Last Updated on September 2, 2024
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.
