Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA: Top Universities, Admission, Cost, Scholarships | Admissify

Last Updated on August 31, 2024 by Gaurav Kandari

A Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in the United States qualifies you to practice psychology as a licensed mental health practitioner. You will get training that will prepare you to work in a range of settings, including community mental health facilities and schools. The Ms in Clinical Psychology program in the United States lasts 2-3 years and serves as a standalone degree. The most fundamental requirement for obtaining an MA in clinical psychology in the United States is a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a comparable subject from a recognized university. An IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 80-90 are required for admission to a master’s program in clinical psychology in the USA.

Coursework for clinical psychology master’s degrees vary by program and institution. The courses encompass clinical research technique, philosophy, and practice, as well as specialized expertise. The following are the popular themes for an MA in Clinical Psychology in the United States:

• Psychopathology
• Behavioral Principles and Theories of Learning
• Techniques of Counseling

After earning your master’s degree in clinical psychology, you can work as a clinical psychologist, clinical coordinator, mental health practitioner, clinical therapist, clinical professionals counselor, or licensed marriage and family therapist.

The average cost of studying in the United States for Indian students is between 25,000 and 60,000 USD (20.88 lakhs to 50.11 lakhs INR). Becoming a clinical psychologist might take between 8 and 12 years. This time range comprises undergraduate and graduate courses, up to two years of postdoctoral supervised clinical practice, and the time required to gain license.

Top Colleges for Masters in Clinical Psychology in the USA

Wondering what is the best institution for you to pursue your Masters in Clinical Psychology? Here is a table that provides top universities, programs, and fee!

College/University	Program	Deadlines	Total Program Fees (USD)
Northwestern University	MA in Clinical Psychology	May 1, 2023	107,750
University of Central Florida	MA in Clinical Psychology	December 1, 2023	$85, 416
University of Tulsa	MA in Clinical Psychology	December 1, 2022 (Closed)	$1474 tuition credits per hour
Wheaton College	MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	January 2, 2024	46,030
Pepperdine University	MA in Clinical Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy)	June 11, 2024	$118, 680
Vanguard University of Southern California	MS in Clinical Psychology	Priority deadline January 15, 2024	$840 per unit major $420 audit per unit
Clayton State University	MS in Clinical Psychology	March 15, 2024	70,272
University of Northern Iowa	MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling	April 15, 2024	44,148
Eastern Illinois University	MA in Clinical Psychology	February 15, 2024	56,892

Why Study Master in Clinical Psychology in the USA?

The master’s degree in clinical psychology prepares students to diagnose mental illnesses, treat and prevent mental health issues, and conduct cutting-edge research. Aside from having some of the world’s best-known institutions and colleges, the United States offers an extensive range of master’s degrees. Psychologists have a median annual pay of USD 82,180 (67.97 lakh INR). 

• There are now around 147,500 clinical psychologists in the United States.
• The clinical psychologist employment market is predicted to expand by 14.2% between 2016 and 2026.
• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists’ employment is expected to grow by 14% between 2018 and 2028.

Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA: Admission Procedure

Clinical psychology master’s programs combine graduate-level curriculum with clinical research and techniques. Clinical psychology programs provide both a Master of Science (MS) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree.

To study in the United States, students must take standardized tests such as the GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, and others. Aside from these, there are some master’s in clinical psychology requirements in the United States.

• Bachelors Degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• English proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. 
• Updated Resume/CV
• Academic transcripts
• Work experience (if applicable)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation 

Eligibility Requirements

While exploring the option of pursuing Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA, students must adhere to the following eligibility requirements: 

College/University	GPA Required	ELP Scores	Other Requirements
Northwestern University	3.2	IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 90	2 LOR | SOP | Resume
University of Central Florida	3.0	IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 80	3 LOR | SOP
University of Tulsa	3.75	IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 70	2 LOR | SOP
Wheaton College	2.8	IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 95	4 LOR
Pepperdine University	3.69	IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 85	2 LOR | SOP
Vanguard University of Southern California	2.0	IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 80	2 LOR | SOP | Resume
Clayton State University	2.0	IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 75	3 LOR | SOP | Resume
University of Northern Iowa	3.0	IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 79	LOR | SOP | Resume
Eastern Illinois University	2.75	IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 79	2 LOR | SOP | Resume

US Students VISA for Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA

To study in the United States, an overseas student must first apply for an F-1 visa. After obtaining a confirmation letter from the institution, students must fill out the I-20 form and submit it together with their application.

• A valid passport with an expiry date beyond 6 months. 
• Form DS-160 (Non-immigrant visa application confirmation page)
• Application fee payment Receipt
• Letter of Acceptance 
• English Language Proficiency score
• Financial documents 

Masters in Clinical Psychology in the USA: Cost of Studying

Once you are set to study Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA, you must also take into account the living expenses that come along. These are: 

Categories	Cost per month (USD)	Cost per month (INR)
Accommodations	816	67,582
Food	677	56,070
Transportation	50 – 100	4,141 – 8,282
Personal Expenses	98	8,116

Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA: Scholarships

Studying in the United States can turn out to be rather costly. To keep expenditures low while in the United States, students should plan ahead of time. There are several foreign scholarships available in the United States through specific universities which can alleviate your financial stress immensely. 

