Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) provide talk therapy and mental health assistance focusing on family and relationship dynamics. They can help families and couples maneuver emotional experiences like divorce and teach relationship and life skills. A marriage and counseling therapist may work with individual clients, but their perspective remains on family units and marriage partnerships.

You will need a master's degree from an accredited educational program to begin a career as an MFT. While it's common for therapists to secure a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology, some related degree fields are acceptable for future MFTs.

Many MFT degrees are available online. To learn more, see the sections below.

2025 - Best Online MFT Programs

CounselingPsychology.org's national Best Online MFT Programs rankings offer a crucial guide for prospective students. The methodology includes key factors such as program completion rates, the cost of living, institutional competitiveness, program diversity, and faculty experience. These criteria ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each program's quality and suitability. For a detailed explanation of the ranking factors, visit the rankings methodology page. This guide helps students make well-informed decisions when selecting the best marriage and family therapy programs nationwide to advance their careers.

1.

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Regent University offers several online MFT programs, including the MA in Human Services - Marriage & Family Ministry and the Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies – Marriage & Family Ministry. These programs integrate faith-based principles with clinical training, preparing students for various roles in counseling and ministry.

2.

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University offers a comprehensive online MFT program designed to prepare students for licensure and careers in marriage and family therapy. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and diverse clinical skills, with a flexible online format to accommodate working professionals.

3.

Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

Capella University offers a comprehensive online MFT program designed to prepare students for careers in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program emphasizes practical skills, ethical standards, and theoretical knowledge, supported by flexible online learning formats. Capella's faculty bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom, ensuring a rich educational experience.

4.

Alliant International University-San Diego

San Diego, CA

Alliant International University in San Diego offers a renowned MFT program emphasizing clinical training and diverse practicum opportunities. Accredited by COAMFTE, the program integrates rigorous coursework with hands-on experience, preparing students for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy with a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

5.

Mid-America Christian University

Oklahoma City, OK

Mid-America Christian University offers an MFT program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a career in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program emphasizes Christian principles and values, integrating faith with therapeutic practice to prepare students to make a positive impact in their communities through counseling and support services.

Choosing the Right Online MFT Degree Program

An online master's in MFT is the most common degree for marriage and family therapists. It's crucial to select an accredited program to ensure you have the knowledge needed to pass the licensing exam in your state. Many employers also look for therapists with degrees from accredited programs, so you may limit your job opportunities if your program isn't accredited.

Counseling and therapist educational programs are accredited by one of the following organizations:

Let's briefly examine each degree you may need to become a marriage and family therapist.

Bachelor's Degree

You can't legally secure a job as a marriage and family therapist with just an online bachelor's degree, but you still need this degree to get to the master's level. Most students complete a bachelor’s in counseling or bachelor's in psychology program, but you can select virtually any other major and then specialize in the right field when you complete your master's degree. Check with your preferred master's degree program to see what bachelor's degrees are accepted.

Many bachelor’s degrees include around 120 credit hours and are efficiently completed within four years. Some schools offer the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The difference is in the type of courses included in the program. Bachelor of Arts programs often allow students to select various elective courses, while Bachelor of Science programs include more science and math courses.

Master's Degree

An online master's degree in MFT is the most applicable degree for those pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy. Still, some students pursue a general master’s in counseling or master's in psychology and focus their internships or field placements in MFT or pursue a graduate certificate in MFT (see below). A master’s degree is needed to pass the state licensing examination and begin work as a marriage and family therapist.

Most online MFT master's programs are completed within three years. Some schools may have accelerated programs completed within a year or two when you attend full-time.

Graduate Certificate

A graduate certificate in MFT is an excellent route for those with a master’s degree in general counseling or psychology who wish to gain specialized training in marriage and family therapy. While this program doesn’t result in an actual degree, graduate certificates can enhance an existing master’s degree in a related field and help to open doors in MFT. They are also much shorter than a traditional degree program, often taking a year or less to complete.

Doctorate

While completing a doctorate degree in MFT is not a requirement to become a marriage and family therapist, some students choose to complete a Ph.D. or PsyD in MFT to elevate their careers even further. Doctorate degrees are particularly advantageous if the student wishes to pursue a career in research or academia. These programs can be quite intensive, taking anywhere from four to six years to complete.

