Best Psychology Masters Programs in Maryland (2026 Guide & Requirements)

Want to kickstart your career with a psychology masters program in Maryland? You’re on the right track. The psychology field is growing faster than ever, with projections showing a 25% increase that will add over 79,000 new positions in the coming years.

Maryland’s masters programs offer impressive credentials for aspiring Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors and other psychology professionals. The typical program requires 60 credit hours and 600 supervised field experience hours to meet Maryland’s licensure requirements. These programs are a great way to get real-world experience. Many focus on Human Services Psychology, a field dedicated to promoting human well-being through diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological and physical disorders. The University of Baltimore’s program has a remarkable 97% first-time pass rate on the National Counselor Exam in the last decade.

Let’s get into the 9 best psychology masters programs in Maryland. This piece covers each program’s curriculum, clinical training opportunities, and admission requirements to help you find the right match.

1. Loyola University Maryland – M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling

Loyola University Maryland is known among psychology masters programs in Maryland with its detailed M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling. The program builds on the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and prepares students to become skilled mental health practitioners through a well-laid-out, cohort-based approach.

Program Overview

Students complete Loyola’s M.S. in Clinical Professional Counseling in two years and four months with 60 graduate credits of full-time study. The program follows a structured sequence that meets educational requirements for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) credentials in Maryland and similar credentials in other states. Students graduate ready to enter a field that will add over 79,000 new jobs by 2029.

The program takes a relational, values-based approach that supports all participants. Training complexity increases throughout the curriculum to meet the need for ethical, multiculturally aware practitioners who can serve clients from different backgrounds in various clinical settings.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum follows a carefully structured sequence:

Year 1:

• Fall (12 credits): Advanced Psychopathology, Theories of Counseling & Psychotherapy, Principles & Practices of Psychotherapy, Human Biopsychology
• Spring (12 credits): Assessment & Appraisal, Lifespan Development, Diversity Issues in Psychology, Research Methods

Year 2:

• Summer (6 credits): Group Therapy, Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
• Fall (9 credits): Advanced Techniques of Counseling & Psychotherapy I, Lifestyle & Career Development, Ethical/Legal/Professional Issues
• Spring (9 credits): Marriage & Family Therapy, Business Issues in Professional Practice, Practicum (100 hours)

Year 3:

• Summer (6 credits): Advanced Techniques II, Off-Campus Externship I (300 hours)
• Fall (6 credits): Supervision of Counseling & Psychotherapy, Off-Campus Externship continuation (300 hours)

Clinical Training

Students start their clinical training with a 100-hour practicum supervised by Loyola faculty members. They spend 40 of these hours observing and providing direct client service. Students then complete 600 hours of externship training during their final summer and fall semesters.

The department works with many community organizations throughout the Baltimore-Washington area. Training settings range from prominent medical centers to small group practices. Approved sites must be in Maryland or nearby areas (Washington, D.C., northern Virginia, or southern Pennsylvania). Students can shape their hands-on experience based on their specific clinical interests.

Admission Requirements

Students must have:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (psychology or other field) with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisite coursework: introductory psychology, psychopathology, and at least one experimental/statistical social science course
• Three professional/academic letters of recommendation
• Personal essay describing interests, career objectives, and experiences with diverse populations (1,000 word maximum)
• Professional resume

Applications are due by January 15 for fall admission, with all documents required by this date. Selected applicants will receive invitations to a virtual interview day (February 20, 2026 for Fall 2026 admission).

Accepted students must clear a criminal background check and provide immunization records before starting. These requirements come from the Loyola Clinical Centers and partner agencies.

2. University of Baltimore – M.S. in Counseling Psychology

The University of Baltimore’s M.S. in Counseling Psychology program gives aspiring mental health professionals a clear path to career success. Students benefit from a scientist-practitioner approach that balances theory and practice. This program is the heart of psychology masters programs in Maryland and prepares graduates for licensure and clinical careers.

Program Overview

The Counseling Psychology program builds on the scientist-practitioner model that combines research with hands-on clinical training. Students can choose between two tracks based on their career goals: a 48-credit General Counseling Psychology Track and a 60-credit Practitioner Specialization. The curriculum prepares students to become licensed mental health counselors or pursue doctoral studies in helping professions.

