clinical psychology concentration for students interested in a career in research or practice. Students will learn essential skills and use their understanding of common research methodologies to expand the frontiers of psychological research. Students will also learn the basics needed to practice in the field and learn about ethical practices in psychology. The program requires students to work under the supervision of a licensed psychology facility for about a year to gain clinical experience.

Cost per credit tuition: $246

Using Behavioral Science for Social Good · Giving Compass

5. East Carolina University

Ph.D in Health Psychology, Clinical Health concentration – Greenville, North Carolina

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The Ph.D. in clinical health psychology program at East Carolina University teaches students to consider all the factors that can affect mental health, including the individual’s genetics, environmental conditions and social groups. By the end of the program, students will have developed the experience needed to correctly diagnose conditions and can look for employment in a number of settings, including hospitals and community organizations. Students will also learn about the latest in treatment options, including stress reduction, biofeedback and relaxation methods.

Cost per credit tuition: $245

4. Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology

PhD in Clinical Psychology – Virginia Beach, Virginia; Norfolk, Virginia

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Students at the Virginia Consortium Program can pursue a degree in psychology at one of three campuses: Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Norfolk State University. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and assumes that incoming students will possess a solid background in the science of psychology. Incoming cohorts are capped at six students per year, allowing students to benefit from an unusually high faculty-to-student ratio. Students are expected to complete a major research project in the second year of the program and an intensive on-site internship for the final year of the five-year program.

Cost per credit tuition: $244

3. Prairie View A&M University

Ph.D. in Clinical Adolescent Psychology – Prairie View, Texas

Prairie View A&M University’s doctoral psychology degree specializes in adolescents, carefully examining how the human brain develops and the effects of environmental and genetic factors on mental health. Through this program, students will learn the skills needed in careers as practitioners, researchers or teachers. Students are encouraged to complete a practica or other optional coursework to help prepare themselves for their future employment. Classes are kept small, requiring potential students to work hard to earn a slot in the program.

Cost per credit tuition: $241

For more information on Prairie View A&M University

2. Appalachian State University

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – Boone, North Carolina

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Appalachian State University offers a Master of Arts in clinical psychology degree to prepare students for doctoral studies or to equip them with essential skills for work as a clinical practitioner. The degree consists of four semesters of study covering a variety of topics, including the diagnosis of psychological conditions and psychological research. Students must complete a thesis or do additional coursework in lieu of a thesis. Students can also expect to participate in a supervised internship opportunity. After completing all of the coursework, students can apply for licensure in North Carolina.

Cost per credit tuition: $208

1. CUNY City College of New York

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – New York City, New York

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As part of the City University system, students at this program will take courses at several different campuses throughout New York City. The program follows the scholar-practitioner model, training educated practitioners who can benefit from the latest research in psychology without focusing on conducting original research themselves. This branch of City University’s psychology school operates the Psychology Center, a practicing psychological treatment facility; students can gain hands-on experience in the Psychology Center from the very beginning of their studies.

Cost per credit tuition: $201

Studying psychology can be rewarding, but unlocking the workings of the human mind is a task that will require dedication and time. As the importance of mental health has become more apparent, the need for well-trained clinical psychologists has grown. By completing an affordable graduate degree in clinical psychology, students can place themselves in a capture these psychology jobs while supporting the mental health needs of their communities.