Key takeaways
Pre-clinical psychology track – year-by-year guide:
- Step 1- Enroll in a bachelor’s degree in psychology
- Step 2 – Build a strong foundation in clinical psychology and psychology in years 1 and 2
- Step 3 – Start focusing on gaining practical experiences by participating in research, taking on internships, engaging with professors, etc.
- Step 4 – Start searching for grad schools offering programs that suit your career goals
- Step 5 – Prepare required clinical psychology pre-reqs for grad schools, such as CV, recommendation letters, transcripts, GRE test scores, and so on.
- Step 6 – Complete and send in your applications as early as possible, as early applicants often get selected quickly.
The pre-clinical psychology track is ideal for those aspiring to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist. It is among the most popular fields within psychology. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for psychologists is expected to rise by 6% between 2024 to 2034, which is significantly higher than the average job growth rate for all occupations. Moreover, among the many concentration tracks in psychology, pre-clinical psychology is one of the highest-paid career paths.
This guide explores the pre-clinical psychology track, lists program requirements, career paths, and more. Here, you will find a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for grad school, including clinical psychology pre-reqs, helpful tips, and more.
Pre-clinical psychology track- Overview
Pre-clinical psychology is not a college major but more of a preparatory track that aspiring clinical psychologists must take. It starts with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with clinical psychology as a major. Simply pursuing the clinical psychology concentration is not enough to prepare you for a career as a clinical psychologist. You need to actively engage in activities and choose the right courses that will help you develop the competencies needed to become a professional clinical psychologist.
Here is a summary of the pre-clinical psychology track that you need to take to prepare for grad school:
- Enroll in a bachelor’s psychology degree
- Year 1 and 2 – focus on building a strong clinical psychology foundation by choosing relevant electives
- Year 3 – Choose clinical psychology as your specialization
- Actively pursue practical learning experiences such as internships, research opportunities, clinical setting experiences, and so on.
- Explore grad school programs and note down clinical psychology pre-reqs, so you can work toward meeting all requirements.
- Year 4 – get started on the application process
- Start writing your personal statement
- Seek out recommendation letters
- Collect experience certificates
- Request for an unofficial transcript to be sent to grad schools
- Contact faculty members at your school of choice to express interest in their work – especially important for those pursuing research-focused clinical psychology graduate programs.
- Keep application deadlines in mind and submit yours well before time – the early bird catches the worm.
Psychology degree overview
A psychology degree, at the bachelor’s level, provides a strong foundation in the study of the human mind and behavior. It focuses on the scientific principles, psychological theories, assessment, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The program is vast and covers everything from the psychological study of the mind to developmental, social, and even clinical psychology. Moreover, the program features a heavy focus on research methods, mathematics, and statistics.
Through the program, students learn the scientific methods for evaluating theories, conducting research, analyzing findings, and drawing conclusions based on evidence provided. The goal of the program is to prepare students for diverse careers in business, education, and mental health. However, these roles are restricted to entry-level support roles in fields such as mental health.
Program summary
Here is a summary of the bachelor’s psychology program
Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Overview |
|
|---|---|
| Level | Bachelor’s degree – 4 years |
| Number of credits | 120 – 128 credits |
| Degree options | Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology / Bachelor of Science in Psychology |
| Focus | The program focuses primarily on the study of behavior and mental processes.
|
| Core courses |
|
| Concentration tracks |
|
| Who is it good for? | Intrinsic qualities that make you a good fit for the psychology program include empathy, problem-solving, patience, listening skills, and the ability to stay non-judgmental. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is ideal for students seeking entry-level psych-related jobs or preparing for graduate school |
| Career opportunities |
|
| Median annual wage | $60,000 – BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2023 |
| Annual cost |
Estimated using data from: Data USA |
| ROI for a 20-year career period |
|
Core courses in a bachelor’s degree in psychology
The exact curriculum of a psychology degree not only varies by institution but also by program type. A BS in Psychology features a heavy focus on arts and humanities courses. Those pursuing a BS in psychology will take science courses such as chemistry, biology, physics, and so on to fulfill the general education requirements. Core courses in a psychology degree typically cover courses in the field of psychology, research methods, and mathematics. Here are some you may come across in your bachelor’s degree:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Psychological Research Methods
- General Psychology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Statistics
- Comparative Psychology
Available specializations in a psychology degree
Many psychology programs allow students to focus their studies on particular areas of interest. These specializations help prepare students for more targeted career paths or advanced study. Those
Common Specializations
- Clinical Psychology – Focuses on mental health disorders, assessment, and therapeutic approaches.