Graduates work in hospital-based mental health, community clinics, private practice, school-based mental health, and substance abuse treatment facilities. The program puts special focus on professional identity, ethics, and how developmental, vocational, educational, social, and mental health issues affect people.

Curriculum Highlights

The core coursework of 36 credits in both tracks has these subjects:

• The Biological Basis of Behavior
• Ethics and Legal Issues in the Practice of Psychology
• Learning and Cognition
• Advanced Theories of Personality and Counseling
• Basic Counseling Techniques
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis

Students in the 48-credit track need 36 core credits, 6 credits of supervised field experience, and 6 elective credits. The 60-credit Practitioner Specialization requires 36 core credits, 9 credits of supervised field experience, and 15 credits of specialized coursework. This includes Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Family Therapy.

Clinical courses use the common factors model to focus on therapeutic relationships and strengths-based interventions. The program weaves multicultural awareness and social justice advocacy throughout all courses.

Clinical Training

Students get hands-on experience through practical exercises and formal requirements. The 48-credit track students complete 6 credits of practicum experience. Students in the 60-credit track do 3 credits of practicum and 6 credits of internship over two semesters.

The program partners with many community sites for field placements. Alumni love their clinical preparation – 83% get licensed while others move on to doctoral programs.

Admission Requirements

The program welcomes students from all backgrounds – recent graduates, career changers, and working adults. You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• No standardized tests for admission
• Recent cohorts had GPAs between 3.23-3.77

Getting in is competitive but possible, with acceptance rates ranging from 51.3% to 75%. The program keeps its students engaged – 93.5% return for their second year.

Graduates do well on licensing exams. Between 43% and 73% of recent graduates earned state licenses, and similar numbers passed the National Counselor Examination.

UBalt’s psychology masters program combines flexibility with academic excellence to prepare you for Maryland’s growing mental health field.

3. University of Maryland – MPS in Clinical Psychological Science

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Clinical Psychological Science at University of Maryland stands out as the nation’s first masters-level program that takes a clinical science viewpoint. Students who want to advance their careers in mental health will find innovative technology and evidence-based practices in this program.

Program Overview

The MPS in Clinical Psychological Science program gives students deep knowledge of psychological principles and clinical psychology science. Working professionals can earn a University of Maryland degree with minimal disruption to their work and personal life.

Students learn modern theories of clinical disorders and proven treatments. Graduates can manage research projects in mental health labs, move up in mental health services, or prepare for doctoral studies in clinical and counseling psychology.

The Department of Psychology in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences runs this program. Students learn causal models of clinical disorders and proven psychological treatments.

Curriculum Highlights

Students complete 30 credits through 10 courses in 15 months of full-time study. The program splits into five 12-week terms with two 3-credit courses (6 credits) per term. Working professionals can attend evening classes at the College Park campus.

Core coursework covers:

• Evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions
• State-of-the-art research methods
• Ethics in conducting clinical research and practice
• Clinical measurement and assessment
• Cultural impacts on mental health

Students develop critical thinking skills to evaluate psychological research. Faculty mentors work closely with students to help them reach their goals, whatever their path in clinical work, research, or doctoral programs.

Clinical Training

While academics come first, students can get hands-on experience too. They can participate in faculty research labs. This practical work helps students use their knowledge in ground settings with faculty supervision.

Students who complete the program meet Maryland’s educational requirements to become a Psychology Associate, but can’t practice independently. All the same, graduates can work with adults and children who have mental health and developmental disorders.

Admission Requirements

Both domestic and international students must apply by January 30 for fall enrollment. Here’s how the admission process works:

1. Original application review
2. Select applicants invited for admissions interviews (conducted virtually via Zoom)
3. Interview invitations typically sent in late February/early March
4. Final acceptance notifications sent in late April

You’ll need these materials to apply:

• Statement of purpose
• Official transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• CV/Resume
• Supplementary application
• Optional writing sample
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE scores (for international students)

The program’s guidelines show how this degree helps students grow through practical psychology and clinical psychological research.

