If you have a passion for helping others navigate relationships, then marriage and family therapy programs could help you advance your expertise in this area.
Master’s programs in marriage and family therapy are often designed to prepare you for licensure and certification in the field.
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An MFT program can also help you develop versatile skill sets that are useful in related counseling, leadership, and social services roles.
Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy is a common licensure requirement for marriage and family therapists.
An MFT degree typically teaches prospective therapists the necessary knowledge, tools, and techniques to help clients resolve relational issues and improve their interactions. Relationships in the forms of family ties and couple bonds are the building units of social life. Unfortunately, relationships can often be weighed down by a wide range of issues, including:
- Lack of communication
- Extreme behavior
- Financial strain
- Infidelity
- Substance abuse
- Trauma
- Child behavioral issues
- Death
Licensed marriage and family therapists assist couples and families in facing, managing, and possibly overcoming their interpersonal issues. They might also provide the necessary guidance and skills for building long-lasting relationships.
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In MFT graduate programs, students are taken through several knowledge areas, notably:
- Human development
- Multicultural communication
- Professional ethics
- Practicum components
Courses may also address specific challenges, such as mental illness, drug addiction, sexuality, and behavior disorders. Online MFT master’s programs are known for their flexibility and convenience, especially for working professionals. For professionals specifically interested in counseling patients with addictions, a number of universities offer addictions certificate online programs to provide this credential.
Attaining a masters in marriage and family therapy can help you work toward certification in the field. If you wish to obtain licensure, you’ll also be required to gain supervised work hours. The number of hours required will depend on your state’s licensing board.
Marriage & Family Therapy Careers and Salaries
Most MFT graduates go on to become licensed marriage and family therapists. Some may also venture into private practice and specialize in a particular type of therapy, such as drug addiction, family, adolescent, or marital counseling.
Professionals with a wealth of experience may also be appointed to senior positions in community organizations to lead staff members in running daily programs. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median salaries for some of the career paths related to counseling and marriage and family therapy.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Marriage and Family Therapists — State Government | $77,960 |
| Junior College Teachers | $76,350 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists — Outpatient Care Centers | $57,930 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists — Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $49,630 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists — Individual and Family Services | $48,340 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
Potential salaries can differ based on your level of experience, your specific position, and the type of organization you work for. Additionally, many counseling and therapy positions require specific licensure or certification.
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Some MFT graduates pursue work in related sectors. They might work as social service workers, substance abuse counselors, behavioral counselors, or mental health counselors.
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Curriculum & Courses
A master’s in family therapy program will likely include courses like the following:
- Human Sexuality and Intimacy: This course teaches about the sociology and biology of sexual relationships and teaches how to offer counseling in regards to human sexuality and intimacy.
- Ethics and Law for Counseling Professionals: In this course, you’ll learn about the regulations surrounding professional counseling as well as how to carry yourself with high integrity and confidentiality while counseling clients.
- Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: You’ll learn about the different theories of counseling and psychotherapy and when to apply them.
- Human Sexuality: This course covers the biology and sociology of sexual relationships and how to offer counseling based on this topic.
- Research Methods: This course covers principles of research design, data collection, and analysis relevant to marriage and family therapy.
- Multicultural Counseling: You’ll learn how to counsel clients from different cultural backgrounds, taking into consideration spiritual, racial, and ethnic diversity in addition to disabilities and social class.
- Intervention Strategies: This course explores a variety of approaches to working with families and couples, including individual, group, and family therapies.
- Addiction Counseling: You’ll learn how to counsel individuals and families to overcome different addictions, such as sex addictions, substance abuse, and more.
- Therapy for Couples: This course explores functional approaches for helping couples improve their communication and work out their issues in an amicable way.
- Therapy for Children and Adolescents: This course specifically addresses effective strategies for youths at each developmental stage.
The coursework for master’s in marriage and family therapy degrees can vary greatly depending on the school and specialization.
Master in Marriage and Family Therapy Admissions Requirements
The requirement for a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy differs based on the school and program, but here are common admission criteria for MLT graduate programs:
- Official bachelor’s transcripts
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Current resume or CV
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require this)
A growing number of schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores for graduate admissions.
Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs Accreditation
When exploring online marriage and family therapy graduate programs, it’s beneficial to ensure that prospective schools hold regional accreditation.
