Best Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) offers families and couples support, guidance, and healing. Earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy will prepare you to counsel couples as a licensed therapist.

During an online MFT master’s degree program, you'll develop a deep understanding of the complexities of human relationships. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to help people overcome many emotional and psychological difficulties. The program will include both theoretical knowledge and practical application on these topics.

To become a marriage and family therapist, you’ll need to meet the academic requirement for licensure, which is a master’s in MFT or a similar field. You may work as a couples counselor, family therapist, group therapist, or therapist specializing in substance abuse, trauma, or similar areas. Work settings include private practice, healthcare facilities, counseling centers, community nonprofit programs, and government programs.

2024 - Best Online Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs

Counselingpsychology.org's Online Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) rankings are based on a comprehensive methodology that considers key factors such as completion rates, cost of living, competitiveness of the institution, diversity of programs offered, and years of faculty experience. This comprehensive approach allows prospective students to make informed decisions about the best program for their individual needs and interests. The methodology used to create the rankings is outlined in detail on the website, which you can access by clicking here.

1.

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University is a private university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a student population of more than 9,000, it offers a variety of degree programs, including an online Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. Regent strives to provide a Christian, values-based education, preparing students for fulfilling lives and successful careers.

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2.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois, is a private research university. With more than 21,000 students and faculty, Northwestern is one of the largest universities in the United States. Northwestern offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including an online Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. Students benefit from small class sizes and a world-class faculty dedicated to providing an outstanding learning experience.

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3.

Alliant International University

Los Angeles, CA

Alliant International University-San Diego offers a highly sought-after Master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy through its California School of Professional Psychology. This program prepares students to become licensed therapists through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Situated in the vibrant city of San Diego, students have access to diverse clinical training opportunities and cutting-edge research facilities.

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What Will I Learn in an Online Marriage & Family Therapist Master's Degree Program?

An online master’s in MFT degree is a two-year program focusing on relationship therapy, primarily within a family structure. A family structure might include couples and families identifying as traditional, split, blended, or non-traditional. The programs are between 60 to 70 credit hours.

The coursework of an online master's marriage and family therapy degree program can feature many classes. Some classes that students often take are:

• Family Systems Theory

• Human Development and Family Dynamics

• Couples and Family Therapy Techniques

• Assessment and Diagnosis in MFT

• Child and Adolescent Therapy

• Ethics and Professional Issues in MFT

• Diversity and Cultural Competence in MFT

These online master's degrees include classroom work and an extensive practicum component. During a practicum, you can apply the theoretical knowledge you're learning in a supervised setting. Because you’ll study online, this will likely occur in your local community.

Admissions Requirements for an MFT Master’s Degree Program

When you apply for online marriage and family therapy programs, you must submit multiple items. Here are some common elements that applicants usually have to submit:

• Bachelor’s degree in MFT, counseling, psychology, or related field from an accredited institution

• Transcripts showing introductory coursework and a minimum GPA (3.0-3.5 usually)

• Personal statement explaining interest and goals in MFT

• Letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals in a related field

• Relevant experiences in the mental health field, such as volunteer work or internships

• A virtual interview with the admissions committee

Evidence of basic counseling skills and knowledge, such as scores from standardized tests like the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

It is important to note that admission requirements may vary between programs, so it is crucial to review each program’s specific requirements. For example, Falk College of Syracuse University has a soft GPA requirement of 3.4. Other schools may have a hard requirement or a different number. 

Be sure to check the specific application requirements of any online master's degree program in marriage and family therapy that you're interested in.

List of MFT Master’s Degree Programs

Find an online or campus-based master’s program in marriage and family therapy today. Our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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Tara Moretti, LMHC

Tara Moretti is a writer and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with extensive experience in the field of mental health. Tara specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, manage stress and anxiety, and improve their relationships. Tara has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice and university counseling centers. She is committed to ongoing professional development and has completed advanced training in trauma-focused therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. In her spare time, Tara enjoys crossword puzzles, practicing yoga, and spending time with her German Shepherd, Zeus.

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