4. Towson University – M.A. in Psychology

Towson University’s Master of Arts in Psychology program gives students a deep understanding of psychological principles and a global view of mental health concerns. Students can choose from four distinct concentrations, and the program gives graduates specialized knowledge that aligns with their career goals in psychology of all types.

Program Overview

The M.A. in Psychology program has four specialized concentrations: Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Experimental Psychology, and School Psychology. Each concentration creates different career paths. Clinical Psychology prepares students to enter doctoral programs or work as psychometricians and behavioral specialists. Counseling Psychology creates therapists for community health settings. Experimental Psychology builds research expertise, while School Psychology develops consultants for school settings.

Students work alongside prominent faculty mentors and can access valuable resources. The psychology computer lab features the latest research software, and a complete psychology test library stores various psychological assessments.

Curriculum Expresses

The Clinical Psychology concentration needs 48 units of coursework and uses an evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) model. Students can pick between two tracks:

Researcher Option:

• 36 units of core coursework
• 6 units of thesis credits
• 6 units of electives
• Completion of empirical thesis

Practitioner Option:

• 36 units of core coursework
• 12 units of electives
• Capstone clinical presentation

The original courses focus on assessment, diagnosis, and empirically-supported treatments. Advanced seminars follow with coverage of legal, ethical, and professional issues in psychology. Students learn evidence-based practices through training in assessment, diagnosis, and state-of-the-art treatments.

Clinical Training

The program’s standout feature is a required half-time, nine-month internship. Students complete 16-20 hours weekly in a clinical or research setting, reaching 425-475 hours of field experience. This hands-on component helps students apply their knowledge while experienced professionals supervise their work.

Clinical interns provide supervised psychological services to clients at off-campus mental health facilities. Research interns help experienced scientists with scholarly work, such as literature reviews, study coordination, data collection, and research sharing.

Admission Requirements

The program takes applications only for fall admission with a January 15 deadline. The competitive admission process requires:

• Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution (psychology degree not required)
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• Prerequisites (all with grade C or better):
  • General Psychology (3 credits)
  • Behavioral Statistics (3 credits)
  • Research Methods (3 credits)
  • Psychopathology/Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

Clinical Psychology’s strongest candidates must attend an interview with faculty and students. Applications need three recommendation letters, a detailed purpose statement, and a resume showing relevant clinical, teaching, or research experience.

Students learn about admission decisions between mid-March and mid-April, with an April 15 acceptance deadline.

5. Frostburg State University – M.S. in Counseling Psychology

Students looking for real-world clinical experience will find Frostburg State University’s M.S. in Counseling Psychology an attractive choice among Maryland’s psychology masters programs. This 24-year old program stands out with its year-long internship component that develops both personal and professional skills.

Program Overview

The Counseling Psychology program at Frostburg made history as the first in the University System of Maryland. It became the sixth nationwide program to receive Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) accreditation in 1998. The program earned full 10-year reaccreditation in 2018. Students complete their studies over three years – two years in the classroom and one year of detailed internship.

Students learn an integrated theoretical approach that blends cognitive-behavioral, family systems, developmental, feminist, multicultural, humanistic, and brief therapies. Without doubt, this method gives students versatile counseling skills they can use with clients from all backgrounds.

Graduates meet every academic requirement needed for licensure in Maryland and nearby states. This opens doors to careers in mental health clinics, counseling centers, addictions clinics, and human service agencies.

Curriculum Highlights

The program needs 60 total credits. Students create their own study plan when admitted, taking 9-12 credit hours each semester. The core coursework (42 credits) has:

• Assessment and counseling fundamentals
• Group and family therapy techniques
• Career counseling and development
• Child and adult psychopathology
• Multicultural counseling approaches
• Addiction issues and treatment

Beyond core requirements, students must complete 14 credits of internship over two semesters and six more credits of electives. New students start each fall. Courses follow a set sequence with some intersession and summer classes.

Clinical Training

The substance of Frostburg’s program lies in its extensive two-semester internship experience (PSYC 695 and PSYC 696). Students work up to 36 hours weekly for nine months and gain 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience.

This deep clinical immersion helps graduates naturally move from Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) to Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) status. This gives them a leg up in the job market. Students can find internship sites throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia within driving distance from Frostburg.

