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Applied Research
Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research specialization helps you establish critical expertise to help you pursue advanced career paths in the field of clinical psychology. The coursework fuses theory, research, and practice to help you develop a highly functional skill set for a diverse range of professional settings. Your coursework is led by scholar-practitioners who emphasize real-world application of psychological theories, psychological assessment, psychopathology, research methods, and ethical principles. It can also prepare you for advanced doctoral study in the field of clinical psychology.
Classes start December 5
Use the code AUTUMN to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 5 Core courses
- 6 Specialization courses
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 applied research courses
- This degree requires a total of 53 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five core courses and six specialization courses
| 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 |
| PSY7310 |
Biological Basis of Behavior
This course is an introduction to physiological psychology and associated topics, including genetics, functional neuroanatomy, and physiology. Learners develop and demonstrate an understanding of brain functioning; sensory systems; attention, memory, perception, and language mechanisms; and the effects of neurotransmitters on human behavior. Learners also identify the relationship between brain functions and behavioral disorders and analyze current physiological psychology research, ethics, and the implications of culture and diversity on field-related issues. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY6015 |
Lifespan Development
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. |
5 quarter credits |
| PSY5120 |
Social Psychology
This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings. |
5 quarter credits |
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
What you'll learn
The MS in Clinical Psychology, Applied Research specialization equips you with foundational knowledge and skillsets for academic practice, research roles, or doctoral-level study in the field of clinical psychology. The curriculum develops your understanding of applied research methodology, psychotherapeutic theory and testing, psychopathology, human development, ethical principles, and diversity.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Apply theory and research findings into standards of practice for the professional discipline of clinical psychology
- Analyze research related to clinical psychology
- Apply ethical principles related to practice in academics, research, and practice of clinical psychology
- Communicate in scholarly writing and through the use of any technologies using the professional standards of the discipline
- Evaluate the importance of diversity through mastery of multicultural competencies in scholarly work
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
$18,430–$25,705*
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$485 per credit, 53 total quarter credits, 15 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.
What are the MS in Clinical Psychology admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MS in Psychology, Applied Research 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, applied research specialization.
Job titles to explore
- Adjunct or part-time psychology faculty
- Instructor
- Research psychologist
- Research associate
- Research scientist
- Research investigator
- Research manager
Employment settings to explore
- Mental health clinic
- Correctional facility
- Health care system
- Hospital — inpatient or outpatient
- Nonprofit organization
- Government — local, state, federal
- Military
- Land-based or online college or university
- 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.