Some of the popular scholarships offered by universities offering MA/MS in Psychology in the USA:

Awarding Institute	Scholarship	Eligibility Criteria	Award
American Psychological Association	American Psychological Foundation Scott and Paul Pearsall Scholarship	Strong academic standings	10,000 USD
Wheaton College Graduate School	A. Donald MacLeod/Doris Bruns Honorary Scholarship	Strong academic standings	1,000 USD to 3,000 USD per year
	Stenzel Clinical Mental Health Counseling Scholarship	Strong academic standings	5,000 USD per year
	Frances J. White Scholarship for Mental Health and Ministry	Strong academic standings	750 USD to 1,800 USD per year
	Janice Harrison, Psychology Scholarship	Strong academic standings	8,000 USD to 12,000 USD per year
Vanguard University	Graduate Academic Scholarship	A GPA between 3. 50 to 3.75 in bachelor’s	Gold: 15% Discount Silver: 10% Discount
University of Northern Iowa	Robert L. Frank Scholarship – Counseling Scholarship	3.35 GPA in bachelor’s Students enrolled in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program Other requirements:-2 letter of recommendation-Statement of purpose-Demonstrate financial need	Varies
	Norene A. Smith – School Counseling Scholarship	Students enrolled in the School of Counseling are eligible Other requirements: -FAFSA Form -Essay -transcript copy	Varies

Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA: Salaries

Clinical psychology positions are most commonly found in the healthcare industry, where they provide counseling services in hospitals, private clinics, psychotherapy centers, nursing homes, and rehabilitation institutions. Some clinical psychologists work as professors and researchers in academic institutions. Moreover, many candidates can also explore domains including the military, government organizations, private business groups, and consulting businesses.

Job Role	Average Salary (USD)	Average Salary (INR)
Clinical Psychologist	68,378	57.09 lakhs
Clinical Coordinator	56,320	47.02 lakhs
Mental Health Clinician	53,334	44.53 lakhs
Clinical Therapist	50,985	42.57 lakhs
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor	50,368	42.05 lakhs
Psychotherapist	44,249	36.94 lakhs
Mental Health Counselor	43,580	36.38 lakhs
Mental Health Therapist	43,450	36.27 lakhs
Marriage/Family Therapist	42,733	35.68 lakhs

Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA: Return on Investment

While studying Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA can be expensive, the return on investment (ROI) is rather excellent. Here is a table that explains the amount you will be spending on tuition fee and the salary that you will be achieving. 

University	Annual Tuition Fees (USD)	Annual Salary (USD)
Northwestern University	1,29,300	87,000
Pepperdine University	64,185	80,000
University of Tulsa	52,947	76,000
University of Central Florida	71,640	68,000
Wheaton College	38,880	67,000
Vanguard University of Southern California	54,120	64,000
Clayton State University	44,136	64,000
Eastern Illinois University	28,446	64,000
University of Northern Iowa	29,432	63,000

University Comparison

Parameters	Northwestern University	University of Central Florida	University of Tulsa
Program Duration	15 months	2 years	3 years
Total Tuition Fees	1,29,300 (INR 1,07, 83,295)	71,640 (INR 59,74,252)	1,58,841 (1,32,46,177 INR)
Application Fees	95 USD (INR 7922)	30 USD (INR 2501)	60 USD (INR 5003)
GPA Required	3.2	3.0	3.75
GMAT/GRE Scores	Not Required	Not Required	Not Required
ELP Scores	IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 90	IELTS: 6.5 | TOEFL-iBT: 80	IELTS: 6.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 70
Scholarships	International Scholarships available	International Scholarships available	International Scholarships available
Average Salary	87,000 USD	68,000 USD	76,000

Conclusion

Now that we have explored the various intricacies of studying Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA, it is your time to shine. As a psychologist, you will be able to further the cause of holistic mental healthcare. Moreover, your effort as a clinical psychologist will create a positive impact on society. Studying Clinical Psychology in USA will only add to your credentials, as you will be acquainted with the most advanced practices in the field. 

FAQs

What is the cost of pursuing Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA? 

The average cost of pursuing a Masters in Clinical Psychology in USA is $65,000 for a 2-year program, including tuition and living expenses.

What is the duration of a Masters in Psychology in USA?

The duration of a Masters in Clinical Psychology is 2 years. 

Is GRE required for masters in Psychology in USA?

While many schools do not require GRE scores, some institutions might require the said scores so as to have a batter idea of your candidature. 

How do I become a Clinical Psychologist in the US?

To work as a clinical psychologist in the United States, you must have a master’s or doctorate degree in clinical psychology and have completed or received the necessary training in the area. After completing the course, the applicant may apply for a license to practice clinical psychology in the United States.

Manan is a graduate of the esteemed University of Delhi where he cultivated a taste for writing and research. His degree in Bachelor of Management Studies helps him guide students in their academic endeavours. Manan strives to spread excellent study abroad tips that can prove to be helpful.