What Marriage and Family Therapy Degree is Right for Me?

Bachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeGraduate CertPh.D. or PsyD
I am interested in gaining entry-level experience in MFTx
I want to get started in my career before I pursue more educationx
I want to become a licensed professional counselor/therapistx
I want to pursue or switch to the MFT specialtyxx
I already have a counseling or psych degree and want to gain specialized MFT knowledgexx
I want to work in academia, administration, or clinical practicex

MFT Degree Program Curriculum

An online MFT program curriculum covers a variety of therapy-related coursework, including theory, laws, ethics, research methods, and psychopathology. Topics like couples therapy, human sexuality, and group therapy are also common. The goal is to produce therapists prepared to serve a diverse population with various family and relationship dilemmas.

The number of credit hours required to complete an MFT program varies by school, but the following averages will give you some idea of what is needed:

  • Bachelor's Degree: 120-126 credit hours
  • Master's Degree: 45-60 credit hours
  • Graduate Certificate: 16-18 credit hours
  • Ph.D. or PsyD: 48-62 credit hours

MFT Degree Program Clinical Requirements

Most states require new marriage and family therapists to complete clinical and/or supervised work hours to gain hands-on experience. For instance, North Carolina requires therapists to complete 1,500 hours of clinical experience. Students can complete up to 500 of those hours as graduate students. The rest is completed after graduation.

Each school has its placement process, which students should consider when selecting online MFT degree programs. Because you will not be on campus, your program will likely work with you to find clinical opportunities in your community.

List of Online MFT Degree Programs By State

Find an online Marriage & Family Therapy degree program today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to City:

Alabama

Livingston, AL

University of West Alabama
  • Master's - Master of Science in Family Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online Master's in Family Counseling
    • 33 total credit hours
    • 1-2 years program length
    • Next start date March 17
    • $429 per credit hour
    • 8-week course format
    • Ranked #38 Affordable Program
    • No independent licensure preparation

Arkansas

Siloam Springs, AR

John Brown University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Adventure Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • Marriage & Family Therapy Emphasis
    • 60 Total Credit Hours
    • Evening/Weekend Classes
    • Multiple Campus Locations
    • 100% Clinical Placement Rate
    • 87% National Exam Pass Rate
    • Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accredited program
    • Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Evening/weekend classes
    • Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
    • Individual faculty interview required
    • 42 core counseling credits
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Play Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
    • Three campus locations
    • 87% national exam pass rate
    • Licensed counselor faculty
    • Undergraduate GPA 2.75+ required
    • Practicum placement support

Arizona

Prescott, AZ

Prescott College
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Human Sexuality Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • Online with 3-day campus residency
    • 60 total credit hours
    • $830 per credit
    • Spring 2025 application deadline: Nov 15
    • Multiple concentration options
    • Marriage/Family Counseling emphasis
    • Flexible learning pathways
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online with 3-day campus residency
    • 60 total credit program
    • $830 per credit cost
    • CACREP accredited program
    • Spring 2025 priority deadline: Oct 1, 2024
    • Multiple counseling concentrations
    • Post-graduate certificate options
    • Social justice curriculum focus
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Social Justice in Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • Online with 3-day campus residency
    • 60 total credit hours
    • $830 per credit cost
    • Spring 2025 app deadline: Nov 15
    • Multiple counseling concentrations
    • Social justice learning approach
    • Minimal in-person requirements
  • Doctorate - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Human Sexuality Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • Online with 3-day campus residency
    • 60 total credit hours
    • $830 per credit
    • Marriage, Couple, Family Counseling emphasis
    • Spring 2025 Priority Deadline: Oct 1, 2024
    • Additional concentration options available
    • Social justice learning approach