- Counseling Psychology – Emphasizes helping individuals cope with everyday life challenges and personal development.
- Criminal Psychology – Studies the factors that contribute to the development of criminal behavior by studying the criminal mind and criminal behavior.
- Cognitive Psychology – Studies mental processes like memory, decision-making, learning, and perception.
- Developmental Psychology – Examines how people grow and change across the lifespan.
- Social Psychology – Explores how individuals behave in social contexts, including group dynamics and attitudes.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Applies psychology to the workplace, including motivation, leadership, and employee behavior.
- Forensic Psychology – Combines psychology with the legal system, focusing on criminal behavior and legal decision-making.
- Neuropsychology – Looks at brain-behavior relationships and the biological basis of mental processes.
- Educational Psychology – Focuses on learning theory, instructional methods, and student development in educational settings.
- Health Psychology – Studies how psychological factors influence physical health and healthcare behaviors.
Career opportunities with a bachelor’s in psychology are beneficial for a clinical psychology career
Here are some career paths you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in psychology for a clinical psychology career in the long run, alongside the earning potential for entry-level positions as of November 2025.
| Job title | Entry-level salary |
| Crisis Hotline Counselor | $69,365 |
| Research Assistant | $47,831 |
| Behavioral Health Technician | $39,900 |
| Social Services Assistant | $42,000 |
| Case Worker | $47,429 |
If you want to become a clinical psychologist, open a private practice, or be eligible to offer therapy to patients, you need to pursue at least a master’s degree in clinical psychology or a related field in some states and a doctoral degree in most states. Here is how you can prepare for clinical psychology grad school.
Starting point – Enroll in a bachelor’s degree in psychology
A bachelor’s degree focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in the field of psychology. Those wishing to pursue more focused career paths, such as clinical psychology, must be proactive and focus on developing required competencies as early on as possible.
The clinical psychology concentration focuses on developing competencies required to understand, assess, and treat mental health disorders. Through the program, students learn about psychological diagnosis, therapeutic techniques, research methods, and the biological and social factors that influence mental well-being. This concentration prepares students for graduate study in clinical or counseling psychology and entry-level roles in mental health settings.
Related: Explore social work vs counseling vs psychology
Here is how you can prepare yourself for grad school in clinical psychology with an undergraduate psychology degree.
Year 1 – Prepare a strong foundation in psychology
In the first year of your psychology degree, you will focus on the development of core psychology principles and theories, as well as develop research skills. In the first year, you will primarily take introductory courses covering the basics of the field of psychology, but a strong base leads to a fulfilling career. Here are some courses you can expect to take in your first year:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology – sometimes offered in year 1 or year 2
- General Biology or Introduction to Biopsychology
- Statistics for Behavioral Science
- Critical Thinking
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology or Anthropology
Keep in mind that the curriculum will vary by college and degree type. Those enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology will take courses in humanities and arts, focusing on developing critical thinking, reasoning, communication skills, and so on. In contrast, those enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Psychology will take courses in science and mathematics, developing skills such as data analytics, statistical analysis, and so on.
Related: How does a criminology degree prepare you for challenges in a clinical setting?
Year 2 – Focus on clinical practice concepts
Your focus on year 2 should be to choose courses that will help link foundational knowledge developed to clinical psychology concepts, such as mental health disorders, assessment, and treatments. Typical courses can include:
- Abnormal Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Biopsychology / Behavioral Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
Electives that you can choose to develop clinical psychology-specific skills include:
- Stress and Coping
- Health Psychology
- Sensation and Perception
- Personality Theories
- Experimental Psychology
Year 3 – Declare your specialization & build relevant expertise
By year 3, you will focus on developing relevant clinical or research expertise depending on your career goals. If you want to go into clinical research and teaching, you will focus on relevant courses such as:
- Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
- Psychological Testing and Assessment
If the goal is to engage in clinical practice, you will focus on gaining relevant practical experience through internships and co-ops in clinical settings. Additionally, you will take courses that cover the practical aspect of the field of clinical psychology alongside research-centric courses. The curriculum can look like follows:
- Clinical Psychology Advanced
- Psychotherapy Theories and Techniques
- Psychopathology
Recommended electives for aspiring clinical psychology professionals include:
- Health Psychology
- Child & Adolescent Clinical Psychology
- Crisis Intervention & Trauma Studies
Recommended experiential components include:
- Join a research lab (highly recommended for PhD tracks)
- Begin assisting faculty on research projects
- Start outlining ideas for an honors thesis or capstone
- Pursue internships in clinical settings
- Reach out to clinical psychologists and ask to shadow their work, or participate in administrative or assistant-level positions.
