Harvard Online Master’s in Clinical Psychology | Tuition, Courses & Career Guide

Looking to earn a Harvard online master’s in clinical psychology? You can enroll through Harvard Extension School, where flexible, part-time online courses lead to a prestigious psychology degree—with real faculty, real research, and real career potential.

Getting a graduate degree in clinical psychology is a big step—and doing it online from Harvard sounds almost too good to be true. Many students feel overwhelmed by program choices, admissions hurdles, and unclear pathways to licensure. You’re not alone if you’ve Googled this topic only to find scattered, jargon-heavy info.

This guide is here to simplify everything. Whether you’re exploring career options in mental health or seriously considering Harvard as your next academic move, we’ll break it down for you in plain English. From admissions to curriculum to career outcomes—we’ve got you covered.

Let’s walk through the full program with clear answers and expert-backed tips.

Program Overview

Is Harvard’s Clinical Psychology Master’s Fully Online?

Yes, most of the program is online, but there are some on-campus requirements. Harvard Extension School offers a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Psychology, which allows students to complete the majority of coursework remotely. However, to earn the degree, students must complete at least one course in person at Harvard’s campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This is part of the Harvard residency requirement, ensuring that every graduate has real-world Harvard classroom experience.

The program is designed for working adults and career changers. With asynchronous lectures, weekend options, and remote access to research materials, it fits well into busy lives. Many students start online and plan their on-campus course later in the program timeline. This hybrid model allows flexibility without sacrificing quality.

Harvard also uses the Canvas platform for online classes, with access to Harvard library services, research tools, and academic support. This format makes the Harvard name more accessible while maintaining its academic rigor. You can learn more about their online course format here.

Harvard Extension School vs Traditional Graduate School

Harvard Extension School (HES) is part of Harvard University, but it differs from Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The ALM in Psychology is awarded by the Harvard Division of Continuing Education, not the traditional psychology department. However, your degree still says “Harvard University” and carries the prestige associated with it.

Here’s how it compares:

In short, Extension School is more flexible and cost-effective, while traditional programs may offer more direct research mentorship and licensure-specific tracks. Both options are valid based on your goals.

APA Accreditation and Licensing Implications

One of the most important things to know: Harvard Extension School’s program is not APA-accredited. The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits clinical psychology programs designed for students who want to become licensed psychologists. Since the ALM at Harvard is more academic than clinical, it doesn’t meet the APA’s criteria for licensing preparation.

That said, this degree can still be useful for:

• Career advancement in research, education, or healthcare
• Earning a PhD or PsyD later (especially with strong grades and research work)
• Building a foundation for mental health work that doesn’t require licensure

If you want to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you’ll likely need to follow up this degree with an APA-accredited doctoral program. For those more interested in counseling or therapy practice, it’s best to compare this program with an MA in Counseling Psychology that leads to LMHC or LPC licensure in your state. You can explore state-by-state licensure paths on the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

In summary, Harvard’s online degree is prestigious and flexible, but not the best route if your goal is direct clinical licensure right after graduation.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

Anyone with a strong interest in psychology can apply, but you must meet some basic rules. To join the Harvard ALM in Psychology, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Your degree can be in any subject—it doesn’t have to be in psychology. This makes the program great for career changers or people with other academic backgrounds.

You also need to prove English fluency if your degree wasn’t taught in English. This can be done through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. You can find the accepted scores on the Harvard Extension School English proficiency page.

The school does not require GRE scores. This makes the process smoother and less costly for many applicants.

Before you can apply, you must also complete two specific Harvard Extension courses for credit:

• One psychology graduate-level course (e.g., developmental, cognitive, or abnormal psychology)
• One academic writing course at the graduate level

You must earn a grade of B or higher in both.

GPA, GRE, and Prerequisite Coursework

You do not need to submit GRE scores. Harvard Extension School does not use standardized tests in its admission process.

There’s no minimum GPA, but a strong academic record always helps. If your past grades are low, doing well in the required Harvard Extension courses (B or above) shows that you’re ready for grad school.

No specific undergraduate coursework is required, but having a background in subjects like statistics, biology, or general psychology can be helpful. These areas prepare you for graduate-level content.