Admission Requirements

Applications are due by February 15 for fall admission. Late applications might get considered if spots remain open. You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA (lower GPAs must submit MAT score of at least 410 or GRE score of at least 300)
• Three recommendation forms (two minimum from former professors)
• Resume and personal statement
• Interview with program coordinator
• Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Statistics or Research Methods, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Psychology elective

The program keeps cohorts small with about ten students per faculty member. This creates an ideal environment for individual attention and group learning.

6. Hood College – M.S. in Counseling

Hood College’s CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling program blends the art and science of helping others grow, heal, and thrive. The program ranks among Maryland’s top psychology masters programs. Students learn to listen deeply, respond with empathy, and use evidence-based practices.

Program Overview

Students can choose between two specialization tracks: Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. Each path leads to professional licensure as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC) or certified school counselors in Maryland and beyond. Students receive rigorous coursework, supervised field experiences, and close mentorship to become compassionate, ethical, and culturally responsive professionals.

The program’s dedicated faculty actively work in their respective fields. Graduates build meaningful careers in clinical practice, schools, community agencies, hospitals, non-profits, and private practice settings.

Curriculum Highlights

The 60-credit curriculum consists of:

• 27 credits of core counseling coursework including Human Development, Professional Ethics, Social and Cultural Foundations, and Research methods
• 12 credits of specialization courses specific to either Clinical Mental Health or School Counseling
• 12 credits of electives that align with your interests
• Clinical experiences including practicum and internship

Students can enhance their degree with two graduate certificate options:

• Trauma, Crisis, Grief, and Loss (TCGL) Certificate
• Thanatology Certificate

Clinical Training

Students begin their clinical training with practicum experience and end with internship placements, completing over 700 hours of supervised field experience. The on-campus NeighborHood Counseling Training Center lets students gain hands-on experience under faculty supervision. Students benefit from partnerships with leading community organizations like Advanced Behavioral Health, Brook Lane Hospital, Frederick County Mental Health Association, and Frederick Health Hospital.

Admission Requirements

The application process requires:

• Online application with fee ($50 domestic, $100 international)
• Official transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• 500-word personal statement describing career objectives
• 500-word essay on experiences with diverse populations
• Current resume/CV
• Minimum of two (three preferred) academic/professional recommendation letters

Students can apply by February 1 for fall admission and October 1 for spring admission. Faculty conduct virtual interviews with selected applicants.

Hood’s location in Frederick near the I-270 corridor connects students with opportunities throughout the greater Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

7. McDaniel College – M.S. in Counseling

McDaniel College’s M.S. in Counseling program gives students the flexibility to study online while choosing specialized tracks that prepare them for various career paths in mental health. The program sets itself apart from other psychology masters programs in Maryland through its eight-week session format and detailed curriculum that working professionals will find convenient.

Program Overview

McDaniel’s M.S. in Counseling program offers two distinct specializations: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (60 credits) and School Counseling (51 credits). Dr. Beth Aitken leads this online-focused program that prepares graduates to work in mental health clinics, counseling centers, addictions facilities, and human service agencies of all types. The program aims to help students become reflective practitioners by blending research, theory, and practical application effectively.

Students can complete the program in about 36 months, with new classes starting in fall and spring semesters. They learn from professors who bring years of field experience to the classroom.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum has sections on:

• Core counseling foundations
• Specialization-specific coursework
• Practical clinical experiences
• Person-centered counseling approaches

Mental Health specialization students take courses in Helping Skills, Treating Stress and Anxiety, Positive Psychology in Counseling, Existential Approaches, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy. Students start with introductory courses before moving to concentration courses and clinical experiences.

Clinical Training

The clinical training starts with a 100-hour practicum and continues with a 600-hour internship in approved settings. This field experience is a great way to get hands-on practice while working under professional supervision. The internship plays a vital role for students seeking licensure by meeting state requirements for supervised practice.

Admission Requirements

Students should apply by February 15 for fall and October 15 for spring. You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.00 GPA preferred)
• Goal statement essay
• Professional resume
• Interview with program coordinator

Students might receive provisional admission with conditions if their GPA falls below 3.00. On top of that, all admitted students must submit a criminal background disclosure statement and might need fingerprinting. This step will give a clear path to program completion without background issues affecting practicum/internship placement.

