By BPD Staff
When it comes to affordable graduate degrees in clinical psychology, American students have no shortage of options available to them. In this article, Best Psychology Degrees has done the leg work for you to find the 50 most affordable Clinical Psychology degrees available in the U.S.
Clinical psychology harnesses the power of empirical data and scientific research to improve treatment outcomes for patients with psychological issues and disorders. Clinical psychologists are expected to both consume scientific research and contribute to it.
Schools around the country offer bachelor’s and master’s-level psychology degrees online with concentrations in diverse areas like Forensic Psychology, Psychopharmacology, Behavioral Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a lot more.
To compile our list of the most affordable clinical psychology degrees, we used the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool. We started by identifying every school in the U.S. that offers graduate degrees in clinical psychology. We then examined the tuition rates for each one of those 210 schools and narrowed our list down to the 50 most affordable clinical psychology degrees in the entire country. These tuition rates are sourced directly from the schools themselves. It is always best to visit each school’s website for the most precise and current tuition rates for the degree program you’re interested in.
Located in each major region of the United States, these affordable psychology degrees are ranked from high to low in order of their per-credit graduate tuition rate.
50. Biola University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – La Mirada, California
The Rosemead School of Psychology, a school within Biola University, offers both Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees in clinical psychology. The program trains students in the practitioner model, training students to apply the latest in psychological research to treat patients in a clinical setting. Both programs are expected to take between five and six years to complete; both programs also award a Master of Arts degree after successful completion of the program’s second year. As Biola is a Christian school, a special area of emphasis is the integration of theological understanding with psychological research.
Cost per credit tuition: $1,281
49. Barry University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Miami Shores, Florida
Students who want to pursue careers as mental health practitioners or obtain advanced degrees can start their journey with Barry University’s Master of Science in clinical psychology program. The program involves extensive time spent at mental health centers in Florida. Students will learn the essentials of diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. The school offers all of its classes in the evening to suit the needs of working students. Depending on their needs, students may select either a 36-credit program or a 60-credit program.
Cost per credit tuition: $990
48. Marywood University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Students of Marywood University’s Psy.D. program will learn to become scholar-practitioners. Graduates are expected to apply the findings of the latest research to their clinical practices, but the program is focused on training practicing psychologists rather than psychological researchers. The school also awards a Master of Arts in clinical psychology, but this degree is only available to students who are pursuing their doctorate. Class sizes are small to provide each student with personalized attention. The program admits a total of ten students each year, eight at the post-bachelor level and two at the post-master’s level.
Cost per credit tuition: $953
47. Medaille College
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Buffalo, New York
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
The Counseling and Clinical Psychology Department at Medaille College offers degree programs in clinical psychology at both the master’s and doctoral levels. The 60-credit MA program is offered either during weekends on campus or entirely online. The 99-credit PsyD program is offered on campus and takes approximately five years to complete full-time. In addition to the two featured programs, students can also earn an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, with all courses taught by the same world-class faculty, 88% of which hold doctoral degrees.
Cost per credit tuition: $850 MA, $1,170 PsyD
46. Union Institute
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Cincinnati, Ohio
Union Institute & University is proud of its 60-credit MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which offers the kind of flexibility and convenience today’s working graduate students need, offering a hybrid format with part-time and full-time options, plus multiple start-dates each year. Graduates go on to either pursue a doctorate for full-authority phycologist licensure, or transition directly into the workforce as certified counselors. Residencies take place bi-annually, giving you a chance to integrate experiential learning with theory for a fully homogenous learning experience. The effectiveness of this approach is evident– most student cohorts have a 100% on-time completion rate and go on to pass their credentialing exams.
Cost per credit tuition: MA $810
45. Vanguard University of Southern California
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Costa Mesa, California
The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program at Vanguard University of Southern California takes a faith-based approach to their degree program, helping prepare students to pursue a career in a religious setting. The program assigns students to participate in therapy sessions in order to better understand the role of clinical psychology in a professional setting. The degree also meets the academic criteria set forth by the state of California for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening hours to allow working students more flexibility.