Your success in the two required Extension courses is the biggest part of your application. These are known as “gatekeeping courses,” and they act as both a preview and a test. You get to try Harvard-level learning and prove you can keep up.

Statement of Purpose and Letters of Recommendation

To apply, you’ll write a statement of purpose. This is a short essay about your goals, interests, and why you want to study clinical psychology at Harvard. Keep it personal and clear. Talk about:

• Why you care about psychology
• What you hope to do after the degree
• Why Harvard’s format works for you

You also need to submit three letters of recommendation. These should come from professors, managers, or professionals who can speak about your academic skills and work habits. If you’ve been out of school for a while, employers or supervisors are fine.

Letters should show that you are curious, reliable, and ready for graduate study. The application page explains more about these documents. You can check the full details on the official admissions page.

Curriculum & Courses

Core Courses in Clinical Psychology

The degree requires 12 courses total (48 credits). You must complete at least three core psychology courses from Harvard’s graduate-level offerings. These are in areas like:

• Cognitive psychology
• Social psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Abnormal psychology
• Neuroscience

Each course gives you a strong academic base in how people think, feel, and behave. They also help you understand mental health and illness across the lifespan.

You will study things like how the brain works, what causes anxiety and depression, and how people grow and change. You’ll also explore how culture, society, and relationships affect mental health.

You can see sample courses offered each term on the Harvard Extension course search.

Electives & Specializations

Beyond the core classes, you can take electives in areas that match your goals. Some popular electives include:

• Trauma and recovery
• Psychology of gender
• Positive psychology
• Ethics in psychology
• Psychology of leadership

These let you go deeper into topics that matter to you. You can also take courses in research methods, statistics, or education, depending on your career path.

Some students build a focus area, even though there are no official “tracks.” This lets you shape your degree to fit roles in counseling, research, or education.

Practicum and Fieldwork Components

Unlike many clinical programs, this degree does not include supervised clinical hours or a practicum. That’s because it’s an academic degree, not a professional practice one.

However, you can still get experience through:

• Research assistant roles
• Volunteer work at mental health clinics
• Internships or teaching assistant positions

These are not required but are highly recommended if you plan to apply to PhD or PsyD programs later. Clinical hours needed for licensure are best gained after this degree, in programs that meet APA and state board rules. Learn more about licensing paths here.

Capstone Project or Thesis

To finish the degree, you must complete a capstone project or a thesis.

The capstone project is for students who want to apply what they’ve learned in a practical way. You’ll work on a real-world issue in psychology, write a report, and give a final presentation.

The thesis is for students who plan to go into PhD or academic research. You’ll design a study, collect data, and write a full-length paper with a faculty advisor.

Both options show you can think critically, solve problems, and use research methods. You’ll also learn how to write and present your findings clearly—skills that help in any psychology career.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Cost of Harvard Online Psychology Program

The total cost of the Harvard ALM in Psychology is around $35,000 to $38,000 depending on the courses you choose. This includes:

• $3,220 per 4-credit course
• 12 total courses required
• Registration and other fees

Harvard Extension is one of the most affordable ways to earn a Harvard degree. You pay as you go, one course at a time. This means you don’t need to take out a large loan all at once.

Here’s a basic breakdown:

You can verify updated fees on the Harvard tuition page.

Scholarships, Grants, and Assistantships

Harvard Extension School offers limited financial aid. To qualify, you must:

• Complete at least two courses with a B or better
• Be officially admitted into the degree program
• Submit the FAFSA if you’re a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

There are also small scholarships for part-time learners and those with financial need. International students may not qualify for federal aid but can explore private loans or employer-sponsored tuition benefits.

Assistantships are rare but may be available through faculty-led research or Harvard Library jobs. These are posted on the Harvard student employment site.

ROI: Is It Worth the Investment?

A Harvard degree carries strong name value. Many students see a return in:

• Career advancement
• Graduate school admissions
• Salary increases

However, if your main goal is licensure, you’ll still need to complete a doctoral program after this. That adds more time and cost.

For those in education, human services, or research, the program can open doors and add serious value to your resume—without the higher costs of traditional grad schools.

You’ll also join the Harvard Alumni Association, which helps with networking and long-term career growth. That alone can be a big asset.

In the end, the value depends on your goals. For flexible, affordable learning from a top school, this program is one of the best choices available online today.