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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.
Classes start January 9
Use the code AUTUMN to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online & in-person
- 5 Core courses
- 3 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, three specialization courses, two elective courses, two residencies, one practicum and one internship
| PSY6095 |
Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
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
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. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY-R6313 * |
Clinical Interventions
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
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 psytestkits@capella.edu. Prerequisite(s): PSY7610, PSY-R6313. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY5110 * |
Ethics and Multicultural Issues in Psychology
In this course, 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(s): PSY5002 or PSY8002. |
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 term
$26,190–$35,890*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$485 per credit, 74 total quarter credits, 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
89% of psychology master's degree alumni would recommend Capella to friends, family and colleagues.*
*Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2021–2022
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.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. 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.
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 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs
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.
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.
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
- Academic advisor
- Mental health therapist
- Mental health counselor
- Clinical manager
- Clinical supervisor
- Therapist
- Mental health professional
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Counselor
- Full-time psychology faculty
Employment settings to explore
- Community counseling center
- Mental health clinic
- Private practice
- Social service agency
- Correctional facility
- Military
- Government – local, state, federal
- Religious organization
- Hospital – inpatient or outpatient
- Nonprofit organization
- Community college
*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.
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.