Tuition: $775
44. Brenau University
M.S. in Clinical Counseling Psychology – Gainesville, Georgia
At Brenau University, students can become licensed mental health counselors in Georgia upon completion of the school’s master’s program. This degree follows the scientist-practitioner model, equipping students with the skills necessary to complete original research and apply research to successful treatment plans. Students can attend classes either full-time or part-time, and students are exposed to a wide variety of classroom learning opportunities and real-world experiences to provide a robust education.
Tuition: $713
43. Montclair State University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Montclair, New Jersey
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Montclair State University offers a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program with two concentration options: Child/Adolescent Clinical Psychology and Forensic Psychology. The Forensic Psychology concentration is designed for individuals already working in the field, such as social workers or counselors. Through this program, students can gain skills to use in criminal cases, divorce proceedings and child abuse situations. The Child/Adolescent Clinical Psychology concentration focuses on helping professionals understand how children develop mentally. Both programs are tailored for working professionals, offering flexibility for busy schedules.
Tuition: Master’s $701, Doctor’s $640
42. Eastern Kentucky University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – Richmond, Kentucky
The Master of Science in clinical psychology degree at Eastern Kentucky University aims to assist students with future clinical practice opportunities or advanced educational goals. The program puts special emphasis on ideas that can be learned outside of the classroom through clinical experiments conducted under close supervision from faculty members. The program requires two years to complete and focuses on statistics, psychotherapy and research studies. Students can also expect to participate in research programs and therapy services. After completing the program, graduates may apply for licensure in the state of Kentucky.
Cost per credit tuition: $675
41. Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology – Indiana, Pennsylvania
The graduate psychology program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania focuses on training and educating compassionate and highly-effective psychology practitioners. The diverse areas of emphasis offered here include Child Clinical Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Forensic Psychology, and Behavioral Medicine. Graduate students are also encouraged to develop proficiency with interpersonal skills, community outreach and psychological evaluations. The comprehensive curriculum here typically covers four years of full-time study, followed by a year-long internship in a practicing facility.
Cost per credit tuition: $568
40. CUNY Queens College
Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology – Flushing, New York
The Queen’s College branch of City University New York trains students to be first-rate scientist-practitioners. The program believes that research and clinical treatment are equally important and provides students with a thorough grounding in both areas. Personal and professional development are emphasized throughout the program. Students of the Queen’s College program will develop expertise in neural dysfunction, especially as it relates to psychopathology and behavioral problems. The program maintains a strong relationship with a network of practicing facilities to provide students opportunities for externships and internships.
Cost per credit tuition: $560
39. University of Iowa
PhD in Psychology – Iowa City, Iowa
Students of the University of Iowa’s psychology grad school will be trained primarily as researchers and teachers in the field of psychology. Although the school does grant a Master of Arts in psychology as well, the focus of the program is on the doctorate degree; students who are only seeking a master’s degree are encouraged to look elsewhere. The university offers a choice of six different specializations for students to pursue: behavioral and cognitive neuroscience; clinical psychology; cognition and perception; developmental science; health psychology; and social psychology. Students without any prior graduate work can complete their degree within four years, but students who already possess a master’s degree in psychology may be able to finish sooner.
Cost per credit tuition: $560
38. Auburn University
Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. – Auburn, Alabama
Originally established in the aftermath of a landmark Supreme Court case, Auburn University’s clinical psychology degree is committed to educating clinical psychologists with a strong community service focus. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model, and students are expected to develop equal competency in performing original research and applying the results of that research to clinical treatments. In addition, students are expected to develop the skills necessary to teach psychology, especially to undergraduate college students.