Grad school preparation milestones
- Build relationships with professors for future recommendation letters
- Gaining practical work experience
- Building a professional resume or CV to strengthen your grad school application
- Attend psychology department research seminars
- Begin exploring potential graduate programs and their prerequisites
Year 4 – Focus on grad school applications
The final year of your bachelor’s degree will focus heavily on finding and applying to the right grad school. Additionally, you will engage in specialization, preparation, and professional preparation. The goal should be to produce graduate-level work, strengthen clinical experience, and prepare competitive application materials. Here is what the curriculum in your fourth year can look like:
Core courses can include:
- Clinical Practicum or Field Placement
- Senior Seminar in Clinical Psychology
- Capstone or Honors Thesis
Advanced electives can include:
- Neuropsychology
- Psychopharmacology
- Cultural / Multicultural Psychology
- Advanced Counseling Skills
Make sure you keep your future career goals in mind when choosing electives. Lastly, you will focus on the experiential component of your program, which can include:
- Present research at a student conference (e.g., APS, WPA, university symposium)
- Lead or co-author a research paper or poster if possible
- Complete practicum hours relevant to clinical or counseling psychology
Grad school preparation milestones for the fourth year:
- Finalize graduate personal statement
- Prepare a psychology CV highlighting research + clinical experience
- Request letters of recommendation
- Study for and take the GRE (if required by target programs)
- Apply to clinical/counseling master’s, PsyD, or PhD programs
Which states allow you to get a license with a master’s degree?
To become a licensed psychologist, you need at least a doctoral degree in a relevant field. However, some states allow you to obtain a license to practice with a master’s degree in a relevant field. Here are some states where you can become a licensed clinical psychologist with a master’s degree:
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Kansas
- Alabama
- North Carolina
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When to start prepping for grad school?
The ideal time to start prepping for grad school is toward the end of the second year of your bachelor’s degree. You can start by enrolling in summer schools or take up summer internships working in clinical settings, or participating in research. Start reaching out to professors to ask them if you can contribute to any ongoing research or if they can help you secure internships and practical work opportunities. The earlier you start amping up your resume and building strong academic credentials, the stronger your grad school application will be.
How to prepare for graduate school in psychology?
To prepare for graduate school in psychology, build a solid academic record, gain research and clinical experience, and develop strong relationships with faculty for recommendations. Get involved in labs, complete a thesis or capstone if possible, and seek practicum or volunteer roles in mental health settings. Make sure you prepare application materials early, such as a CV, a personal statement, and required tests. Lastly, conduct extensive research to find programs that best fit your interests and goals.
How many years does it take to get a master’s degree in clinical psychology?
A master’s degree in clinical psychology typically takes 2–3 years to complete. Most programs are 2 years, but programs with extensive clinical placements, thesis requirements, or part-time options may extend to a third year. Additionally, research-centric programs can also take up to 4 years, depending on the scope and breadth of your research.
What is the potential Return on Investment of a bachelor’s degree in psychology?
The exact cost of getting a bachelor’s psychology degree varies by college type, state, and many other factors. Moreover, the earning potential varies based on the career path a graduate chooses. Thus, calculating the exact Return On Investment (ROI) can prove challenging. Here is an estimated ROI of a psychology degree based on the median earning potential of a psychology degree graduate.
- Estimated median in-state tuition for 2025: $8,357
- Estimated median out-of-state tuition for 2025: $38,808
Source: Data USA
- Median salary of bachelor’s psychology degree holders: $60,000 – as of May 2024
Source: BLS
The ROI calculations for a graduate with a 20-year career with estimated 2025 tuition rates:
- In-state ROI: 3,487%
- Out-of-state ROI: 673%