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Clinical Counseling
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
You can apply dynamic principles of counseling and clinical psychology to improve lives in the world today. With the master of science in clinical psychology, clinical counseling specialization from Capella University, you’ll develop professional skills to help clients overcome anxiety, phobias, and other mental health challenges. This online program delivers a strong foundation in psychological research, theory, and practice. It can also give you the practical experience and skills to confidently pursue future paths in the field of clinical counseling.
In compliance with Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA) public disclosure requirements, Capella University reports student admissions, outcomes, and other data.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Classes start January 6
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 5 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Elective courses
- 2 Residencies
- 1 Practicum
- 1 Internship
- 74 Total credits (20 max transfer)
Reduce your tuition by $2,500
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2.5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore clinical counseling courses
- This degree requires a total of 74 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses, four specialization courses, two elective courses, two residencies, one practicum and one internship
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PSY6095
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of foundational counseling and psychotherapy theories and research-based practice. Throughout the course, learners examine various schools of therapeutic intervention; their underlying theoretical assumptions; and their historical, cultural, and ethical context, with an emphasis on the application of current theory in a variety of clinical populations.
5 quarter credits
PSY6210
Introduction to Psychopathology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of various forms of psychopathology throughout the lifespan. Learners review the etiology of psychopathology; examine theories and research of psychopathology; and explore current methods of psychological interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Learners also discuss the politics of mental disorders, emerging diagnoses, and ethical and multicultural issues associated with psychopathology. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology, Combined BS in Psychology/MS in Clinical Psychology option learners must have completed Student Group BMGA.
5 quarter credits
PSY-R6313
Clinical Interventions
5 quarter credits
This course includes both an online courseroom and a face-to-face residency experience. Learners engage in preparatory online courseroom activities to prepare themselves for the residency experience, during which they explore and practice foundational counseling skills, including establishing the therapeutic alliance, conducting clinical interviews, applying psychotherapeutic techniques, and providing feedback. Learners then engage in a face-to-face residency experience that guides them as they study key professional competencies such as psychological assessment, multicultural responsiveness and diversity principles, and ethics in clinical work. For MS in Clinical Psychology learners only. Prerequisite(s): PSY6090 or PSY6095 or PSY6310 or PSY8310.
5 quarter credits
PSY-R6230
Introduction to Psychological Testing
5 quarter credits
This course includes both an online courseroom and a face-to-face residency experience. Learners engage in preparatory online courseroom activities to prepare themselves for the residency experience, during which they focus on the common psychological instruments (e.g., psychological tests, checklists, and rating scales) used to assess intelligence, achievement, vocational interests, adaptive and neuropsychological functioning, addiction, and personality traits, and their uses in professional practice. Learners then engage in a face-to-face residency experience that guides them as they study psychological testing instruments appropriate for their level of training and examine effective methods for making referrals to licensed psychologists. Ethical and cultural considerations of testing are embedded throughout the course. For MS in Clinical Psychology learners only. Test kits are required and are available for loan at [email protected]. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610, PSY-R6313. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
5 quarter credits
PSY5110
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners analyze multicultural perspectives and factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, and their influences on the ethical behavior of psychology professionals. Learners evaluate and articulate multicultural issues within the context of different settings and practice applying ethical reasoning principles and standards within their profession. Prerequisite: PSY5002 or PSY8002. Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling specialization presents foundational scientific theories and practices used in clinical psychology, and is designed to socialize you into the professional field. The curriculum emphasizes clinical assessment, counseling interventions, psychological testing, research methods, ethical principles, and diversity.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply ethical principles related to the academics, research, and practice of advanced clinical counseling
- Communicate effectively in written, verbal, and technological forms, using the professional standards of the discipline
- Apply theory and research findings to the professional practice of counseling and clinical psychology
- Analyze research related to counseling and clinical psychology
- Evaluate the importance of diversity by mastering multicultural competencies in scholarly work and counseling/clinical settings
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Clinical Psychology cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$36,630
NO ADDITIONAL CREDITS
$49,005
ADDITIONAL CREDITS
$495 per credit, $160 resource kit, 74 total quarter credits, 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
“No additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and intend to practice in a state for which no additional credits are recommended for state licensure. “Additional credits” may reflect your tuition amount if you transfer no credits and reside in a state for which additional coursework may be necessary for state licensure requirements. It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for state licensure or certification, including total credit requirements, in the state or territory for which you intend to practice. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50–$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling specialization is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions related to this accreditation should be directed to the CoA: Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 2002, (202) 336-5979, [email protected]
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AL, DE, FL, KS, KY, ME, MI, MO, MP, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PR, RI, TN, VI, VT, WI, WV, WY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What are the MS in Clinical Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Clinical Counseling program must provide the following information for admission:
- A bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor's transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Official transcripts from all previous educational institutions, including any graduate or professional school coursework
- A goal statement
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AL, DE, FL, KS, KY, ME, MI, MO, MP, MS, NC, ND, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, PR, RI, TN, VI, VT, WI, WV, WY.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How Does Clinical Psychology Differ from Non-Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology involves working directly with human subjects and requires licensure. Learn more about key differences.
Financing Guide
We can help you understand education financing, review your options, and explore ways to save on your degree.
Helping Professions Guide
Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
What can you do with an MS in Clinical Psychology degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS in clinical psychology, clinical counseling specialization.
Job titles to explore*
- Behavioral health professional
- Intensive outpatient therapist
- Licensed professional counselor
- Psychotherapist
Employment settings to explore*
- Child and youth services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- General government support
- Individual and family services
- Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals
- Residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.