Best Ph.D. and PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) Degree Programs
Marriage and family therapy (MFT), as the name implies, involves helping people with troubled marital and family relationships. Often, counseling sessions involve at least two people, and the entire family may participate at some point. This makes the dynamic between the patient(s) and the therapist much different from standard psychological counseling, typically done on a one-to-one basis.
An online doctorate in MFT, in the form of a Ph.D. or PsyD, is an extension of the master’s and provides more in-depth knowledge. At the master’s and doctorate level, licensure is possible. A Ph.D. or PsyD in marriage and family therapy is ideal for those wishing to pursue academic or research careers.
It is important to check the accreditation of the programs you’re interested in. Online Ph.D. and PsyD degrees in MFT are typically nationally accredited, but some programs only have regional accreditation. These regionally-accredited programs may only qualify you for licensing in the state the school is in, and in some cases, they may leave you ineligible for licensure. With some regionally-accredited programs, you may also have difficulty transferring credits from one program to another if you decide to change schools. Learn more about all of these important steps to becoming an MFT below.
2025 Best Online Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
Looking for the best online doctorate in marriage and family therapy programs? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work and family. They are perfect for those who need distance learning or prefer a virtual classroom. These programs prepare you for advanced roles in therapy and counseling. Learn how we rank these programs at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists. This COAMFTE accredited program stands out for its integrative systemic therapeutic model, preparing students to address diverse family and relationship issues effectively. Notably, the program does not require GRE scores for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Students benefit from a curriculum that includes 400 hours of clinical fieldwork and 125 relational clinical hours, ensuring hands-on experience. With small class sizes of around 15 students, the program promises personalized attention. Full-time students can complete the degree in 24 months, with placement specialists available to assist graduates in their career pursuits.
- 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
- Integrative systemic therapeutic model
- Immersive experience included
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu
Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy is a campus-based program designed for those aiming to excel in clinical and research fields. It boasts a 100% licensure success rate, interdisciplinary research opportunities, and extensive clinical training at its on-campus Family Therapy Clinic. The program is fully accredited and features the nation's largest graduate-level faculty, focusing on diverse research topics and supervised therapy experiences. Notably, licensure hours count towards Texas requirements, making it an excellent choice for aspiring professionals.
- Ph.D. program fully accredited
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% professional licensure success
- Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Research spans diverse topics
- Strong clinical practice focus
- Supervised therapy experience
- Prominent national researchers
- Licensure hours count in Texas
Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Concentration: Military marriages - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specializing in military marriages, Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy offers a unique concentration for students interested in addressing the specific challenges faced by military families. This campus-based program is accredited since 1981 and provides extensive clinical training, interdisciplinary research opportunities, and a 100% licensure exam success rate. With the nation's largest graduate faculty, students benefit from a strong academic job market placement and licensure hours that count in Texas, preparing them for leadership roles in academia and clinical practice.
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% professional licensure success
- Nationally largest graduate faculty
- Accredited since 1981
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Extensive clinical training
- Research covering diverse topics
- Licensure hours in Texas
- Strong academic job market placement
Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Concentration: Substance abuse in adults and adolescents - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on substance abuse in adults and adolescents, Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy is a campus-based program that prepares students for advanced clinical practice and research. Accredited since 1981, it offers a 100% licensure exam success rate, extensive clinical training at the campus-based Family Therapy Clinic, and opportunities for interdisciplinary research. The program is known for its strong clinical preparation and nationally prominent researchers, with licensure hours counting in Texas, making it ideal for those looking to specialize in substance abuse within family therapy.
- Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
- Accredited since 1981
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% licensure exam success
- Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
- Interdisciplinary research approach
- Licensure hours count in Texas
- Research spans diverse topics
- Strong clinical preparation
- Nationally prominent researchers
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy (Ph.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program that stands out for its rigorous academic and clinical training. Designed as a 4-year program requiring a minimum of 83 credit hours, it prepares students for leadership roles in academia and clinical practice. A clinical Master's degree is a prerequisite, and the program includes 21 credits in clinical supervision and 24 dissertation credits. Applicants need a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and while GRE scores are recommended, the program is highly competitive. The December 1 application deadline is strict, ensuring a selective cohort. This campus-based program emphasizes evidence-based interventions and diverse family processes, with training at the Center for Couple and Family Therapy.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 4-year program length
- Minimum 83 credit hours
- Clinical Master's prerequisite
- 21 clinical supervision credits
- 24 dissertation credits
- December 1 application deadline
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- GRE score recommended
- Competitive doctoral program
What Will I Learn in an Online MFT Doctorate Program?
The number of credit hours required for online Ph.D. and PsyD degrees in MFT is higher than other psychology-focused doctorates. Depending on your prior studies, you may need between 75 and 108 credit hours of coursework. Some schools also have limits on how long you can take to finish the degree. At the usual speed of taking and passing courses, most students can expect to have their doctorates within two to three years, assuming you’re starting with a master’s degree.
Subjects taught include a variety of courses on the theory and practice of marriage and family therapy. You’ll also learn how to do quantitative analysis and other practices involved in research projects. Finally, you can expect to create a thesis, defend a dissertation, or do a similar capstone project before graduation. Depending on the school, you may also have to get a certain number of practicum hours.
Some of the courses you may encounter in an MFT Ph.D. or PsyD program may include:
- Introduction to Systems Theory
- Systemic Family Therapy
- Crisis Management
- Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities
- Qualitative Action Research
- Practicum Hours
- Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention
Admissions Requirements for a Doctorate in MFT
Every school has somewhat different admission requirements. These vary depending on the state, the competitiveness of the program, and whether or not the program is meant to follow a master’s program at the same university. Some things, however, are much the same between institutions. This allows you to be ready to submit certain documents well in advance of the semester’s cutoff date. Typical MFT doctorate requirements include:
- Application
- Fee (if applicable)
- Official transcripts
- Master’s degree in a relevant subject
- Minimum GPA
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
Some programs may also require GRE scores. As always, you should check with your prospective college about any specifics. This will ensure you are as prepared as possible before enrolling.
2025 Affordable Doctorate in MFT Program Options
Finding an affordable doctorate in MFT program is key for students planning their education in 2025. The table lists options across the USA, focusing on cost-effective choices. It shows program highlights and tuition ranges to help compare. Affordable tuition matters as it reduces debt and makes higher education accessible. This guide helps students find low-cost programs that fit their budgets without sacrificing quality.
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University |
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| Eastern University |
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| Prescott College |
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2025 Shortest MFT Doctorate Program Options
The table highlights doctorate programs in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) across the USA, focusing on the shortest options available by 2025. It lists schools, their programs, key features, graduation, and retention rates. Faster programs help students enter the workforce sooner, balancing education with life commitments. This is crucial for those aiming to advance their careers quickly without sacrificing quality. The data serves as a guide for choosing a path that fits personal and professional goals, emphasizing efficiency and success in the field.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University |
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| Touro University Worldwide |
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| Eastern University |
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List of MFT Doctorate Degree Programs
Find an online or campus-based doctorate program in MFT today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.
Arizona
Prescott, AZ
Prescott College
- 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
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
Thousand Oaks, CA
California Lutheran University
- 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
Illinois
Evanston, IL
Northwestern University
- 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
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
Pennsylvania
Saint Davids, PA
Eastern University
- 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
