What Will I Learn in an Online MFT Graduate Certificate Program?

An online graduate certificate program in MFT is an advanced level of training that supplements general counseling and mental health practices. In addition to working with individuals, the marriage and family therapy grad certificate gives you the tools to work with married couples and individuals working toward marriage.

In addition, you will learn how to practice therapy modalities in family groups based on their unique dynamics. Whether you want to focus on married couples and adults in relationships or on families with members of all ages, this is a good opportunity to increase your employment opportunities as a counselor or therapist.

Grad certificates in MFT do not result in a degree, but they can enhance an existing master’s degree in a related area. These programs can often be completed in less than a year and require anywhere from 12 to 18 credit hours. The curriculum may include courses such as:

  • Sociological theories in working with social constructs in a patient setting
  • Counseling and interview techniques
  • Clinical application of mental health modalities
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • Sex, gender, and ethnicity training
  • Substance use and addiction disorder in the family setting
  • Family and group dynamics
  • Christian counseling and theological concepts
  • Diversity and cultural training
  • Ethics and ethical development
  • Program evaluation and survey research

By working in the private sector as a specialized marriage and family therapist, you can increase your skills in this area more rapidly. Rather than spreading your services across a wide berth of patient types, marriage and family therapists are focused on this particular area. As a result, you gain a better understanding as a specialist in mental health services.

Admissions Requirements for an MFT Graduate Certificate

The training programs at colleges and universities that offer online MFT graduate certificates have varying admissions procedures. However, generally, you need to provide the same types of information in order to be accepted into a program. But what about 100 percent online and remote certificate training programs – do you have to apply to those in the same way as traditional schools? Yes, you do.

You will be expected to submit all transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of residency to a school offering online training. This is the same process that you went through when applying to undergraduate and graduate schools. To get to the next level with graduate training, be prepared with your basic application package of documents. Typical requirements include:

  • Letters of recommendation from professors and employers
  • Proof of clinical experience and mental health training
  • Externship and/or internship proof or records
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Job resume
  • Application fees

Most MFT programs at the graduate level prepare students for certification exams. Be ready to sit for a national board exam covering marriage and family therapy practices. This will lead to certification and licensing as a professional marriage and family therapist.

List of MFT Graduate Certificate Programs

Find an online or campus-based graduate certificate program in marriage and family therapy today – our state-by-state listings make it easy to find a great program near you.

Jump to Your State Listings

Alabama

Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011

Florida

Graduate Certificate Programs
4202 East Fowler Ave
Tampa, FL 33620-9951
(813) 974-2011

Illinois

Graduate Certificate Programs
1425 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Dekalb, IL 60115-2828
(800) 892-3050

Missouri

Graduate Certificate Programs
One University Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63121-4400
(314) 516-5000

New York

Graduate Certificate Programs
South Ave
Garden City, NY 11530-0701
(516) 877-3000

Tennessee

Graduate Certificate Programs
1815 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 226-4574

Virginia

1000 Regent University Dr
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(757) 352-4127

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

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit