Online Clinical Psychology Degrees

Clinical psychology studies mental and behavioral health treatment, research, principles, and methods. Often appearing as a concentration within a broader psychology bachelor's program, clinical psychology programs prepare graduates for diverse roles.

Licensed psychologists need graduate degrees, so many clinical psychology bachelor's graduates pursue master's or doctoral degrees in related fields. Advanced clinical psychology degrees often support further specialization in fields such as child psychology and addiction.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professional psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 3% between 2019-2029.

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Clinical Psychology Degree Questions

What degree is needed for clinical psychology?

Practicing clinical psychologists need licensure from their state's board. Most boards require candidates to hold a graduate degree.

How many years does it take to become a clinical psychologist?

Traditional bachelor's degrees typically entail four years of full-time enrollment. However, accelerated programs may allow students to graduate faster.

Are clinical psychologists in demand?

The BLS projects jobs for psychologists to grow 3% between 2019-2029, which is on par with the national average for all occupations.

What kinds of jobs can I get with a clinical psychology degree?

Clinical psychology degrees often support careers in psychology, counseling, and social work. Graduates with a bachelor's in clinical psychology can pursue entry-level jobs like behavioral health technician and crisis services worker. A graduate degree can lead to clinical psychology roles.

Why Get a Degree in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology bachelor's degrees offer many personal and professional benefits. Psychology programs cultivate advanced communication, interpersonal ability, and research skills that students can apply to diverse roles.

Graduates with a bachelor's in clinical psychology can pursue roles like behavioral health technician, social worker, and counselor. Many bachelor's graduates earn graduate degrees to qualify for careers as clinical, counseling, and school psychologists. Pursuing a clinical psychology degree online gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.

How Much Does a Clinical Psychology Degree Cost?

A 2020 report on college pricing indicates that public, four-year universities charge an average annual tuition rate of $10,560. However, clinical psychology degree costs vary widely by factors like school type, location, and delivery format. Private schools often cost more than public schools, and in-state students at public schools often pay less in tuition than out-of-state students.

Pursuing a clinical psychology degree online can help students save money. Online students avoid some of the expenses that on-campus students incur, such as housing and commuting costs. Many schools also offer tuition discounts to online students. Additionally, online programs often give students the flexibility to continue working while they pursue a degree.

How Much Do Clinical Psychology Majors Make?

According to PayScale salary data from April 2021, clinical psychology bachelor's graduates make an average annual salary of $64,910. However, salaries vary due to factors like position, employer, and experience.

An online clinical psychology bachelor's degree can help candidates qualify for entry-level jobs, such as behavioral health technician, case manager, and corrections caseworker. These jobs pay median annual salaries of $33,140, $39,220, and $55,700, respectively.

Aspiring psychologists need a graduate degree. The BLS indicates that psychologists earn a median annual salary of $82,180. Some psychology graduates pursue positions outside of psychology, such as marketing manager, training and development manager, and human resources manager — careers that pay median annual salaries between $115,640-$142,170.

Courses in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology bachelor's programs usually comprise about 120 credits. Students complete general education requirements, core psychology courses, and specialized clinical psychology courses. Core courses cover key psychology principles, research methods, ethics, and theories. Many bachelor's programs also require enrollees to complete a capstone experience, internship, and/or research project during their senior year.

Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines courses commonly found in online bachelor's in clinical psychology programs.

• Counseling Theory

  This course covers significant psychotherapy and counseling theories such as psychoanalysis, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and holistic and integrative therapy. Enrollees learn about each theory's key concepts, assessment methods, and treatment approaches.

• Human Development

  Also known as lifespan psychology, this course surveys developmental theories, psychological growth milestones, and common issues that arise during each stage of life. The course proves particularly valuable for enrollees aspiring to serve particular age groups, such as children, adults, or the elderly.

• Psychopharmacology

  This course explores psychiatric medications and the physiological effects of substance abuse and treatment. Enrollees study relevant neuroscience and anatomy in preparation for prescribing or administering psychiatric medications.

Certifications and Licensure for Clinical Psychology

Many online clinical psychology bachelor's degree graduates seek graduate degrees and professional licensure. However, several other certifications may prove useful for certain career paths. The following list outlines three credentials that serve clinical psychology professionals.

Scholarships for Clinical Psychology

Many college students qualify for scholarships, which help recipients cover education expenses and do not require repayment. Applicants may qualify for scholarships based on factors like identity, financial need, academic performance, or field of study. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for psychology students.

Online Clinical Psychology Degrees