At $625 per credit, this program offers competitive pricing among psychology masters programs in Maryland.

8. Salisbury University – M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Salisbury University’s M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience. The program shapes future counselors to help clients with psychological needs in different therapeutic settings.

Program Overview

The program shapes skilled clinicians who provide quality, confidential mental health services. The Counseling Center specializes in short-term treatment options and promotes student welfare and psychological well-being. Students learn multicultural competence and cultural humility to work effectively with diverse clients. Graduates leave with skills to address mental health concerns for people of all backgrounds.

Curriculum Highlights

Theory and practice come together in this well-balanced curriculum. Students master diagnostic evaluations, psychotherapy techniques, group therapy approaches, and crisis intervention strategies. The program teaches outreach programming, consultation services, and intake interview procedures alongside clinical coursework. Faculty members assign responsibilities based on student development, and clinical duties increase as students advance through the program.

Clinical Training

Students train at the university’s Counseling Center, which serves as a graduate training facility. They gain experience in:

• Diagnostic evaluations and psychotherapy
• Group therapy and crisis intervention
• Outreach programming and consultation

Each intern receives one hour of individual supervision and one hour of group supervision weekly. The center offers both 16-hour and 24-hour weekly internship options. Interns conduct intake assessments, individual counseling, and group counseling sessions.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need to submit:

• Letter of interest and professional résumé
• Three professional references

The Training Coordinator and Counseling Center staff conduct interviews with candidates. The program maintains specific faculty-to-student ratios, which limits available spaces. The staff reviews applications as they arrive, so applying early gives you an advantage.

9. Bowie State University – M.A. in Counseling Psychology

Bowie State University’s M.A. in Counseling Psychology program gives future mental health professionals the skills they need. This 48-credit program works well for both full-time students and working adults who want to pursue psychology careers in Maryland.

Program Overview

We focused on interpersonal relationships to help graduates become skilled clinicians, researchers, and educators. Students build knowledge they can use in doctoral studies or master’s-level professional practice. Graduates can apply for a Psychology Associate Letter from the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists. The program has an extra 12-credit option that meets Maryland’s 60-credit requirement for counselor licensure.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum spans about three years across five sequential levels. Students start with foundation courses like counseling principles, human development, and multicultural counseling in year one. Year two moves into assessment, group counseling, and family counseling. Students take a comprehensive exam before moving to advanced coursework and field experiences in year three. Working professionals can take advantage of evening and weekend classes.

Clinical Training

Students complete 700 hours of field experience through practicum and internship placements. This breaks down into 250 practicum hours and 450 internship hours. Students spend 40% of their time in direct client contact. These ground applications help develop crucial clinical skills.

Admission Requirements

Students need an undergraduate degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Non-psychology majors must complete at least 12 undergraduate credits in social sciences. The program asks for three recommendation letters – two academic and one professional. Students must also submit a personal statement that covers their background, goals, strengths, areas for growth, and why they chose Bowie State.

Start now

Your career path in psychology depends heavily on picking the right masters program. Maryland offers nine outstanding programs that can help you meet licensure requirements. Each program has its own strengths and specializations while giving you the clinical experience that employers look for.

Maryland proves to be a perfect place to pursue your psychology graduate degree. You’ll find major healthcare systems, government agencies, and research institutions right at your doorstep. These connections create great opportunities to land internships and jobs. On top of that, many programs show excellent results with high pass rates in licensure exams and strong job placement numbers.

Look beyond just the curriculum when picking your program. Pay special attention to the clinical training component and how practicum and internship placements are structured. Each program has different admission requirements – from GPA cutoffs to course prerequisites and deadlines.

These programs provide clear paths to your career goals, whether you want to work as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, school psychologist, or research specialist. The hands-on training you’ll get will equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This combination helps you work effectively with clients from all backgrounds.

A psychology masters program helps you grow both personally and professionally. The featured programs blend academic excellence with ground application. This preparation gives you the tools to tackle challenges and enjoy the rewards of advancing mental healthcare in Maryland and beyond.