Cost per credit tuition: $546
37. University of Alaska Anchorage
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Anchorage, Alaska
Ph.D. Program in Clinical-Community Psychology
The clinical psychology program at the University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Science degree to educate students to serve the mental health needs of a diverse population. The program has a number of notable goals for each student, including developing a wide understanding of modern psychology practices and building clinical skills. Students are also encouraged to develop other necessary skills in the program, including writing and computer literacy. By the end of the program, students should have established the knowledge and skills necessary to begin working as a practitioner in the field of psychology. Students who desire further education can also pursue the school’s clinical-community doctoral program.
Cost per credit tuition: $513
36. University of Northern Iowa
Master of Arts in Psychology – Cedar Falls, Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa offers a Master of Arts in psychology degree that stresses the importance of research methodology in the field of mental health. Each student is required to complete an extensive thesis to illustrate the research skills that they have gained through the program. Students can choose between two concentrations: clinical science and social psychology. Research opportunities offered to students in the program include working with children and adults in clinical settings. Faculty members routinely invite students to participate as junior partners on their research studies.
Cost per credit tuition: $509
35. Ohio University-Main Campus
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Athens, Ohio
Ohio University’s clinical psychology doctoral program has been accredited since 1970, and the university has achieved a solid national reputation since that time. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model, giving students a solid understanding of both research practices and clinical treatment of mental health issues. The university also grants a master’s degree, but only as a steppingstone towards the doctorate. In addition to the general program, which gives students a solid base in a wide variety of psychological fields, students of the program can choose to specialize in one of three tracks: Health Psychology, Clinical Child Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology.
Cost per credit tuition: $505
34. Cleveland State University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Cleveland, Ohio
At Cleveland State University, students can earn a terminal master’s degree in clinical psychology. The program provides students with a broad understanding of the principles of psychological research and treatment, and two different tracks of study are available. Students who want to continue their education and eventually earn a doctorate can select the pre-doctoral track. Those who don’t plan to continue their education can instead study on the practitioner track, which allows these students to take a variety of electives to concentrate on a particular field of psychological study. Students who choose the practitioner track will be qualified to work as psychologist’s assistants in a wide variety of settings.
Cost per credit tuition: $494
33. University of North Dakota
Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology – Grand Forks, North Dakota
The Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the University of North Dakota is designed to educate students to become working scientist-practitioners. The school maintains very small class sizes so that students can spend more time with their instructors. The program emphasizes the importance of the scientific method, assessment skills and putting solutions into practice to help communities. Students can customize their learning experience to better prepare themselves for a position in research or as practitioner. The school’s program is certified by the American Psychological Association.
Cost per credit tuition: $461
32. Jackson State University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Jackson, Mississippi
As an Apple Distinguished School, Jackson State University prides itself on its integration of technology with its degree programs. The university’s clinical psychology doctoral program focuses on educating technologically savvy psychologists with a multicultural focus. This highly competitive program, which admits only six to eight students each fall semester, equips students with the tools necessary to provide excellent mental health care and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of psychological knowledge. Studies related to minority communities and disadvantaged populations are a particular area of emphasis for the program.
Cost per credit tuition: $406
31. University of Maine
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Orono, Maine
Psychology students with an interest in the psychological needs of rural populations can earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Maine. In the course of earning the doctorate, students will also earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, though the university doesn’t offer the master’s separately. Students here can specialize in clinical child psychology or clinical neuropsychology, adding a high-demand specialty to the outstanding education in clinical psychology available here. Because of the school’s rural setting, the internships and other hands-on experiences available to students of the program will give them a unique understanding of the psychological needs of rural populations.
Cost per credit tuition: $450
30. University of Houston
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Houston, Texas
Since 1959, the University of Houston has offered a Ph.D. in clinical psychology degree to students that is certified by the American Psychological Association. The program has adopted the Boulder scientist-practitioner model of psychology instruction. Through this model, students can expect to learn about the research methods and clinical skills necessary for treating patients. The program offers three tracks for special study, including adult psychology, child psychology and neuropsychology. Most students finish the program in under six years, which includes a year-long internship at a practicing facility.