California

Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master's with MFT emphasis
    • Christ-centered counseling approach
    • Interdisciplinary curriculum
    • Theoretical and applied practice
    • Focuses on individual/family counseling
    • Professional counseling preparation
    • Includes theology and ethics studies
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
    • Interdisciplinary theological approach
    • Professional counseling emphasis
    • Comprehensive psychotherapy training
    • Christ-centered counseling perspective
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Option - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
    • Christ-centered counseling approach
    • Interdisciplinary theological studies
    • Professional counseling techniques
    • Holistic mental health training

Irvine, CA

University of Massachusetts Global
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • Total program 60 credits
    • 400 practicum hours required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Seven-year completion timeline
    • Systemic therapeutic approach
    • Multiple practicum courses
    • Advanced clinical assessment training
    • Diverse therapeutic theories
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Combined Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
    • 400 practicum hours required
    • Systemic therapy training focus
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Seven-year program completion timeline
    • Advanced clinical competency development
    • Dual emphasis option available
    • Online and flexible learning

Long Beach, CA

California State University-Long Beach
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 65-unit comprehensive program
    • LMFT and LPCC licensure preparation
    • No GRE required
    • 2-2.5 year track options
    • WASC fully accredited
    • On-site clinical training
    • Multicultural clinical faculty
    • Live supervision experience

Los Alamitos, CA

Touro University Worldwide
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)

    Concentration: Organizational Systems in MFT - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online doctoral program
    • $700 per semester credit
    • 60 total credit hours
    • No GMAT/GRE required
    • 3-year typical completion time
    • Transfer up to 6 credits
    • 6 program starts annually
    • 8-week course sessions

Los Angeles, CA

University of Southern California
  • Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MFT program
    • 2-year full-time enrollment
    • California licensure pathway
    • Field work in residence state
    • Holistic mental health approach
    • Telehealth and in-person skills
    • Cultural humility focus
    • Supervised clinical work

Northridge, CA

California State University-Northridge
  • Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
    • Accredited by COAMFTE and IACSTE
    • One course at a time
    • Less than two years completion
    • Prepares for LMFT and LPCC licenses
    • Year-round scheduling
    • Diverse career settings available
    • State-of-the-art curriculum

Redding, CA

Simpson University
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Two-year cohort-based program
    • 68 total program units
    • BBS-approved licensure track
    • In-class 2 nights weekly
    • Clinical training opportunities
    • Christian university perspective
    • Trauma and crisis intervention
    • Evidence-based practice focus

Riverside, CA

California Baptist University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online and on-campus delivery
    • 62-68 total program units
    • MFT licensure preparation
    • Christian worldview integrated
    • Comprehensive clinical training
    • Professional ethics emphasis
    • Psychotherapy requirement included
    • Forensic psychology concentration

Rocklin, CA

William Jessup University
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 63 total program units
    • 26 months program length
    • Rocklin campus & remote options
    • California state licensure preparation
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • 280 clinical practice hours
    • Bachelor's degree prerequisite
    • Two reference letters needed

San Diego, CA

Northcentral University
  • Master's - Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online, 33-month completion time
    • No application fee required
    • COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
    • Multiple specialized tracks available
    • Minimum 45 credit hours
    • 300 direct client contact hours
    • Start every Monday
    • Year-round enrollment
  • Master's - Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Couple Therapy - Online Learning - Website

    • Online, flexible 33-month program
    • COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
    • No application fee
    • Start every Monday
    • Total Credit Hours: 45-60
    • 300 hours direct client contact
    • 100 hours clinical supervision
    • Multiple specialization tracks

San Francisco, CA

University of San Francisco
  • Master's - M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

    Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit graduate program
    • Silicon Valley location
    • Evening and Saturday classes
    • Cohort-based learning model
    • Fall semester entry
    • Social justice focused curriculum
    • Community mental health emphasis
    • Working adult-friendly schedule