A regionally accredited school has been evaluated by a regional accrediting agency and found to meet high-quality educational standards. Since accreditation marks a school’s credibility, most licensing and certification boards require applicants to have earned their degrees from accredited institutions. As a result, an accredited education can often impact your job options.
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You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) online to find out whether an institution is accredited.
COAMFTE Accreditation for Online MFT Programs
In addition to attending a school that’s regionally accredited, you can also verify whether an online MFT graduate program is accredited by COAMFTE.
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) offers programmatic accreditation for marriage and family therapy programs. This body reviews graduate and post-graduate marriage and family therapy educational programs to promote best practices.
COAMFTE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a credible accrediting agency for marriage and family therapy education and training.
Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure and Certifications
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure and certification can vary from state to state, but there are some common qualifications.
An accredited masters degree in marriage and family therapy or a relevant field is required as well as supervised internship hours. The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) undertakes certification of MFT professionals via the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam. It’s necessary to pass this exam in order to obtain a state-issued license from your state.
Aside from certification, AMFTRB is also responsible for interstate license portability, formulating and implementing legislative policies governing MFT education.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
You can explore your financial aid options to see what sort of assistance you can qualify for. Most students qualify for federal student loans. While student loans need to be repaid after graduation, they typically have lower interest rates. Your sate may have aid options as well.
You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see whether you’re eligible for government aid programs. Other financial aid options for graduate programs include fellowships and scholarships. You can apply for scholarships from your school, local charities, or professional organizations.
Some employers also have tuition reimbursement programs or benefits for employees who are furthering their education.
What Is an MFT Degree?
A marriage and family therapy (MFT) degree is an education program that trains aspiring marriage and family therapists on the psychological and theoretical underpinnings of counseling.
Obtaining a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy is often the first step toward becoming a licensed therapist. Marriage and family therapists specialize in family and marriage bonds. They might work one-on-one with a client, meet with a couple, or have sessions with a whole family.
Licensed MFTs can also work in various settings, such as mental health centers, hospitals, private practices, and substance abuse treatment centers.
What Can You Do with an MFT Masters Degree?
An MFT master’s degree is a common educational requirement for certification as a marriage and family therapist. These licensed professionals may conduct couples’ sessions, family sessions, or one-on-one sessions to help clients overcome personal and interpersonal issues.
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Some graduates with a masters in family therapy end up in related counseling roles, such as substance abuse counselor or mental health counselor. A masters program could also help you prepare for doctoral studies in counseling, psychology, or a related field. For students interested in other counseling fields, a growing number of universities offer online masters in counseling no GRE required.
How Long Does It Take to Get an MFT Degree Online?
An online MFT degree typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on your enrollment status and how many credits your program requires.
For instance, a 36 credit hour program can generally be completed in 1 year with full-time study and year-round classes. Any internship, practicum, or thesis components, though, can extend the overall length of your program. Many working professionals choose to earn their graduate degrees part-time, but this method tends to take longer.
What’s the Difference Between a Masters in Family and Marriage Therapy vs. Counseling?
A masters degree in marriage and family therapy program is often confused with a masters in marriage and family counseling degree.
| Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy | Masters in Counseling |
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While there are many similarities between the study and practice of marriage and family therapists and counselors, they tend to utilize some different methods.
What’s the Difference Between an LMFT vs. LCSW?
Here are some key differences between a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
| Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists | Licensed Clinical Social Workers |
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The main difference between LMFTs and LCSWs lies in their scope of work.
Is an MFT Degree Worth It?
Yes, an MFT degree is worth it for many professionals. Earning a masters degree in marriage and family therapy can help you work toward licensure and certification in the field.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for marriage and family therapists is projected to increase by 16% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. Professionals with a masters in marriage and family therapy may also pursue related careers in counseling, social work, and education.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Adler University offers a Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy. The program promotes a dual focus on scholarship and practitionership, with a special emphasis on social justice within individual relationships and social systems. In addition to the 60 credit program, students can take additional credits in pursuit of a Sex Therapy or Substance Abuse Counseling certificate.
Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Amridge University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program gives students the opportunity to learn the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue licensure and successfully support future clients. The program consists of 60 credits and covers topics such as ethics, professional identity, family systems, and human development.
Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees.
Bethel University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. It is designed for students interested in working with couples and families in settings such as clinics, nonprofits, churches, public health agencies, and private practices. Students can typically complete the 60 required credits in just 3 years.
Bethel University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
California Southern University offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers as licensed therapists and clinical counselors. The curriculum contains 60 credit hours of instruction and clinical experiences and can usually be completed in 4 years of full-time study.
California Southern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
California State University—Northridge offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is designed to prepare graduates for practice in a variety of environments. The program spans 60 credit hours, including 17 credits of fieldwork in the community. Some courses are available online or via a hybrid format.
CSU Northridge is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Campbellsville University offer a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is designed for individuals eager to understand the intricacies of human experiences, systems, and beliefs in order to help others live fulfilling lives. Students can take two or three courses each term, which typically allows them to graduate in 2 to 3 years depending on their courseload.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Colorado Christian University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling offers a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program aims to provide students with the necessary skills to address issues relationally and systematically. This 68 credit program is housed primarily online, though students are required to attend an in-person residency each summer.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers a Master of Family Therapy program. It aims to teach students how to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, delving deeply into impactful factors like age, ability, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity. The program requires 90 credits of full-time study, with most courses available in person and some online.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Evangelical Seminary offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is designed for students who are passionate about working with couples, families, and children. Most students can complete the 65 credit curriculum in 2.5 to 4 years, though students can pace their progression according to their specific needs and capacity.
Evangelical Seminary is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Fuller Theological Seminary offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy that integrates the teaching of clinical skills with a Christian faith perspective. The program offers two tracks, one that is 2 years long and one that is 3 years long. Both begin in the fall and offer a mix of online courses and in-person classes at various campuses.
Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
George Fox University offers a Master’s in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. The program is designed for individuals pursuing licensure as Professional Counselors or Marriage and Family Therapists. This 68 credit program offers flexible scheduling options and can typically be finished in 3 to 4 years depending on the course load.
George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Lamar University offers a Master of Education in Counseling and Development with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling track. This track focuses on how to care for patients with relational, behavioral, and social and emotional issues. The curriculum covers key topics like human development, abnormal human behavior, counseling skills, crisis prevention, and intervention.
Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lancaster Bible College offers a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. The curriculum is built on evidence-based psychotherapy theories, faith-driven perspectives, and research-backed practice. Students may transfer in up to 18 qualifying credits from outside institutions toward the 60 required credits. Courses in the program are 16 weeks long and can be attended in a hybrid online and in-person format.
Lancaster Bible College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Loma Linda University offers a Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy. It is designed for students interested in pursuing careers as educators, medical family therapists, case managers, family mediators, alcohol and drug specialists, or psychotherapists. The program can be completed entirely online, potentially in just 2.5 years.
Loma Linda University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Northwestern University offers a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy that aims to teach the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the counseling field. Whether completing their studies online or in-person, students attending part-time can potentially finish in just 36 months, while full-time students can potentially finish in 21 months.
Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Oregon Institute of Technology offers a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with several specializations. Options are Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and Medical Family Therapy, Rural Mental Healthcare, or Substance Misuse, Addiction, and Recovery. The program can typically be completed in 3 to 5 years and is offered in a mix of several learning formats.
Oregon Tech is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Pacific Oaks College offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in Trauma Studies. The program aims to help students develop the skills needed to diagnose and intervene for patients experiencing trauma. This 61 credit program is offered synchronously online and can potentially be completed in just 2.5 years of full-time study.
Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission.
The University of West Alabama offers an online program for a Master of Science in Family Counseling. The program boasts a rigorous curriculum, fully online classes, and expert faculty members who are practicing psychologists. The program consists of 33 credits that can typically be completed in 1 to 2 years. The curriculum covers topics like educational statistics, research techniques, and systems theory in psychology.
The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Wisconsin—Superior offers a Master of Science in Education with a Marriage and Family Therapy Counseling track. This track is designed for students pursuing careers as licensed counseling professionals. The program offers multiple start dates throughout the academic year and both online and in-person attendance options.
UW – Superior is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Walden University offers a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. The program aims to teach students how to empower their clients in navigating complex relational and systematic issues. The curriculum consists of 106 credits and includes core and specialized classes, professional development, lab experiences, and fieldwork.
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy Online
An online master’s degree in marriage and family therapy can help you advance your expertise and professional qualifications in this growing field.
Most graduates go on to become licensed marriage and family therapists, working with families and individuals to help them overcome challenges and improve their relationships. Others apply their knowledge in related fields, such as healthcare or community and social services. Still others continue on with their educations and enter either an on-campus or online PhD in marriage and family therapy degree program.
You can take the next step in your educational journey today by exploring online MFT programs and specializations offered by accredited schools.
