Clinical Psychology, MS

On this page:
Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Clinical Psychology

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact on people's lives through mental health care? Are you looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to help others and better your community? Gain the essential skills, practical experience and research-based training needed to become a mental health professional.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MS Clinical Psychology

The Master of Science program in clinical psychology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and behavior, emphasizing evidence-based techniques for psychological assessment and treatment. Students learn from internationally recognized experts to gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to shape the future of psychological care. They develop expertise in psychological assessment, research methods and statistical analysis, equipping them to deliver data-driven, evidence-based care. The program also offers a broad foundation in psychology, covering biological, social, emotional, cultural and developmental influences on mental health. Through specialized coursework and practicum experiences, students can tailor their therapeutic training to focus on adults, or child and family therapy.

Applied clinical experience is an integral component of the program. Practicum placements take place in students' home states at approved clinical sites, with the option to engage in online or telehealth-based practicum experiences, when available. These placements provide supervised, real-world training in assessment and therapy, ensuring students graduate with the competencies required to enter the field with confidence.

This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about understanding and improving mental health, whether they are recent graduates in psychology or related fields, professionals seeking career advancement in clinical practice, or those preparing for doctoral-level study. Students of the program are prepared to enter the field as skilled mental health professionals.

A Master's Psychology license in the area of health service psychology, a term that is used for accreditation and licensure of professionals in both clinical psychology and counseling psychology, is currently being developed by the Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners, and is expected to be implemented by 2028; it already exists in some other states. Additionally, the American Psychological Association is leading advocacy efforts at the national level to establish such a license, and many states that have not already will follow suit.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

Required Core (12 credit hours)
PSY 530 Intermed Statistics (3)
PSY 534 Psychometric Methods (3)
PSY 572 Psychological Assessment (3)
PSY 589 Training in Cultural Competence (3)

Adult or Child Focus (6 credit hours)
PSY 574 Psychotherapy (3)
PSY 578 Developmental Psychopathology (3)
PSY 588 Child and Family Therapy (3)
PSY 591 Topic: Psychopathology (3)

Other Requirements (12 credit hours)
PSY 587 Ethics for Clinical Psychologists (3)
PSY 596 Dissemination and Implementation (3)
PSY 597 Clinical Interviewing (3)
PSY 609 Research Methods in Psychology (3)

Practicum (6 credit hours)
PSY 680 Practicum (6)

Restricted Electives (3, 6, 9, 12 or 15 credit hours)
PSY 535 Cognitive Processes (3)
PSY 575 Affective Aspects of Behavior (3)
PSY 581 Developmental Aspects of Behavior (3)
PSY 582 Biological Aspects of Behavior (3)
PSY 591 Topic: Advanced Social Psychology for Clinicians (3)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)
PSY 593 Applied Project (6)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students with an adult focus should take PSY 574 and PSY 591 Topic: Psychopathology. Students with a child focus should take PSY 578 and PSY 588.

Students must complete coursework in five aspects of behavior, including affective, biological, cognitive, developmental and social, which is completed in the restricted electives section. These courses can be completed at the undergraduate level, but at least one course should be completed at the graduate level. Because of this, the number of restricted electives coursework varies by student. Students should consult their program advisor when selecting their restricted electives coursework.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology and behavioral health related fields from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Admission Information:
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.

A combination of academic and professional references is desirable, with a preference for letters from clinically oriented or behavioral health-related supervisors. References from friends, family members or personal therapists are not accepted.


Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs

Request information about this program

Apply to a program

Apply now to this program

Visit our campus

Schedule a visit

Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
August 1st
Final

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
December 31st
Final


Card image cap

Career Opportunities

Graduates are able to work in private and hospital settings as mental health counselors. They work with adults, children, couples and families on a range of mental health topics.

Career opportunities include:

  • behavioral health clinician
  • counseling center therapist supporting students at universities
  • crisis intervention specialist
  • mental health professional
  • research scientist

If graduates do note persue a license, they can provide mental health services within community agencies. They cannot establish a private practice or practice independently without a license.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.

Learn about online options

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-7598


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
Facebook X/Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
An academic unit of
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Contact us

Support ASU

Academics
Undergraduate Degrees Graduate Programs Graduate Certificate Programs
Giving
Innovation Graduate Enhancement Fund Undergraduate Enhancement Fund
Impact
Community Outreach Community Research Participation
Contact Us
Department of Psychology
Academics
Admission Programs
Repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation, sustainability, and global impact
Maps and Locations Jobs Directory Contact ASU My ASU
Copyright and Trademark Accessibility Privacy Terms of Use Emergency