Thousand Oaks, CA

California Lutheran University
  • Master's - MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • AAMFT core competency focused
    • Board of Behavioral Sciences approved
    • Meets state licensure requirements
    • Professional mental health preparation
    • Comprehensive therapeutic training
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Attachment Theory - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Cohort-based learning model
    • Two community counseling centers
    • 12-month clinical practicum
    • Multiple clinical specializations
    • High licensing exam pass rates
    • Diverse theoretical training
    • Up to 750 clinical hours
    • Systemic therapy approach
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Psychological Trauma - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month practicum placement
    • Two community counseling centers
    • 750 clinical training hours
    • Cohort-based learning model
    • Multiple clinical specializations
    • High licensure exam pass rates
    • Systemic therapy approach
    • Diversity and cultural competence
  • Doctorate - Marital and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Family Court Mediation - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Systemic understanding approach
    • 12-month practicum placement
    • Two community counseling centers
    • Clinical specialization options
    • High licensing exam pass rates
    • Cohort-based learning model
    • Multiple location options
    • Diverse theoretical training

Colorado

Denver, CO

Regis University
  • Master's - M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit Master's degree program
    • 95% job placement rate
    • COAMFTE accredited program
    • $806 per credit hour
    • 2.5-3 years to complete
    • Small class sizes
    • On-campus and weekend formats
    • Practicum and internship included

Connecticut

New Britain, CT

Central Connecticut State University
  • Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, MS

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 63-credit MS program
    • Flexible evening track
    • No GMAT/GRE required
    • COAMFTE accredited
    • Two-year supervised training
    • Starts every August
    • Full-time study option
    • Clinical counseling lab

Florida

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accredited program
    • Two-year, 60-credit program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Marriage and Family Counseling emphasis
    • Meets Florida LMHC/LMFT licensure requirements
    • 800-hour clinical field experience
    • Final application deadline: February 15, 2025
    • Applicants need transcripts, recommendations
  • Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Concentration: Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accredited program
    • Full-time, 2-year 60-credit program
    • Hybrid learning format
    • Florida licensure preparation
    • Marriage and Family Counseling emphasis
    • 800-hour clinical experience
    • Application deadline: February 15, 2025
    • Requires 3 recommendation letters

Georgia

Toccoa Falls, GA

Toccoa Falls College
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credit hour program
    • Online asynchronous coursework
    • Total tuition under $31,000
    • Prep for LMFT licensure
    • Christian worldview integration
    • Small class sizes
    • Two-and-a-half year completion
    • SACSCOC accredited

Iowa

Cedar Rapids, IA

Mount Mercy University
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts degree
    • Marriage and Family Therapy focus
    • Professional counseling preparation
    • Licensure-oriented curriculum
    • Mental health professional training
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Advanced Couples Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
    • Neuroscience-informed curriculum
    • Flexible evening/online classes
    • No GRE required
    • August start date
    • 5-10 week course blocks
    • On-site therapy clinic
    • Working professional friendly
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Leadership and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited program
    • No GRE required
    • Evening and online classes
    • Neuroscience-based curriculum
    • August start date
    • 5- and 10-week course blocks
    • On-site therapy clinic
    • Working professional friendly
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Neuroscience and Psychophysiology - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
    • Neuroscience-based curriculum
    • Flexible evening/online classes
    • No GRE required
    • 5- and 10-week course blocks
    • August start date
    • On-site therapy clinic experience
    • Tailored for working professionals

Illinois

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online and on-campus options
    • COAMFTE accredited program
    • No GRE required
    • Four annual cohort starts
    • Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
    • In-person clinical training
    • Rolling admissions process
    • Licensure-focused curriculum
  • Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MFT Master's degree
    • 24 months full-time completion
    • COAMFTE accredited program
    • No GRE required
    • 400 hours clinical fieldwork
    • 125 relational clinical hours
    • 15 students per classroom
    • Placement specialists assist

Indiana

Hammond, IN

Purdue University Northwest
  • Master's - Couple and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE Accredited Program
    • 67 total credit hours
    • 500 client contact hours
    • 100 hours clinical supervision
    • Thesis required
    • Application deadline: January
    • Meets licensure requirements
    • Small cohort sizes

Kansas

Ottawa, KS

Ottawa University-Ottawa
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling

    Concentration: Gerocounseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
    • Prepares for state licensure
    • 900 hours field placement
    • Professional growth seminars
    • Multiple counseling specializations
    • Clinical foundations courses
    • Ethical and professional training
    • Advanced psychodiagnostic planning

Wichita, KS

Friends University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE Accredited Program
    • Two Campus Locations: Wichita/KC
    • 24-month, 60-credit degree
    • Day and evening cohorts
    • High job placement rates
    • Multiple application rounds
    • Nationally ranked program
    • Experienced, accessible faculty

Kentucky

Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University
  • Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Arts in Education
    • Residential and online options
    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • Hands-on clinical experience
    • Talley Family Counseling Center training
    • Licensed professional preparation

Campbellsville, KY

Campbellsville University
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Degree
    • 60 Total Credit Hours
    • 8-Week Course Length
    • 3-Year Estimated Completion
    • COAMFTE Accredited
    • $445 Per Credit Hour
    • Next Start Date: 03/17/2025
    • 300-Hour Practicum Required

Louisiana

New Orleans, LA

University of Holy Cross
  • Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • 117 semester credits required
    • CACREP-accredited program
    • Online and traditional options
    • Doctoral practicum and internship
    • Prepares counselor educators and leaders
    • Multiple specialization options
    • International study opportunities
    • Minimum 600 internship hours
  • Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

    Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • 117 semester credits required
    • Online and traditional options
    • Clinical practicum and internship
    • Dissertation required
    • Leadership in counseling focus
    • Faculty mentorship opportunities
    • International study institutes available

Massachusetts

Newton, MA

William James College
  • Master's - Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Concentration: Couples and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 63-credit Master's concentration
    • Dual licensure track (LMHC/LMFT)
    • Minimum 960 clinical hours
    • Full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years)
    • Multicultural curriculum focus
    • On-campus program
    • Individual field placement support
    • Licensure-preparation curriculum

Michigan

Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University
  • Master's - M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-hour master's program
    • Family systems approach
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • On-site clinics Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids
    • Licensure pathway options
    • Mostly in-person instruction
    • Hybrid/online course options
    • Collaboration with Family Sciences

Minnesota

Saint Cloud, MN

Saint Cloud State University
  • Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy (M.S.)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science degree
    • On-campus program
    • Cohort learning model
    • State-of-art training clinic
    • Community internship experience
    • 100% internship placement
    • 5:1 student/teacher ratio
    • Limited campus attendance

Winona, MN

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE Accredited Program
    • 48-credit Master's Degree
    • 300 clinical practicum hours
    • Blended learning format
    • Minnesota licensure preparation
    • No GRE required for admission
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • Multiple contemporary issue courses

North Carolina

Montreat, NC

Montreat College
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online graduate degree program
    • 54-60 credit hours total
    • 8-week course sessions
    • 3.0 minimum GPA required
    • Christian faith integration
    • Licensed MFT preparation
    • Full-time: 6 credit hours/semester
    • Optional 60-credit licensure track

Nebraska

Lincoln, NE

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization (M.S.)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 24-month program completion
    • 53 total credit hours
    • COAMFTE accredited since 1993
    • 500+ clinical contact hours
    • 12-month internship placements
    • Cohort size 8-12 students
    • Application deadline Dec. 1, 2024
    • State licensure preparation

Seward, NE

Concordia University-Nebraska
  • Master's - MA Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 62-64 credit hour program
    • $500 per credit hour
    • 8-week course format
    • 24 months to complete degree
    • Online synchronous classes
    • Fall cohort start
    • 300-hour practicum required
    • COAMFTE standards aligned

New York

Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University
  • Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Online

    Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online master's degree
    • 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
    • 500-hour clinical practicum
    • COAMFTE accredited program
    • Over 50 years department history
    • Social justice framework
    • Prepares for state licensure
    • Diverse career path options

Oklahoma

Shawnee, OK

Oklahoma Baptist University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Integrated undergraduate-graduate program
    • Onsite Marriage and Family clinic
    • Faculty mentorship opportunities
    • Community practicum experiences
    • Professional networking support
    • Scholarship opportunities available
    • Diverse career preparation
    • Christian faith integration

