A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to help individuals gain advanced research and critical thinking skills.
These skills may be applied to the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy, or they may be used in a health care or academic setting. Professionals who obtain a marriage and family therapy PhD might work with family members or couples in private or group settings to address emotional, physical, and mental health issues.
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Read on to discover what kind of PhD programs, careers, and coursework you may find in the marriage and family therapy sector.
Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
An online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) could be beneficial for graduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in research, higher education, or leadership in the field.
This doctoral degree concentrates on research-oriented coursework, and most PhD programs also involve an advanced practicum and dissertation. This could include supervised clinical fieldwork hours and original research in MFT.
Common subjects covered in an MFT doctoral program of study include:
- Advanced couples and family therapy systems and theories
- Research and assessment methodologies
- Supervisory and management strategies
There are a variety of settings you may be able to enter based upon your studies within an MFT PhD program. Some graduates apply their research experiences from the program to their clinical practice as a therapist. It can also be beneficial for individuals who want to assume a supervisory role in academia.
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Professionals who earn a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy often go on to become therapists, counselors, postsecondary professors or administrators, or social and community service managers. PhD in MFT programs are typically designed for students who have completed a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a similar field within the psychology or counseling sector.
For students needing to earn a master’s degree to fulfill this requirement for entry into a PhD program, a growing number of universities offer online masters in counseling no GRE required. Relevant coursework from a previous graduate program might even be applied to certain PhD programs in MFT.
Common Marriage and Family Therapy Doctorate Specializations
Marriage and family therapy is generally considered a specialization within the field of psychology or behavioral sciences. It involves the study and assessment of behaviors to help people address issues through treatment methods.
Individuals pursuing a PhD in MFT can often specialize in a specific field within marriage and family therapy, such as:
- Leadership. This concentration can help you prepare for supervisory or leadership roles, such as professor or administrator.
- Medical Family Therapy. This specialization focuses more on therapy and counseling involving family members, individuals, or couples dealing with medical issues, conditions, or crises.
- Couples Therapy. This concentration focuses more on therapeutic techniques and assessment methods that revolve around the emotional, physical, and financial aspects of an intimate relationship.
- Addiction and Recovery. You can specialize in addiction and recovery to help families or couples address issues that deal with substance abuse or addiction.
- Trauma Informed Systemic Therapy. This specialization focuses on assessing individuals’ behaviors and relationships affected by traumatic events.
Concentration offerings can differ depending on the college or university.
Marriage & Family Therapy Careers & Salaries
Individuals pursuing a doctorate in marriage and family counseling may choose to further their education while practicing as a counselor, advisor, or therapist.
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Online MFT doctoral programs can also be supplemental for aspiring psychologists who want to explore research opportunities in the marriage and family therapy field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some of the career paths related to marriage and family therapy.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Psychologists | $81,040 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| School and Career Counselors and Advisors | $60,510 |
| Social Workers | $50,390 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $49,880 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
Salaries can vary depending on experience, level of education, and location, among other factors. Many PhD graduates pursue careers in leadership or academia, often working as supervisors, administrators, researchers, or postsecondary teachers.
Marriage and Family Therapy Doctorate Curriculum
Common courses that may be offered in a PhD in MFT program include:
- Introduction to Systems Theory: This course introduces you to the foundational concepts of marriage and family therapy theories, including the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.
- Advanced Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents: This is an advanced course that dives deeper into assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for family therapy involving children and adolescents.
- Advanced Couple Therapy: This course is designed to build upon the foundational knowledge of couple therapy practices, including the study of intimate relationship dynamics and assessment and treatment methods.
- Theory and Therapy in Family Violence: This course introduces you to assessment and treatment strategies used to address familial abuse between children, spouses, or parents.
- Supervision in Marriage and Family Therapy: This course is designed to introduce you to supervision techniques and strategies to better prepare you for a leadership role in the MFT field.
- Qualitative Research Methods: This course introduces you to the methodology of qualitative research, such as gathering and interpreting data for research report purposes.
- Assessment and Research Methods: This course is designed to teach you about different therapy assessment techniques and procedures used to develop outcome research.
- Advanced Family Therapy Practicum: This course involves accumulating clinical experience or fieldwork hours in the marriage and family therapy field under advanced supervision.
- Human Development and Family Systems: This course is designed to give you an overview of human development processes and apply this understanding to the dynamics of family relationships.
- Trauma and Family Systems: This course introduces you to the various impacts of trauma in children, adolescents, and family members as well as types of treatment strategies.
Some of these courses may be supplemental to a specific program concentration or be included as a prerequisite to other program courses.
Admissions Requirements
Admission requirements can vary depending on your institution and specific PhD program. Common PhD program requirements include:
- Official academic transcripts
- Writing sample
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
Academic transcripts and letters of recommendation are fairly common requirements for undergraduate and graduate admission.
Some institutions may also request a statement of purpose, which can give you the opportunity to tell the admissions committee about your experiences, academic interests, and goals. A writing sample may also be requested as an example of your research and scholarly abilities.
MFT PhD Programs Accreditation
Accreditation is important for mental health field programs, such as an MFT PhD. Accredited programs and institutions are recognized as meeting or exceeding high educational standards. Reputable doctorate programs will not accept credits from institutions that are not regionally accredited. Future employers may also prefer candidates who earned a degree through an accredited program.
