Is a master’s in clinical psychology worth it?
A master's in clinical psychology can boost your career prospects. It can also be an important step toward earning your doctorate. Research the benefits of a clinical psychology master's degree and the returns you could earn on your educational investment.
By: James M. Tobin, Edited by: Rebecca Munday
Last updated: June 12, 2025
What is a master's degree in clinical psychology?
A master's in clinical psychology is an advanced degree that explores the theories, principles, and techniques that professionals use to diagnose and treat behavioral and mental health issues. Programs usually lead to a master of science (MS) or master of arts (MA) degree.
Schools configure their clinical psychology master's programs in various ways, including pre-licensure tracks for aspiring clinical psychologists and research-oriented thesis tracks for students who want to pursue a doctorate. In either case, you can likely graduate within 2-3 years of full-time study if you complete all coursework on schedule.
Benefits of a master's degree in clinical psychology
Earning a master's degree in clinical psychology can help you prepare for doctoral studies. You need a doctorate to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
Additional benefits include:
- Deep professional insights that can help you have a positive impact on the lives of people in need of mental healthcare.
- Opportunities to specialize in mental health topics relevant to specific population groups.
- Networking with peers, faculty, and potential employers.
- Internships, practicums, clinical experiences, and field training programs that give you the chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
How much does a master's degree in clinical psychology cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported the following average tuition costs at U.S. graduate schools in the 2021-22 academic year:
- Overall average: $20,513
- Private institutions: $28,017
- Public institutions: $12,596
These figures do not cover additional educational expenses, which may include:
- Relocation
- Housing and food
- Transportation and parking
- Books and study materials
- Computer equipment and software
If you need financial aid, start with options that don't need to be repayed. These include scholarships and education grants. Many schools also offer in-field, campus-based employment opportunities for graduate students.
As a last resort, you can take out federal or private education loans.
Does a master's degree in clinical psychology have a good ROI?
Is a master's in clinical psychology worth it? That depends on the return on investment (ROI) you get from your program. To calculate your program's ROI, consider how much you spent to earn your degree and compare it against your earning potential. For the most detailed insights, look at how much you could earn with and without the degree.
To estimate your earning potential, consider Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for these four relevant career paths:
| Career Path | 25th percentile salary (May 2023) | Median annual salary (May 2023) | 75th percentile salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial-organizational psychologist | $90,100 | $147,420 | $219,410 |
| Marriage and family therapist | $45,250 | $58,510 | $78,440 |
| Mental health counselor | $44,600 | $53,710 | $70,130 |
| School and career counselor | $48,760 | $61,710 | $78,780 |
The BLS also reports that, as of 2023, master's degree holders typically earn $244 more per week than professionals with only a bachelor's degree. The takeaway: Graduate education generally delivers significant long-term financial advantages.
Are graduates of a master's degree in clinical psychology in demand?
The demand for professionals with master's degrees in clinical psychology varies according to factors including:
- Position
- Region
- Employment sector
- Your experience level and professional reputation
This BLS and O*NET Online data offers a general snapshot of your overall career prospects:
| Career Path | Projected Job Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|
| Industrial-organizational psychologist | +6% |
| Marriage and family therapist | +16% |
| Mental health counselor | +19% |
| School and career counselor | +4% |
Overall, the career paths available to professionals with master's degrees in clinical psychology are poised for above-average job growth.
| MSW | MSSW | MSSA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length of Program | 60 credits, generally completed in two years of full-time study | 60 credits, generally completed in two years of full-time study | 60 credits, generally completed in two years of full-time study |
| Training Format | Both online and in-person options available, with 900-1,200 hours of fieldwork, usually in person | Both online and in-person options available, with 900-1,200 hours of fieldwork, usually in person | Both online and in-person options available, with 900-1,200 hours of fieldwork, usually in person |
| Number of Accredited Programs | Numerous programs to choose from | Less common to find MSSW programs | Less common to find MSSA programs |
| Job Title | Entry Level (0-12 Months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Mid Career (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker (MSW) | $44,320 | $47,640 | $49,940 | $54,760 |
| Clinical Social Worker | $47,990 | $51,120 | $55,950 | $64,570 |
| Social Services, Case Manager | $36,160 | $38,540 | $41,070 | $41,530 |
| Social Services Director | $44,860 | $50,260 | $56,590 | $60,190 |
| Social Worker, Hospice | $44,940 | $51,130 | $56,500 | $56,450 |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $48,780 | $53,210 | $60,030 | $64,820 |