Oregon

Eugene, OR

University of Oregon
  • Master's - Couples and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 90-credit Master of Science
    • Nationally accredited program
    • Small cohort model (22-24 students)
    • COAMFTE accredited curriculum
    • Two clinical training sites
    • 350 direct client contact hours
    • Supports state licensure requirements
    • Inclusive learning environment
  • Master's - Couples and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Spanish Language Specialization - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 90-credit Master of Science program
    • COAMFTE nationally accredited
    • 22-24 students admitted annually
    • Multiple clinical training sites
    • Licensure preparation focus
    • Small cohort learning model
    • Center for Healthy Relationships
    • 350 direct client contact hours

Klamath Falls, OR

Oregon Institute of Technology
  • Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

    Concentration: Integrated Behavioral Healthcare - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Multicultural mental health focus
    • Rural healthcare specialization
    • Trauma-informed training
    • Medical Family Therapy integration
    • Strong local service collaboration
    • Culturally responsive curriculum
    • Ethical practice emphasis
    • Substance use disorder expertise
  • Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

    Concentration: Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Integrated Behavioral Healthcare - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Multicultural mental health focus
    • Rural healthcare specialization
    • Trauma-informed training
    • Medical Family Therapy concentration
    • Substance use disorder expertise
    • Ethical practice emphasis
    • Integrated behavioral healthcare
  • Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

    Concentration: Substance Use Disorder Treatment - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
    • Focuses on rural mental health
    • Multicultural therapy training
    • Trauma-informed care emphasis
    • Integrated behavioral healthcare
    • Medical Family Therapy practices
    • Substance use disorder treatment
    • Culturally responsive approach

Newberg, OR

George Fox University
  • Master's - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 2-4 year program length
    • Dual licensure (LPC/LMFT)
    • 64 semester credit hours
    • Online and in-person tracks
    • CACREP accredited
    • 700-hour clinical internship
    • $51,328 total tuition
    • Day, evening, weekend classes

Portland, OR

Portland State University
  • Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three-year cohort-based program
    • 90 total credit hours
    • Resident cost: $54,020
    • In-person downtown Portland
    • Community Counseling Clinic experience
    • Licensure preparation: LPC/LMFT
    • Evening class schedules
    • 20-30 hour weekly internships

Pennsylvania

Beaver Falls, PA

Geneva College
  • Master's - M.A. in Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • Online and Campus Options
    • 60 Credit Hour Program
    • 2-4 Years Completion Time
    • $699 Per Credit Hour
    • Marriage, Family Counseling Concentration
    • 600 Hour Internship Required
    • Christian Perspective Integration
  • Master's - M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit Marriage & Family Track
    • Online and On-Campus Options
    • Faith-Based Counseling Approach
    • Comprehensive Practicum Experience
    • 100-hour Direct Service Requirement
    • Internship with 600 Clinical Hours
    • Biblical Worldview Integration
    • Professional Ethics Training

Lancaster, PA

Lancaster Bible College
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit Master of Arts program
    • Hybrid learning in Lancaster
    • Biblical integration approach
    • Licensure preparation focus
    • Three-tier course structure
    • 200+ clinical practicum hours
    • MMPI-2 personality assessment
    • Candidacy interview process

Mechanicsburg, PA

Messiah University
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP accredited program
    • $780 per credit
    • 60 total credits
    • 2-year completion time
    • Online course track
    • Courses start every 8 weeks
    • Designed for working professionals
    • Prepare for counseling leadership

Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University
  • Master's - Master of Family Therapy

    Concentration: LGBT and Specific Populations - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 90-credit Master's degree
    • COAMFTE-accredited program
    • Full-time campus and online courses
    • Trauma and addiction focus
    • Minimum 500 clinical hours required
    • Pennsylvania MFT licensure eligible
    • Specialized training with LGBT populations
    • Interprofessional healthcare training
  • Master's - Master of Family Therapy

    Concentration: Trauma and Addiction - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 90-credit master's degree
    • COAMFTE accredited program
    • Full-time campus program
    • Some online course options
    • Trauma and addiction focus
    • Clinical practicum required
    • Minimum 500 direct client hours
    • Telehealth practice training

