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
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.
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.
Jump to Your State Listings
Eastern University
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Texas Wesleyan University
,
University of Minnesota.
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Universit
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Alabama
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL 36117-3553
(334) 387-3877 x7550
California
Alliant International University-San Diego
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 635-4000
Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, CA 91182
(626) 584-5200
Florida
Florida State University
- Marriage and Family Therapy Campus
Tallahassee, FL 32306-1037
(850) 644-2525
Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI 96816-1578
(808) 735-4711
Illinois
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 329-6600
Iowa
University of Iowa
- Couple and Family Therapy Campus
- Couple and Family Therapy Campus
Iowa City, IA 52242-1316
(319) 335-3500
Louisiana
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA 71209-0000
(318) 342-1000
Ohio
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Couple and Family Therapy Campus
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-6446
Tennessee
Lee University
Cleveland, TN 37311
(423) 614-8000
Utah
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-4636
Virginia
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(757) 352-4127
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