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Marriage and family therapy doctoral programs are able to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes this organization. You can also visit CHEA’s website to verify whether your prospective school and program are accredited by reputable organizations.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Graduate students may be eligible to apply for a graduate assistant position for financial assistance. With assistantships, students may receive a stipend or have their tuition waived in return for performing various tasks for the school. Some graduate schools or programs offer fellowships to qualifying students. Fellowships may provide students with a stipend, salary, or tuition assistance.
Scholarships may also be available to students by select states, schools, or programs. Federal financial assistance is awarded to eligible students by the US Department of Education. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid.
What Is a PhD in MFT?
A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a doctoral program that focuses on the development of advanced research and clinical skills within the field.
Marriage and family therapy PhD programs may offer coursework and training that can be applied to leadership roles in the field of research, health care, or academia. A terminal degree in this field could be beneficial for those who are currently practicing or intend to practice as a therapist or counselor for couples and families.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy?
There are various career fields you can consider with a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. If you enjoy analyzing data and forming new conclusions from research, you may find a career in academia appealing. Some doctoral graduates go on to become researchers or postsecondary teachers.
Doctorate in marriage and family therapy degrees are also beneficial for those who want to assume supervisory roles in this counseling field. Marriage and family therapists can work with families, couples, or individual patients who wish to address certain mental, physical, or emotional health issues. Common work settings include health care centers, hospitals, or private practices.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Online?
A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy often takes 3 years to 5 years to complete. How long it takes can depend on several factors, such as how many credits are required.
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Another factor is whether a dissertation or clinical internship is required to complete the program. Online MFT doctoral programs may be completed in 3 years with full-time study if no dissertation is required. Additional concentrations or training experiences included in a program may extend the length of your program.
What’s the Difference Between DMFT vs. PhD in MFT Programs?
A Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) and a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy concentrate on similar subjects, but the focus of each is slightly different.
| DMFT | PhD in MFT |
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A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in MFT is more research-oriented than a DMFT. Individuals who want to work on the clinical side of marriage and family therapy tend to pursue a DMFT.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD vs. PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Here are some differences between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Marriage and Family Therapy.
| PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy | PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy |
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An MFT PsyD concentrates more on the study of psychological factors in family therapy, building upon clinical skills. A PhD is more research-oriented and generally introduces new theories to the field.
Is a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is worth it for many students. A doctoral program could allow you to explore research opportunities and build connections with other academics in the MFT sector.
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An online PhD in MFT may offer individuals the chance to advance their professional qualifications and apply new knowledge and skills to clinical practices. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for marriage and family therapists is expected to grow by 16% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average. Postsecondary teachers are projected to see 12% job growth over the same period.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate 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.
Antioch University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy. It is designed for individuals pursuing work in research, teaching, supervision, leadership, or clinical settings. The program requires the completion of 89 credit hours. The courses are primarily online but there is an in-person component required during one of the three yearly residencies.
Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy. The program aims to support students as they develop their professional identities, master core therapy models and principles, and delve into quantitative and qualitative research within their field. The program can potentially be finished in just 36 months and offers synchronous and asynchronous online courses.
Chaminade University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Drexel University offers an online program for a Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy. It covers how to develop a clinical practice, conduct research, synthesize psychological theory and practice, become leaders in the field, and collaborate with peers across disciplines. This 71 credit program culminates in a portfolio of professional accomplishments rather than a dissertation.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Eastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy. It is designed for students passionate about partnering with and supporting patients through the unique challenges of 21st-century life. While classes are predominantly online, students in the program are required to attend in-person residences as well.
Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Fuller Theological Seminary offers a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is designed for practicing clinicians seeking deeper study and research opportunities in their areas of expertise. This 70 credit program can typically be completed in just 2 years and includes both online coursework and quarterly in-person intensives.
Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a focus in Marriage and Family. This focus aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to support families in a variety of settings without the requirement of state licensure. The program consists of 57 credits, with each class spanning 8 weeks and meeting fully online.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mount Mercy University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy program that emphasizes the importance of both research and clinical experience. This 60 credit program utilizes an on-campus apprentice model while offering some online learning options. Students can typically complete their course of study in just 3 years.
Mount Mercy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regent University offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Ministries. The curriculum aims to give students the tools needed to assist individuals navigating a multitude of issues. The program requires the completion of 51 credit hours. Courses cover topics like marital counseling, family systems, and the counseling of children.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Louisiana—Monroe offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Systemic Studies program that is housed 100% online. This nonclinical degree program is intended for students who do not wish to obtain therapy licenses. The program is designed to teach students pursuing work in educational, research, religious, and healthcare settings how to support their clients.
The University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision with a concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. It is designed for students wanting to further their education but who need the flexibility of online courses. Accepted students may transfer up to 45 qualifying credits from outside institutions toward the program’s 100 required credits.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy Online
A PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to help individuals gain advanced skills and knowledge in family and couples therapy.
Online marriage and family therapy programs at the masters and PhD level often include research-intensive courses. A PhD in MFT program enables you to gather qualitative and quantitative data, study various assessments and methods in MFT, and form theories and theses through research. Overall, a doctoral program can allow you to expand on your knowledge and expertise in the marriage and family therapy field.
You can begin your new educational journey by exploring accredited PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy programs online that align with your interests.