Cost per credit tuition: $445
29. Minnesota State University, Mankato
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Mankato, Minnesota
The clinical psychology master’s program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, is designed for students who plan to eventually earn a full doctorate degree. The full-time, two-year program focuses on applied research and follows the scientist-practitioner model. Graduate students in the program are expected and encouraged to assume significant responsibilities in the research projects of the school’s psychology department, giving students firsthand experience at conducting psychological research. The program partners with a number of prestigious institutions for practicum work, including the Mayo Clinic.
Cost per credit tuition: $427
28. Marshall University
Psy.D. Program – Huntington, West Virginia
MA in Psychology, Clinical Psychology Emphasis
Through the practitioner-scholar model, students in Marshall University’s Psy.D. program will receive the education necessary to work professionally in the field of psychology as a clinician or researcher. The program focuses on understanding and examining the challenges specifically facing the people of West Virginia, including the underserved populations that live in the rural areas of the state. Students are encouraged to take up research projects with faculty members that specifically relate to this issue.
Cost per credit tuition: Master’s $427, Psy.D. $536
27. Ball State University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Muncie, Indiana
At Ball State University, the Master of Arts in clinical psychology program prepares students for advanced educational opportunities in the field. The program utilizes classroom education and extensive opportunities to conduct research with the school’s faculty. The master’s program is a two-year process that requires completion of a research internship lasting at least 240 hours. Although it is not required, students are encouraged to work on a thesis or an independent project. The school also offers certificates in a number of fields, including autism and cultural diversity.
Cost per credit tuition: $424
26. Alabama A&M University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Normal, Alabama
The psychology department at Alabama A&M University offers a number of psychology-related graduate degrees, including an MS degree in clinical psychology. Students of the two-year program can choose to either prepare a master’s thesis or pass a national exam to demonstrate their mastery. Before graduating, students must also complete a 600-hour internship at a practicing mental health facility. Upon completion of the degree, students will be eligible to pursue licensure for a number of counseling positions; students can also use their degree to apply for a doctorate-level program.
Cost per credit tuition: $422
25. University of Kansas
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Lawrence, Kansas
The clinical psychology department at the University of Kansas is consistently rated as one of the best in the nation; and that’s a reputation that goes back generations. Representatives of the school were present at the original Boulder conference, and the department has been continuously accredited by the APA since 1949. The program has a long history of taking an innovative approach to education, following the scientist-practitioner model that was first presented at the Boulder conference decades ago. To this day, graduates of the program are expected to go on to make meaningful contributions to the science of psychology. In addition to the general clinical psychology program, students can also choose to minor in quantitative psychology.
Cost per credit tuition: $419
24. Union College
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Barbourville, Kentucky
Through the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program at Union College, students can gain clinical experience by addressing the mental health needs of those in the Kentucky area. With supervision, students are allowed to conduct psychological tests and practice counseling while working on their degree. Many of the program’s graduates have moved on to work in prisons and hospitals. The class schedule is flexible, including some online options; Union College is one of the only colleges to offer online programs for psychology. Class sizes are kept small so that students can continually receive personalized feedback on their work.
Cost per credit tuition: $400
23. University of the Cumberlands
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Williamsburg, Kentucky
The Ph.D. in clinical psychology program at the University of the Cumberlands takes a hybrid approach to education and is one of the only schools to offer a partially online Ph.D. In the first year of study, students may choose between online or evening classes. After the first year, students have the option to experience a semester abroad in Oxford, England. The second year of the program is held on campus, and the third year once again has online availability. In the fourth and final year, students will work on an internship before they can graduate.
Cost per credit tuition: $400
22. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
MA in Clinical Psychology – Edinburgh, Texas
PhD in Clinical Psychology
At the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, students of the clinical psychology program can choose a thesis or non-thesis track depending on their individual preference and career goals. Students who choose to work on a thesis will have the chance to conduct thorough research on a related topic of their choosing, giving them a solid advantage when they are ready to apply for employment in the field. All students are expected to meet several important milestones during their time in the program. In addition to being well-prepared to work in clinical practice, students here will also leave the program with the skills necessary to conduct valuable research in the field.
