Online and Distance Learning

This page provides information on clinical psychology online and on campus programs. It tackles the questions - "what is clinical psychology" and" how is it different to counseling psychology?" and provides advice on programs to take in order to qualify in this field.

Clinical psychology is the analysis, research and treatment of severe mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  This can be contrasted with counseling psychology, which deals wih everyday stresses, including career planning, learning difficulties, marriage guidance and family difficulties.

This page has links to schools that are mainly for students who wish to study online.  If you wish to explore the on campus programs available, go to the on campus programs page.  Click here to find out more about doctorate or masters programs. or more general psychology information. 

Which schools offer clinical psychology online?

Make sure the program you take is accredited by an appropriate accrediting body, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), or the Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE).

The following list shows some selected schools for clinical psychology programs (plus other other closely related programs):

• Kaplan University Online
  • BS in Psychology / Applied Behavioral Analysis
  • BS in Psychology / Child Development

• Capella University
  • MS - Clinical Psychology
  • MS - Educational Psychology
  • PhD - Educational Psychology

• University of the Rockies
  • Doctor of Psychology - Evaluation, Research & Measurement
  • Master of Arts in Psychology - Evaluation, Research & Measurement

• Browse more schools and programs at the foot of the page.

• Search for clinical psychology online programs.

Other relevant specializations

You may find it useful to consider the programs available in the following areas:

• counseling;
• developmental psych;
• educational and school psych;
• forensic psych/criminal justice;
• general psych;

What do you study in these programs?

Clinical psychology began in 1896 with the work of Lightner Witmer on learning disabilities. Witner established a clinic where learning disorders and other educational difficulties could be assessed and treated. Other psychologists followed with their own theories and treatments of educational and other psychological disturbances, e.g., Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung and Alfred Adler.

There are now many theories and approaches to clinical psychology, and degree programs may vary slightly as to the content and specializations offered, depending on the research interests of the faculty. 

Clinical psychology study is possible at the bachelor level, but is mainly taken at master's and doctoral levels.  Graduate programs focus on the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders, abnormal behavior and psychiatric problem.  A typical masters program may include the following:

• Biological Basis of Behaviour
• Human Motivation
• Contemporary Issues
• Statistics
• Research Design
• Tests and Measurement
• Psychological Testing
• Principles of Psychopathology
• The Cognitive Approach
• Clinical Psych
• Theories of Psychotherapy
• The Developmental Approach
• Culture and Psychology

A thesis may be required in addition or in place of some of the courses.

What jobs do graduates get?

Accredited online psychology degrees provide many career opportunities in private sector (e.g., marketing, personnel management), public sector (e.g., teaching, social/community work, mental health care in hospitals, clinics and schools).  The American Psychological Association says that psychology is the third fastest-growing field in America requiring a college degree.

With a masters in clinical psychology (MA), you can become a guidance counselor, educator, clinical psychologist, social worker, research psychologist and more.  With a suitable bachelors degree, but without a masters or a PhD, you would be qualified to work as a clinical psychology assistant.  But for the best jobs you really need a PsyD or PhD.

Salaries are high for top jobs clinical psychology.  To a great extent your salary depends on your specialization in your clinical doctorate.  In the US, the average salary in forensic clinical psychology is about US$71,000 (PayScales.com).

For more schools and programs