Saint Davids, PA

Eastern University
  • Master's - MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 60 credits total
    • 2 years full-time
    • $450 per credit tuition
    • August start term
    • Part-time options available
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Clinical professional instructors
  • Doctorate - Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • 60-credit doctoral program
    • Integrates theology and clinical practice
    • Advances leadership and therapy skills
    • Focuses on family systems theory
    • Practicum and doctoral project included
    • Courses explore diverse therapy topics
    • Prepares for professional licensure
  • Doctorate - PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • 60 Credit Doctoral Degree
    • 4-6 Years Completion Time
    • $450 per Credit Tuition
    • Christian Psychology Integration
    • Research-Focused Dissertation
    • Leadership Career Preparation
    • Starts in August Annually

South Carolina

Columbia, SC

Columbia International University
  • Master's - Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Postgraduate Certificate Available
    • Advanced Counseling Training
    • State Licensing Preparation
    • Focuses on Families/Couples
    • Biblical Counseling Perspective

Tennessee

Jefferson City, TN

Carson-Newman University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Counseling

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60 credit hour program
    • Hybrid online/onsite format
    • CACREP accredited program
    • $475 per credit hour
    • Fall/Spring enrollment
    • 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
    • Professional licensure preparation
    • Nearly 100% post-graduation placement

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University
  • Master's - Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited counseling program
    • Courses capped at 20 students
    • Multiple licensure pathways
    • Full and part-time study options
    • Community Counseling Clinic available
    • Summer courses offered
    • National Counseling Exam preparation

Texas

Abilene, TX

Abilene Christian University
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited online program
    • 60 credit hours, 33 months
    • $799 per credit hour
    • 5 unique concentrations
    • Prepares for national licensure
    • 100+ internship supervision hours
    • Christ-centered learning environment
    • Flexible online format
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Child and Adolescent Therapy - Online Learning - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited online program
    • 60 credit hours, 33 months
    • Multiple therapy concentrations
    • Cost: $799/credit hour
    • 100+ internship supervision hours
    • Prepares for national licensing exam
    • Christ-centered learning environment
    • Flexible online format
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma - Online Learning - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited online program
    • 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
    • 5 unique concentration tracks
    • $799 per credit hour
    • 100+ hours supervised internship
    • Prepare for national licensure exam
    • Christ-centered learning approach
    • Flexible online format
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Therapy with Military Families - Online Learning - Website

    • 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
    • Online flexible learning format
    • Five specialized concentrations
    • $799 per credit hour
    • 33-month minimum completion time
    • 100+ hours supervised internship
    • Prepares for national licensure exam
    • Christ-centered educational approach
Hardin-Simmons University
  • Master's - Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • 60 Total Credit Hours
    • 700 Clinical Experience Hours
    • LPC and LMFT Licensure Paths
    • 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
    • Fall/Spring Admission Options
    • Interview Required for Admission
    • Multiple Mental Health Credentials

Belton, TX

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling - Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Counseling core: 36 hours
    • Specialized MFT courses: 12 hours
    • Clinical instruction: 9 hours
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • Prepares for LMFT licensure
    • Multiple specialized counseling courses

Denton, TX

Texas Woman's University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE Accredited Program
    • 3-Year Typical Completion
    • 100% National Exam Pass Rate
    • No GRE Required
    • Thesis Research Option
    • Texas State Licensure Prep
    • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
    • Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Wesleyan University
  • Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science in MFT
    • 6-hour and 9-hour plans
    • Research methods course
    • MFT Practicum included
    • Located in Fort Worth, TX
    • Graduate Counseling Program
    • Professional licensure preparation

Garland, TX

Amberton University
  • Master's - Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • Classroom and online courses
    • Cost: $300 per credit
    • Texas LMFT licensure preparation
    • Next term starts 3/15/25
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Counseling skills practicum
    • Focused on marriage/family therapy

Houston, TX

Houston Christian University
  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-hour graduate coursework
    • 100% online and residential
    • Leads to MFT licensure
    • 700 hours practicum/internship
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Texas licensure compliant
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • National exam preparation

Washington

Seattle, WA

City University of Seattle
  • Master's - M.A. in Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • In-person and mixed mode formats
    • Culturally attuned therapeutic approach
    • Professional expertise development
    • Ethically grounded curriculum
    • Focus on personal and professional growth
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

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