Cost per credit tuition: Master’s $389, PhD’s $388
21. University of Central Florida
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Orlando, Florida
The University of Central Florida’s Master of Arts in clinical psychology prepares students for licensure in the state of Florida to begin a career as a licensed mental health counselor. Students will need to complete the course and a two-year internship before they can apply for a license. The coursework requires 61 credit hours and allows students to choose between a non-thesis track or a thesis track. Students can rely on frequent feedback sessions from faculty members to ensure that each student is meeting the program’s expectations.
Cost per credit tuition: $370
20. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Indianapolis, Indiana
At Indiana University, students can earn a well-rounded Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology with a strong research focus. The program utilizes the scientist-practitioner model, but the focus of the program is on research and the advancement of general psychological knowledge. Within the program, students can choose between two areas of focus: clinical health psychology and severe mental illness/psychiatric rehabilitation. The university maintains a relationship with a robust network of psychological treatment centers in the Indianapolis area, giving students many opportunities for hands-on learning and internships.
Cost per credit tuition: $357
19. San Diego State University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – San Diego, California
San Diego State University offers a joint doctoral program in partnership with the University of California – San Diego; students of the five-year program can also earn a Master of Science in clinical psychology while earning their doctorate, but that degree is only available to students who are on the doctorate track. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model, but the emphasis of the program is on training researchers. The first two years of the program provide students with a solid foundation in the general field of clinical psychology; in the final three years, students will focus on one of three major areas of study: behavioral medicine, experimental psychopathology or neuropsychology.
Cost per credit tuition: $347
18. Brigham Young University – Provo
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Provo, Utah
The clinical psychology program at Brigham Young University follows the scientist-practitioner model, and the program is intentionally broad to expose students to the full range of psychological schools of thought. The program is structured to be completed in five years of study, with the final year consisting of an on-site internship in a practicing facility away from the university; the program partners with prestigious institutions such as the Yale School of Medicine. The university is owned and operated by the Mormon church, and students are expected to live up to the school’s honor code.
Cost per credit tuition: $345
17. Idaho State University
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology – Pocatello, Idaho
Using the scientific-practitioner model as the foundation, Idaho State University prepares students for work as a clinical psychologist through the Doctor of Philosophy in clinical psychology program. The ability to understand research is a large part of this program; clinical psychologists must understand how to formulate a hypothesis and test it in order to better serve their patients. To achieve this goal, students enrolled in the program will have ample options to pursue research opportunities through their coursework and an internship with a mental health organization. Students will also need to work on independent research to strengthen their critical thinking skills.
Cost per credit tuition: $337
16. The University of Texas at Tyler
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Tyler, Texas
PhD in Clinical Psychology
Students with a strong desire to help people understand and overcome the psychological conditions affecting the quality of their lives will find the University of Texas at Tyler promotes a compassionate and rigorously science-based approach to psychology. Many of the graduates from the school’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree go on to work at hospitals, private practices and schools. Students have the choice to select a specialization in general psychology or neuropsychology. The program also prepares students to take the licensing exam required to become a school psychology specialist in the state of Texas.
Cost per credit tuition: Master’s $325, Doctor’s $366
The University of Texas at Tyler
15. Sam Houston State University
MA in Clinical Psychology – Huntsville, Texas
PhD in Clinical Psychology
After graduating from the clinical psychology doctoral program at Sam Houston State University, students can pursue a career in a research or a clinical setting. The program believes strongly in the benefits of mentors, allowing students to pair up with multiple faculty members during the course of the program. The school’s program also believes strongly in preparing students to work with diverse populations. Training is provided to help with this goal, and faculty members are prepared to handle any conflicts. Thanks to the school’s close proximity to the city of Houston, students have plentiful opportunities to gain clinical experience at major medical facilities.
