Online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
Pursue Your Career in Mental Health with an Online Clinical Psychology Degree
Becoming a therapist is a career and a calling.
Gain an advanced understanding of relationships, mental health and therapeutic skills and make a difference in the lives of others with Vanguard University’s online master’s in clinical psychology degree. Through our program, you’ll receive academic training and guided professional development—all in a collaborative and supportive online environment.
You’ll be prepared for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist and/or Professional Clinical Counselor, as well as to pursue advanced certifications, doctoral degrees and other career opportunities in mental health.
Our online degree is designed for you
Our online master’s in clinical psychology program is available for residents of the state of California and is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California. Most courses are eight weeks long; we offer full- and part-time options with varying degree lengths, as well as evening-only and on campus tracks.
Online Clinical Psychology Program Highlights
The online clinical psychology master’s program with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy prepares you to meet the varying needs of your clients. Gain the knowledge and skills you need while:
- Studying alongside faculty mentors who are experts in their field.
Our faculty have expertise in depression and anxiety, relationship conflicts, trauma and suicide, addictive behaviors and other mental health issues and are dedicated to supporting you throughout your degree. You will have ongoing access to your faculty, who will support your clinical, professional and spiritual growth while helping you cultivate an understanding of the clients you treat. - Taking a hands-on approach to learning.
You’ll gain practical experience beginning your first semester in our online clinical psychology degree as you meet with volunteers and practice the clinical skills you’re learning in class. This applied experience will prepare you for your practicum placements and help you grow as a clinician. - Receiving support in the classroom and in your studies.
Our online clinical psychology program will give you the best of both worlds—flexible online coursework and live class time with faculty and your cohort on a weekly basis. In addition, you will be able to connect and network with classmates, faculty and staff outside of class time—giving you a strong support system and sense of community throughout your studies.
Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Program Admissions Information
The online clinical psychology program is currently accepting applications for Fall 2023. Complete your application early to secure an early interview and for your best chance at acceptance into the online clinical psychology degree.
What You Will Study in the Online Clinical Psychology Program
Our online clinical psychology master’s program respects diversity and promotes an inclusive community. We focus on the therapeutic relationship, understanding counter-transferential and transferential data and learning in an experiential manner.
Coursework will provide you with a strong foundation in varying theoretical and clinical modalities that will help you choose and develop your clinical and professional identity. You will take courses such as:
- PSYG 601 - Clinical Foundations I
- PSYG 616 - Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment
- PSYG 617 - Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment
- PSYG 712 - Psychology, Theology and Spirituality
PSYG 601 - Clinical Foundations I
PSYG 616 - Psychodynamic Theory and Treatment
PSYG 617 - Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Treatment
PSYG 712 - Psychology, Theology and Spirituality
What People Are Saying About the Online Clinical Psychology Master’s Program
What Can You Do With an Online Master's in Clinical Psychology?
Our online clinical psychology degree prepares you to begin work in a growing field as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Professional Clinical Counselor or other mental health professional. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that careers in clinical psychology will grow 10% over the next decade.
Graduates of our on campus and online clinical psychology master’s programs work at:
- Colleges and universities
- Community counseling centers
- County mental health agencies
- Foster care and adoption agencies
- Group homes
- Private practice
- Substance abuse treatment centers
Our alumni have also specialized in areas such as play therapy, emotionally focused couples therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, somatic treatment, dream work and postpartum care.
Additional Online Clinical Psychology Degree Highlights
Small Class Sizes
Whether you’re taking part in our on campus or online master’s in clinical psychology degree, your coursework is designed with the purpose of providing you with individualized attention. You’ll greatly benefit from our small class sizes, which average 12 students.
Graduate Financial Aid
At Vanguard, 70% of our graduate students receive some form of financial aid. Most of our online master’s in clinical psychology students receive academic scholarships and loans to help pay for their education.