Cost per credit tuition: $320
For more information on Sam Houston State University
14. Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – Lubbock, Texas
Relying on the scientist-practitioner model, this program at Texas Tech University prepares students for a research or clinical psychology career. Both career paths are equally weighted in this program, making it a good fit for those interested in both career paths. On the clinical side, students will learn how to diagnose psychological conditions using the latest discoveries in mental health. The research skills students will gain include the ability and expertise required to conduct studies. Mentorship with faculty members is a large part of this program; students will be assigned to work with one faculty member on a research project.
Cost per credit tuition: $318
For more information on Texas Tech University
13. Eastern Illinois University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Charleston, Illinois
At Eastern Illinois University, students can earn a two-year master’s degree in clinical psychology. This program is intended as a terminal degree and will qualify graduates to work in certain clinical settings; students can also pursue a doctorate degree at another institution after graduation. While participating in the program, students will have many opportunities to conduct hands-on research with the department’s faculty across a wide variety of different psychological research topics. The program utilizes the scientist-practitioner model to give graduates a broad understanding of clinical psychology and enable them to work in a variety of professional settings.
Cost per credit tuition: $309
12. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Natchitoches, Louisiana
The Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana consists of 42 hours of coursework that covers four main subjects: clinical assessment, application, research and theory. Students may opt to work on a thesis or another independent project. Classes are held on campus, and students can expect a hands-on approach from faculty members. Students will need to complete a 300-hour practicum in order to graduate. Upon completion of the program, students can progress to a clinical career in psychology or pursue a doctoral degree.
Cost per credit tuition: $307
11. The University of Texas at El Paso
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – El Paso, Texas
Students interested in pursuing a doctoral program in clinical psychology can begin with the master’s program at the University of Texas at El Paso. This program is also useful for students who wish to practice psychology in a mental health setting. The program requires 45 credit hours, which includes coursework and a thesis. Students must also work on an internship to gain hands-on experience. For those students wishing to work right away in Texas, additional requirements must be completed before earning a counsellor’s license.
Cost per credit tuition: $291
For more information on University of Texas at El Paso
10. Missouri State University-Springfield
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Springfield, Missouri
The Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Missouri State University-Springfield utilizes a cohort model to help students progress effectively through the degree. Classes are taught by licensed faculty members with years of experience, giving students an important glimpse into the field of advanced psychology. Throughout the duration of the program, students will have a chance to work on research projects. Students who keep a full schedule can expect to finish the course within two years.
Cost per credit tuition: $289
For more information on Missouri State University-Springfield
9. University of North Texas
Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology – Denton, Texas
The doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of North Texas uses the scientist-practitioner model, and gives individualized attention to each and every student to create a very personal and highly effective learning experience. Faculty mentorship plays a major role in achieving the program’s goals – students are expected to begin working with a faculty member on a research project immediately upon beginning the rigorous program. Students can take advantage of the diverse specializations among faculty members to glean real knowledge from experienced professionals with backgrounds in areas like clinical neuropsychology and forensic psychology. In the fifth and final year of the program, students will work full-time in a doctoral internship.
Cost per credit tuition: $278
8. Emporia State University
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology – Emporia, Kansas
The Master of Science in clinical psychology program at Emporia State University can be completed within two years for students who take classes during the summer. Most of the classes are held on campus and feature small class sizes. The program relies on the scientist-practitioner model, giving students a strong foundation that can lead to advanced educational opportunities or a career as a clinical psychologist. Students are also allowed to take on independent research projects to prepare themselves for their future careers.
Cost per credit tuition: $266
7. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology – Dallas, Texas
The doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center prepares students for future employment as a researcher, scholar or clinician in psychology. The school has set several essential goals for each student to meet, including gaining an understanding of the basics of psychology and learning how to evaluate scientific research. Successful completion of the program also requires passing several key exams, an internship and an approved dissertation. Most students will finish the program in under five years.
Cost per credit tuition: $255
For more information on University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
6. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Ph.D. Program in Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology Concentration – Charlotte, North
Carolina
The Ph.D. program in health psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers a clinical psychology concentration for students interested in a career in research or practice. Students will learn essential skills and use their understanding of common research methodologies to expand the frontiers of psychological research. Students will also learn the basics needed to practice in the field and learn about ethical practices in psychology. The program requires students to work under the supervision of a licensed psychology facility for about a year to gain clinical experience.
Cost per credit tuition: $246
For more information on University of North Carolina at Charlotte
5. East Carolina University
Ph.D in Health Psychology, Clinical Health concentration – Greenville, North Carolina
The Ph.D. in clinical health psychology program at East Carolina University teaches students to consider all the factors that can affect mental health, including the individual’s genetics, environmental conditions and social groups. By the end of the program, students will have developed the experience needed to correctly diagnose conditions and can look for employment in a number of settings, including hospitals and community organizations. Students will also learn about the latest in treatment options, including stress reduction, biofeedback and relaxation methods.
Cost per credit tuition: $245
For more information on East Carolina University
4. Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology
PhD in Clinical Psychology – Virginia Beach, Virginia; Norfolk, Virginia
Students at the Virginia Consortium Program can pursue a degree in psychology at one of three campuses: Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School and Norfolk State University. The program follows the scientist-practitioner model and assumes that incoming students will possess a solid background in the science of psychology. Incoming cohorts are capped at six students per year, allowing students to benefit from an unusually high faculty-to-student ratio. Students are expected to complete a major research project in the second year of the program and an intensive on-site internship for the final year of the five-year program.
Cost per credit tuition: $244
3. Prairie View A&M University
Ph.D. in Clinical Adolescent Psychology – Prairie View, Texas
Prairie View A&M University’s doctoral psychology degree specializes in adolescents, carefully examining how the human brain develops and the effects of environmental and genetic factors on mental health. Through this program, students will learn the skills needed in careers as practitioners, researchers or teachers. Students are encouraged to complete a practica or other optional coursework to help prepare themselves for their future employment. Classes are kept small, requiring potential students to work hard to earn a slot in the program.
Cost per credit tuition: $241
For more information on Prairie View A&M University
2. Appalachian State University
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – Boone, North Carolina
Appalachian State University offers a Master of Arts in clinical psychology degree to prepare students for doctoral studies or to equip them with essential skills for work as a clinical practitioner. The degree consists of four semesters of study covering a variety of topics, including the diagnosis of psychological conditions and psychological research. Students must complete a thesis or do additional coursework in lieu of a thesis. Students can also expect to participate in a supervised internship opportunity. After completing all of the coursework, students can apply for licensure in North Carolina.
Cost per credit tuition: $208
For more information on Appalachian State University
1. CUNY City College of New York
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology – New York City, New York
As part of the City University system, students at this program will take courses at several different campuses throughout New York City. The program follows the scholar-practitioner model, training educated practitioners who can benefit from the latest research in psychology without focusing on conducting original research themselves. This branch of City University’s psychology school operates the Psychology Center, a practicing psychological treatment facility; students can gain hands-on experience in the Psychology Center from the very beginning of their studies.
Cost per credit tuition: $201
Studying psychology can be rewarding, but unlocking the workings of the human mind is a task that will require dedication and time. As the importance of mental health has become more apparent, the need for well-trained clinical psychologists has grown. By completing an affordable graduate degree in clinical psychology, students can place themselves in a capture these psychology jobs while supporting the mental health needs of their communities.
Sources:
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?s=all&p=42.2801&pn=1&l=94
http://www.allpsychologycareers.com/salary/clinical-psychology-salary.html
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Master_of_Arts_– MA,_Clinical_Psychology/Salary